Podcast Summary: "And, This is How Climate Change is Coming For All Of Us" Release Date: April 22, 2025
Podcast: This is Gavin Newsom
Host: Gavin Newsom
Guest: Senator Sheldon Whitehouse

Introduction: Addressing the Climate Crisis

In the Earth Day episode of This is Gavin Newsom, Governor Newsom engages in a profound dialogue with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse to dissect the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change. The conversation delves into the intricate relationship between environmental policies, economic stability, and the pervasive influence of the fossil fuel industry.

Current State of Climate Policy in the United States

Governor Newsom commences the discussion by highlighting California's remarkable achievement of sourcing two-thirds of its electricity from renewable resources. He underscores the urgency of national and global collaboration to spearhead low-carbon growth initiatives.

Gavin Newsom (04:00): "California just reached 2/3 of all of our electricity now, renewable electricity. We're in the Howe business."

Senator Whitehouse elaborates on the precarious state of climate policy, emphasizing the advancements made during the Biden administration and the threats posed by regressive policies from previous administrations.

Sheldon Whitehouse (05:11): "We are the greatest culture makers in world history."

Economic Risks and the Insurance Crisis

A significant portion of the conversation centers on the looming financial crisis driven by climate-induced risks. Senator Whitehouse warns of a potential economic collapse when climate risks render properties uninsurable, drawing parallels to the 2008 mortgage meltdown.

Sheldon Whitehouse (05:11): "I think what most people don't know is how close we are to a climate driven economic collapse that comes when climate risk becomes uninsurable."

Governor Newsom agrees, highlighting the immediate impacts experienced in states like Florida and Louisiana, where extreme weather events have exacerbated insurance challenges.

Gavin Newsom (06:55): "The number one concern people have right now of accessing whatever insurance they had so they can recover their lives and get back on their feet."

Fossil Fuel Industry Influence and Political Corruption

The discussion shifts to the insidious tactics employed by the fossil fuel industry to obstruct climate legislation. Senator Whitehouse criticizes the industry's use of disinformation, dark money, and political corruption to derail meaningful climate action.

Sheldon Whitehouse (10:23): "They can spend similar talent in the disinformation, propagandizing, setting up phony front groups."

Governor Newsom points out the transparency issues and the significant financial clout wielded by oil executives, referencing the infamous meeting with Donald Trump as an example of blatant corruption.

Gavin Newsom (10:03): "And unfortunately, they can spend similar talent in the disinformation, propagandizing, setting up phony front groups."

California's Leadership and Federal Strategies

Highlighting California's proactive stance, Newsom praises the state's environmental initiatives and collaborations with other states to form a united front against climate change. Senator Whitehouse concurs, advocating for national vehicle efficiency standards and a cohesive energy policy modeled after California's successes.

Sheldon Whitehouse (15:00): "If the United States of America had the vehicle efficiency standards that California has, the carbon price that California has, if national energy policy was as good as California's, we would be on our way through this problem."

Looking Ahead: COP 30 and Global Climate Action

In closing, Governor Newsom and Senator Whitehouse discuss the significance of the upcoming COP 30 conference. They stress the importance of addressing insurance risks associated with climate change and forging narrow, actionable pathways to climate safety to secure a sustainable future for subsequent generations.

Sheldon Whitehouse (37:09): "If we can focus on that, then we can focus our minds adequately to find that narrow pathway to climate safety."

Gavin Newsom (38:24): "The issue of insurance and climate and connecting that dot, I think is profound."

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The episode wraps with a mutual acknowledgment of the urgent need to dismantle the fossil fuel disinformation machinery and implement robust climate policies. Governor Newsom and Senator Whitehouse reiterate their commitment to fostering bipartisan support and leveraging California's leadership to inspire nationwide and global climate action.

Sheldon Whitehouse (36:33): "We're one of them. In Rhode Island, we're right behind you."

Gavin Newsom (38:58): "I really appreciate it. I mean, anyone listening appreciates the insurance pressures they're under."

This episode of This is Gavin Newsom serves as a compelling exploration of the intertwined nature of climate policy, economic stability, and political integrity. Through insightful dialogue, Governor Newsom and Senator Whitehouse illuminate the critical pathways needed to navigate the climate crisis and avert catastrophic economic repercussions.