Episode 5 – Zoom Zoom – High-Speed Trains and Electric Cars

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Remember going places? This week we explore why the United States is so behind on high-speed trains and a new mandate to ban gas-powered cars in California by 2035. Plus we discuss why the U.S. needs to lead on climate change (and why we focus so much on American policy), how “clean” biodiesel can be, and we pitch some song ideas for the next eco-inspired country star.

Vanessa Nakate got us thinking about our approach to climate change and how the United States is both centered and excused in this article for PBS: Africa Is Experiencing Some of the Worst Climate Disasters, But the World Watches California Burn. America Needs to Lead on Climate Change

She links to a data set on global CO2 emissions from Our World In Data that we recommend checking out for its visuals and statistics. Not only has the United States emitted more CO2 than any other country to date, but we’re *also* responsible for 25% of emissions historically.

Elise was inspired by the Instagram account @mindful_mending to start getting more creative when she patches her clothes.

Story #1 (Olivia) : High-Speed Trains

Sources:
High Speed Rail Alliance 
Japan Guide
Wikipedia 
CNBC, May 7, 2019, Why Is There No High-Speed Rail in the U.S.? 
The Points Guy, August 10, 2020, Richard Branson’s Virgin Trains USA deal dies; Brightline name sticks for California and Florida lines
TC Palm, August 8, 2020, Brightline terminates relationship with Virgin Trains but says Virgin disputes the parting
Tampa Bay Times, August 10, 2020, Brightline Ends Relationship with Virgin Trains  
US Dept of Energy, Biodiesel Benefits
Economic Times, September 18, 2017, Everything You Wanted To Know About Bullet Trains
Popular Mechanics, July 22, 2020, Japan’s New Bullet Train  Is Earthquake-Proof
Business Insider, January 23, 2020, I rode Africa’s first superfast bullet train that could cover the distance from New York to Washington, DC, in 90 minutes — and I understand why it’s controversial (I didn’t talk much about this last article in the episode, but I recommend checking it out to understand more about how expensive HSRs can be controversial and hurt budgets for essentials like health and education)

Story #2 (Elise) : Electric Cars and the new California mandate

Sources:
Forbes, Sept 28, 2020, California Will Ban New Gasoline Cars by 2035. The Grid Will Handle It
Desert Sun, Sept 23, 2020, California To Ban All New Gas Powered Cars By 2035 Under New Order From Gavin Newsom
Tech Crunch, Sept 22, 2020, Tesla Says Its Battery Innovations Will Deliver Its Goal Of A $25,000 Mass Market Electric Car
Green Car Reports, June 26, 2020 California Mandate – Commercial Trucks Go Electric Starting in 2024, All-EV by 2045
NESCAUM, https://www.nescaum.org
Electrek, August 20, 2020, GM-backed $4000 Mini Electric Car Has Already Received 50,000 Orders
Good Car Bad Car, Hummer Sales Figures – US Market

Olivia also mentioned a Lucy Biggers / Now This Earth video called Why Cities Are Switching to Solar Energy.

The Dump

We’re excited about the new season of Fargo and the docuseries Love Fraud.

Olivia’s been getting to know Brooklyn, including the black-owned film store Photodom, size inclusive vintage store Plus BKLYN, bulk grocery store Precycle, and thrift shops like L Train Vintage.

Our World is Burning themed playlist is on Spotify.

You can keep up with us on Twitter and Instagram.

If you enjoyed this episode, considering reviewing us on Apple Podcasts and downloading/subscribing/following wherever you like to do those things. It helps us immensely.

Thanks for listening!

Ep. 60 – Volcanoes and Water Towers – World Is Burning

This week we’re taking a closer look at what happens when the government procrastinates on its homework. Olivia tells the story of the “white city” of Armero, Colombia, where a 1985 volcanic eruption resulted in the deadliest mudslides in human history. She recounts the haunting story of 13-year-old Omayra Sanchez, and how the tragedy highlights the need for robust emergency management. Then Elise looks into the ancient origins of water towers, some more recent horror stories, and why we should care about how the government regulates water safety. Other topics include Sally Rooney, having an Oscar Wilde quote for everything, and buying sweaters in a heatwave. Subscribe/follow/press the button to keep up with new episodes every Wednesday! You can also follow us @worldisburnin on Instagram and Twitter, and check out our website worldisburning.com for extended show notes including sources and photos. World Is Burning is hosted by Olivia Hamilton and Elise Nye. Our theme music is by Kaycie Satterfield, and our logo was made by Sonja Katanic. — Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/worldisburning/message

1. Ep. 60 – Volcanoes and Water Towers 01:01:44
2. Ep. 59 – Is Bitcoin Just Beanie Babies for Men? 01:09:20
3. Ep. 58 – Questionable Inventions – The One-Man Climate Disaster and Period Underwear 01:21:32
4. Ep. 57 – The Multiverse – Destroying Electric Cars and Healing the Ozone Hole 01:28:16
5. World Is Burning Presents: Bottle Episode – Daiquiris and Digressions with Nick Dolan 01:21:12