The Highwire with Del Bigtree Episode 457: THE CLIMATE AGENDA
Jan 2, 2026
Jefferey Jaxen, an investigative documentary filmmaker focused on public health and environmental issues, unveils the complexities behind the rush to green energy. He discusses the intertwining motivations of politics and money, highlighting the social costs of transitioning from coal. Jaxen critiques the consensus on climate science, disputes the validity of current models, and emphasizes the need for diverse energy solutions. He also brings to light the indigenous perspectives on land rights and environmental risks associated with lithium mining, setting the stage for a deeper exploration in Part Two.
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Coal Miner Senator Changed My View
- Del Bigtree recounts meeting a West Virginia senator who still worked as a coal miner.
- The story highlighted coal communities' identity and harms from sudden job loss when mines close.
Natural Drivers Complicate Attribution
- Dr. Judith Curry explains early IPCC reports found warming within natural variability.
- She stresses solar, ocean and ice processes complicate attributing changes solely to humans.
Two-Degree Target Was Political, Not Scientific
- The UN's 2°C target arose from political choices, not an objective danger threshold.
- That shifted focus from adaptation to emissions and pushed net-zero policy priorities.