1979-1989: The Decade We Almost Saved the Planet

<p>This week, we're using an entire episode to discuss an ambitious piece of reporting on climate change. Earlier this month, the&nbsp;<em>New York Times Magazine</em>&nbsp;devoted an entire issue to a specific period of time in modern history: 1979 and 1989.</p><p>It was a time when we first reckoned with the impact of climate change — a period of great awakening in science, politics and industry to the threat of greenhouse gases.</p><p>As we’re painfully aware, that awakening didn’t turn into action. The 31,000-word piece weaves together a narrative to help explain why — when everyone seemed to be on the same page about the threat&nbsp;— we failed.</p><p>We talk with Author Nathaniel Rich about the reason he wrote the piece, detail some of the most important moments during the decade, and address criticisms.</p><p>The Energy Gang<em>&nbsp;is brought to you by Mission Solar Energy, a solar module manufacturer based in San Antonio, Texas.&nbsp;Mission Solar's high-performance solar panels have the highest testing ratings among any North American manufacturer in the market.&nbsp;</em><a href="http://www.missionsolar.com/" target="_blank"><em>Learn more</em></a><em>&nbsp;about Mission's high-efficiency modules.</em></p><p>Recommended reading:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/08/01/magazine/climate-change-losing-earth.html" target="_blank"><em>New York Times</em></a>: The Decade We Almost Stopped Climate Change</li><li><a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2018/08/nyt-mag-nathaniel-rich-climate-change/566525/" target="_blank">Atlantic</a>:&nbsp;The Problem With&nbsp;<em>The New York Times</em>’ Big Story on Climate Change</li><li><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/jun/19/james-hansen-nasa-scientist-climate-change-warning" target="_blank"><em>Guardian</em></a>:&nbsp;30 Years on, World Is Failing 'Miserably’ to Address Climate Change</li></ul><p><em>Subscribe to&nbsp;</em>The Energy Gang<em>&nbsp;podcast via&nbsp;</em><a href="https://itunes.apple.