Maybe we’re not doomed?

As the Earth swelters through yet another record-breaking summer, a surprise push for climate legislation on Capitol Hill gave us a shimmer of optimism and hope toward fighting climate change. But, while it’s a step in the right direction to reduce carbon emissions, it’s not a panacea. How do we maintain optimism, even when the right steps feel too small? References: Summaries of the climate, tax, and prescription drug parts of the Manchin deal What Democrats' big new bill would actually do  What the Inflation Reduction Act needs to pass, including Sen. Sinema Princeton researchers’ estimate of the deal’s climate impact The Republican vote against benefits for veterans exposed to toxins The White House/Employ America plan to reduce gas prices Nina Kelsey’s theory of the “green spiral” It’s so hot in Europe that roads are literally buckling Europe is burning like it’s 2052 Hosts: Bryan Walsh(@bryanrwalsh), Future Perfect editor, Vox Dylan Matthews, (@dylanmatt), senior correspondent, Vox Sigal Samuel (@sigalsamuel), Future Perfect senior reporter, Vox Credits: Sofi LaLonde, producer and engineer Libby Nelson, editorial adviser Amber Hall, deputy editorial director of talk podcasts Sign up for The Weeds newsletter each Friday: vox.com/weedsletter  Want to support The Weeds? Please consider making a donation to Vox: bit.ly/givepodcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Om Podcasten

Politics is how people achieve power. Policy is what they do with it. Every week on The Weeds, host Jonquilyn Hill and guests break down the policies that shape our lives, from abortion to financial regulations to affirmative action to housing. We dive deep and we get wonky, but we have fun along the way. New episodes drop every Wednesday. Produced by Vox and the Vox Media Podcast Network.