Boiling Point

Los Angeles Times
  • 4.7 (76)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Boiling Point

Climate change is battering California. Can the state find a way forward? Listen every Thursday as award-winning L.A. Times columnist Sammy Roth dives deep with scientists, energy leaders, legislators, activists and journalists who are experts on today's climate challenges and solutions. They’ll discuss everything from electric cars to renewable energy to the difficulties of phasing out fossil fuels. Sammy has been reporting on climate and energy in California and the American West for over a decade, touring sprawling solar farms, coal-fired power plants and hilltops blanketed with wind turbines. He’s focused on telling stories that challenge public officials and energy companies to do better.

  1. 2D AGO

    Traffic, Trains and Trade-Offs

    California’s climate goals demand a radical rethink of how we build — and how we move. Carter Rubin of NRDC breaks down the promise and peril of permitting reform, why it’s so hard to build climate-friendly cities, and what it’ll take to get Angelenos out of their cars.

    39 min

  2. APR 10

    The Fake News Pipeline

    A North Dakota jury hit Greenpeace with a staggering $666 million judgment for its role in the Dakota Access Pipeline protests. Investigative reporter Miranda Green tells Sammy Roth how fossil fuel interests may have tried to influence the jury, one fake newspaper at a time — and why this isn’t an isolated incident. Read Miranda’s recent story here: https://www.niemanlab.org/2025/03/a-pipeline-company-is-suing-greenpeace-for-300-million-a-pay-to-play-newspaper-is-accused-of-tainting-the-jury-pool/

    35 min

  3. APR 3

    Edison Under Fire

    Southern California Edison is facing intense scrutiny after the Eaton fire, including dozens of lawsuits over the utility company’s possible role in igniting the blaze. Sammy Roth sits down with Edison International CEO Pedro Pizarro to discuss wildfire prevention, climate change, the future of energy in California and who really pays when disaster strikes.

    55 min

  4. MAR 27

    The Great Rooftop Solar Debate

    California’s fight over rooftop solar has divided climate advocates, pitting solar companies against economists and regulators. In this episode, two leading voices—Brad Heavner and Severin Borenstein—debate whether the state’s decision to slash rooftop solar incentives was a mistake or a necessary reform. Read Sammy Roth’s recent Boiling Point column, “California’s rooftop solar infighting is a colossal waste of time”: https://www.latimes.com/environment/newsletter/2025-03-06/column-californias-rooftop-solar-infighting-is-a-colossal-waste-of-time-boiling-point

    45 min

  5. MAR 20

    Breaking Down Plastic

    Los Angeles Times journalist Susanne Rust shares her eye-opening experience documenting her daily interactions with plastic. Despite being an expert on the topic, she was stunned by the sheer volume of plastic in her life, from single-use items to everyday essentials. Susanne and Sammy also discuss the current state of plastic regulation in California, including a much-criticized decision by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

    39 min

  6. MAR 13

    Can a Perfect Bagel Be Made Without Fossil Fuels?

    Berkeley’s Boichik Bagels helped defeat a climate-friendly gas tax, arguing that great bagels need gas ovens. We talk with owner Emily Winston about tradition, business, and whether the future of cooking can be electric. https://www.latimes.com/environment/newsletter/2024-11-21/column-why-californias-favorite-bagel-shop-is-defending-fossil-fuels-boiling-point

    24 min

  7. MAR 6

    Reporting the Truth About Water in California

    Ian James is a veteran climate and water reporter at the Los Angeles Times. His recent stories have exposed misinformation surrounding California’s water supplies and wildfire response — including a political stunt by President Trump. Together, he and Sammy break down the facts that will shape our climate future, and our ability to survive it.

    34 min

  8. FEB 27

    How John Francis Became a Planetwalker

    Sammy Roth sits down with environmental activist John Francis, also known as the "Planetwalker." John shares his extraordinary journey, from a 17-year vow of silence to walking and bicycling across continents, all in the name of environmental justice. He explains how hope, empathy, and kindness aren’t just virtues—they’re a form of protest. Link to the “Planetwalker” short doc: https://www.latimes.com/00000193-55c8-d42e-a99f-5fd8041b0000-123

    39 min
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About

Climate change is battering California. Can the state find a way forward? Listen every Thursday as award-winning L.A. Times columnist Sammy Roth dives deep with scientists, energy leaders, legislators, activists and journalists who are experts on today's climate challenges and solutions. They’ll discuss everything from electric cars to renewable energy to the difficulties of phasing out fossil fuels. Sammy has been reporting on climate and energy in California and the American West for over a decade, touring sprawling solar farms, coal-fired power plants and hilltops blanketed with wind turbines. He’s focused on telling stories that challenge public officials and energy companies to do better.

Information

  • Channel
    Los Angeles Times
  • Creator
    L.A. Times Studios
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Boiling Point - L.A. Times Studios
  • Show Website
    Boiling Point
  • Provider
    Los Angeles Times

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