#63 | Michael Dexter: Empowering Local Climate Action with "Climate Herald"
🎧 Full Episode: YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify
My guest this week is Michael Dexter, the visionary founder behind Climate Herald, a groundbreaking online platform designed to revolutionize the way we engage with and understand climate initiatives at the local level.
Imagine having the power to see exactly what your community—and others across the US and Canada—are doing to fight climate change, all in one easy-to-use platform. Climate Herald is making that a reality.
With a searchable database of over 1,250 communities, Climate Herald provides the tools to help anyone—proactive citizens, curious journalists, and individuals just hoping to make a difference— connect with local environmental efforts. Featuring everything from community-led recycling programs and green infrastructure developments to key policymakers championing sustainability-focused legislation, Climate Herald provides the inspiration and information you need to join the movement toward a greener future.
Michael’s journey into the world of environmental advocacy was deeply influenced by his personal experiences, including the repeated flooding of his childhood home, which underscored the tangible impacts of climate issues. His extensive background as a former Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) staffer enriched his passion for environmental action, providing him with invaluable experience in leading community-based resiliency projects and crafting resources for local governments.
Michael’s Master’s of Public Administration in Environmental Science and Policy from Columbia University, coupled with his dedication during his six years at the EPA, paved the way for the inception of Climate Herald. Currently serving in a role that connects local governments with federal funding for sustainability and climate initiatives, he leverages his personal experiences and professional expertise to drive meaningful local climate action.
Climate Herald emerges from Michael Dexter’s desire to challenge the misconception that only large cities are making strides in sustainability and climate action. With its user-friendly interface, the platform provides an easy way for residents to discover what their local governments are doing to combat climate change, from policy initiatives to community engagement opportunities. HIs goal is to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to get involved in their communities and make an impact.
In this episode, Michael discusses the challenges and triumphs of bringing such a platform to life,and his vision for a future where local action drives global change. Whether you’re a climate action veteran or just starting to explore how you can contribute, this episode is packed with insights, stories, and tips that will inspire you to engage with your community and help change the world, one local initiative at a time.
Tune in to discover the power of local climate action in the global fight against climate change and learn how platforms like Climate Herald are paving the way for a more sustainable and inclusive future. It’s time to turn knowledge into action – and it all starts in our own backyards.
🎧 Full Interview with Michael Dexter: YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify
Click the image to explore Climate Herald’s digital database
In this episode, we discuss:
How Dexter's own life experiences, his education at Columbia, and his years at the EPA inspired him to create Climate Herald
How Climate Herald addresses the need for government transparency in climate action
How individuals can use Climate Herald to engage in local climate action
The role Climate Herald plays in facilitating policy influence and cross-community learning
Challenges Dexter faces in maintaining the Climate Herald platform
The use of AI and human oversight in curating and verifying the platform's database
Dexter's vision for the future expansion of Climate Herald, including potential international scaling
Personal stories and motivations driving Dexter to focus on climate resilience and local action
Actionable advice for podcast listeners on how they can contribute to their communities through Climate Herald
