Climate, Truth & Story: A Conversation with Thomas Schueneman

Pre-Zero Sports Talk

In Episode 55, host Sid Bensalah sits down with Thomas Schueneman, an environmental journalist, climate advocate, and Global Warming Is Real founder. Through an honest, reflective, and hopeful conversation, Thomas unpacks the role of storytelling in climate advocacy, shares personal moments that shaped his journey, and offers perspective on today’s most pressing sustainability debates.

From growing up camping with his father, to attending COP21 and witnessing the historic Paris Agreement, Thomas brings decades of lived experience into this dynamic discussion on what’s at stake—and what’s still possible.

You'll hear about:

• The emotional roots of environmental advocacy
• The power and purpose of stories in driving climate action
• How to navigate climate skepticism while staying rooted in science
• Real talk on EVs, policy gaps, and corporate greenwashing
• The hope Thomas finds in youth-led activism and small personal actions

Whether you’re an advocate, skeptic, or just curious about climate solutions, this episode offers a grounded, human-centered conversation on one of the most critical issues of our time.

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro
01:09 – Thomas’s early inspirations & personal journey
03:20 – From music to journalism: career turning points
04:28 – Learning hard lessons: Letting go of convincing everyone
05:00 – Why storytelling matters more than facts alone
06:18 – COP21 & permafrost: Stories that left a mark
08:57 – Facing climate skepticism with compassion
12:07 – The cost & complexity of climate solutions
16:40 – EVs, rare earths & green energy debates
23:25 – Understanding the complexity of climate change
24:21 – Corporate responsibility & greenwashing
27:35 – "The Story of Packaging" documentary
28:44 – Book preview: Finding Home in the Anthropocene
31:52 – Why reconnecting with nature is essential
34:49 – Youth-led activism & hope for the future
36:51 – Storytelling as a tool for systemic change
39:16 – Lightning round
44:30 – Final thoughts & a quote to carry forward

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Chapters

1. Climate, Truth & Story: A Conversation with Thomas Schueneman (00:00:00)

2. Introduction to Thomas Mann (00:00:02)

3. Thomas Mann's Early Inspirations (00:01:09)

4. Defining Moments in Thomas's Career (00:02:03)

5. Challenges and Lessons Learned (00:03:20)

6. The Power of Storytelling in Climate Action (00:04:28)

7. Impactful Stories and Projects (00:06:18)

8. Navigating Climate Change Debates (00:08:57)

9. The Cost and Complexity of Climate Solutions (00:12:07)

10. Electric Vehicles: Hopes and Challenges (00:16:40)

11. Understanding the Complexity of Climate Change (00:23:25)

12. Corporate Accountability and Greenwashing (00:24:21)

13. The Story of Packaging (00:27:35)

14. Finding Home in the Anthropocene (00:28:44)

15. The Importance of Connecting with Nature (00:31:52)

16. Hope for the Next Generation of Climate Advocates (00:34:49)

17. The Role of Storytelling in Climate Advocacy (00:36:51)

18. Lightning Round: Quick Questions and Answers (00:39:16)

19. Final Thoughts and Farewell (00:44:31)