Everyday Climate Action: Practical Tips from Cate Mingoya-LaFortune
Season 5: Episode 5
Can small steps lead to big climate wins? In this episode, host Eric Benson chats with Cate Mingoya-LaFortune, author of Climate Action for Busy People, about how everyday choices can drive meaningful change. They explore why thinking local matters, how communities spark climate momentum, and how understanding the systems behind climate policy can empower even the busiest among us. With practical tips and real-world examples this conversation is a down-to-earth guide to making climate action part of your daily routine—no cape required.
About our guest
Cate Mingoya-LaFortune serves as Groundwork USA's Chief Officer of Climate Resilience and Land Use, leading the work of the Climate, Land, and Water team. Cate is a people-centered climate adaptation planner, community organizer, educator, parent, and cautious optimist. Raised in an environmental justice neighborhood, she is committed to furthering a future where all people live in clean, thriving communities. She received a BA in biology from Reed College, a Master of Science Education from CUNY Lehman, and a Master of City planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She is the author of the recently released book Climate Action for Busy People and was named a 2024 Grist Fixer.
Links mentioned in this episode
Social Media
Music in this episode
Nature sound effect by bbc.co.uk – ©2023 BBC
Climify Theme Song by Casual Motive
The Season 5 Climify Team
Eric Benson (Host)
Bhavna Bhavanishankar (Experience Researcher and Multisensory Educator)
Adam Dziaba (Researcher)
Jacqui Himmel (Multimedia Journalist and Scriptwriter)
Tyler Mayfield (Designer)
Brianna Regione (Social Media Strategist)
Climate Design Assignments
At the end of each episode, we ask our guests what their ideal climate design project would be. They have four weeks with a class full of design students. We translated their response into a project brief that you can use for your class.
