Matthew Matern

Matt and I talk about his commitment and how it affected him. I talk about the Spodek Method in general and other leadership tools like creating role models. Matt talked about his hopes and expectations about technology.

When I asked him if he could imagine a world where no one polluted, he shared that he hadn’t thought about it, but find the idea almost beyond conception. Think about it: if someone can’t imagine an outcome, how likely do you think that person can achieve it? How likely do you think they’ll subconsciously sabotage attempts? Won’t it seem scary?

Can you imagine a world without pollution? Matt points out if we pollute, we violate Do Unto Others As You Would Have Them Do Unto You. That means people who can’t imagine a world without pollution can’t imagine a world restoring the Golden Rule.

Listen for our conversation on this topic. Matt also talks about large changes he’s incorporated in his life, already starting to avoid flying.

Matt shared last time about the redwoods I keep hearing about in California that I’ve never seen but find they transform people.

His goal was to plant a tree. He ended up with a new tree, plus he planted other plants. Listen to hear the story. More than what he did, I recommend listening to his emotional experience. Did he have to do all the things he did? Could he do other things that are more mainstream but might pollute more if he wanted?

We talked first about the problems with what most people mean when they talk about teaching children, helping poor people experience nature, and a few other tactics people promote without thinking them through, as I believe. They sound great. What are they missing?

Matt has thought through such issues more than most and was patient enough to let me share some of my views.

Matt invited me to his podcast, A Climate Change. We stayed in touch after recording. He shared that he ran for President, including supporting sustainability. A goal of this podcast is to bring elected officials of all stripes. While he didn’t get that many votes, he ran for several reasons, including to run as a Republican opposing Donald Trump. Listen to our conversation to learn more of his motivation.

I wanted to bring him here not for the campaign alone but for his acting with integrity and character, even if not a huge campaign. How many pro-sustainability, anti-Trump Republicans do you know of? I saw determination arising from personal action.

I also learned he’s trying some things, like buying a hydrogen-powered car. My research shows the science and engineering showing hydrogen cars won’t work for most of what we use cars for, nor trucks, planes, or container ships, but he’s acting on his values, not just pointing fingers. He will learn from the experience.