It's the Brian Laird Show on WNYC.

Welcome back, everybody.

I'm Kushan Navadar filling in for Brian, who's on vacation this week.

Now for our climate story of the week, I've seen a lot of people walking around

with those portable personal fans this summer. They're trying to manage the heat. During what has

been one of our hottest summers, maybe you felt the effects of climate change this summer.

It's on track to being the second warmest summer in New York City on record. That's according to the

National Weather Service. And it may make you wonder who should pay for the costs of climate

change. Now, obviously, I'm not talking about reimbursing those personal fans. I'm talking about

improving shorelines and stormwater management systems and elevating streets and railways. The New York

State Legislature recently passed a bill that would make polluters pay for the costs of climate

change. It's now awaiting Governor Kathy Hokel's signature. Joining me now to talk about what this

bill could do in New York State and also discuss the climate politics of Kamla Harris.

We have Bill McKibben, the environmental activist, founder of Third Act, and author of many books, most recently the book The Flag, the Cross, and the Station Wagon.

A graying American looks back at his suburban boyhood and wonders what the hell happened.

Bill, welcome to WNYC.

Lucia, what a pleasure to be with you.

It's real pleasure to have you.

Can you tell us more about the idea this principle of polluters pay for climate change?

I sure can't.

Let's look at this week in America. Right now there's a huge storm, Debbie,

that's come ashore in Florida and now is going to wander over the lowlands of the Carolinas in Georgia.

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