Can Climate Adaptation Prevent Environmental Extremism—or Just Delay It?

In episode 250 of America Adapts , host Doug Parsons speaks with Dr. Thomas Zeitzoff , professor at American University and author of No Option But Sabotage: The Radical Environmental Movement and the Climate Crisis , to explore a question at the edge of today's climate conversation: what drives movements to escalate? Drawing on his research on political violence and environmental activism, Zeitzoff traces the evolution of the radical environmental movement—from sabotage in the 1990s and early 2000s to today's climate justice movement focused on mass protest and disruption. The conversation explores how tactics shift, what motivates activists, and why—despite intensifying climate impacts—we haven't seen a widespread return to more extreme actions. At the same time, a bigger question emerges: what actually works? As climate impacts become more visible, activism is evolving—but not all attention leads to progress. That's where climate adaptation enters the conversation. At the center of the discussion is a question that reframes the debate: If adaptation and climate response were working, would people feel pushed toward more extreme tactics? This episode doesn't advocate for extremism—but it does examine the conditions that can give rise to it, and how climate adaptation—if done well and communicated effectively—may help prevent it. Key Themes Covered in This Episode The evolution of environmental activism—from sabotage to modern climate justice movements What drives movements toward more extreme tactics—and why that has shifted over time The limits of disruption and whether attention leads to real-world outcomes The disconnect between growing climate impacts and public/political response Climate adaptation as a tangible pathway to reduce risk and build trust The role of communication in making adaptation visible and building broader support For Educators & Students How social movements evolve under pressure and changing conditions The intersection of political violence theory and environmental activism How tactics shift based on perceived effectiveness and opportunity The role of communication and public perception in shaping climate action Who Should Listen to This Episode Climate adaptation and resilience professionals Policymakers, planners, and climate communicators Researchers and students studying climate and social movements NGOs, funders, and private sector leaders focused on climate risk and engagement Links : Support for America Adapts helps make episodes like this possible, including more international conversations on how adaptation is unfolding globally. All donations are now tax deductible! Check out the America Adapts Media Kit here !

You can listen to Can Climate Adaptation Prevent Environmental Extremism—or Just Delay It? online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

Can Climate Adaptation Prevent Environmental Extremism—or Just Delay It? is an episode from America Adapts - The Climate Change Podcast by Doug Parsons.

This episode is 44:35 long.

This episode was published on Apr 6, 2026.

Yes. Use the heart button on the episode page to add it to your favorite episodes list.

Yes. This page shows related episodes from America Adapts - The Climate Change Podcast when more episodes are available from the podcast feed.