As the Earth swelters through yet another record-breaking summer, a surprise push for climate legislation on Capitol Hill gave us a shimmer of optimism and hope toward fighting climate change. But, while it’s a step in the right direction to reduce carbon emissions, it’s not a panacea. How do we maintain optimism, even when the right steps feel too small?

References:
Summaries of the climate, tax, and prescription drug parts of the Manchin deal
What Democrats' big new bill would actually do 
What the Inflation Reduction Act needs to pass, including Sen. Sinema
Princeton researchers’ estimate of the deal’s climate impact
The Republican vote against benefits for veterans exposed to toxins
The White House/Employ America plan to reduce gas prices
Nina Kelsey’s theory of the “green spiral”
It’s so hot in Europe that roads are literally buckling
Europe is burning like it’s 2052

Hosts:
Bryan Walsh(@dylanmatt), Future Perfect editor, Vox
Dylan Matthews, (@dylanmatt), senior correspondent, Vox
Sigal Samuel (@sigalsamuel), Future Perfect senior reporter, Vox

Credits:
Sofi LaLonde, producer and engineer
Libby Nelson, editorial adviser
Amber Hall, deputy editorial director of talk podcasts

Sign up for The Weeds newsletter each Friday: vox.com/weedsletter 

Want to support The Weeds? Please consider making a donation to Vox: bit.ly/givepodcasts
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices