Earth Day falls on April 22nd this year. And as with every Earth Day, it’s a chance to slow down and take stock of where we are with climate change and the state of the planet. While the drumbeat of alarming climate change news continues unabated - it's been the hottest year, we have the warmest oceans, and most severe weather on record - some scientists argue that humanity is actually on the cusp of broad, positive change. Even though the years ahead may be rough, as climate warms beyond what had been hoped for, these scientists are feeling “urgent optimism” for what could be the first generation to achieve a sustainable world. USA TODAY National Correspondent for climate and energy transition, Elizabeth Wiese, joins The Excerpt podcast to explain the many reasons to feel hopeful today about the future of our planet.

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