The Colbert Report Season 4 Episode 78 Winona LaDuke, Dixon Despommier

In season 4 episode 78 of The Colbert Report, Stephen welcomes Winona LaDuke and Dixon Despommier onto the show. LaDuke is a Native American activist and environmentalist, while Despommier is a microbiologist and professor at Columbia University. Colbert starts by asking LaDuke about her efforts to promote sustainable energy and protect natural resources on reservations. LaDuke explains that Native American communities have a long history of living in harmony with the earth, and that renewable energy sources like wind and solar power are the best way to preserve both the environment and the culture of these communities.

Despommier then joins the conversation, and the discussion shifts to his concept of vertical farming. Despommier explains that vertical farms could help address many of the global food and environmental issues we face today, such as reducing the carbon footprint of food transportation and using less water and land to produce crops. Colbert, ever the skeptic, expresses his concerns about the cost and feasibility of vertical farms, but Despommier remains optimistic, stating that new technology and innovation will make it possible to create these farms on a larger scale.

Throughout the episode, Colbert maintains his characteristic wit and humor, but he also engages in thoughtful and insightful conversation with his guests. He recognizes the importance of sustainable energy and agriculture, and gives LaDuke and Despommier a platform to discuss their important work. By the end of the episode, viewers are left with a deeper understanding of these issues and a sense of hope that solutions can be found through innovative thinking and collaboration.