David Letterman returns with Funnyordie web series on climate change

Comedian DavidLetterman and comedian-turned-SenatorAl Franken were both feeling frustrated about pessimism around the topic of climate change so they got together to talk about it. Thankfully they invited some cameras along, too, with the help of Funny or Die and the Primetime Emmy award-winning Years of Living Dangerously.

"To me, people ought to be aware of this, people ought to have this tucked in their wallet," said the former Late Show host ofclimate change. "People ought to walk around with this every day in the back of their mind and people ought to be aware and be educated and looking forward to things that they might do to help their kids and their children's kids."

The fruits of Letterman's and Franken'sconversations can be seen in the digital series Boiling the Frog with Senator Al Franken.Their talks run the gamut from serious to funny as they take on everything from coal and carbon prices to Letterman's retirement beard in the six five-minute shorts that began rolling out Monday on funnyordie.com and its Facebook page, with a new instalment each week.

For SenatorFranken, it's an effort to "fight back" against the creeping apathy and disregard toward science and climate change.

If Nat Geo or anybody else would like a project and they need a stooge...I would be first in line- David Letterman

"Since taking office, President Trump has decided to disregard science in order to repeatedly put the short-sighted interests of his friends in the fossil fuel industry ahead of the safety of our planet," Franken said.

"We hope to bring some much needed attention to this critical issue and ultimately, to help encourage people in Minnesota, Dave's home state of Indiana and all Americans to make their voices heard and join the fight to combat climate change."

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"I know there's trouble in this country and we need a guy who can fix that trouble," added Letterman, who has been critical about PresidentTrump's policies."I wish it was Trump, but it's not, so let's just stop whining about what a goon he is and figure out a way to take him aside and put him in a home."

Letterman recently did an episode of Years of Living Dangerouslyin which he travelled to India to learn about what the country is doing about power and climate.

Letterman said he would "do anything on this topic" and "anything for Al."

"The guy is superfunny, superintelligent and the integrity just seeps out from under his door," he said."Hegives me hope, he gives me faith."

Letterman said he is open to doing more projects likeYears of Living DangerouslyandBoiling the Frog with Senator AlFranken.

"If Nat Geo or anybody else would like a project and they need a stooge," he said, "I would be first in line."

Letterman's remarks have been edited for clarity and brevity.

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