Podcasts about Biodiversity

Benji Jones, senior environmental correspondent at Vox, shares his reporting on how cities like New York can nurture threatened species, including monarch butterflies.

In September 2025, we hosted an in-depth conversation with leading experts in ecology, urban greening, and community development on the topic of Biodiversity & Belonging and why Wild Urban Spaces Matter for our health and well-being.Together with internationally recognised author of The Nature of Our Cities, Dr. Nadina Galle; founder of Nowadays on Earth, Kalpana Alejandra Arias; and our own SUGi UK Forest Lead, Adrian Wong, we explored bold ideas and real-world solutions for transforming urban life with wild, biodiverse Nature.From building climate resilience and restoring lost biodiversity to addressing the mental health crisis in our cities, we looked at how community action, science, and Nature can unite to reshape what cities can become—and how we can better work together to make it happen.

The Aubrey Masango Show is presented by late night radio broadcaster Aubrey Masango. Aubrey hosts in-depth interviews on controversial political issues and chats to experts offering life advice and guidance in areas of psychology, personal finance and more. All Aubrey’s interviews are podcasted for you to catch-up and listen. Thank you for listening to this podcast from The Aubrey Masango Show. Listen live on weekdays between 20:00 and 24:00 (SA Time) to The Aubrey Masango Show broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj and on CapeTalk between 20:00 and 21:00 (SA Time) https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk Find out more about the show here https://buff.ly/lzyKCv0 and get all the catch-up podcasts https://buff.ly/rT6znsn Subscribe to the 702 and CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfet Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this inspiring episode of the Deep Seed Podcast, ecologist and researcher Rafael Bueno reveals why the future of farming depends on reconnecting with nature. From the deserts of Sicily to the forests of Brazil, Rafael shows how biodiversity, soil health, and trees hold the secret to building farms that are not only more resilient to climate change but also more productive and profitable. His stories from Valdibella offer proof that farmers can transform degraded land into thriving ecosystems, while producing abundant, high-quality food.Rafael challenges the biggest myths in agriculture: that trees steal land from farmers, that chemicals are necessary for productivity, and that nature and farming are destined to be in conflict. Instead, he shares powerful examples of agroforestry, food forests, and soil restoration that increase yields, store water, and protect against desertification. Along the way, we dive into the economics of farming, exploring how subsidies, policies, and payment for ecosystem services could reshape the future of food systems worldwide.If you care about the future of farming, food, and our planet, this conversation is a must-listen. It's a deep dive into the science, practice, and hope of regenerative agriculture and why the choice we face is clear: return to the forest, or slide into desertification.⎯⎯⎯⎯

In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we journey into the heart of the Amazon and the mind of a remarkable woman pushing the boundaries of science, culture, and conservation—Dr. Rosa Vásquez Espinoza. Rosa is a Peruvian chemical biologist, National Geographic Explorer, UN Harmony with Nature Scientist, and the founder of Amazon Research Internacional.  Splitting her time between Bath, England, and the Peruvian rainforest, Rosa blends cutting-edge research with ancestral knowledge to protect biodiversity and uplift indigenous communities. Her journey—from a curious child growing up in Peru to leading expeditions in the Amazon, researching the legendary Boiling River, studying stingless bees, and authoring The Spirit of the Rainforest—is nothing short of extraordinary. Rosa shares how she learned expedition skills later in life, why documenting indigenous science is crucial, and what it means to be a female scientist navigating international platforms like the UN and COP16. This conversation is packed with insight into climate resilience, overcoming self-doubt, and the healing power of nature, science, and community. Rosa's message is a powerful call to action for women everywhere: follow the questions that stay in your head—you never know where they may lead.  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x Show notes Who is Dr Rosa Currently living in Bath Being based between England and Peru  Working as a Peruvian scientistic National Geographic Explorer  Leading science and conservation efforts in the Amazon Rainforest  Having a deep connection to her indigenous roots  Her early years living in Peru and relationship with her grandmother Spending time in the city and the mountains Being fascinated by the things she couldn't understand  Loving space and wanted to know everything about the planet Having a fascination for science Wanting to dedicate her life to the Amazon  Getting her PhD in Chemical Biology from Michigan University  Taking a year off to get more work experience and reconsidering her whole life Being able to study traditional Chineses medicine in Beijing in her last year of undergrad The Amazon Boiling River Ted Talk - Andrés Ruzo  Book: The Boiling River (TED) by Andrés Ruzo   Discovering new microbes in the river Boiling mud  Book: The Spirit of the Rainforest: How indigenous wisdom and scientific curiosity reconnects us to the natural world  What you can expect from the book Learning expeditions skills later on in life Leading her first expedition Chapter 4 - Stingless Bees - the oldest bees on the planet  Capacity building  Partnerships with different indigenous groups Climate challenges Climate Anxiety The importance of indigenous science and making sure that it is documented  Being motivated to write the book  COP16 in October 2024 in Colombia  Dealing with self doubt and why the work is not easy Being a voice with the international press Creating space for female indigenous members Being a good team member The importance of community  Current expeditions and plans for heading back to the field Funding expeditions  Extreme climate explorers BBC - Documenting their work on stingless bees How to find stingless bees Smelling fish in the jungle…. Medicinial Honey?! Comparison to Manuka honey? Her Ayahuasca experience The ego death experience  Chapter 11 - becoming a black jaguar  How to connect with Dr Rosa Final word of advice for women who want to explore more and get into science and exploration Follow the questions that stay in your head You never know where they may lead.   Social Media Website: www.rosavespinoza.com  Instagram: @rosavespinoza Facebook: @rosavespinoza9  TikTok: @rosavespinoza  YouTube: @rosavespinoza  

Not enough referrals for programs meant to help unhoused people suffering from severe mental illness. Also, a one-day celebration of black literature. Finally, an update on California's plan to conserve 30% of its land and coastal waters by 2030.

What happens when businesses destroy the very resources they depend on to survive? In this episode, biologist and radio host Alexander Holm explains the biodiversity crisis and reveals how industries are systematically eliminating themselves through overexploitation of natural resources. Nature provides essential services like cleaning water, holding soil together, and pollinating crops that would cost trillions to replace. Holm shows how Amazon beef production is destroying the rainfall it needs, fisheries have collapsed from overfishing, and farms are degrading their own soil. His keynote explores what biodiversity actually means, the free ecosystem services nature provides, and practical solutions for sustainable resource use without reducing living standards. This episode is part of our series on the LOOP Forum 2025 highlights, bringing you the key ideas and insights from this year's leading Nordic event on circularity.

This week, Tee is excited to welcome Janna Starr to discuss reducing your environmental footprint at home and in the garden. Janna is a sustainability-focused project manager at the US Green Building Council (USGBC), where she supports impactful initiatives like LEED v5, platform enhancements, and portfolio-level performance tools.   Janna shares her journey into sustainability, beginning with her nonprofit work and evolving through her unique experiences in New York City, along with her time as the Events Manager and Sustainability Officer at the North Carolina Botanical Garden. In this chat, Janna emphasizes the importance of adopting sustainable practices like composting, buying used items, and planting native plants to support local biodiversity.  Janna provides practical tips for parents and homeowners looking to implement eco-friendly habits and reduce waste. Tune in for insightful advice on living sustainably, managing waste, and creating a greener future. Connect with Janna:  LinkedIn Instagram NRDC Report on Micoplastics   Follow Therese "Tee" Forton-Barnes and The Green Living Gurus: Austin Air Purifiers: For podcast listeners, take 15% off any Austin Air product; please email Tee@thegreenlivinggurus.com and mention that you want to buy a product and would like the discount. See all products here: Austin Air   The Green Living Gurus' Website  Instagram YouTube Facebook Healthy Living Group on Facebook   Tip the podcaster! Support Tee and the endless information that she provides: Patreon   Venmo: @Therese-Forton-Barnes last four digits of her cell are 8868   For further info, contact Tee: Email: Tee@thegreenlivinggurus.com Cell: 716-868-8868   DISCLAIMER: ALL INFORMATION PROVIDED HERE IS GENERAL GUIDANCE AND NOT MEANT TO BE USED FOR INDIVIDUAL TREATMENT. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR PROVIDER OR DOCTOR FOR MEDICAL ADVICE.   Produced By: Social Chameleon

What does regenerative agriculture really mean—and why does it matter? In this episode of Fresh Take, host JC Rodriguez sits down with Dr. Kendra Klein, Deputy Director for Science at Friends of the Earth, to unpack the science, stories, and social impact behind one of the most talked-about movements in food and farming.We explore:The true definition of regenerative agricultureHow it differs from organic and sustainable practicesThe hidden cost of pesticides on soil healthReal-world techniques and success stories from farmersThe role of policy, advocacy, and consumer action in shaping the future of foodWhether you're a farmer, foodie, or climate-conscious citizen, this episode offers a grounded and inspiring look at how soil can be a solution to some of our biggest environmental challenges.Support the showDue to the ongoing federal funding freeze, we must redirect our efforts to other FOG programs. But we need your help to keep programs like Fresh Take and other FOG initiatives alive! Become a sponsor today! Your sponsorship is crucial for us to continue providing essential programs, including this podcast. Visit our sponsor page now to learn more and join our community of supporters. Together, we can make a significant impact!

Today on Ready Steady Learn, Rosetta and Milly are joined in the studio by William Sheard: PhD researcher at UoA's Centre for Climate, Biodiversity and Society. William's research looks at extracting the wealth of metals from the mountains of e-waste discarded each year. Whakarongo mai nei! Thanks to the University of Auckland.

It's claimed Clare's contractors and landowners have been the subject of harassment for cutting dangerous hedgerows outside the official season. It comes as the Department of Nature, Heritage, and Biodiversity has responded to Clare County Council's request for roadside hedges to be exempted from the Wildlife Act. Minister Christoper O'Sullivan's office stated that while this would require a legislation change, there are lawful exemptions under both the wildlife and road safety acts where hedgerows can be trimmed on public health or safety grounds. Kilmurry Fianna Fáil Councillor Alan O'Callaghan says it's a vital provision.

Today on Ready Steady Learn, Rosetta and Milly are joined in the studio by William Sheard: PhD researcher at UoA's Centre for Climate, Biodiversity and Society. William's research looks at extracting the wealth of metals from the mountains of e-waste discarded each year. Whakarongo mai nei! Thanks to the University of Auckland.

Following on from my chat with MP Simon Court, I spoke to Dr Maria Armoudian, an Associate Professor in Politics and International Relations at the University of Auckland, the director of the University's Sustainability Hub, and the co-director of the Ngā Ara Whatū Centre for Climate, Biodiversity and Society at the University, on the ACT Party's stance on the Paris Agreement. ACT's stance on the Paris Agreement has received substantial criticism. Despite NZ First also being in support for moving away from the Paris Agreement, National have been staunch on continuing with this framework, alongside the Opposition Parties. Greenpeace campaigner, Amanda Larsson, has referred to ACT Party Leader David Seymour's comments regarding the framework as “rage-baiting the extremist edge of the farming community to grab headlines” and that Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, “mustn't bite”. This comes as Luxon indicated last week changes to our methane targets. Methane makes up almost a third of global warming, and is over 80x more powerful than CO₂ in the short term. News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host Joel spoke to Armoudian about this, starting with how important the Paris Agreement is, and what exactly the framework is.

 Lets dig into the quiet, radical world of seeds with plant breeder & seed keeper Gregg Muller. Gregg's journey has been about more than growing food — it's about safeguarding diversity, resilience & flavour in the face of a changing climate. From his work on the Cross Hemisphere Dwarf Tomato Project to the community breeding groups he champions, Gregg shows how ordinary gardeners can become part of something much bigger: shaping plants that thrive where we live. We talk about the simple, practical steps of saving seed, but also about the deeper shift in perspective — moving away from industrial uniformity & back towards local adaptation, community sharing & seed sovereignty. It's a conversation that reminds us that resilience starts in our own backyards, one seed at a time Links You'll Love from Gregg: Food Security through Biodiversity and Promiscuous Pollination by Joseph LofthouseBreed Your Own Vegetable Varieties: The Gardener's and Farmer's Guide to Plant Breeding and SeedSaving By Carol Deppehttps://goingtoseed.org/ https://osseeds.org/ Central Victorian Adaptive Crop Breeding Project  His online seed shop https://www.seedsavers.org.au/Pod Partners Rock:Australian Medicinal Herbs    Code: Future5Support the ShowCasual Support - Buy Me A CoffeeRegular Support - PatreonBuy the Book - Futuresteading - live like tomorrow matters, Huddle - creating a tomorrow of togethernessLoved this ep? Try this one:Shane Simonsen - Taming the apocalypsePod Partners Rock: Australian Medicinal Herbs    Code: Future5We chatted about: Saving seeds from homegrown vegetables.Creating new varieties through cross-pollination.The Cross Hemisphere Dwarf Tomato Project Genetic diversity is crucial for resilient crops in changing climates.Diversity in crops helps ensure food security.Breeding as a community effort Community, fostering local adaptation & resilienceGenetic diversity is crucial for climate resilience in cropsModern seed production often limits genetic diversityRethinking agricultural practices can lead to better outcomes.Seed banks play a vital role in food security.Individuals can take practical steps to save seeds.Support the show

This week on the Monday Wire: For our weekly catch-up with the ACT Party, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, speaks to MP Simon Court about the party's stance on the Paris Agreement. Joel also speaks to Dr Maria Armoudian, an Associate Professor in Politics and International Relations at the University of Auckland, the director of the University's Sustainability Hub, and the co-director of the Ngā Ara Whatū Centre for Climate, Biodiversity and Society at the University, about the ACT Party's stance on the Paris Agreement, and the importance of the framework. And Alex speaks to The University of Auckland's Dr Stephanie D'Souza about a study showing that high-level rugby players faced an increased risk of Alzheimer's and other dementias at later ages. Whakarongo mai!

Following on from my chat with MP Simon Court, I spoke to Dr Maria Armoudian, an Associate Professor in Politics and International Relations at the University of Auckland, the director of the University's Sustainability Hub, and the co-director of the Ngā Ara Whatū Centre for Climate, Biodiversity and Society at the University, on the ACT Party's stance on the Paris Agreement. ACT's stance on the Paris Agreement has received substantial criticism. Despite NZ First also being in support for moving away from the Paris Agreement, National have been staunch on continuing with this framework, alongside the Opposition Parties. Greenpeace campaigner, Amanda Larsson, has referred to ACT Party Leader David Seymour's comments regarding the framework as “rage-baiting the extremist edge of the farming community to grab headlines” and that Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, “mustn't bite”. This comes as Luxon indicated last week changes to our methane targets. Methane makes up almost a third of global warming, and is over 80x more powerful than CO₂ in the short term. News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host Joel spoke to Armoudian about this, starting with how important the Paris Agreement is, and what exactly the framework is.

Fluent Fiction - Hebrew: Adaptability in Action: Tali's Unconventional Success Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/he/episode/2025-09-06-22-34-02-he Story Transcript:He: המוזיאון להיסטוריה של הטבע היה מלא בהתרגשות.En: The museum of natural history was filled with excitement.He: שלדים עצומים של דינוזאורים עמלו מעליהם, ודגמים עדינים של בעלי חיים נוספים קישטו את המקום.En: Enormous dinosaur skeletons loomed above, and delicate models of other animals adorned the place.He: אור השמש חדר דרך החלונות הגבוהים, ונתן לאולם תחושה של פלא וקדושה.En: Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, giving the hall a sense of wonder and sanctity.He: זה היה יום מיוחד.En: It was a special day.He: טלי ואבי, עמיתיה לעבודה, הגיעו לכאן לכנס חשוב בנושא שימור המגוון הביולוגי.En: Tali and Avi, her colleagues, had come here for an important conference on biodiversity conservation.He: הם היו בעיצומם של ימי האלול, והראש השנה היה באוויר.En: They were in the midst of the Elul days, and Rosh Hashanah was in the air.He: "טלי," אמר אבי בחיוך, "האם את מוכנה להציג את הפרויקט שלך?En: "Tali," said Avi with a smile, "are you ready to present your project?"He: "טלי לקחה נשימה עמוקה.En: Tali took a deep breath.He: היא הייתה ביולוגית שימור עם תשוקה לא מתפשרת לעולם החי.En: She was a conservation biologist with an unwavering passion for the natural world.He: המטרה שלה הייתה ברורה: להציג גישה חדשנית לשימור המגוון הביולוגי ולזכות בתמיכה מהקהל והספונסורים.En: Her goal was clear: to present an innovative approach to biodiversity conservation and gain support from the audience and sponsors.He: אך החששות לא פסקו לשטוף אותה.En: But the worries kept flooding her.He: האם התקבלו הרעיונות שלה במרוצה?En: Would her ideas be well-received?He: האם האנשים המנוסים והמבקרים הקשים יאמצו אותה?En: Would the experienced people and the tough critics embrace her?He: "אני חושבת לקחת גישה יצירתית יותר," אמרה טלי בקול מתלבט.En: "I think I'll take a more creative approach," Tali said in a hesitant voice.He: בדקה האם להשתמש במצגת המסורתית או ליצור קשר ישיר עם הקהל.En: She considered whether to use the traditional presentation or to establish direct contact with the audience.He: כאשר הגיע זמנה להציג, נעמדה טלי מול הקהל הגדול.En: When it was her turn to present, Tali stood in front of the large audience.He: אבל אז, בלי התרעה, המחשב הפסיק לעבוד.En: But then, without warning, the computer stopped working.He: תקלות טכניות לא צפויות.En: Unexpected technical glitches.He: ללחץ זה לא היה מקום.En: There was no room for pressure.He: "אני מבקשת מכם להתקרב," אמרה טלי, לא נרתעת.En: "I ask you to come closer," Tali said, undeterred.He: "בואו נדבר ונחלוק רעיונות באופן הישיר ביותר.En: "Let's talk and share ideas in the most direct way."He: " היא הזמינה את הקהל לשיחה פתוחה.En: She invited the audience to an open discussion.He: לאט ובהדרגה, האנשים התקרבו.En: Slowly and gradually, people moved closer.He: טלי דיברה בלהט על חזונה, ושאלה שאלות, שמעה תגובות, והדיון הפך לאישי ומשמעותי.En: Tali spoke passionately about her vision, asked questions, listened to responses, and the discussion became personal and meaningful.He: בסיום ההצגה המאולתרת, האנשים מחאו כפיים.En: At the end of the impromptu presentation, the people applauded.He: הם מצאו את הגישה של טלי רעננה וכנה.En: They found Tali's approach refreshing and sincere.He: הם ניגשו אליה עם הצעות לשיתופי פעולה.En: They approached her with suggestions for collaborations.He: אחרי הכל, טלי הרגישה על גג העולם.En: After all, Tali felt on top of the world.He: היא למדה להיות בטוחה ברעיונות שלה ולתת לעצמה להשתנות עם מצבים לא צפויים.En: She learned to be confident in her ideas and to allow herself to adapt to unexpected situations.He: יכולות ההסתגלות והקשר האותנטי הם אלו שעזרו לה להצליח בכנס הגדול הזה.En: It was the adaptability and authentic connection that helped her succeed at this major conference.He: בעוד אור השמש המשיך ללטף את השלדים העתיקים, ידעה טלי שהצליחה.En: As the sunlight continued to caress the ancient skeletons, Tali knew she had succeeded.He: היא התקדמה צעד משמעותי בדרכה ליצירת השפעה על שימור הטבע.En: She had taken a significant step in her journey to make an impact on nature conservation.He: רוחות ראש השנה העניקו לה תקווה חדשה לעתיד.En: The Rosh Hashanah spirits gave her new hope for the future. Vocabulary Words:excitement: התרגשותenormous: עצומיםloomed: עמלוadorned: קישטוbiodiversity: המגוון הביולוגיunwavering: לא מתפשרתconservation: שימורapproach: גישהembrace: יאמצוcreative: יצירתיתhesitant: מתלבטglitches: תקלותundeterred: לא נרתעתimpromptu: מאולתרתpassionately: בלהטapplauded: מחאו כפייםrefreshing: רעננהsincere: כנהadaptability: יכולות ההסתגלותauthentic: אותנטיimpact: השפעהconference: כנסaudience: קהלpresentation: מצגתconference: כנסvision: חזוןcollaborations: שיתופי פעולהsignificant: משמעותיancient: עתיקיםsanctity: קדושהBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fluent-fiction-hebrew--5818690/support.

In this episode of the All Things Sustainable podcast we're talking with Rebecca Mikula-Wright, CEO of the Asia Investor Group on Climate Change (AIGCC) and the Investor Group on Climate Change (IGCC). The networks represent trillions of dollars of assets under management globally. AIGCC is a network of institutional investors in Asia focused on mitigating climate risks and seizing net-zero opportunities. Its parent organization is IGCC, a network for Australian and New Zealand investors to understand and respond to the risks and opportunities of climate change.   Rebecca explains how members across both networks are evolving their approaches to climate, nature and the energy transition.   "We do see this continued support for the transition because investors have done the work. They've been assessing their portfolios. They understand that climate risk is investment risk,” she tells us.  Rebecca discusses how mandatory climate disclosure in markets like Australia and New Zealand are changing the landscape. And she talks about the importance of policy and regulation, which she calls the “biggest game-changer” when it comes to increasing the pace of decarbonization.   The All Things Sustainable podcast from S&P Global will be an official media partner of The Nest Climate Campus during Climate Week NYC. Register free to attend here.   Read a report S&P Global Sustainable1 coauthored with GIC on Integrating climate adaptation into physical risk models: https://www.spglobal.com/sustainable1/en/insights/blogs/integrating-climate-adaptation-into-physical-risk-models   This piece was published by S&P Global Sustainable1 and not by S&P Global Ratings, which is a separately managed division of S&P Global.     Copyright ©2025 by S&P Global   DISCLAIMER   By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that S&P GLOBAL makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk.   Any unauthorized use, facilitation or encouragement of a third party's unauthorized use (including without limitation copy, distribution, transmission or modification, use as part of generative artificial intelligence or for training any artificial intelligence models) of this Podcast or any related information is not permitted without S&P Global's prior consent subject to appropriate licensing and shall be deemed an infringement, violation, breach or contravention of the rights of S&P Global or any applicable third-party (including any copyright, trademark, patent, rights of privacy or publicity or any other proprietary rights).   This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Unless specifically stated otherwise, S&P GLOBAL does not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned in this Podcast, and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. The third party materials or content of any third party site referenced in this Podcast do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards or policies of S&P GLOBAL.   S&P GLOBAL assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the content contained in third party materials or on third party sites referenced in this Podcast or the compliance with applicable laws of such materials and/or links referenced herein. Moreover, S&P GLOBAL makes no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses, worms, or other elements or codes that manifest contaminating or destructive properties.       S&P GLOBAL EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL'S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST. 

Discover the powerful connection between the health of our soil and our own well-being as Merry and Cathy sit down with Louis De Jaeger, a visionary soil preservationist and environmental designer. Inspired by his grandmothers, Louis has dedicated his life to regenerative agriculture and designing systems that heal the planet. From how our food choices impact our health to the critical role trees play in fighting climate change, this conversation will inspire you to see the ground beneath your feet in a whole new way. Thank you and have a terrific holiday!Louis De Jaeger's Bio:Louis De Jaeger is a visionary on a mission to impact our world profoundly. Three primary objectives guide his life's purpose: regenerate, inspire, and celebrate. He endeavors to rejuvenate vast expanses of land, ignite inspiration in countless individuals, and infuse every endeavor with a joyful spirit and gratefulness. He firmly believes that transitions should be as enjoyable as they are meaningful. A prolific author, Louis has penned two enlightening books that explore the future of agriculture & food and the wonders of food forests. He is a driving force behind various impactful campaigns, exemplifying his commitment to creating positive change. He founded and is CEO of Commensalist, a distinguished landscape architecture firm. Through Commensalist, Louis and his team embark on awe-inspiring journeys, transforming ambitious projects spanning an impressive 1.500 hectares across diverse global locations. Beyond the written word and architectural innovations, Louis is an award-winning filmmaker dedicated to raising awareness about sustainability and our planet's future. His latest documentary, "Eat More Trees," introduces the world to the enchanting realm of the food tree. Louis De Jaeger is resolute and unwavering in all his endeavors. He is driven by a passion for advocating for sustainability and bringing its magic to life. Through his diverse talents and indomitable spirit, he invites us all to join him on this extraordinary journey of regeneration, inspiration, and pure enjoyment as an international keynote speaker. Connect with Louis:Book: SOS: Save Our Soils - https://www.amazon.com/SOS-regenerative-farming-health-planet/dp/B0FF3R1NKKWebsite: www.louisdj.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@commensalistfutureprooflan1860 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foodforestinstituteInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/louis.de.jaegerTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@louis.dejaeger X: https://x.com/LouCommensalistLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisdejaeger/  Threads: https://www.threads.com/@louis.de.jaegerThank you for listening. Please check out @lateboomers on Instagram and our website lateboomers.us. If you enjoyed this podcast and would like to watch it or listen to more of our episodes, you will find Late Boomers on your favorite podcast platform and on our new YouTube Late Boomers Podcast Channel. We hope we have inspired you and we look forward to your becoming a member of our Late Boomers family of subscribers.

Wealth inequality is a primary culprit behind the ecological and environmental collapse of societies over the past 12,000 years, which have come to be dominated by a small circle of elites hoarding resources like land, research shows. Today, instead of an isolated collapse, we face a global one, says Luke Kemp, a researcher at the University of Cambridge's Centre for the Study of Existential Risk. On this episode of Mongabay's Newscast, Kemp explains how wealth inequality is not just tied to, but may be the very cause of the ecological destruction we are witnessing today, and how tackling that is key to how we solve all these challenges, as he recently told The Guardian. “Imperial overexpansion, depleting the natural environment, having elite competition and popular immiseration, all [are] just simply the natural effect of inequality. All is driven by growing concentrations of power and wealth inequality,” he says. Humans are not naturally like this, Kemp explains. Rather, for the vast majority of their existence, they have coexisted in nomadic, interconnected societies, functioning in a largely egalitarian fashion. Until the discovery that grain could be harvested — and therefore also stolen and hoarded with violence — humans did not dominate one another, as we do today. As mentioned in the episode, you can read a recent opinion piece on what listeners and readers can do overcome despair in the face of existential threats such as climate change and biodiversity loss.  Subscribe to or follow the Mongabay Newscast wherever you listen to podcasts, from Apple to Spotify, and you can also listen to all episodes here on the Mongabay website. Image Credit: Statue of Queen Hatshepsut, Egypt. Photo by Rhett Butler/Mongabay. ----- Timecodes (00:00) Why humans are egalitarian (08:06)  Why authoritarianism is so pervasive (14:12) How and why societies fall (20:58) Our global society is at risk (24:22) How we solve it (30:25) Capping wealth at 10m (37:54) Citizen juries and how they work (45:11) Could a ‘ministry for the future' work? (46:54) Lessons from the Khoisan Peoples (51:00) Democracy isn't just a ‘left-wing' idea

Fluent Fiction - Catalan: Uniting Culture and Nature: A Montserrat Journey Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ca/episode/2025-09-03-22-34-02-ca Story Transcript:Ca: A l'ombra de les majestuoses agulles de Montserrat, mentre el sol de finals d'estiu il·luminava els cims, Júlia i Martí caminaven per la sendera.En: In the shadow of the majestic spires of Montserrat, as the late summer sun illuminated the peaks, Júlia and Martí walked along the trail.Ca: Estaven contents però nerviosos.En: They were happy but nervous.Ca: La Diada s'acostava i les visites a la muntanya augmentarien.En: La Diada was approaching, and visits to the mountain would increase.Ca: Les margalides i el romaní creixien a banda i banda del camí, com un fresc benvingut pels excursionistes.En: The daisies and rosemary grew on either side of the path, like a fresh welcome for the hikers.Ca: Júlia era apassionada de la història catalana.En: Júlia was passionate about Catalan history.Ca: Volia que els visitants coneguessin les arrels de Montserrat.En: She wanted visitors to know the roots of Montserrat.Ca: Martí, en canvi, somiava mostrar la singular biodiversitat de la zona.En: Martí, on the other hand, dreamed of showcasing the area's unique biodiversity.Ca: Sabia cada racó on s'amagava una planta interessant o on es podia veure un ocell rar.En: He knew every corner where an interesting plant was hidden or where a rare bird could be seen.Ca: Els dos sabien que necessitaven trobar un equilibri entre les seves visions diferents.En: Both knew they needed to find a balance between their different visions.Ca: Els dies passaven i la data s'acostava.En: The days passed and the date drew near.Ca: Tenien poc temps per preparar-se.En: They had little time to prepare.Ca: Júlia va proposar incorporar històries personals de la història catalana a la visita.En: Júlia proposed incorporating personal stories from Catalan history into the visit.Ca: Martí, per la seva banda, va decidir mostrar les plantes i animals que tenien una connexió amb la cultura de Catalunya.En: Martí, for his part, decided to show the plants and animals that had a connection with the culture of Catalunya.Ca: Per fi, La Diada va arribar, i amb ella un grup gran de turistes llestos per explorar Montserrat.En: Finally, La Diada arrived, and with it a large group of tourists ready to explore Montserrat.Ca: Júlia va començar amb l'explicació del significat de La Diada i les llegendes associades a la muntanya.En: Júlia began with the explanation of the significance of La Diada and the legends associated with the mountain.Ca: Els turistes escoltaven atents, fascinats amb les seves paraules.En: The tourists listened attentively, fascinated by her words.Ca: A mig camí, Martí va portar el grup a un racó tranquil, on es podia escoltar el cant dels ocells.En: Halfway, Martí led the group to a quiet corner, where the birds' songs could be heard.Ca: Ell parlà de l'àguila cuabarrada, un símbol de llibertat, semblant al que celebraven els catalans aquell dia.En: He spoke of the Bonelli's eagle, a symbol of freedom, similar to what the Catalans were celebrating that day.Ca: Sense adonar-se, Júlia va començar a explicar la història d'un heroi local, que havia lluitat per la llibertat, lligant amb el que havia dit Martí.En: Without realizing it, Júlia began to tell the story of a local hero who had fought for freedom, tying into what Martí had said.Ca: La visita seguí amb èxit.En: The tour continued successfully.Ca: Els turistes van quedar impressionats pel paisatge però també per la riquesa cultural de Montserrat.En: The tourists were impressed by the landscape but also by the cultural richness of Montserrat.Ca: Al final, tant Júlia com Martí van rebre elogis de la seva supervisora.En: In the end, both Júlia and Martí received praise from their supervisor.Ca: Els visitants els donaren les gràcies de cor, amb ulls brillants plens de nous descobriments.En: The visitors thanked them sincerely, with eyes bright with new discoveries.Ca: Júlia es va adonar que la natura i la cultura podien anar de la mà per enriquir l'experiència del visitant.En: Júlia realized that nature and culture could go hand in hand to enrich the visitor's experience.Ca: Martí, igualment, va comprendre la importància de la història, que afegia profunditat a la seva passió pel medi ambient.En: Martí, likewise, understood the importance of history, which added depth to his passion for the environment.Ca: Aquell dia, Montserrat no només va ser un lloc de bellesa natural, sinó també un pont entre el passat i el present de Catalunya.En: That day, Montserrat was not only a place of natural beauty but also a bridge between the past and present of Catalunya.Ca: I sota els cels clars d'estiu, Júlia i Martí saberen que les seves passes guiaven el camí de molts, tot deixant-ne una empremta.En: And under the clear summer skies, Júlia and Martí knew that their steps guided the way for many, leaving an imprint behind. Vocabulary Words:shadow: l'ombraspires: les agullestrail: la senderanervous: nerviososdaisies: les margalidesrosemary: el romanípath: el camíhikers: els excursionistesroots: les arrelsbiodiversity: la biodiversitatbalance: l'equilibridate: la datasupervisor: la supervisorapraise: els elogissymbol: el símbolfreedom: la llibertathero: l'heroitourists: els turistesquiet corner: un racó tranquilbirds' songs: el cant dels ocellsBonelli's eagle: l'àguila cuabarradasuccessfully: amb èxitcultural richness: la riquesa culturalenvironment: el medi ambientnatural beauty: la bellesa naturalbridge: el pontimprint: una empremtapast: el passatpresent: el presentdiscoveries: els descobriments

For this episode of BioScience Talks, we're joined by Diego Ellis Soto, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of California, Berkeley, and a research scientist at the California Academy of Science. He's an ecologist working at the intersection of technology, conservation, policy, and environmental justice. And there's even some music in the mix, as you'll soon hear.  You can find links to more of Dr. Ellis Soto's work on his personal website and more music on Spotify and SoundCloud. 

Most investors now accept that climate risk is financial risk. But what about nature loss? What about the fact that half of global GDP is tied to the natural world – from soil health to pollination to forest carbon – and yet almost none of that value is priced into markets? If climate was the first wake-up call, nature is the second.In this 3-in-1 compilation, we revisit past episodes with investors at the forefront of this shift. Each one is building strategies to bring natural capital into the financial mainstream – through listed equities, real assets, or nature-based carbon credits.Here are the featured guests:Martin Berg, CEO of Climate Asset ManagementMartin is pushing to bring natural capital out of the margins and into the financial mainstream.With over $650 million raised and three funds under management, Martin's building a new category of real asset investing – one that spans sustainable agriculture, forestry, and nature-based carbon. The firm's strategies include land acquisition and restoration in developed markets, as well as carbon credit partnerships with smallholder farmers in emerging markets. Each is tailored to a different type of investor – but they share the same goal: aligning financial returns with measurable improvements in natural ecosystems.Full episodeIngrid Kukuljan, Former Head of Impact & Sustainable Investing at Federated HermesAt the time of recording our original interview, Ingrid was Head of Impact and Sustainable Investing at Federated Hermes. In that role, she launched the Biodiversity Equity Strategy – the first biodiversity-themed fund in the listed equity space.Her team screened nearly 9,000 listed companies – the standard MSCI All World benchmark – and found only about 150 that qualified as biodiversity champions: businesses aligned with at least one biodiversity-linked SDG and actively working to preserve or restore nature. The gap was striking. Ingrid pointed out that 80% of the UN Sustainable Development Goals depend on biodiversity, yet fewer than 20% are on track – and in the past 50 years, we've decimated biodiversity globally.Her team used a detailed KPI framework across emissions, water use, land conversion, and waste, making the case that public equities can play a vital role in financing nature-positive outcomes – and in helping restore ecosystems without compromising returns.Full episodeHelen Avery, Director of Nature Programmes at the Green Finance Institute (GFI)Helen is working to make nature investable. As Director of Nature Programmes at the Green Finance Institute, she leads the GFI Hive – a dedicated platform focused on removing the barriers that keep private capital from flowing into nature. That means shaping the building blocks of nature markets – like biodiversity net gain, mitigation banking, and nature-based carbon – and helping define the standards, infrastructure, and policy frameworks that make them investable at scale.Helen's team supports the UK's nature markets and investment readiness funds, partners with farmers and NGOs to build new business models, and works closely with corporates through the TNFD to help them assess their risks and dependencies on nature.Full episode—Connect with SRI360°:Sign up for the free weekly email updateVisit the SRI360° PODCASTVisit the SRI360° WEBSITEFollow SRI360° on XFollow SRI360° on FACEBOOK

Some increases in biodiversity on working landscapes are easier to handle than others. We asked Meghan Hertel, California Natural Resources Agency Deputy Secretary for Biodiversity and Habitat, to be our guest on this episode to talk about a positive, voluntary initiative that is trying to drive funding, support and increased awareness into the important role that ranchers and rangelands can play in conserving and achieving the 30x30 initiative – an effort to conserve 30% of lands and coastal waters by 2030.Episode Resources: See if your lands might be eligible: at californianature.ca.gov.Reach out to the CCA office to learn more at (916) 444-0845.Text us your comments, feedback and episode ideas!

After both appearing on the Grazing for Good: Livestock and Biodiversity in the UK panel at ORFC earlier this year, SFT CEO, Patrick Holden, sat down once again with Molly Biddell, Head of Natural Capital at Knepp Estate – a 3,500-acre rewilding project in West Sussex – for an episode of the SFT Podcast. Her work involves leveraging nature markets and policy for Knepp, Weald to Waves and the River Adur Landscape Recovery project. She also works part-time at Hampton Estate, a family-run regenerative farming business, facilitates the Upper Adur Farming Cluster group and is a columnist for Farmers Weekly. In this episode, Patrick and Molly talk about the work going on at Knepp Estate – ‘a radical rewilding experiment', says Molly – including the success they've had so far in terms of an increase in biodiversity, carbon sequestration and habitat restoration. They also talk about the role of projects like Knepp Estate to improve public awareness of rewilding and more sustainable agricultural methods, before finishing the episode with a discussion on measuring the climate, nature and social impacts of such projects. To hear more from Molly, you can read her column for Farmers Weekly here. To find out more about Knepp Estate, visit: https://knepp.co.uk. To listen to more SFT podcasts, featuring some of the biggest names in regenerative food and farming, head to our main podcast page. And to keep up to date with our news, you can subscribe to our monthly newsletter or follow us on Instagram, X, Facebook and Bluesky. This conversation was recorded in May 2025.

Liz Morley is the force behind @you_dig_gardens and Nottingham College's inspiring Wilder Campuses project, where she's transforming educational spaces into thriving, biodiverse landscapes. We explore her accessible, low-budget approach to rewilding and how it's reconnecting people with nature right where they study and work. Links The project on instagram: @you_dig_gardens Other episodes if you liked this one: Episode 336: Creating an Ark with Mary Reynolds Mary Reynolds—renowned landscape designer, author, and founder of the We Are The Ark rewilding movement—joins Sarah Wilson to explore how even small spaces can be transformed into biodiverse sanctuaries. Her insights into rewilding, from her award-winning Chelsea Flower Show garden to grassroots ecological design, resonate beautifully with the ethos of campus rewilding.  Listen here Episode 106: More Than Weeds with Sophie Leguil Ecologist and biologist Sophie Leguil brings a passionate perspective on public spaces, meadows, wildflower planting, and the value of brownfield sites for urban nature. She challenges conventional horticulture and champions the ecological potential of overlooked weeds—an enriching counterpart to the themes of accessible biodiversity and rewilded campuses.  Listen here Please support the podcast on Patreon And follow Roots and All: On Instagram @rootsandallpod On Facebook @rootsandalluk On LinkedIn @rootsandall

Biomimicry has the potential to transform the way we design buildings, public spaces and local economies to reduce environmental harm and improve our health. Architect and author Michael Pawlyn joins me to discuss the newly released third edition of his book 'Biomimicry in Architecture'. We discuss what biomimicry actually means and lots of examples of how it can be applied in the built environment.Buy the book: Biomimicry in Architecture (3rd Edition)Listen to my previous conversation with Michael: #41: Michael Pawlyn (Flourish) - Regenerative Design, Biomimicry and Systems Change- - - Register: Nature-led Urban Design - Study Tour and Masterclass (25 September) Subscribe to the Green Urbanist Newsletter Consulting and training: https://greenurbanist.org/ Get in touch: https://greenurbanistpod.com/contact The Green Urbanist podcast is created by Ross O'Ceallaigh.

Amphibians are among the most threatened groups of animals on Earth, making them critical indicators of ecosystem health and biodiversity preservation. In this episode, we are joined by Mark Mandica, Executive Director of Amphibian Foundation, who shares his expertise on amphibian ecology, conservation biology, and the urgent need to protect these keystone species and ecosystem engineers. His leadership highlights how amphibians are at the heart of biodiversity management and biodiversity conservation strategies worldwide.Despite their ancient evolutionary history and vital ecological roles, amphibians are facing an unprecedented crisis. Pollution, habitat loss, disease, and the escalating impacts of climate change are driving widespread declines in amphibian biodiversity, with serious consequences for freshwater ecosystems and wildlife ecology. Amphibians such as frogs, salamanders, and caecilians are not only fascinating in their biology but are also shaping freshwater ecosystems and influencing the survival of countless other forms of wildlife. Their sensitivity to pollution, habitat degradation, and shifts in freshwater ecology makes them some of the most powerful biodiversity indicators, helping us measure the health of freshwater biodiversity and ecosystems.Mark discusses how amphibian conservation intersects with conservation biology at large. He examines the threats amphibians face from environmental pollutants, agricultural runoff, and urban expansion, as well as the spread of deadly pathogens like chytrid fungus. He also explains how amphibian conservation is directly linked to broader biodiversity preservation, since their survival influences ecosystem stability, food webs, and freshwater biodiversity across rivers, wetlands, and streams.Amphibians also illustrate the deep connections between wildlife biology, climate change, and the climate crisis. As global temperatures rise, amphibians are losing habitat, experiencing altered breeding cycles, and facing water stress in freshwater ecosystems. Their declines foreshadow broader biodiversity loss, making amphibian conservation urgent for protecting both wildlife and human futures. Conservation biology initiatives increasingly recognize amphibians as frontline species in the battle to mitigate biodiversity loss and adapt to environmental change.We also explore practical approaches to amphibian conservation, from habitat restoration and protection of freshwater ecosystems to addressing pollution and promoting climate resilience. By integrating amphibian ecology into biodiversity management and biodiversity conservation strategies, researchers and conservationists are not only protecting amphibians but also securing the ecological services that healthy freshwater biodiversity provides.This conversation with Mark and the Amphibian Foundation underscores that saving amphibians is about far more than protecting a single group of animals—it is about maintaining biodiversity hotspots, sustaining ecosystem balance, and ensuring that wildlife and people alike benefit from thriving freshwater ecology. Amphibians remind us that conservation biology must address the intersections of pollution, climate change, and biodiversity preservation. Their story is a powerful call to action to safeguard amphibian biodiversity and confront the global climate crisis.#amphibians #amphibianconservation #amphibianbiodiversity #amphibianecology #biodiversityindictaors #keystonespecies #ecosystemengineers #amphibian #freshwaterecology #freshwaterbiodiversity #freshwaterecosystems #biodiversity #biodiversitymanagement #biodiversityconservation #biodiversitypreservation #wildlife #wildlifeecology #wildlifebiology #conservationbiology #pollution #climatechange #climatecrisis Get full access to The Think Wildlife Podcast at anishbanerjee.substack.com/subscribe

Christopher O'Sullivan, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, discusses further confirmed sightings of the Asian hornet in Ireland.

Jerry spoke to Colette O’Connell who’s originally from Listowel. She is PRO for the Irish Beekeepers’ Association. For information on the Asian hornet: https://invasives.ie/app/uploads/2021/05/New-Fact-sheet-posters-2.9.21.pdf

Ray spotted Helen Lambe lying in long grass in Dunmore East and she got in touch to explain what she was up to!.... A FIT count, A Flower Insect Timed Count which is a "citizen science" initiative of Biodiversity Ireland.

For more than a decade, scientists have been puzzling over what was causing billions of starfish to dissolve into piles of white goo. Sea star wasting disease has ravaged starfish populations, wiping out 90% of the once common sunflower sea star. Now, researchers have finally identified the culprit. Madeleine Finlay speaks to Dr Melanie Prentice, one of the team to crack the case. She explains the impact the disease has had on the marine environment, how they found the pathogen responsible, and what it means for sea stars' recovery. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod

Dr. Chris Buddle is an Associate Professor in the Department of Natural Resource Sciences and Associate Dean of Student Affairs at McGill University. He is a community ecologist who studies biodiversity of different species, and he is interested in figuring out what animals are where in our ecosystem. In particular, his work focuses on spiders, insects, and other arthropods. Chris is a bird aficionado who loves to draw birds and go birdwatching. For him, drawing is a great way to learn more about things and get a new perspective on what they look like. He also keeps busy chauffeuring his three kids to different activities, riding bikes, and spending time with his family. He received his undergraduate training in Ecology at the University of Guelph and was awarded his PhD in Ecology and Environmental science from the University of Alberta. Afterwards, Chris conducted postdoctoral research at Miami University before accepting a position at McGill where he is today. He has received a number of his awards for his exceptional teaching and research, including the Entomological Society of Canada's C. Gordon Hewitt Award for Excellence in Entomology in Canada, the MacDonald Campus Award for Teaching Excellence, and the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education's Desire2Learn Teaching Innovation Award. Chris also writes great articles in his Arthropod Ecology Blog. He is here with us today to tell us all about his journey through life and science.

GUEST:   https://x.com/julesacton?lang=enhttps://shop.woodlandtrust.org.uk/oakloreMENTIONS:   https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/sessile-oak/   https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/boscobel-house-and-the-royal-oak/history/charles-ii-and-the-royal-oak/   https://www.monumentaltrees.com/en/gbr/england/wiltshire/2379_savernakeforest/3713/   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fistulina_hepatica   https://woodlandtrust.org.uk/   MUSHROOM HOUR:   https://welcometomushroomhour.com    https://instagram.com/welcome_to_mushroom_hour   https://tiktok.com/@welcome_to_mushroom_hour   Show Music courtesy of the one and only Chris Peck: https://peckthetowncrier.bandcamp.com/   TOPICS COVERED:   Importance of Oaks Around the World   Biogeography of Oaks   Oak Diseases & Conservation Efforts   Mycorrhizal Relationships & Biological Markets   England's Ancient Oaks   How an Oak Saved a King   Faerie Doors   The Big Belly Oak & the Devil   Goddess Worship with Chicken of the Woods   The Woodland Trust   Oaklore   

 Spring is peeking through here in Southern Australia, and today we're heading into the garden — but not just for veggies. We're going a little wild for the birds, bees, and butterflies. Our guest, Jaclyn Crupi, lifelong gardener and many times author, grew up with her nonna and nonno's hands-in-the-dirt wisdom. These days, she's transformed her patch beyond just a productive veggie garden into a thriving sanctuary that welcomes not just humans, but insects, birds, fungi — the whole backyard ecosystem. Whether you've got a big block, a small suburban yard, or even just a balcony, Jaclyn's here to share how messy gardening and even a ‘lizard lounge' can turn any space into a refuge for wildlife.We chat about why those with their hands in the dirt are  leaving a legacy, telling  stories though our gardening & why we need messy gardens now more than ever.Links to find Jaclynhttps://www.jaclyncrupi.com/Loved this ep? Try another:Natasha Morgan shares her oak and Monkey Puzzle lifePod Partners Rock: Australian Medicinal Herbs    Discount Code: Future5Support the ShowCasual Support - Buy Me A CoffeeRegular Support - PatreonBuy the Book - Futuresteading - live like tomorrow matters, Huddle - creating a tomorrow of togethernessWe chatted about:Gardeners leaving legacies for future generationsEmbracing messy spacesLetting go of curationTransitioning our mindsetGardens as analogies for lifeThe importance of biodiversitySupport the show

In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke dives into recent legislative developments surrounding the protection of the iconic Western Joshua Tree in California. The conversation highlights the intricacies of conservation laws, the intricate process of implementing these policies, and the pushback from various stakeholders navigating this environmental directive. The discussion is enriched with insights from returning guest Brendan Cummings of the Center for Biological Diversity, who shares his expertise on species protection under the California Endangered Species Act. The episode provides a comprehensive update on the California Fish and Game Commission's approval of the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Plan. This plan is required by the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act passed in 2023, seeking to protect Joshua trees threatened by climate change, development, and wildfires. Cummings, who was pivotal in initiating the process by petitioning to protect the Western Joshua Tree in 2019, offers an in-depth exploration of the process, the challenges faced, and the compromise built into the legislation. Listeners are encouraged to stay tuned for the episode's conclusion, featuring the moving song "Joshua Tree" by Melanie Marshall, which thematically underscores the significance of preserving this desert species. Key Takeaways: Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act: The act passed in 2023 addresses climate change threats and simplifies permits for relocating or removing Joshua Trees, aiming for the species' long-term survival by 2033. Collaboration and Compromise: The passing of protections involved compromise between environmentalists and industries, balanced by setting more straightforward processes for developers and prioritizing protection through coordinated conservational efforts. Adapting to Climate Threats: The Conservation Plan identifies climate threats, prioritizing refugia and high-elevation areas for sustained Joshua Tree populations, with a focus on reducing invasive species and fire risks. Community and Tribal Involvement: Engagement with local governments and Native American tribes plays a significant role in implementing conservation methods, highlighting cultural ties to the land and species. Future Directions: By 2033, effectiveness will be reassessed, potentially reconsidering the species' threataned status if current measures do not mitigate the threats effectively. Notable Quotes: Brendan Cummings: "The Western Joshua Tree Conservation act signed into law in July 2023 was the first state law by California that recognized the climate threat to biodiversity." Brendan Cummings: "The goal was to protect the species and to ensure Joshua trees continue to be a part of our desert communities." Brendan Cummings: "The overriding threat, of course, is climate change. We also have increased fires fueled by invasive grasses, and then the most immediate threat, which is Joshua trees getting chopped down." Robert Gomez: "I want to look at the cultural aspect of the Joshua Tree for our particular tribe… It means a lot to us." Brendan Cummings: "We can hopefully figure out how to reduce the impacts or frequency of fire in Joshua tree habitat, but we're not going to stop it." Resources: Center for Biological Diversity: https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/ California Department of Fish and Wildlife: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Environmental-Review/WJT/WJTCA Melanie Marshall's Music: https://soundcloud.com/melaniemarshallmusicBecome a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wetlands are among the most fragile and threatened ecosystems on Earth, disappearing three times faster than forests. Since the 1970s, 35% of the world's wetlands have vanished due to urbanization, pollution, and poor water management, yet these habitats are biodiversity hotspots essential for climate resilience, freshwater biodiversity, and wildlife conservation.In this episode, we sit down with Sarah Fowler, CEO of the Wildfowl and Wetland Trust (WWT), to explore the importance of wetlands, their role in biodiversity conservation, and the urgent need for wetland biodiversity preservation. From vast peatlands and salt marshes to backyard ponds, wetlands support over 40% of global species and provide ecological “superpowers”: storing carbon at rates far exceeding forests, buffering floods and droughts, purifying water, reducing temperatures, and sustaining millions of livelihoods.We trace the history of WWT, founded by conservation pioneer Sir Peter Scott, who recognized wetlands as critical landscapes where wildfowl and biodiversity thrive. Sarah explains how WWT's mission combines wetland conservation and wildfowl preservation with public engagement, birding, and wetland ecology research. Their 10 UK wetland sites and global projects in Madagascar, Cambodia, and the Mekong Delta showcase how wetland restoration and biodiversity management can deliver nature-based climate solutions at scale.The conversation highlights the role of wetlands as biodiversity hotspots and their central contribution to wetland biodiversity conservation, while also showing how these habitats act as frontline defenses against the climate crisis by storing carbon and buffering extreme weather. Sarah shares the success of WWT's common crane reintroduction project, which has restored wildfowl populations through science-led bird conservation, and discusses innovative initiatives such as the Blue Prescribing and Blue Recovery projects, which use wetland ecosystems to promote human well-being and preventative healthcare. She also describes the challenges of wetland restoration, from planting seedlings and constructing natural flood defenses to working with local farmers on sustainable practices, emphasizing the importance of community engagement, volunteering, and raising awareness to safeguard wetland ecosystems.Sarah stresses that fewer than half of people in the UK know what a wetland is, making public outreach vital to biodiversity preservation. Whether through birding, supporting wildlife conservation projects, or championing wetlands internationally, individuals can play a direct role in biodiversity conservation.From freshwater biodiversity in the Mekong Delta to wetland birds in the UK, this episode highlights how conserving fragile wetland ecosystems is not just about protecting wildlife but also about safeguarding human futures. Wetlands International and WWT's work demonstrates how biodiversity management and nature-based solutions can combat climate change while preserving wildfowl and wetland ecosystems for generations to come.If you care about wildlife conservation, wetland birds, wildfowl conservation, and nature-based climate solutions, this conversation offers insights, hope, and practical ways to support wetland biodiversity conservation worldwide.#wetlands #wetlandsinternational #wetlandsandwildfowl #wildfowl #wildfowlconservation #wetlandecology #wetlandecosystem #wetlandbiodiversity #wetlandconservation #wetlandbiodiversityconservation #biodiversity #biodiversityhotspots #biodiversityconservation #biodiversitymanagement #biodiversitypresevation #freshwaterbiodiversity #climatechange #climatecrisis #naturebasedsolutions #naturebasedclimatesolution #birding #wetlandbirds #wildlifeconservation #birdconservation Get full access to The Think Wildlife Podcast at anishbanerjee.substack.com/subscribe

Interested in Natural Farming? Our BEST class of the year! OKCalyxx Natural Farming Immersive, Oct 11 & 12. Grab your tickets today! www.growcast.com/events (00:00) Josh's Farm and Background (03:18) Balancing Sand, Silt and Clay (06:15) Josh's Indoor Ecosystem (12:55) Soil Composition Gradient (16:48) Water Wicking and Retention (20:15) Ferment Station Tour (22:58) Garden Tour and Creek Filter (27:28) Natural Farming Philosophy The most beautiful indoor garden I've ever seen. Plus... Turtles in the grow?? Brand new guest Josh from Yellow Skunk Farms joins us to talk about the full blown ecosystem that he has created inside his garage on the east coast of the US. Josh shares a whole plethora of grow tips and tricks to help you bring more nature into your garden- from soil structure improvement, to utilizing local inputs, and more. Josh emphasizes how much time this project has taken, from the conceptualization years ago to the months of effort he's sunk into the build out of the project. We even get a first hand tour of the current indoor ecosystem. Make sure to stay tuned for part two of this awesome natural farming content piece! Join GrowCast Membership TODAY! Connect with the most active, vibrant cannabis community in the entire world. Personal 24/7 garden support, Members Only content and discounts, and the Grand Pheno Hunt! www.growcast.com/membership    GrowCast Seed Co KLM DROP IS LIVE! Members get $20 off per pack- this Key Lime Madness Drop is going fast so don't miss it! Code growcast15 now works with grow KITS from AC Infinity! www.acinfinity.com use promo code growcast15 for 15% off the BEST grow fans in the game, plus tents, pots, scissors, LED lights, and now REFILLABLE FILTERS!

Today, Clancy talks with Stuart Tanner, award-winning documentary filmmaker, investigative journalist, and writer, about his latest film, Seeds of Sovereignty. You won't want to miss their conversation about his latest documentary, Seeds of Sovereignty, and the global battle over genetically modified corn in Mexico. They explore the battle over genetically modified corn in Mexico, the dangers of monoculture farming, and why protecting native seeds is essential for biodiversity, nutrition, and cultural heritage.  

The scale of agriculture's environmental impact is staggering. According to the EPA, agricultural runoff is the leading cause of degraded water quality in rivers and streams. Today's farming practices lead to 1.70 billion tons of U.S. topsoil annually, and agriculture produces 31% of human greenhouse gas emissions. Tune in to meet Kelsey Timmerman, author of the new book, Regenerating Earth, from Patagonia Books, who faces a heartbreaking reality shared by many rural families: he can't let his children swim in the pond near their Indiana home because of agricultural contamination. Rather than accept environmental degradation as inevitable, Kelsey embarked on a global journey to find farmers and communities who prove there's another way. From standing barefoot in traditional Hawaiian kalo patches to protecting cattle from lions alongside Maasai warriors in Kenya to discovering how chocolate could save Brazilian rainforests, he found regenerative agriculture practices that build soil, sequester carbon, and challenge everything we think we know about farming. Kelsey's story revolves around systems thinking that connects everything from chloroplasts to mycorrhizal fungi with how we eat. He argues that industrial agriculture leads to farmers being farmed by corporations, trapping them in debt to buy chemically treated seeds, fertilizer, herbicides, and fungicides. His journey uncovered regenerative practices rooted in Indigenous and traditional farming practices combined with cutting-edge soil science. Farming can be more profitable for farmers who heal the land. The solutions aren't new. They're already in hand but largely ignored or forgotten because they require attention to nature's complexity rather than simplifying life to fit profit margins. Regenerative thinking starts by approaching problems through the same lens that nature does, by putting everything to use and accounting for all positive and negative impacts while treating nothing as waste to be discarded. For consumers, this means understanding that grocery choices ripple through complex ecological networks, with practical steps starting at farmers markets and supporting farms that regenerate rather than degrade the land which you can find using the Farm Map at https://regenerationinternational.org/. You can learn more about Kelsey's work at kelseytimmerman.com and Regenerating Earth is available on Amazon, Powell's Books, and local booksellers.Subscribe to Sustainability In Your Ear on iTunesFollow Sustainability In Your Ear on Spreaker, iHeartRadio, or YouTube

The Department of Conservation is on a public fundraising drive, asking for people to donate to some of its biodiversity projects. DOC director of strategic partnerships and investment David Van Der Zouwe spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

In this episode of the All Things Sustainable podcast we bring you the latest in our special series featuring major pension funds around the world.     We sit down with Shahida Jaffar, Head of Corporate Sustainability at Malaysia's Employees Provident Fund (EPF). EPF was established in 1951 to safeguard the retirement future of the Malaysian workforce; it reported about 1.31 trillion Malaysian ringgit (US$310 billion) in total investment assets and more than 16 million members as of June 30, 2025.  In the interview, Shahida explains EPF's evolving sustainable investment strategy; the role nature plays in the organization's approach to sustainability; and how the pension fund balances priorities — like the need for returns, net-zero commitments and ensuring that the energy transition is just.   “In the market right now, there's polarization in terms of those who are pursuing sustainability even stronger and those who are pulling back,” Shahida tells us.   “In the case of EPF, we're doubling down.”  Read research from S&P Global Sustainable1 about companies' nature risks and dependencies: How the world's largest companies depend on nature and biodiversity | S&P Global  Learn about S&P Global Sustainable1's Nature & Biodiversity dataset.  Listen to our podcast interview with Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM): Why the world's largest asset owner is leaning into ESG | S&P Global  The All Things Sustainable podcast from S&P Global will be an official media partner of The Nest Climate Campus during Climate Week NYC. Register free to attend here.  This piece was published by S&P Global Sustainable1 and not by S&P Global Ratings, which is a separately managed division of S&P Global.   Copyright ©2025 by S&P Global      DISCLAIMER     By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that S&P GLOBAL makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk.      Any unauthorized use, facilitation or encouragement of a third party's unauthorized use (including without limitation copy, distribution, transmission or modification, use as part of generative artificial intelligence or for training any artificial intelligence models) of this Podcast or any related information is not permitted without S&P Global's prior consent subject to appropriate licensing and shall be deemed an infringement, violation, breach or contravention of the rights of S&P Global or any applicable third-party (including any copyright, trademark, patent, rights of privacy or publicity or any other proprietary rights).      This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Unless specifically stated otherwise, S&P GLOBAL does not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned in this Podcast, and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. The third party materials or content of any third party site referenced in this Podcast do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards or policies of S&P GLOBAL. S&P GLOBAL assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the content contained in third party materials or on third party sites referenced in this Podcast or the compliance with applicable laws of such materials and/or links referenced herein. Moreover, S&P GLOBAL makes no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses, worms, or other elements or codes that manifest contaminating or destructive properties.      S&P GLOBAL EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL'S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST. 

In Search Of… “Cryogenics” Recorded: 26 July 2025 Edited: 14 Aug 2025 Released: 15 Aug 2025 Links: Was frozen mammoth or giant ground sloth served for dinner at The Explorers Club? (Past) | Center for Genetic Analyses of Biodiversity Revival of a ‘Frozen' Dog--Some Cold New Disclosures (L.A. Times, July 6, 1987) But What Will The Neighbors Think? A Discourse On The History And Rationale Of Neurosuspension - Cryonics Archive In The Beginning: Vitrification or Freezing (PDF) Inside TransTime Cryonics Facility: Bodies Frozen, Awaiting A Future Reawakening - CBS San Francisco (2019) Luna Wilson - Cryonics Wiki How Robert Anton Wilson's Daughter "Luna Wilson" became a cryogenically frozen brain in a vat Screenshotfrom2024-01-0615-02-03.png I Want to Rewatch - In Search of... “Immortailty” Music: “Dark Science” by David Hilowitz “The Truth Is What We Make of It” by The Agrarians All our episodes are at iwtrw.com (or at iwanttorewatch.com, if you want to type more letters for some reason). Links for everything else I Want To Rewatch-related (including our sweet merch) are at the IWTRW Bio Site.

In this episode, Michael speaks with Rachelle Gould, Associate Professor at the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources and an Environmental Fellow at the Gund Institute at the University of Vermont. Rachelle is a prominent and productive scholar on several topics, and one of the main ones she has written about is relational values, which were introduced to represent a different way of relating to the environment that hadn't been expressed by the more traditional dichotomy of intrinsic and extrinsic value. Relational values have become very popular within academia and have become a focal point of publications by the The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, or IPBES, which Rachelle describes as the IPCC for Biodiversity. Rachelle was also a Lead Author on the recent IPBES Values Assessment. During their conversation, Michael asks Rachelle about some concerns he has about relational values, primarily that it seemed to be so popular that it was becoming a way of labeling anything that we like as relational, and secondly, that it had become a new panacea: something that doesn't present trade-offs but which we should simply want more of, regardless of context. They discuss these concerns as well as the significant value that Rachelle sees in a concept that can better represent how human beings can and do relate to the natural world. References: Routledge Handbook of CES and Rachelle's critiques chapter IPBES Transformative Change Summary for policymakers IPBES Values Assessment West et al. relational turn paper Gould et al. response focused on Indigenous relationality Gould et al. response focused on Latin American relationality Muraca's original relational values paper “Key to pluralistic valuation” Himes and Muraca 2018 Hoelle et al Relational values desirability paper Spash tribute critiques of monetary valuation Pratson relational values review Relationality is not WEIRD paper

In this episode of the All Things Sustainable podcast we bring you the first of a special series featuring major pension funds around the world.   We sit down in Mexico City, Mexico with Alejandro Bújanos, Head of Sustainable Investing at Afore SURA. This is one of the largest pension funds in Mexico and a subsidiary of SURA Asset Management. Alejandro outlines how the pension fund seeks to drive Mexico's transition to a low-carbon economy by engaging with major national companies. "We believe that we need to be active owners and actually improve the countries where we're living," Alejandro says. "My main challenge is how to transition our portfolio to a low-carbon economy, and, while doing that, also have an impact in the real economy."  Alejandro highlights the role that collaborative initiatives play in the market. Earlier this year, Afore SURA and other financial institutions in Mexico launched one such initiative,  called MxColab, to engage with major Mexican companies on issues like climate change.  "These very big companies that have been here for a long time ... it's hard to change them," he says. "Pulling investors together might be the only way to have a substantial enough size for these very big owners to actually listen to what you're asking from them."  Learn about S&P Global Commodity Insights' Energy Transition services.  Explore how companies are approaching sustainability via S&P Global Sustainable1's Corporate Sustainability Assessment data.  The All Things Sustainable podcast from S&P Global will be an official media partner of The Nest Climate Campus during Climate Week NYC. Register free to attend here.  This piece was published by S&P Global Sustainable1 and not by S&P Global Ratings, which is a separately managed division of S&P Global.   Copyright ©2025 by S&P Global    DISCLAIMER    By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that S&P GLOBAL makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk.  Any unauthorized use, facilitation or encouragement of a third party's unauthorized use (including without limitation copy, distribution, transmission or modification, use as part of generative artificial intelligence or for training any artificial intelligence models) of this Podcast or any related information is not permitted without S&P Global's prior consent subject to appropriate licensing and shall be deemed an infringement, violation, breach or contravention of the rights of S&P Global or any applicable third-party (including any copyright, trademark, patent, rights of privacy or publicity or any other proprietary rights).     This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Unless specifically stated otherwise, S&P GLOBAL does not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned in this Podcast, and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. The third party materials or content of any third party site referenced in this Podcast do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards or policies of S&P GLOBAL. S&P GLOBAL assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the content contained in third party materials or on third party sites referenced in this Podcast or the compliance with applicable laws of such materials and/or links referenced herein. Moreover, S&P GLOBAL makes no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses, worms, or other elements or codes that manifest contaminating or destructive properties.  S&P GLOBAL EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL'S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST. 

From the Statue of Liberty to the Golden Gate Bridge, and places in between like Yellowstone and the site of the Battle of Gettysburg, the National Park Service has been a point of American pride since its inception. And with a small budget and actually generating revenue, even fiscal hawks had no reason to complain.  So why is the Trump administration cutting their budget?  Guests: Jon B. Jarvis,18th director of the National Parks and executive director for the Institute for Parks, People and Biodiversity at UC Berkeley. Kevin Heatley, former superintendent of Crater Lake National Park, Oregon.   Want more What Next? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen. Podcast production by Ethan Oberman, Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme, and Rob Gunther. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a textMarine biologist Rachel G. Jordan explores the intersection of faith and science through her experiences studying ocean life. Her book "If the Ocean has a Soul: A Marine Biologist's Pursuit of Truth through Deep Waters of Faith and Science" reveals profound spiritual insights discovered in underwater ecosystems while challenging readers to embrace both scientific curiosity and deep faith.• Biodiversity in marine ecosystems demonstrates how differences strengthen communities rather than divide them.• Faith and science both seek answers to "why" questions, driven by wonder and curiosity.• Topics like evolution and climate change aren't salvation issues, but can become unnecessary barriers to faith.• Rachel's research on sea anemones taught her gratitude for all living things and their capacity to praise God.• Every creature, even seemingly annoying ones like mosquitoes, has a unique way of praising its Creator.• The kingdom of God may include incredible biodiversity - past, present, and future creatures all praising together.Join me at Heartlift Central on Substack, where we'll continue this conversation with Rachel G. Jordan about her beautiful book "If the Ocean has a Soul."Support the showBegin Your Heartlifter's Journey: Visit and subscribe to Heartlift Central on Substack. This is our new online coaching center and meeting place for Heartlifters worldwide. Download the "Overcoming Hurtful Words" Study Guide PDF: BECOMING EMOTIONALLY HEALTHY Meet me on Instagram: @janellrardon Leave a review and rate the podcast: WRITE A REVIEW Learn more about my books and work: Janell Rardon Make a tax-deductible donation through Heartlift International

Conservationist and environmental advocate Ben Lowe discusses our ecological crisis, the role of Christian faith and spirituality, and how churches can respond with hope, action, and theological depth. He joins Mark Labberton for a grounded conversation on the intersection of faith, climate change, and the church's role in ecological justice. As Executive Director of A Rocha USA, Lowe brings over two decades of experience in environmental biology, ethics, and faith-based conservation to explore how Christians can engage meaningfully with environmental crises. They moves from scientific clarity about climate urgency to the theological blind spots that have hindered the Christian response. Together, they explore how churches across the U.S. and beyond are reclaiming creation care—not as a political issue, but as a form of discipleship and worship. With stories ranging from urban stream cleanups to coral reef restoration, Lowe emphasizes small, local, relational efforts that respond to God's ongoing work in the world. At the heart of the conversation lies a call to moral will, theological clarity, and faithfulness in the face of ecological grief. Episode Highlights “The world is good—but it's groaning.” “Small does not mean insignificant… We have the solutions. The problem is not our technical ability—it's our moral and political will.” Learn More about A Rocha Visit arocha.us for more information. About Ben Lowe Rev. Dr. Ben Lowe is Executive Director of A Rocha USA, a Christian conservation organization engaged in ecological discipleship, community-based restoration, and climate advocacy across the U.S. and globally. He holds a Ph.D. in interdisciplinary ecology from the University of Florida and a B.S. in Environmental Biology from Wheaton College. Ben has spent over two decades working at the intersection of faith, science, and environmental justice, and is passionate about equipping churches to participate in God's restoration of creation. Since his first encounter with A Rocha as a Wheaton student in 2003, Ben has served on A Rocha staff teams and boards, nationally and internationally, most recently as Deputy Executive Director of A Rocha International. Ben's training as a scientist and a minister inform his leadership and development of A Rocha USA's national strategy and team. Originally from Singapore, Ben was the founding national organizer of Young Evangelicals for Climate Action and has served on the boards of A Rocha USA, A Rocha International, the Au Sable Institute, and Christians for Social Action. He is the author of multiple books and his work has been featured in media outlets including Audubon Magazine, Christianity Today, and The New York Times. He has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology from Wheaton and a PhD from the University of Florida focused on the human, religious, and ethical dimensions of environmental change and conservation. Ben is based in the warm and watery state of Florida, USA, where he can often be found kayaking on the Indian River Lagoon. Show Notes Earth Day began in 1970, a pivotal moment for environmental awareness—“That means that I was a junior in high school when the world embraced this name as a way of trying to bring attention to the whole world about environmental issues.” Mark Labberton opens with concern for “the political moment that we're in… in the United States and in other places around the world.” Ben Lowe introduces the biblical framing: “This world is good, but it's also groaning.” Why Climate Action Still Matters “We don't know where we would be, were it not for Earth Day 50 years ago.” “The question is not whether we know what to do, but whether we're doing the right thing and we're doing enough of it.” “It's never too late to take action and to get engaged.” Scientific Consensus and Urgency “The science has gotten a lot more sophisticated and a lot clearer.” “We're not talking about hypothetical issues anymore. We're talking about issues that many, if not all of us, are tangibly experiencing now.” “Things are moving faster, further and at a greater scale and magnitude than we were hoping to be experiencing right now.” Oceans, Heat, and the Limits of Natural Buffers “The oceans are a huge gift to human society and they have been buffering and absorbing a lot of the heat and the carbon that we've been emitting.” “The oceans are not limitless… We are seeing signs that the oceans are warming more than they can sustain.” “Every year now we have these hurricanes that are huge in terms of their scale and the amount of water that they can suck up from these overheated oceans.” Practical Impact of Climate Change “My homeowner's insurance rates more than doubled in the last few years.” “We're just getting all these signs coming from all of our systems that are warning us that we are on a completely unsustainable path.” “The silver lining to us being the driver of so many of these problems is that we can also choose to be part of the solution.” Role of the Church in Ecological Transformation “The church can really shine a light of hope, of love of the good news that God promises for this world in the midst of all that.” “Small does not mean insignificant.” “We have the solutions we need… The problem is not our technical ability, it's our moral and political will that has been lacking.” Global Clean Energy Transition “We are in a great transition, but that transition is happening and it's sort of unstoppable.” “The question is how quickly will it happen and will we be able to move it forward quickly enough?” “Christians have a particular contribution… we can bring the moral will to help shape the decisions.” A Rocha's Global and Local Work “A Rocha is a network of Christian conservation organizations in about 25 countries around the world.” In Florida, “we're helping to work with local partners, universities, high schools, churches, to conserve the lagoon.” “In Austin, Texas… we have a lot of Spanish language programming… to help connect recent immigrants with the communities that they're living in.” Partnering with Churches for Creation Care “The cutting edge of what we're moving into now though is our work with churches.” “Research… are showing that there is a shift happening with more and more Christians in churches becoming aware of the problems in God's world.” “Now we have more and more people coming to us, so much that we're growing, but we're not growing fast enough and we have to turn some people away.” Localized Action and Practical Partnerships “We launched a cohort of Vineyard USA churches… to support Vineyard congregations that want to get more involved.” “We walk them through a process of discerning… the ways that God might be inviting them to participate in what God's already doing.” “We're working with a church on Oahu in Hawaii that bought a defunct golf course… we're working together to help restore the native habitat.” Creation Care as Worship and Witness “We see this as being in God's hands… and us as playing a faithful role in responding to what God is doing.” “What would a follower of Jesus do in this situation?” “Everything that we do to care for creation… the offering itself is one that we direct to God as the creator.” Theological Reformation, Not Innovation “It's not theological change so much as it's theological reformation. This is orthodoxy.” “We don't see this work as of our own initiative. What we see ourselves doing is responding to what God is already doing.” End Times Theology and Ecological Responsibility “We don't treat anything else in life that way. We don't treat our bodies that way. We don't treat our children that way.” “It has been biblically Orthodox from the very beginning to care for God's world.” “It's not because we're Christian, it's because we've not been Christian enough.” Political Identity vs. Christian Witness “We see these issues first and foremost through our political lenses instead of through our theological biblical Christian lenses.” “These issues transcend any particular political ideology or party.” “They're moral issues, they're faith issues, they're spiritual issues, and for us, they're an integral matter of our Christian discipleship and witness.” How A Rocha Helps Churches Avoid Partisan Pitfalls “We try to say, all right, what does God call us to do as people, as his image bearers in the world today?” “Let's do a stream cleanup together.” “You kind of learn as you go… and before you know it, you look back and you realize, oh gosh, how far I have come.” Discipleship and Environmental Stewardship “The longer I'm in this work, the more I'm learning how to care for creation and help others do the same.” “The closer I grow to Christ too, and the more I find myself being conformed into what the Bible calls us to be.” “It's not always an easy journey, but it's a really good and life-giving and sanctifying journey.” Mark's Personal Reflection: Replanting His Garden “It has utterly changed the way that I now look out the kitchen window.” “Just that small change has given me a better sense of life, a better sense of creation… a better sense of the importance of having a world that you can meditate on.” Ben Lowe's Formative Experiences in Singapore and the Black Hills “We'd sort through the catch with them and they'd give us the things that they couldn't sell.” “Being able to step out into a national forest and breathe the air… reminds me that… there is still so much good in this world worth protecting.” Production Credits Conversing is produced and distributed in partnership with Comment Magazine and Fuller Seminary.

On this week's episode of Mongabay's podcast, best-selling author Alan Weisman details the people and places he visited in reporting his new book, Hope Dies Last, a chronicle of miraculous accomplishments and resilience of the book's protagonists, many of whom are working to solve humanity's most intractable ecological problems. The book's impetus was an accumulation of despair at the state of the world and how humanity treats it. “I started this book because I was really, really, really depressed about how I saw systems breaking down,” Weisman says. But as he uncovered each story, Weisman's tune changed. He explains the ingenuity and bravery of the people and projects he visited that altered his perspective on what is possible. “By the end of this book, I was so uplifted by all these people — and by the variety of people — that I found, in the most extraordinarily different circumstances, each of them daring to hope and oftentimes succeeding, that I'm there with them. This ain't over.” Subscribe to or follow the Mongabay Newscast wherever you listen to podcasts, from Apple to Spotify, and you can also listen to all episodes here on the Mongabay website. Please send questions, feedback or comments to podcast[at]mongabay[dot]com. Image Credit: Kicker Rock in the Galápagos, Ecuador. Image by Rhett A. Butler/Mongabay. Timecodes ------- (00:00) The Mesopotamian Revitalization Project (07:56) Why does Hope struggle against itself? (13:27) Creating food from thin air (24:06) Suing the government to protect species (31:03) The most dangerous country Alan visited, the U.S. (35:54) New forms of energy (45:39) Power is the most addictive drug (51:53) This ain't over