Podcasts about Biodiversity

Fluent Fiction - Dutch: Tulip Quest: A Valentine's Day Adventure at Keukenhof Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/nl/episode/2026-02-17-08-38-20-nl Story Transcript:Nl: De lucht was koud en grijs toen de schoolbus stopte bij de Keukenhof.En: The air was cold and gray when the school bus stopped at the Keukenhof.Nl: Het was Valentijnsdag, en Maren keek naar buiten.En: It was Valentine's Day, and Maren looked outside.Nl: De kale bomen tekenden zich af tegen de lucht, terwijl de winterse bloemen kleur gaven aan de tuin.En: The bare trees stood out against the sky, while the winter flowers added color to the garden.Nl: Vandaag was de excursie over biodiversiteit, en Maren had een missie.En: Today was the biodiversity excursion, and Maren had a mission.Nl: Ze wilde de zeldzame wintertulp vinden waar haar oma altijd over sprak.En: She wanted to find the rare winter tulip that her grandmother always talked about.Nl: Joris stapte naast Maren uit de bus en zwaaide enthousiast.En: Joris got off the bus next to Maren and waved enthusiastically.Nl: Hij was altijd in voor een avontuur.En: He was always up for an adventure.Nl: "Kom op, Maren!En: "Come on, Maren!Nl: Laten we die tulp vinden!"En: Let's find that tulip!"Nl: Maren glimlachte, blij met zijn energie.En: Maren smiled, happy with his energy.Nl: Anouk, altijd georganiseerd, kwam naar hen toe met haar clipbord.En: Anouk, always organized, came to them with her clipboard.Nl: "Laten we dit goed aanpakken," zei ze.En: "Let's approach this properly," she said.Nl: "Het park is groot en koud.En: "The park is large and cold.Nl: We moeten goed plannen."En: We need to plan well."Nl: De drie begonnen hun zoektocht.En: The three began their search.Nl: Ze liepen langs paden met winterharde planten en bewonderden de weinige bloemen die bloeiden.En: They walked along paths with hardy plants and admired the few flowers that were blooming.Nl: De gids had verteld te blijven bij de groep, maar Maren wist dat ze weinig tijd had.En: The guide had mentioned to stay with the group, but Maren knew she had little time.Nl: "Ik denk dat ik weet waar de tulp zou kunnen zijn," zei Joris plotseling.En: "I think I know where the tulip might be," Joris suddenly said.Nl: "Volg me!"En: "Follow me!"Nl: Ze renden door de tuin, terwijl de wind om hen heen wervelde.En: They ran through the garden, with the wind swirling around them.Nl: Na een halfuur zoeken in de kou, zagen ze iets.En: After half an hour of searching in the cold, they saw something.Nl: Tussen de bladeren stond de tulp, stralend in zijn eenzame pracht.En: Among the leaves stood the tulip, radiant in its solitary splendor.Nl: "Daar is 'ie!"En: "There it is!"Nl: riep Maren blij.En: shouted Maren happily.Nl: Maar toen begon het zachtjes te sneeuwen, en ze beseften dat ze de klas kwijt waren.En: But then it began to snow lightly, and they realized they had lost the class.Nl: "Wat nu?"En: "What now?"Nl: vroeg Anouk, de eerste sporen van zorgen in haar stem.En: asked Anouk, the first traces of worry in her voice.Nl: "Blijf rustig," stelde Maren voor.En: "Stay calm," suggested Maren.Nl: "Laten we onze stappen volgen."En: "Let's trace our steps back."Nl: Ze keerden terug, stap voor stap.En: They returned, step by step.Nl: Gelukkig vond Joris het herkenningspunt waar ze langs waren gekomen.En: Luckily, Joris found the landmark they had passed by.Nl: Na een paar minuten zagen ze de klas.En: After a few minutes, they saw the class.Nl: Hun leraar stond klaar met een geamuseerde glimlach.En: Their teacher stood ready with an amused smile.Nl: "En, hebben jullie iets gevonden?"En: "So, did you find anything?"Nl: Maren en de anderen vertelden enthousiast over hun avontuur en lieten de foto van de tulip zien.En: Maren and the others enthusiastically recounted their adventure and showed the picture of the tulip.Nl: De klas juichte, en de leraar complimenteerde hen met hun initiatief.En: The class cheered, and the teacher complimented them on their initiative.Nl: Bij de bus terug, voelde Maren zich anders.En: Back at the bus, Maren felt different.Nl: Ze had niet alleen de mooie tulp gevonden, maar ze was ook gegroeid.En: She had not only found the beautiful tulip, but she had also grown.Nl: Ze was trots op haar samenwerking met Joris en Anouk.En: She was proud of her teamwork with Joris and Anouk.Nl: De dag in de Keukenhof eindigde met een warme chocolademelk in de bus.En: The day at the Keukenhof ended with a warm cup of hot chocolate on the bus.Nl: En terwijl de kinderen lachten en grapten, keek Maren naar buiten, voorbij de kale bomen.En: And while the children laughed and joked, Maren looked outside, past the bare trees.Nl: Ze wist dat ze verhalen zou hebben om met haar oma te delen.En: She knew she would have stories to share with her grandmother. Vocabulary Words:biodiversity: biodiversiteitexcursion: excursieadventure: avontuurenthusiastically: enthousiastorganized: georganiseerdclipboard: clipbordapproach: aanpakkenhardy: winterhardeguide: gidslandmark: herkenningspuntamused: geamuseerdeinitiative: initiatiefradiant: stralendsolitary: eenzaamsplendor: prachtenthusiastically recounted: enthousiast verteldentrace: sporencomplimented: complimenteerdebare: kalerealized: beseftengrown: gegroeidmission: missievalentine: Valentijnsexcursion: excursietulip: tulprare: zeldzamewinter: winterseworry: zorgencocoa: chocolademelkadmired: bewonderden

Multilateralism is the cornerstone of IPBES's work and its existence. Bringing its 150 member states together to share ideas, research and reports is the engine that drives it forward. This final episode in this series of ‘Nature Insight', covers IPBES's latest Plenary session which brought together government representatives, multilateral organizations and others. It also saw the launch of a landmark report on Business and Biodiversity. The ideas in that report as well as the importance of the gathering feature in interviews with Astrid Schomaker, (Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity) and Jim White (a consultant with the UK-based ‘Nature Positive Initiative').   To find out more about IPBES, go to www.ipbes.net or follow us on social media @IPBES 

In this episode of the Ideas That Grow Podcast, 2025 Kellogg Scholar Tim Orlando-Reep shares how his Waikato beef farm integrates carbon forestry, biodiversity ambitions and catchment collaboration. While pine credits stack up financially, his research through the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme explores how native plantings can balance profitability with environmental impacts.

Welcome to CropCast Conversations. On today's episode Mark is joined by Iain Riddell. Iain was a consultant and project manager with SAC Consulting for 45 years, before becoming self-employed and operating under Graystones Consulting. Iain's work focuses on agricultural supply chains and his main interest is industrial hemp, which will be the focus of this episode. The global market for hemp is expected to quadruple by 2030 and as markets here evolve, there is great potential for Scotland's farmers to reap the benefits. Hemp was actually grown in Scotland in the Middle Ages for rope and textile production, before it became more economic to import, to make ropes and sails for ships. It has recently attracted interest as a new arable crop as more uses for hemp become viable, including fibre/shiv for insulation and boarding in house construction and seeds used for cold pressed oil and food health products, plus many other uses. Hemp has also been shown to improve soil structure and quality, store CO2 and improve biodiversity and could play an important role in reducing Scotland's greenhouse gas emissions. There is potential for this highly versatile crop to be a profitable break crop for farmers as demand increases for biobased materials to replace products derived from fossil fuels. Industrial hemp is used across sectors such as agriculture, automotives, bio-energy, construction, food and beverages, furniture, paper, personal care, recycling and textiles. Several years field crop experience in Angus and the Borders, and hemp crop trials in Scotland in 2024 has confirmed that the crop grows well in our climate. Episode Timestamps01.23 Introducing Iain Riddell 02.50 Potential uses for hemp as an industrial crop 03.46 What do we mean by ‘industrial hemp' 05.45 Historical context 10.45 Growing hemp for fibre 12.17 Hemp – what's currently going on in the UK 17.09 What we learned from growing hemp in the rotation 22.48 Retting process 28.32 Emerging hemp markets and potential uses 33.42 Hemp seed industry 35.26 Phytoremediation and the advantage of deep tap roots 37.23 Biodiversity benefits Resources The Potential of the Hemp Crop in Scotland | Helping farmers in Scotland Advancing a sustainable Scottish supply chain for industrial hemp and co-products British Hemp Alliance IndiNature – Natural fibre construction insulation https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/industrial-hemp-licensing-guidance/industrial-hemp-licensing-factsheet The Rowett Institute | The University of Aberdeen Contact: Mark.Bowsher-Gibbs@sac.co.uk Graystonesconsulting308@gmail.com (Iain Riddell) For more information, visit www.FAS.scot...

Can regenerative agriculture really restore biodiversity, rebuild soil health, increase farmer profits and still feed the world? Or is it just a powerful story we want to believe?In this evidence-based Deep Seed conversation, biodiversity scientist Professor Lynn Dicks shares groundbreaking real-world research from commercial farms in the UK and India — revealing what the science actually says about regenerative agriculture, agroecology, nature-based solutions, and the future of our food system.This episode is essential listening for farmers, policymakers, sustainability professionals, researchers, and anyone working to transform agriculture.

Glaciers are vital to Earth's water supplies, yet they are being pushed to the brink of collapse. Half of the world's glaciers could disappear by the end of the century. A French mountain climber is putting her experience to use by helping scientists collect ice samples from major glaciers around the world. Living and dormant species found within them could provide vital clues in the fight against global warming. FRANCE 24's Juliette Alfano, Valérie Dekimpe and Alexandra Renard report.

In this episode, our guest is Karl Nolles, an energy economist and former system control operator with experience spanning academia, banking, and government.   Karl shares lessons from early carbon markets, integrating solar and batteries into isolated grids, and the technical realities of synthetic inertia and system stability. We discuss policy intervention, regulatory risk, behind-the-meter optimisation, and the growing energy demands of AI and data centers.   The conversation concludes with a deep dive into biodiversity credit markets and the land-use impacts of large-scale solar, including why renewable expansion is creating significant demand for conservation offsets.   Please join to find more. Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie X (Twitter) @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie YouTube @energypreneurs Instagram @energypreneurs Tiktok @energypreneurs

What are the "rules" of biodiversity? How do ecology and evolution interact? These are questions that biologist Hanna Kokko is a renowned expert on, and in this episode of "Weird Species" she shares her immense knowledge on these topics. And of course, she talks about her favorite species as well: Apus apus, the common swift, which is very much not a swallow! Want to know where exactly the difference lies? Then join us for this episode! Follow Senckenberg onFacebookInstagramTikTokLinkedInYouTube

Nicola Warden, Senior Biodiversity Technologist, CAFRE joined Mark Gibson on the latest podcast version of the Signpost Series to give an insight into the journey to increase biodiversity at the CAFRE Glenwherry Hill Farm. A questions and answers session took place at the end of the webinar which was facilitated by Teagasc's Ivan Kelly. To view the webinar:https://youtu.be/lEN3-UhSt30  To register for future webinars go to:https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/sustainable-agriculture-webinars/                        For more podcasts from the Signpost Series: https://www.teagasc.ie/signpostpodcast/ 

Ellen Kamhi, The Natural Nurse, talks with Angela Manno who studied at the San Francisco Art Institute, Parsons School of Design, and l'Ecole des Arts in Lacoste, France, through Sarah Lawrence College. Her work has been exhibited around the world, including by NASA, the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, and the National Museum of Women in the Arts.  She also collaborates with the Center for Biological Diversity on its endangered species programs.  She presents each threatened species in a traditionally religious form—the icon—to illustrate its intrinsic value and true significance. www.angelamanno.com

In this episode of The Think Wildlife Podcast, host Anish Banerjee is joined by Nishan Limbu, Tujin Rai, and Nischal Kunwar from the Nature Conservation and Study Centre for a wide-ranging conversation on youth-led wildlife conservation and biodiversity research in Nepal's Himalayan landscapes.Rather than focusing on a single species, this episode explores how grassroots conservation initiatives in Nepal are addressing the needs of multiple threatened taxa, including the Asiatic Black Bear, pangolins, small carnivores, pollinators, turtles, and forest-dependent mammals. Together, these species represent the ecological complexity of Nepal's biodiversity hotspot, where conservation challenges are deeply intertwined with community livelihoods, land-use change, and human–wildlife interactions.A major part of the discussion centres on the Asiatic Black Bear, a wide-ranging species increasingly coming into conflict with people in Nepal's mid-hills and forested regions. The guests describe how bear conservation efforts combine camera trapping, rapid biodiversity assessments, and community interviews to identify key habitats and conflict zones. These methods are part of a broader conservation research framework that prioritizes coexistence and evidence-based wildlife conservation rather than enforcement-only approaches.The conversation then expands to other species under threat. Pangolins emerge as one of the most elusive and heavily trafficked mammals in the region, requiring both biodiversity research and strong community engagement to improve detection and protection. Small carnivores and lesser-known mammals are discussed as overlooked components of biodiversity conservation, despite their critical ecological roles. The episode also highlights pollinator conservation through citizen-science initiatives, demonstrating how biodiversity research can be democratized and scaled through local participation.Across all these projects, the Nature Conservation and Study Centre's approach emphasizes capacity building, youth leadership, and community ownership. By training community forest user groups to deploy camera traps, monitor wildlife, and interpret results, the organization is helping shift conservation from externally driven projects to locally sustained action. This model strengthens biodiversity conservation outcomes while fostering long-term stewardship in Nepal's rural landscapes.The guests also reflect candidly on the challenges faced by early-career conservationists, including limited funding, lack of training opportunities, and resistance from communities affected by human–wildlife conflict. Yet the episode remains hopeful, showing how collaboration, persistence, and grounded conservation research can generate meaningful change.This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in bear conservation, Asiatic Black Bears, pangolins, wildlife conservation, biodiversity research, and the future of youth-led conservation in Nepal and the Himalayas. It offers a holistic view of how protecting biodiversity requires working across species, ecosystems, and communities simultaneously.#bear #bearconservation #AsiaticBlackBear #conservation #wildlifeconservation #biodiversityhotspot #conservationresearch #biodiversityresearch #biodiversityconservation #biodiversity #communitybasedconservation #communityconservation Get full access to The Think Wildlife Podcast at anishbanerjee.substack.com/subscribe

On a recent trip to Lake Geneva in Switzerland, biodiversity reporter Phoebe Weston witnessed the impact of one of the planet's most potent invasive species, the quagga mussel. In just a decade the mollusc, originally from the Ponto-Caspian region of the Black Sea, has caused irreversible change beneath the surface of the picturesque lake. While ecologists believe invasive species play a major role in more than 60% of plant and animal extinctions, stopping them in their tracks is almost impossible. Phoebe tells Madeleine Finlay how invasive species spread, how conservationists are trying combat them and why some think a radical new approach is needed.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod

How the Alliance for a Sustainable Amazon is combining science, education and community action to keep the forest standing, with Johana Reyes.If you've ever wondered what a sustainable Amazon looks like in practice – how local livelihoods, science and education can work together to protect one of the most biodiverse places on Earth – this episode is for you.Today's guest is Johana Reyes, Founding Member and President of the Board for the Alliance for a Sustainable Amazon. Johana joins us from the south‑eastern Peruvian Amazon – a region rich in Brazil nut forests, scarlet macaws and community‑led conservation.We unpack the Alliance's mission and model – from long‑term biological research and reforestation with local families to education programmes that connect children and students directly with the forest.Johana shares what life is really like leading a small, field‑based team in the Amazon, the insights her work is revealing, and practical ways that you can get involved through internships, volunteering and research placements.Whether you're a student, career switcher or professional looking to make a greater impact, you'll come away with grounded career advice – from experimenting early and translating your skills, to building confidence through hands‑on experience.It's a field‑based, hopeful, and practical episode. Enjoy.Join CC - www.conservation-careers.com/joinASA - www.sustainableamazon.org

What happens when sustainability strategies fail to address real climate risk and long-term investment outcomes?In this episode of SRI360, I am speaking with Laura Ortiz Montemayor about impact investing, climate risk, and regenerative finance, and why sustainability alone may no longer be enough for investors focused on long-term value creation.Drawing from Laura's experience in traditional finance and her work building regenerative investment strategies in Latin America, the conversation explores how capital allocation shapes systems, and why rethinking how capital is deployed matters as much as where it flows.The conversation is especially relevant for investors navigating climate finance, nature risk, and sustainable investing in emerging markets.We talk about:the difference between sustainability and regeneration in impact investingwhy changing what we invest in isn't enough without changing how capital is deployedhow capital shapes systems, and risk, over timewhat regenerative finance looks like for investors focused on long-term outcomesFeatured guest: Laura Ortiz Montemayor, founder of SVX México and Managing Partner of Regenera VenturesListen Next: Conversation with Helen Avery, Director of Nature Programs at the Green Finance Institute (GFI)Discover More from SRI360°:Explore all episodes of the SRI360° Podcast Sign up for the free weekly email update 

Clare Local Development Company is launching a free Citizen Science Biodiversity webinar series for January and February 2026, helping people learn how to observe, record and protect local wildlife and habitats — no experience needed at all. On Thursday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Deirdre Morrissey, LEADER Development Officer with Clare Local Development Company, and Rachel Dowling, ecologist with Nature Network Ireland, who are leading the programme. Photo (c) Clare Local Development Company LinkedIn

While there is a growing recognition of the importance of indigenous knowledge in agriculture, all too-often, First Nations people are being asked to fit in with an established model. What if we flipped the script to create food systems that are led by indigenous principles?That's what Jacob Birch is aiming to do in reawakening a native grains industry in Australia. He's a proud Gamilaraay man, scholar, Churchill Fellow, and entrepreneur who founded Yaamarra & Yarral, a wholesaler of ancient grains and retailer of stone milled flour.In this episode, Jacob shares his journey into native grains, beginning with biodiversity and landscape restoration, and expanding into food, culture, and economic sovereignty. He explains why native grasses are keystone species for Australia's ecosystems, how Indigenous Australians managed grain systems for tens of thousands of years, and why these histories, including bread-making, are still largely absent from mainstream narratives.In his Churchill Fellowship, Jacob draws on lessons from First Nations communities in North America, exploring what Indigenous-led food systems can look like when the goal is not export-driven scale, but healthy communities, country, and self-determined economic development.Sarah and Jacob discuss:The nutritional value of native grains and their role in climate resilience and food sovereignty.Why post–farm gate ownership is crucial for First Nations people.How subsidies could potentially support indigenous-led enterprises in food and agriculture.The realities of building a native grains industry; from land access to challenges in processing.Useful Links:Jacob Birch, Churchill Fellowship reportGrasslands Documentary Jacob Birch researcher profileModernising Indigenous Native Grains Processing | AgriFutures AustraliaWhite Earth NationFond du Lac Band of Lake Superior ChippewaNative Farm Bill CoalitionTribal Elder Food Box - Feeding America Eastern WisconsinFirst Nations Australians in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry - DAFF2030 Roadmap - National Farmers' FederationFor more information and resources, visit our website. The information in this post is not investment advice or a recommendation to invest. It is general information only and does not take into account your investment objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making an investment decision you should seek financial advice from a professional financial adviser. Whilst we believe the information is correct, we provide no warranty of accuracy, reliability or completeness.

Ep #41 - Kerry Hughes "Ethnobotany is the study of the relationship between humans and plants." - Kerry Hughes Meet Kerry Hughes, ethnobotanist and author, and an inspiring member of Nootropics Depot's scientific advisory board. Kerry joins the podcast to discuss her background and passions as an ethnobotanist, and to share practical tips for connecting with the healing power of plants in our everyday lives, through supplements, food, incense, and spending time in nature. Chapters 0:00 Introducing Kerry Hughes, Ethnobotanist 1:17 What is an Ethnobotanist? 3:08 Taking Erinamax, Tiger Milk + Cognance from the ND Catalogue 4:21 Popping Pills - Ethnobotany style 5:55 Effectiveness of Quick-Dissolve Cognance vs. Cognizance capsules 10:14 The Lack of Bitter Compounds in Our Foods 12:18 Bitter Sensors in Our Digestive Tract 18:03 Madronho 20:41 Herbaviore23:30 Bitter Compounds Regulate Blood Sugar - GLP1 Agonism 25:35 Biodiversity - We Don't Save What We Don't Value 27:45 California - LA Fires, Climate Crisis, Land Management 28:13 Cattle Grass 31:38 Gulf of Mexico - Hating on Swamps 35:25 Rewilding 37:05 Effects of Erinamax and Cognance 38:15 Experiential Accounts of Supplements 44:50 Being Mindful of Safety with Extracts - Purity 46:17 The Dose is the Poison 51:25 What's In Your Garden? 51:45 The Squarest Ethnobotanist You'll Ever Meet 55:55 Biodiversity 58:40 Regenerative Certification 1:01:55 Natural Wineries 1:02:17 Wild Yeast in Geuze and Lambiek 1:03:42 Plants are Sentient Beings 1:05:15 A World without Opiates 1:07:25 Use of plants, music, nature 1:10:25 Connection - Essential for Human Health

Gerard and Julian explore forest restoration, plant-based diets, and metrics like the Human Survival Index to track global risk. #CarbonDrawdown #Rewilding #FoodSystemReform #SustainableLiving

It is completely critical to Earth system stability that we decarbonise the global economy. Recent studies have demonstrated how a decarbonised energy system would consume much fewer materials than a status quo fossil energy system. But even so, decarbonisation will require the most incredible amount of new infrastructure, including the installation of an unfathomable amount of renewable energycapacity and associated infrastructure. So where will all those materials come from, and how can we ensure that decarbonising the economy doesn't just shift problems onto other aspects of the biosphere, such as nature or local communities on extraction frontiers? In today's episode we'll talk through all these issues with Dr Aurora Torres from the University of Alicante. Hosted by Sophus zu Ermgassen. Edited by Aidan Knox.

In this episode Dr. Oskar Brattstrom and undergraduate students Bridget Nielsen and Katie Mulholland speak with Naturally Speaking’s Anders Erlandson, Caroline Sharp and Taya Forde about some of the aspects of the Ecology and Conservation of African Ecosystems field course. This is a final year option offered as part of the School of Biodiversity, One […]

CapeNature, the Western Cape agency tasked with protecting its nature reserves, is confronting two threats: destructive summer wildfires and a surge in wildlife crime as international syndicates target everything from abalone to rare succulents and reptiles. In one case, a 126 kg shipment of succulents was intercepted at OR Tambo International Airport. In an interview with BizNews, Pierre de Villiers, CapeNature's Senior Manager for Marine and Coastal Operations, outlines the scale of the crisis. He says that succulents now fetch prices that rival rhino horn and explains how a coordinated, intelligence-led enforcement model, drawing in the Police, private sector partners and local communities and the navy, is beginning to turn the tide in the Overberg.

There is an insane amount of money being thrown around by international organizations and agreements. Nobody with any kind of power over these agreements is asking basic EA questions like: "What are the problems we're trying to solve?" "What are the most neglected aspects of those problems?" and "What is the most cost-effective way to address those neglected areas?" As someone coming from an EA background reading through plans for $200-700 billion in annual funding commitments that focus on unimaginative and ineffective interventions, it makes you want to tear your hair out. So much good could be done with that money. EA focuses a lot on private philanthropy, earning-to-give (though less so post-SBF), and the usual pots of money. But why don't we have delegations who are knowledgeable in international diplomacy going to COPs and advocating for more investment in lab-grown meat, alternative proteins, or lithium recycling? It seems like there would be insane alpha in such a strategy. An example: The Global Biodiversity Framework The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) was adopted in 2022 to halt biodiversity loss. It has 23 targets, commitments of $200 billion annually by 2030 and $700 billion by 2050, and near-universal adoption from [...] ---Outline:(01:12) An example: The Global Biodiversity Framework(02:13) What Is That Money Actually Being Spent On?(03:02) The Elephant in the Room Literally Nobody is Talking About: Beef(04:21) The Absolutely Insane Funding Gap(05:26) The Leverage Point Were Ignoring(06:47) What Would EA Engagement Look Like? --- First published: January 20th, 2026 Source: https://forum.effectivealtruism.org/posts/Peaq4HNhn8agsZY3z/why-isn-t-ea-at-the-table-when-usd121-billion-gets-allocated --- Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO.

I sat down with Enrico Rivetto (biodynamic winemaker in Barolo) and Stefano Lorenzi (arborist and manager at Castello di Grumello winery) to explore a growing movement in vineyard farming: vitiforestry (agroforestry in the vines). We break down why growers are bringing trees back into vineyards, what problems they're trying to solve, and what a “more diverse” vineyard actually looks like in practice. We also dig into the practical questions growers worry about most: choosing the right species, managing wild animals, disease risk, and whether trees get in the way of mechanization. Finally, we look at how you measure if it's working, what the real trade-offs are, and whether agroforestry could be a blueprint for other monocultures too.Enrico's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rivetto_wines/Stefano's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stlorenzi72/Castello di Grumello Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/castellodigrumello/Stefano's arborist website: https://www.arboricoltorestefanolorenzi.it/Rivetto winery website: https://www.rivetto.it/You can also listen to the No Sediment Wine Podcast and 'Talk Under the VVine' episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts and Castbox.Some of the WINE ACCESSORIES I use regularly:

The annual value of industries highly dependent on nature amounts to15% of the global GDP, yet the benefits nature provides to businesses, as well as the impact of businesses on nature, are largely overlooked. This episode explores the business advantages of biodiversity conservation, and how companies can incorporate biodiversity as a core component of their sustainability strategies. It also looks ahead to the IPBES Business and Biodiversity Report which is due to be published in February 2026. The report's co-authors, Matt Jones, (Chief Impact Officer at the UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre), and Ximena Rueada (an Associate Professor at the School of Management at Universidad de Los Andes in Colombia) both feature in the episode. To find out more about IPBES, go to www.ipbes.net or follow us on social media @IPBES

We are joined by environmental historian Dr Ian Maclellan as we wind the clock back through Scotland's long history of land use change: from the ice age to the Romans, clearances, industrialisation and modern pressures. Along the way, we unpack how humans have been part of the landscape – managing it for food, livelihoods and leisure, and the consequences this has had on nature and biodiversity.Scotland's landscapes are often seen as wild and timeless, but people and the land have shaped one another over thousands of years. We discuss this and how understanding yesterday can help us make better decisions for the future. Challenging us to have more nuanced, informed conversations about land restoration and management today - recognising complexity, positive outcomes, unintended consequences, and the realities of climate, culture and history.Host Harry Fisher, Producer Iain Boyd, Editor Kieron Sim, Executive Producers Kerry Hammond & Kirstyn BlackwoodTimestamps:1:25 – 13:38 Introductions and high-level walkthrough of Scotland's natural history13:38 – 31:00 Management of land and our relationships with it31:00 – 43:55 Our perceptions and misconceptions of the land and challenges for the future43:55 – end. Final comments and where to get more infoRelated FAS resourcesNatural Capital: https://www.fas.scot/sounds/natural-capital/Biodiversity: https://www.fas.scot/environment/biodiversity/Other Related ResourcesProf T C Smout: Nature Contested Environmental History in Scotland and Northern England since 1600: https://www.nhbs.com/nature-contested-bookUniversity of Stirling Environmental History and Heritage: https://www.stir.ac.uk/about/faculties/arts-humanities/history-politics/history-research/environmental-history-and-heritage/Prof R Oram: Where Men No More May Reap Or Sow: The Little Ice Age: Scotland 1400–1850: https://birlinn.co.uk/product/where-men-no-more-may-reap-or-sow/Ichnos Heritage: https://ichnosheritage.com/

Leila Philip describes observing a local beaver pond, noting how these animals create wetlands that act as the "coral reefs of North America" by supporting immense biodiversity. She also recounts the Algonquin legend of the Great Beaver, a story that explains geological formations while serving as an environmental parable against resource hoarding and greed.

Dr Debbie Saunders is a Conservation Ecologist & Nature-Tech Innovation Dr Debbie Saunders has a PhD in Conservation Ecology from the Australian National University and over 20 years experience translating biodiversity conservation research into innovative nature-tech and large-scale ecosystem restoration projects. Dr Saunders is the co-founder and CEO of two innovative conservation technology companies (NatureHelm and Wildlife Drones) with a focus on scaling up biodiversity conservation and monitoring wildlife and ecosystems globally in ways that were not previously possible.  She has experience across the environment sector, working as a private environmental consultant, government threatened species manager and a researcher and conservation project manager within academia, as well as collaborating extensively with environmental NGOs.  Her extensive research has focused on improving conservation of migratory species and their habitats across vast landscapes, providing the inspiration for establishing innovative technology to help address knowledge and capability gaps.  Over the past nine years she has led the development and deployment of some of the world's most advanced conservation technologies for enhancing the monitoring and management of ecosystems and species across 15 countries.  She has also led her business to win multiple business sustainability and innovation awards for her creative solutions for challenging ecosystem conservation problems, including Australia's National Telstra Best of Business Award for Promoting Sustainability.Welcome to Nature Magic It is lovely to kick off 2026 with this fascinating conversation with Dr Debbie Saunders showing how tech can create solutions for solving complex questions in nature conservation. Debbie is is co founder of Nature Helm and Wild life drones used globally to assess ecosystems over vast habitats and down to the smallest species. Her innovations have won many major awards including Australias National Telstra best of business award for Sustainability. She explains how tech is the answer to reversing the biodiversity emergency by visualising the reality in a way that humans can understand instantly to release funds to create actual positive change.debbie@naturehelm.com

Bringing more diversity onto the farm with crop rotation and cover crops sounds nice, but is it actually achieving better results for farmers?

Fluent Fiction - Italian: Blending History and Nature: A Winter's Tale in Borghese Gardens Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/it/episode/2026-01-22-08-38-20-it Story Transcript:It: Gli alberi antichi dei Giardini di Villa Borghese a Roma erano avvolti in un delicato manto di neve.En: The ancient trees of the Giardini di Villa Borghese in Roma were wrapped in a delicate mantle of snow.It: Era inverno e l'aria era frizzante e calma.En: It was winter, and the air was brisk and calm.It: Le sculture classiche sembravano più solenni sotto la coperta bianca, mentre piccoli accenni di verde facevano sperare nella rinascita del giardino.En: The classical sculptures seemed more solemn under the white cover, while small hints of green gave hope for the garden's rebirth.It: Luca, appassionato designer del paesaggio, camminava tra i sentieri.En: Luca, an impassioned landscape designer, walked among the paths.It: Gli piaceva immaginare come quei giardini dovessero apparire secoli fa.En: He liked to imagine how those gardens must have appeared centuries ago.It: Al suo fianco, Giulia esaminava con attenzione le piante.En: Beside him, Giulia carefully examined the plants.It: Lei era una botanica esperta, con un cuore per la biodiversità.En: She was an expert botanist, with a passion for biodiversity.It: Aveva grandi progetti per il giardino, sognava un angolo dove nuove specie potessero prosperare.En: She had grand plans for the garden and dreamed of a corner where new species could thrive.It: Ma per Luca, il fascino stava nel mantenere intatta la storia del luogo.En: But for Luca, the charm lay in preserving the place's history intact.It: "Sai, pensavo di piantare nuove specie qui," disse Giulia fermandosi davanti a un'aiuola spoglia.En: "You know, I was thinking of planting new species here," said Giulia, stopping in front of a bare flowerbed.It: "Porterebbero nuovo vigore al giardino."En: "They would bring new vigor to the garden."It: Luca annuì, ma era incerto.En: Luca nodded but was unsure.It: "La storia è importante, Giulia.En: "History is important, Giulia.It: Non dobbiamo cambiarla."En: We must not change it."It: La neve cadeva piano, coprendo i loro passi.En: The snow fell gently, covering their footsteps.It: Sebbene avessero opinioni diverse, entrambi sapevano che un equilibrio era possibile.En: Although they had different opinions, both knew that a balance was possible.It: Luca rifletté: forse poteva cedere un piccolo spazio al progetto di Giulia.En: Luca reflected: perhaps he could yield a small space to Giulia's project.It: Pensava ai nuovi turisti che avrebbero apprezzato un tocco di novità.En: He thought about new tourists who would appreciate a touch of novelty.It: "Hai ragione," disse alla fine Luca.En: "You're right," Luca finally said.It: "Potremmo usare quest'angolo.En: "We could use this corner.It: Così, tu sperimenti nuove piante e io proteggo le parti storiche."En: That way, you can experiment with new plants, and I protect the historical parts."It: Giulia sorrise, apprezzando il compromesso.En: Giulia smiled, appreciating the compromise.It: Lavorarono insieme per giorni, mescolando vecchio e nuovo in una danza armoniosa di storia e natura.En: They worked together for days, blending old and new in a harmonious dance of history and nature.It: Poi, una notte, una nevicata improvvisa cadde sul giardino.En: Then, one night, a sudden snowfall fell on the garden.It: I due corsero fuori alle prime luci dell'alba.En: The two rushed outside at dawn.It: I rami appesantiti dalla neve minacciavano le piante, sia quelle antiche che le nuove.En: The branches, heavy with snow, threatened both the ancient and the new plants.It: Senza esitare, Luca e Giulia univano le forze.En: Without hesitation, Luca and Giulia joined forces.It: Lavorarono senza sosta, spolverando neve dai rami e coprendo le piante più delicate con teli.En: They worked tirelessly, brushing snow from branches and covering the most delicate plants with tarps.It: Riuscirono a proteggere ogni angolo del giardino.En: They managed to protect every corner of the garden.It: Con il cuore in gola, si fermarono un momento ad ammirare il loro lavoro.En: With their hearts in their throats, they paused for a moment to admire their work.It: La neve ormai rallentava, e il giardino brillava sotto i primi raggi del sole.En: The snow had slowed by now, and the garden sparkled under the first rays of the sun.It: "Luca," disse Giulia, "insieme abbiamo fatto un buon lavoro."En: "Luca," said Giulia, "together we've done a good job."It: "E tu mi hai insegnato ad accettare il cambiamento," aggiunse Luca.En: "And you taught me to accept change," added Luca.It: Ora, entrambi vedevano il giardino con occhi nuovi, come un libro aperto dove il passato e il presente scrivevano insieme nuove storie.En: Now, both saw the garden with new eyes, like an open book where the past and present together wrote new stories.It: Diventarono un team affiatato, realizzando che solo attraverso la collaborazione il giardino poteva veramente risplendere, celebrando storia e modernità.En: They became a closely-knit team, realizing that only through collaboration could the garden truly shine, celebrating history and modernity.It: E i Giardini di Villa Borghese, con la loro nuova anima, continuarono a incantare i visitatori, stagione dopo stagione.En: And the Giardini di Villa Borghese, with their renewed spirit, continued to enchant visitors, season after season. Vocabulary Words:the branches: i ramithe snow: la nevethe mantle: il mantothe sculptures: le sculturethe compromise: il compromessothe landscape designer: il designer del paesaggiothe biodiversity: la biodiversitàthe collapse: il crollobrisk: frizzanteto yield: cedereto thrive: prosperarethe rebirth: la rinascitadelicate: delicatothe tarps: i telithe novelty: la novitàintact: intattathe balance: l'equilibrioto hesitate: esitareto appreciate: apprezzareto cover: ricoprirethe footsteps: i passithe sunrise: l'albato blend: mescolarethe spirits: gli spiritithe garden: il giardinothe dance: la danzathe vigor: il vigorethe event: l'eventothe harmony: l'armoniaancient: antico

“First we shape our buildings, thereafter they shape us.” - Winston Churchill (attributed)The natural world is humanity's original habitat. This habitat supports our physiological energy efficiency and is an important health intervention for the AEC industry. These are core perspectives that Helena van Vliet shares in this joint PHA-Building Science Podcast interview. Helena makes the clear case that we are “open systems” - we take in our environments, both physically and with our perceptions. Whether outdoors or indoors, our physical selves have their own experience of each environment we inhabit. This experience first informs our bodies, which have their own reactions of ease or dis-ease; and next, seemingly at the same time, this experience then informs our minds and our psychological reality comes to life. This interview is yet another beacon guiding us to deeply rethink how we deliver indoor spaces to ourselves. Enjoy the nourishing feast of ideas here!Helena van VlietHelena van Vliet Dipl.-Ing. AIA is an internationally recognized expert in Biophilic Design. She is a registered Architect, Consultant, Researcher, Educator, and Speaker focusing on the direct connections between human and bio-habitat resilience in built environments. In her designs, consulting work and teaching, she integrates insights from her 40 years of practice, as well as data from her ongoing research in evolutionary biology, cognitive neuroscience, biopsychology, and chronobiology. Helenais the Principal at Helena van Vliet LLC, as well as a founding member of BioPhilly. Since 2013, she has served as a Steering Committee Member for the International Biophilic Cities Network.Since 2018, Helena has taught her interdisciplinary seminar “Environments for Well-Being” at Thomas Jefferson University, bringing together design and health science students to explore the building blocks - and underlying science - of spaces that support well-being. She is a frequent lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel, Widener, the Bauhaus University Weimar, Germany, and the Politecnico di Milano, Italy.Ilka CassidyIlka Cassidy, Dipl.-Ing. Architecture, CPHC, is the co-founder of C2 Architecture and Holzraum System, with a deep passion for Passive House envelope design and building science. She focuses on the benefits of using natural building materials and specializes in offsite construction.With extensive experience in Passive House consulting and energy modeling, Ilka has a strong understanding of energy efficiency strategies. As a co-founder of C2 Architecture, she brought a sustainable design perspective to the firm from its inception. Through Holzraum System, she has worked to merge the precision and scalability of prefabrication with the use of healthy, low-carbon materials, all while optimizing energy efficiency with Passive House principles.Ilka is also committed to expanding knowledge in the industry, serving as co-host of the Passive House Accelerator Podcast and Construction Tech Live events. She is a frequent conference speaker and an active member of Green Building United in Philadelphia. She is a proud mom for her three girls and a visiting educator and McGill University. TeamHosted by Kristof IrwinEdited by Nico MignardiProduced by M. Walker

As we gear up to launch another season of incredible guest interviews we're revisiting a few of our most beloved episodes, starting with the fabulous Doug Tallamy.Over the course of his career, Doug has become a leading voice helping people understand why native plants matter and how simple and accessible it can be to support biodiversity right in your backyard. In this conversation, we talk about the power of keystone species, the remarkable progress he's made restoring native plants on his own Pennsylvania property, and the nonprofit he founded to inspire private landowners to be part of this growing movement.Dr. Tallamy has an incredible gift for breaking down big, complex environmental challenges into ideas that feel approachable rather than overwhelming, offering practical, common-sense ways to make a real and meaningful impact.Doug Tallamy  is the T.A. Baker Professor of Agriculture in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware, and the author of more than 100 publications, including Bringing Nature Home, The Living Landscape, Nature's Best Hope, and his most recent book, The Nature of Oaks.Biophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and learn more on our website. #NatureHasTheAnswers

In this episode of The Passive House Podcast, Ilka Cassidy and Kristof Irwin discuss with Helena van Vliet the concept of biophilic design and its impact on human wellbeing. Helena explains how designing environments that reconnect humans with nature can optimize physiological energy and reduce stress and inflammation. The conversation delves into practical applications of biophilic design in urban environments, exploring how elements like dynamic sunlight, water features, and vegetation can improve health and connect people with natural surroundings. The episode also touches on the challenges of integrating these concepts with traditional architectural practices focused on energy efficiency and durability.Helena van Vliet Dipl.-Ing. AIA is an internationally recognized expert in Biophilic Design. She is a registered Architect, Consultant, Researcher, Educator, and Speaker focusing on the direct connections between human and bio-habitat resilience in built environments. In her designs, consulting work and teaching, she integrates insights from her 40 years of practice, as well as data from her ongoing research in evolutionary biology, cognitive neuroscience, biopsychology, and chronobiology.https://www.helenavanvliet.com/https://www.biophilly.org/https://www.biophiliccities.org/Thank you for listening to the Passive House Podcast! To learn more about Passive House and to stay abreast of our latest programming, visit passivehouseaccelerator.com. And please join us at one of our Passive House Accelerator LIVE! zoom gatherings on Wednesdays.

Originally recorded in 2019, Patagonia's Vincent Stanley joins host Ryan Honeyman (for part two of a four part series) to explore how a small dirtbag climbing company became a global business in service of “saving our home planet.” They dig into Patagonia's culture, the Bears Ears lawsuit and benefit corporation status, tools for grassroots activists, and what it really means for businesses to take public stands on policy, democracy, and public lands. Vincent also reflects on diversity, equity, and inclusion, the deep links between racism and environmental destruction, and why biodiversity loss may be the defining ecological crisis of our time.View the show notes: https://go.lifteconomy.com/blog/patagonia-case-study-2-of-4-cultureCertifying as a B Corp is only the beginning. Our free B Corp Values Assessment helps you see where values are holding and where they're under pressure. lifteconomy.com/values

This week I'm in conversation with the unlikely but effective partnership of Sunil Harsana and Nitesh Kaushik, both part of the 2022 cohort of the Coexistence Fellowship.Sunil is a homegrown conservationist from Mangar Bani who has spent over a decade of his life preserving the floral and faunal diversity in the (NCR)-Aravallis region, the last remaining natural forest of this landscape. He has also worked extensively to spread awareness among the Mangar Bani community and, during his work, has even unearthed evidence of a pre-historic civilisation in this area! He has a burning, deep focus with his work, where there has never been a distinction between the personal and professional - it is all just his life.Nitesh, complementarily, is a young and upcoming conservationist with big dreams who completed her Master's in Biodiversity and Conservation from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, kickstarting her career by contributing to a baseline study of flora through ethnobotanical tools in the Damdama Biodiversity Park, in Haryana. Her main interests lie in understanding the relationship between humans and nature, which further found its footing through the Fellowship.Sunil and Nitesh are now working in the Aravallis of south Haryana, an important leopard corridor, between the Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary, in Rajasthan, and the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, in Delhi. Their project focused on understanding mammal diversity and their ecologies in this landscape, and enhancing human-leopard coexistence in the area. After some rocky beginnings, that you will hear more about in this episode, they are now thick as thieves and continue to collaborate towards common conservation goals in this landscape.Here it is now, The Thing About Finding Common Ground with Sunil and Nitesh from the Coexistence Fellowship.

This week, Conrad had the pleasure of speaking with his good friend, Natalie Ritter. Natalie is currently pursuing her master's degree in Marine and Environmental Science at the University of the Virgin Islands. Her research focuses on the biodiversity and taxonomy of Apicomplexan blood parasites that infect coral reef fishes. They speak on accessibility of scientific information and the benefit of a variety of different media types to spread awareness.  Takeaway: Everything is connected. #reefish #parasites #virginislands

Bioacoustics is pretty niche, but now thanks to AI, it could turbocharge biodiversity research. Michel André calls it “the science of the sound of life.” In this episode, we hear his recordings from the mysterious waters of Antarctica and the life-giving wetlands of the Amazon. He also explains why bioacoustics could hold the key to survival on the planet. Plus, a behind the scenes chat.

For the Journal of Animal Ecology's latest podcast episode, we spoke with Valentin Moser about his recently published paper, "Habitat heterogeneity and food availability in beaver-engineered streams foster bat richness, activity and feeding". Valentin reflects on his journey into the world of bats and beavers, what he learnt from conducting his study, and reflects on the future of the research field. You can find some helpful links below: Paper: https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1365-2656.70136 Research Highlight: https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2656.70144 Blog: https://animalecologyinfocus.com/2025/12/16/beavers-boost-bat-biodiversity/

Zainab Salbi joins Next Economy Now to share her remarkable journey from founding Women for Women International to launching Daughters for Earth, a movement uplifting women-led climate solutions across the globe. She discusses the moral crisis of war, the urgency of biodiversity protection, and the unique contributions women bring to climate restoration. This episode explores the Hummingbird Effect and how each of us can play a meaningful role in healing our planet.View the show notes: https://www.lifteconomy.com/blog/2026/1/13/earth-war-and-the-path-toward-regeneration-w-zainab-salbiEarly bird registration is now open for the spring 2026 cohort of The Next Economy MBA, a nine-month facilitated learning journey for people building a more just and regenerative economy. Save 20 percent if you sign up before February 2. Learn more at lifteconomy.com/mba.

Is it possible to balance the needs of people with nature in our “concrete jungles”?  That is the question under scrutiny in this episode of ‘Nature Insight'. As the global population becomes ever more urbanized and cities are growing at an unprecedented rate  - particularly in the developing world - Rob Spaull and Brit Garner hear what needs to be done to protect nature in these built up environments. Brit and Rob hear from Loan Diep who is the Assistant Director of The Urban Systems Lab, an interdisciplinary research, design and practice space at New York University, and Carolina Figueroa, the director of SELVAR, a think and ‘do' tank based in Colombia.    To find out more about IPBES, go to www.ipbes.net or follow us on social media @IPBES

Want the latest news, analysis, and price indices from power markets around the globe - delivered to your inbox, every week?Sign up for the Weekly Dispatch - Modo Energy's unmissable newsletter.https://bit.ly/TheWeeklyDispatchSolar projects in Great Britain are often framed as a trade-off: can we combat climate change without compromising the countryside? Increasingly, the answer is yes. Across the country, solar developers are not only installing panels but actively restoring and enhancing the ecosystems around them.Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is reshaping what responsible solar development looks like. Many leading projects are far exceeding the statutory 10% requirement, transforming intensively farmed monoculture into thriving habitats. These sites now deliver clean power while providing farmers with stable, long-term income—showing we don't have to choose between renewable energy and rich, living landscapes.In this conversation, Fran Button - deputy CEO at British Solar Renewables joins Ed to unpack how solar developers are designing projects that benefit both the grid and the natural world.• Why ecologists must establish a biodiversity baseline before construction begins.• How some developments are achieving BNG scores of 200% or more - well beyond what regulations demand.• Whether high-tech energy generation can genuinely coexist with low-tech agriculture.• Dispelling the misconception that solar farms are empty that solar developments lack ecological value.• How solar energy is providing farmers with a stable income stream that allows them to continue farming.About our guestFran Button is Deputy CEO of British Solar Renewables where she is responsible for all aspects of risk management and ESG. With a background as a specialist non-contentious construction lawyer involved in drafting and negotiating complex building contracts. Fran has particular expertise in renewables projects having being involved in large-scale solar development and funding and energy from waste projects.British Solar Renewables are developing, building, and operating renewable energy projects that power homes, businesses, and communities. From green fields to grid connection - creating clean energy that strengthens the UK's resilience, supports biodiversity, and delivers lasting value for people and the planet. For more information head to their website. https://britishrenewables.com/About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage understand the market — and make the most out of their assets.All episodes of Transmission are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To stay up to date with our analysis, research, data visualisations, live events, and conversations, follow us on LinkedIn. Explore The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series explaining how power markets work.

Want the latest news, analysis, and price indices from power markets around the globe - delivered to your inbox, every week?Sign up for the Weekly Dispatch - Modo Energy's unmissable newsletter.https://bit.ly/TheWeeklyDispatchSolar projects in Great Britain are often framed as a trade-off: can we combat climate change without compromising the countryside? Increasingly, the answer is yes. Across the country, solar developers are not only installing panels but actively restoring and enhancing the ecosystems around them.Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is reshaping what responsible solar development looks like. Many leading projects are far exceeding the statutory 10% requirement, transforming intensively farmed monoculture into thriving habitats. These sites now deliver clean power while providing farmers with stable, long-term income—showing we don't have to choose between renewable energy and rich, living landscapes.In this conversation, Fran Button - deputy CEO at British Solar Renewables joins Ed to unpack how solar developers are designing projects that benefit both the grid and the natural world.• Why ecologists must establish a biodiversity baseline before construction begins.• How some developments are achieving BNG scores of 200% or more - well beyond what regulations demand.• Whether high-tech energy generation can genuinely coexist with low-tech agriculture.• Dispelling the misconception that solar farms are empty that solar developments lack ecological value.• How solar energy is providing farmers with a stable income stream that allows them to continue farming.About our guestFran Button is Deputy CEO of British Solar Renewables where she is responsible for all aspects of risk management and ESG. With a background as a specialist non-contentious construction lawyer involved in drafting and negotiating complex building contracts. Fran has particular expertise in renewables projects having being involved in large-scale solar development and funding and energy from waste projects.British Solar Renewables are developing, building, and operating renewable energy projects that power homes, businesses, and communities. From green fields to grid connection - creating clean energy that strengthens the UK's resilience, supports biodiversity, and delivers lasting value for people and the planet. For more information head to their website. https://britishrenewables.com/About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage understand the market — and make the most out of their assets.All episodes of Transmission are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To stay up to date with our analysis, research, data visualisations, live events, and conversations, follow us on LinkedIn. Explore The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series explaining how power markets work.

Too Much Plastic, Too Little (Actual) RecyclingHow often do you buy an item from the store that's packaged in a plastic container or wrapped in plastic? Daily decisions like these add up and are feeding into the global plastic crisis. Scientists estimate that there's anywhere between 9 to 16 million tons of plastic on the sea floor, polluting the environment, harming species and releasing harmful microplastics into every corner of the planet and into our bodies. Two experts on plastic join us this week to shed some light on the problem and how we can each make a difference by changing our consumption habits and demanding improved policies that crack down on single-use plastics.Relearning How To Be Friends As An AdultMaking friends as an adult is harder than it looks, with so many of us trying to juggle busy, demanding schedules, living in new places and dealing with a culture that discourages vulnerability. We unpack why so many people feel disconnected and how you can put yourself out there and foster new and genuine friendships.Viewpoints Explained: The Dessert Trend That Refuses To FadeOnce a sweet treat mainly found at grocery stores, this dessert has quietly moved into the mainstream, showing as stand-alone chains across the country. We look at why it's stuck around longer than past food fads.Culture Crash: Why We Can't Let Go Of The '90SA look at why the 1990s still loom so large in our collective memory and what our fixation on that decade reveals about the draw of nostalgia.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Prescribed Fire in the Catskills: Restoring a Lost ToolIn this episode, Brett sits down once again with Ryan Trapani, Director of Forest Services at the Catskill Forest Association, to explore the surprising ecological value of prescribed fire in the Northeast. Recorded fireside at the Kaatscast studio, this conversation digs into the science, history, and cultural memory of fire in the Catskills, and why small, carefully managed burns may be key to healthier forests, richer wildlife habitat, and a more resilient landscape.Key TopicsWhy fire disappeared from Northeastern land management — and why that's a problemHow Indigenous communities shaped ecosystems with fireWhat “pyrogenic species” like oak and chestnut need to thriveThe Catskill Forest Association's new prescribed burn programHow controlled burns can improve wildlife habitat and biodiversityThe challenges of permits, insurance, and public perceptionWhat early‑successional habitat is — and why we're losing itLessons from the Albany Pine Bush and Shawangunk RidgeAbout the CFA Prescribed Burn ProgramRyan outlines CFA's cautious, incremental approach to reintroducing fire on private lands — starting with low‑complexity field burns, building community familiarity, and navigating the regulatory and insurance landscape. The goal: restore a long‑missing tool to the Catskills' silvicultural toolbox.

For the final episode of 2025 The Fisheries Podcast brings you an absolutely delightful conversation between Brendan and Dr. Nicholas Mandrak of the University of Toronto Scarborough on binomial nomenclature, the Committee on Names of Fishes, and most importantly, how and why fish get and keep and or change their scientific and or common names! Dr. Mandrak is a legendary scientist in Canadian circles, having co-authored over 250 primary publications, over 100 government reports, 40 COSEWIC reports, and five books, including the newly revised Royal Ontario Museum Field Guide to Ontario Fishes. He is Program Director of the Conservation and Biodiversity stream of the professional M.Env.Sci. program at UTSC. Nick is also a Research Associate of the Royal Ontario Museum and South African Institute of Aquatic Biodiversity. He is a member, and former Co-Chair, of the Freshwater Fishes Species Specialist Subcommittee of COSEWIC. His research interests are the biodiversity, biogeography, and conservation of freshwater fishes, with emphasis on endangered and invasive fishes.  You can find more information about Nick's work on his lab website here: https://mandraklab.ca/  Main Point: Freshwater fish conservation matters, get in touch with your local representatives to remind them of this fact!  Here's to a happy New Year and we'll be serving a fresh catch of episodes to your ears in 2026!    Get in touch with us! The Fisheries Podcast is on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky: @FisheriesPod  Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/FisheriesPodcast Buy podcast shirts, hoodies, stickers, and more: https://teespring.com/stores/the-fisheries-podcast-fan-shop Thanks as always to Andrew Gialanella for the fantastic intro/outro music. The Fisheries Podcast is a completely independent podcast, not affiliated with a larger organization or entity. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the view of any entity with those individuals are affiliated in other capacities (such as employers).

The Amazon Basin is the most biodiverse region on Earth, being the home of one in five of all bird species, one in five of all fish species, and over 40,000 plant species.  In the podcast Carina Hoorn explains how the rise of the Andes and marine incursions drove an increase in biodiversity in the Early Miocene. This involved the arrival of fresh river-borne sediments from the eroding mountains and the diversification of aqueous environments caused by influxes of salt water during the marine incursions.Hoorn is an Associate Professor in the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics at the University of Amsterdam and Research Associate at the Negaunee Integrative Research Center, Earth Science Section, Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago.

How can we care for the soil and farm for better health outcomes?   Dr. Christine Mahoney of the University of Virginia's Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy and Wayflowering Flower Farm joins Mary and Eric for a conversation about soil health, regenerative farm design, and organic flower farming. Dr. Mahoney shares how better outcomes, such as health, peace, and tranquility, can be achieved through enriching the soil, enhancing biodiversity, sequestering carbon, strengthening local ecosystems, and supporting pollinator habitats. For Dr. Mahoney, caring for the soil and creating an incredible place for flowers, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators is foundational and inspirational. Please visit https://www.wayflowering.com/ to learn more about cut-your-own flower opportunities and immersive experiences at Wayflowering Flower Farm. For details about the flower farming course and podcast that inspired and influenced Dr. Mahoney's thoughts on farm design and organic no-till flower farming, please visit Floret Flowers and The No-Till Flowers Podcast.    We can all be 4 The Soil, for the future! Here is how with four principles:1) Keep the soil covered -- with living plants and residue. Cover crops are our friends and allies; avoid leaving soil bare.2) Minimize soil disturbance -- Practice no-till or gentle tillage as much as possible in your field or garden.3) Maximize living roots -- for the longest time to improve biodiversity, soil structure, and life in the soil.4) Energize with diversity -- aboveground and belowground with high-quality food for soil and plants, and integration of livestock on cropland. If you are interested in art and framing the 4 The Soil posters for your office or home, the 16” by 20” posters are available for purchase and printing as single posters or a set of five posters.If you have questions about soil and water conservation practices, natural resource concerns, and soil health principles and practices to restore the life in your soil, call or visit a USDA Service Center, a Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District office, or your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office.  4 the Soil: A Conversation is made possible with funding support from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and The Agua Fund. Other partners include the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; Virginia Cooperative Extension; Virginia State University; Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation; and partners of the Virginia Soil Health Coalition.Disclaimer: Views expressed on this podcast are those of each individual guest.To download a copy of this, or any other show, visit the website 4thesoil.org. Music used during today's program is courtesy of the Flip Charts. All rights reserved. 4 the Soil: A Conversation is produced by On the Farm Radio in collaboration with Virginia Tech. The host and co-hosts are Jeff Ishee, Mary Sketch Bryant, and Eric Bendfeldt.

Today's episode is produced in partnership with the Global Challenges Foundation. The Foundation is dedicated to raising awareness of global catastrophic risks and strengthening global governance to address them. Global Challenges Foundation's 2026 Global Catastrophic Risks report outlines five of the biggest risks facing humanity today, including ecological collapse, the topic of this episode. You can find this report at globalchallenges.org/gcr-2026.  Two of the authors of the chapter on ecological collapse are my guests today. David Obura is the director of CORDIO East Africa, a nonprofit research organization based in Kenya, and chair of the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. Eva Mineur is head of climate and sustainability at Global Challenges Foundation. We kick off by discussing what we mean by ecological collapse and examining examples of this phenomenon already underway around the world, before turning to a longer conversation about how to strengthen international cooperation and global governance to prevent ecological collapse—and the catastrophe it would entail.    

On Food Talk with Dani Nierenberg, Dani author, nutritionist and Professor Emerita Marion Nestle about her new book, What to Eat Now: The Indispensable Guide to Good Food, How to Find It, and Why It Matters. They talk about the problem with ultra-processed foods, the rise of dynamic pricing, and how eaters can navigate the thousands of options in grocery stores. Plus, hear about the funding shortfall to conserve biodiversity, a leading science journal's retraction of a study on glyphosate safety, a new regenerative agriculture pilot, and more. While you're listening, subscribe, rate, and review the show; it would mean the world to us to have your feedback. You can listen to "Food Talk with Dani Nierenberg" wherever you consume your podcasts.

Biodiversity conservationist Lily-Arison Rene de Roland works with some of the rarest birds in the world. He's the Madagascar program director for the Peregrine Fund, a non-profit conservation organization that protects imperiled birds of prey like the Madagascar Fish-Eagle. These large raptors only eat fish, which means they rely on the same diminishing wetlands and natural resources as some fishing communities. In this episode, Lily shares how community-centered conservation programs are helping to support Madagascar's fishers and fish-eagles.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org.Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNote+ to get ad-free listening and other perks. BirdNote is a nonprofit. Your tax-deductible gift makes these shows possible.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.