Changing Planet Justice

Unyielding: Youth Activist Isa Alvidrez on Climate Advocacy in Rural Alabama

In this episode, we sit down with 17-year-old Isa Alvidrez, a tenacious climate activist dedicated to advancing sustainability in her conservative Alabama hometown. Despite a lack of support—and often outright opposition—from her community and school administration, Isa continues her efforts, undeterred. She shares what it's like to be a climate activist surrounded by skeptics, and reflects on the irony of her town's deep appreciation for nature but distrust of climate science. She also opens up about her unique strategy for engaging climate deniers and the meaningful changes she’s already implemented in her community.
Isa’s story captures the grit and determination of young advocates everywhere fighting for change in the face of resistance—especially when that resistance comes from a school administration that prioritizes new football fields over recycling bins.

Melodies for a Changing Planet: Musician Michael Levy on Art, Activism, and Resilience

In this episode, we're joined by composer and activist Michael Levy, to explore the intersection of music, art, and climate action. Michael discusses the inspiration behind his latest album focused on the climate crisis, and how he translates complex environmental issues into emotionally charged music. We dive into his songwriting process and how he balances the weight of environmental issues with his creative flow.
Michael also shares stories from his involvement in movements like Transition Town, Extinction Rebellion, and his role in the resistance against the Line 3 pipeline, reflecting on how these experiences have shaped his music and activism. We also explore the challenges of staying resilient in the face of burnout, and the role music plays in sustaining his long-term advocacy. Join us for an in-depth conversation about how music can drive action and provide hope in the fight for a sustainable future.
Opening/closing music: Blockadia by Michael Levy
Check out Mr. Levy's other music here: Michael Levy Band
 

Turning the Tide: Dr. Libby Jewett's Mission to Combat Climate Change

In this episode of Changing Planet Justice, we sit down with Dr. Libby Jewett, a trailblazing marine scientist and the founder of NOAA’s Ocean Acidification Program. Dr. Jewett shares her journey from a background in public policy to becoming a leading figure in marine science, where she has spent over a decade addressing the impacts of climate change on our oceans. We explore her groundbreaking work on ocean acidification, the challenges of balancing scientific research with policy-making, and her current focus on offshore wind energy and marine carbon dioxide removal. Tune in to hear how Dr. Jewett is pushing the boundaries of innovation to protect our planet’s vital marine ecosystems.

Conservation Leadership: A Conversation with Wildlife Biologist Sharon Dorsey on Inclusivity, Storytelling, and Climate Advocacy

In this episode, we sit down with Sharon Dorsey, a conservation biologist and activist, to explore her journey as an environmentalist. Sharon shares her experiences as a Black woman navigating a predominantly white, male-dominated field, and discusses the importance of diversity and representation in conservation. We also delve into her groundbreaking research on the endangered piping plover, her advocacy for community engagement through climate storytelling and citizen science, and her vision for making outdoor education accessible to all. Join us for an engaging conversation about breaking barriers and catalyzing positive change on this changing planet.
Sharon's website: https://sites.google.com/view/sharondorsey?usp=sharing
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharinnature/?hl=en
 
 

Climate Change and Mental Health: A Conversation With Paul Kirk

Solastalgia: a form of emotional or existential distress caused by environmental change.
The rate of mental health issues in young people is rising with the sea levels. Though we've known for years that social media has drastic impacts on the mental health of young people, the research on climate-related mental health issues is comparatively scarce. Only recently have scientists created terms like "climate-anxiety," "eco-grief," and "solastalgia" to describe the anguish our generation feels as we bear the burden of the climate crisis. Is there an antidote to the psychological consequences of climate change? Listen in to my hopeful and insightful conversation with Mr. Paul Kirk, an educator, environmentalist, and outdoorsman, to find out. 

Cultivating Change: Tod Cossairt on Regenerative Agriculture for a Sustainable Planet

Tune into this captivating episode with Tod Cossairt, a leading educator and sustainable agriculture expert. We delve into the shortcomings of conventional farming methods and explore the transformative benefits of regenerative agriculture. You'll learn how our current agricultural practices contribute to the climate crisis, and uncover the vibrant ecosystem thriving in the soil beneath our feet. Discover how regenerative agriculture leverages traditional ecological knowledge to restore our planet and build a sustainable future. 

The Magic Market: An Interview with Ms. Helaine Harris

Riddle me this: what alleviates food insecurity, enhances climate resilience, supports local businesses, and tastes delicious all at the same time? Listen in to my eye-opening conversation with Helaine Harris, the woman who figured out how to harness the magic of the Historic Lewes Farmers Market to combat hunger in this Delaware beach town. 

Crash Course: The Vicious Cycle of Redlining, Food Insecurity, and Climate Change

Maybe you can figure out how two out of these three issues impact each other, but understanding how they're all related is a little less intuitive. In less than 10 minutes, you'll learn how redlining compounds climate vulnerability and food insecurity in historically marginalized communities. Whoa, that's a mouthful. But I promise it'll make sense! Plus, at the nexus of this multidirectional tangle of impacts, we explore a solution that almost seems too good to be true: urban food forestry.

25 GenZ-ers in 5 minutes: Youth Climate Perspectives from Across the Spectrum

I interviewed dozens of teens at my high school about their opinions and emotions surrounding the climate crisis. The audio clips you’re about to hear are diverse and polarizing–I featured many students whose perspectives align with mine, and others whom I fundamentally disagree with. However, the most common response I recieved was unexpected--and its frequency tells an important story in and of itself...Anyway, without further ado, here are the voices of Gen Z-ers contemplating the climate crisis. 

Seeds of Change: How an Indigenous Farming Practice Fights Urban Hunger and Climate Change

Learn about agroforestry, a 2000-year-old indigenous farming technique that can simultaneously mitigate the impacts of climate change on low-income urban communities, and remedy food insecurity. Plus, learn about how racist policies in our nation's capital are not a relic of the past--their impacts manifest today as climate change applies disproportionate pressure to historically exploited communities. 
 
 
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwi4hfzVu9uDAxWzLFkFHXUiDAYQFnoECA4QAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mwcog.org%2Ffile.aspx%3F%26A%3DH75dpB3S5vx5Jv0iTc5V58y1O4PCWYFTreUGwX2LfNU%253D&usg=AOvVaw2TydNLK5Bnc4JYX-Zlq3Lu&opi=89978449
https://www.usaid.gov/agriculture-and-food-security#:~:text=What%20is%20Food%20Security%3F,hunger%20or%20fear%20of%20hunger.
https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/what-is-permaculture-food-forests
https://phys.org/news/2023-05-food-forests-urban-farms-numerous.html
https://www.nature.org/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/documents/TNC_FoodscapesReport.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7239489/
https://foodsystemsjournal.org/index.php/fsj/article/view/830/811

Edible Gold: The Story of Biopiracy and a Supernatural Plant

In this episode, we travel to a tiny indigenous village in Oaxaca, Mexico. What we find there seems too good to be true--it could be the solution to a worldwide agricultural crisis. But who does this treasure truly belong to? We're not just going to loot it...right? 

Girls Gotta Run: Climage Change, Food Security, Running, and Girls Education in Ethiopia

Listen in for a fascinating conversation with Ms. Arbora Johnson, the Executive Director of the Girls Gotta Run Foundation, based in Ethiopia. You'll learn about how the organization uses running to empower Ethiopian girls to pursue education, become stronger athletes, and follow their dreams--all while building climate resilience. 

Palette for The Planet: The Intersections of Art and Climate Justice

Join us on an audio journey to the Climate Museum in NYC, to experience the End of Fossil Fuel Exhibit. In one of our most engaging episodes so far, you'll hear my conversation with the Museum's Founder and Director, Ms. Miranda Massie; and award-winning artist and author, Mr. Gregory Christie. Mr. Christie speaks about the 40-foot mural he created for the End of Fossil Fuel exhibit, and how art can articulate the toughest subjects and inspire positive change. Ms. Massie gives us insights into her take on art for climate justice and opens our eyes to the legacy of deception and discrimination in the fossil fuel industry. 
By the end of the episode, you'll want to see the End of Fossil Fuel Exhibit for yourself. Here is the link to the Climate Museum in NYC, and here are the details about the new exhibition. 
105 Wooster St, New York, NY 10012
 

The Great Honeybee Delusion: Dr. Nicholas Dorian says, ”We’re Saving The Wrong Bees”

Warning: This episode will make you question the very nature of reality...or at least, the reality of nature. Everything you knew about the "honey bee crisis" is false. According to Dr. Nick Dorian, honey bees don't need saving--and they aren't the heroes we make them out to be. Flying under the radar are 4,000 other bee species that desperately need our help. In return, they can help us mitigate climate change and food insecurity. Listen in for a revelatory and utterly captivating conversation with pollinator expert, Dr. Nick Dorian. Prepare to BEE amazed!
Dr. Dorian is a Ph.D. candidate at Tufts University where he studies the population ecology of cellophane bees. He also delivered a recent TEDx Talk, and co-developed watchingbees.com, a wild bee identification site.

Don’t Worry About The A.I. of The Future. Doomsday Is Today.

I recently read a New York Times article titled, Inside The White Hot Center of A.I. Doomerism. It struck me, because the literal "white hot center" of doom isn't some future sci-fi dystopia. It's right next door, burning Canada to a crisp. The irony burns me up. Listen in to learn more--plus a special opportunity to publish YOUR climate story!

Food Security, Climate Change, and....Running?

Running is the universal sport (all you need is a pair of shoes and a good heart!)--or is it? 
Listen in to learn to hear a personal anecdote about a sport near and dear to me, and how it's less egalitarian than one might think. If you dig a little deeper, you'll find how climate change and food insecurity turn running into a less-than-equitable privilege. Plus, learn about my new non-profit, the Changing Planet Justice Organization. 

Profile of A Climate Hero: Hussain, Berber Hiking Guide in Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains

Some of the most impactful climate heroes are the ones you've never heard of. For four days, Hussain of the Ourigane Ecolodge guided my family and me through the craggy High Atlas Mountains in Morocco. Hussain is an outspoken environmentalist in his rural village; climate change threatens his livelihood and the land his ancestors have treasured for millennia. Learn about how many Berber communities in the High Atlas Mountains are returning to the sustainable ancient farming methods of their nomadic ancestors, and abandoning modern irrigation systems that deplete Morocco’s precious groundwater reserves. Plus, hear how climate change is impacting Morocco from someone who spends thousands of hours each year trekking through the wilderness. 

Nowhere Left to Roam

Wandering is a way of life for the nomadic tribes of Morocco. But where do they go when droughts and food shortages are always one step ahead? Their identity is changing quickly as the climate. Learn about how Morocco’s Amazigh people are fighting a terrifying and unexpected axis of evil: climate change, the ripple effects of colonialism, and food insecurity.

Moroccan Women Fighting Climate Change: Part 1

How does climate change disproportionately affect women? Morocco is a global role-model in the fight against climate change, but the nation's girls and women bear the brunt of the environmental impacts. Hear from Ms. Amina El Hajjami, the program director at the Moroccan non-profit High Atlas Foundation. Her cooperative empowers women to take the fight against climate change into their own hands. Plus, explore how Morocco is adapting to the novelty of climate change by returning to ancient agricultural practices; and learn about how Moroccan women navigate a patriarchal society, climate change, and a deep connection to the environment.

Fatalists, Skeptics, and The Art of Persuasion: An Interview With Climate Change Educator and Disaster Justice Expert, Josh De Vincenzo

To convince or not to convince...how do we confront climate change skeptics (and flat-out deniers?) Should we even bother? The solution is found in climate communication and education. In this episode, I interview Mr. Josh De Vincenzo, Assistant Director for Education and Training and Adjunct Lecturer at the National Center for Disaster Preparedness, Columbia University. He'll explain how to reach the non-believers and discuss strategies for climate communication. We also touch on the importance of equity in disaster justice. Listen to the end to hear my personal conclusion about dealing with deniers, and some brief thoughts as a young person wavering between fatalism and hope for the future of our planet.

The Economics of Sustainability: Conversation with Mr. Sol Salinas, Executive Vice President and Sustainability Lead for the Americas at Capgemini

How do we battle climate change in a corporate world? How do we prepare our youth to shoulder this blessing and this curse of an earth? 
Listen into this captivating conversation with a very special guest, Mr. Sol Salinas, an expert at navigating sustainability in the world of business. Plus, my perspective as young person confronting climate change in a changing world. 

Finding a Home for our Leftover Cafeteria Food: An Interview with Mr. Stephen Champion, of PathForward Virginia’s Shelter Program

What happens to the cafeteria food that never touches students' plates? Hear my conversation with Mr. Stephen Champion, a shelter monitor at Path Forward who helps manage food distribution, as we discuss minimizing waste and maximizing human dignity in the distribution of food.
Plus, my personal experience with food distribution and my thoughts on how we can bridge the gap between our privileged bubble (one that can afford to squander food without thought) and those in our community who struggle to access consistent, healthy meals.

A Warming Iceland: Unusual Funerals, ’Last Chance Tourism’, and Ranger Thoughts

Join me on a disturbing, fascinating, and ultimately hopeful journey through Iceland--the land of fire and ice. You'll hear about climate impacts in Iceland from two experts, and take a peek into a 99% renewable utopia. Plus, discover how glaciers are formed, and learn about the terminal illness plaguing these colossal formations. 

Growing Up In South Africa During The Apartheid Era

Learn about Ms. Joleen Hyde's experience growing up under Apartheid. She reflects on the interplay between her gender and ethnic identities in the context of this racist and patriarchal regime. Touching on the nuances between the demoralizing nature of segregation, vs the empowering potential of affinity groups, Ms. Hyde brings her experiences into a current-day context. She also shares suspenseful, captivating anecdotes from her youth. 
 

Finding a Home in Music: Part 2

Part 2 of the in-depth series on Andre Peterson, who formerly attended a competitive private school in Northern, VA. He is currently a musician and activist. We dove into Andre's perspective about his experiences with homelessness during his time at Potomac School. But one piece was missing from the story--what about Potomac's perspective on how the school supported Andre? 
Hear from Mr. Grant, who grew close with Andre, and offers some captivating insights on the school's progress since Andre's attendance years ago.

Finding a Home in Music: Part 1

From age 7 to 17, Andre Peterson's bus whisked him from his southeast DC neighborhood to a competitive private school in one of Virginia's wealthiest regions. Teetering between two vastly different worlds, Andre's cosmos unraveled at age 17, when he lost his way and became homeless. Then, he discovered his calling: music helped Andre find his rhythm, rebuild his life, and change his world.

Climate Justice: A Grass-Roots Effort

Earth Sangha is a more than two decade old non-profit organization based in the Washington DC region. The core values that guide its efforts in ecological restoration and social justice are rooted in the Buddhist philosophy. Listen in to a captivating interview with Earth Sangha's conservation manager, Mr. Matt Bright, as he helps us navigate the intersections between income inequality and climate change, as well as how Buddhist mindfulness practices can help combat climate change and fight social inequity. 

La Gomera: Land of Hope

La Gomera, a remote island in the Canary archipelago, rises from the sea, a shining example of hope in a changing world. We often speak of the unavoidable devastation of climate change and the disappearance of tradition in the modern age. La Gomera offers a tale hope against all odds: reflecting its volcanic origins, this tiny island is a powerhouse for change. Throughout history, the people of La Gomera summoned cultural pride to renew a community trampled by colonialism, revive their unique whistled language, and reinvigorate an ecosystem devastated by overuse. From whales that sequester carbon, to mandatory whistling-lessons in schools, to pole-vaulting down cliffs, this island anomaly offers boundless hope for a culturally and ecologically rich future, despite our changing planet. Designated a U.N. climate Hope Spot, La Gomera offers lessons for the larger world in building community to overcome global perils. 
 

Costa Rica Climate Change and Eco-Tourism--Wisdom From A Jungle Guide

Learn about climate change's impacts on the Costa Rican rainforest from Abel Bustamente, a native wildlife guide. How do we balance profit and sustainability? Is there such a thing as eco friendly tourism, or is that an oxymoron? With his wry humor, youthful energy, and captivating expertise, Mr. Bustamente's insights will stick with you long after this audio-journey through the Gandoca Manzanillo rainforest ends. Meet bullet ants and poison dart frogs, tarantulas and sea-turtles; catch the perspective of a local, non-indigenous Costa Rican on the government's relationship with the native BriBri community (a stark contrast to that of Haniel, the indigenous citizen profiled in the previous episode! )

Costa Rica’s Indigenous Bribri: Climate Change, Cocoa, and Agroforestry

Listen in for a captivating interview with an indigenous Costa Rican wildlife guide! Take an audio and story-telling journey with me through the native Bribri community. Learn about climate change's impact on one of the world's few matrilineal society. Discover a radical farming method that fuses the jungle with crops to fight climate change and colonization. Lastly, cocoa is central to the Bribri--this episode is chockfull of chocolate.

Bears Ears National Monument, Tribal Sovereignty, and Climate Change

Delve into the controversy over Bears Ears National Monument, in Southeastern Utah. At its crux, the debate centers around the right to tribal sovereignty, complicated by some Indigenous peoples' precedented mistrust in the federal government. Here is an opportunity for Native Americans to reclaim and protect this sacred region--but the question is, how does the government factor into that equation? Plus, hear from a Potomac student with Native Heritage. 

Acadia National Park: The Wabanaki, Climate Change, and Colonization

Climate change and colonization are inextricably linked, especially in the landscape of national parks. Voyage to Acadia National Park, Maine: the Wabanaki homeland. This environmental justice centered episode focuses climate change's impact on the park and the Wabanaki people who are tied to it. Learn about the special form of indigenous wisdom rising to the forefront of the climate change action plan--an all in one key to saving the planet and decolonizing it. Plus, a ranger interview!

Expert Series Part 2: The Scientific Aspect of Climate Change in Parks

The 2nd episode in a three part series examining climate change’s impact on our national parks. Every episode features an unsettling, surprising, and hopeful interview with an expert, each with a unique perspective on what climate change means for our parks and how we can best adapt.
This episode: Interview with Patty Glick, Senior Scientist for Climate Adaptation for the National Wildlife Federation. 

Expert Series Part 1: The Social/Communications Aspect of Climate Change in Parks

The 1st episode in a three part series examining climate change’s impact on our national parks. Every episode features an unsettling, surprising, and hopeful interview with an expert, each with a unique perspective on what climate change means for our parks and how we can best adapt.
This episode: Interview with Larry Perez, Communications Coordinator for NPS Climate Change Response Program.
 

Grand Teton National Park

EXTRA! An interview with a professional Grand Teton Ranger! Learn about climate change's impacts on the park from an expert! Delve into the misunderstandings lacing this park's untold history. Learn about the rage-filled rock clashes that sculpted the Tetons we see today, and discover Shoshone history.

White Sands Nat'l Park

Meaty secrets, megafauna, drought-resistant microbes, dune migration, and climate refugees...
Does the haunting past of White Sand and its desert natives cradle the secret to combatting modern day climate change? Learn about the legacy of these indigenous climate-change fighters, colonialism, and how these ancient climate migrants would be experiencing deja-vu today. 
 

Is This Green-Space Too White?

In this episode, learn about Rock Creek Park--the surreptitious racial divider between Washington D.C.s neighborhood. Communities of color are disproportionately affected by climate change, especially because of "Green Gentrification". 

Colonial National Historical Park

Come with me to explore Colonial Jamestown, Yorktown, and Williamsburg. I dig deep into history to unearth the unspoken stories of the Virginia Native Powhatan tribe and the African captives, as they faced the English settlers. Learn about climate change's effects on the tidewater region, and the Virginia Indians of today. 

Sanibel Island, Algae Invasion (A Fishy Situation)

Learn about the single-celled thug that's caused massive carnage of aquatic life on Sanibel Island, Florida: Harmful Algae Blooms. This environmental warfare was carried out by some unlikely suspects... find out who's to blame for this attack on our own shores.
Also: Climate change's devastating effects on Sanibel, bizarre marsh-creature facts, engrossing history, and biking, paddling, and birding gems.

Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad and Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

Sometimes, refuges come in many forms. Learn about tidal marshes like no other, where the legacies of Freedom Seekers, abolitionists, and Underground Railroad "conductors" are sewn into the fabric of Blackwater's wilderness--wetlands that provide temporary respite for 50,000 migrating birds. Climate change threatens to literally and figuratively erode both the stories of the past and the species, habitats, and ecosystems of the present, as rising waters seize thousands of acres of marshland. 

Channel Islands National Park: Climate Change, DDT, Colonization, and Hikes

This episode features an ecosystem like no other. Off the Southern California coast, these islands teem with over 2000 species, 145 of which are found nowhere else on earth. I'll discuss the islands' dramatic formation, and you'll discover the bizarre natural contradictions responsible for the ecological diversity. I recount the unsettling history of the native island people, and the long term cultural and environmental scars left by Europeans. Plus, climate change, DDT, and a hike review!

New York City National Parks and Climate-Racial Injustice

Learn all about Governor's Island, a lesser-known national park in an unexpected place--NYC. I'll discuss the monument's immersive history, quirky (and eerie) attractions, and the city's fascinating response to the climate change that threatens the island. You'll also learn about the systemic racism buried in Central Park, and how climate change disproportionately affects communities of color. Lastly, find out how climate change's impact on Lady Liberty is a metaphor for our nation.

COVID-19 and the Environment

In this special-edition episode, I discuss the Coronavirus Pandemic's effects on air and water quality, as well as its impact on wildlife. We'll travel to China, India, and Albania, to check out the bright side of COVID-19. Get ready to ponder what this pandemic says about our relationship with the earth, as well as how National Parks fit into it all. 

Assateague Island National Seashore

Wild ponies, shipwrecks, and climate change, oh my! In this episode, you'll learn all about Assateague Island National Seashore! Listen in for the compelling tale of how wild ponies came to populate the island, some brief history, and an engaging interview with a park ranger. And, as usual, lots of striking information about climate change and its grip on this national treasure and its environment...
 
 

Harpers Ferry, Shepherdstown, and The C&O Canal

In this episode, you'll learn about the natural and historical wonders of two National Historic Parks and a National Battlefield.   Plus, you can learn about the whimsical Shepherdstown. I'll briefly discuss the tragic history of John Brown and the harrowing tale of Burnside Bridge. Also, I will let you in on the best biking and hiking in these areas, and as always, explain how climate change will affect these precious parks. 

Glacier National Park History and Recreation

In this episode, I discuss several of the phenomenal hikes in glacier national park, ranging from the 16 mile Dawson-Pitamakan hike to the 6 mile Hidden Lake trail. Learn how climate change will affect the intriguing ecosystem and wildlife in Glacier National Park. Lastly, listen in for the fascinating history of the park, and the tragic circumstances of the Blackfeet Native Americans.

Glacier National Park Part I: Geology And Ranger Interview

In this episode, I talk about the geology of the magnificent Glacier National Park. Learn about how global warming is affecting the glaciers, why the rocks are multicolored, and where the layers in the mountains come from. Plus, there is a fascinating interview with Bob Shuster, the longest serving ranger in the park. He'll share about his suspenseful adventures with bears, his favorite trails, and more! 

Shenandoah Adventure

In this episode, I discuss some of my favorite hikes in Shenandoah National Park. Also, I have a fascinating interview with a Shenandoah Park Ranger! Listen in for a brief and intriguing history of the park, too.