Fossil Fuel Tricks: How Red Herrings Distract from Climate Action
Release Date: 05/17/2023
Ontario Weakens Species Protections | Hawaii’s Climate Fee | Deep Sea Mining Clash | Frilled Shark Expansion
How To Protect The Ocean
Endangered species protection in Ontario is under threat as the provincial government proposes Bill 5, repealing the Endangered Species Act in favor of weaker legislation. Host Andrew Lewin breaks down what these changes mean for biodiversity, habitat protection, and public accountability, and shares how Ontarians can respond through the Environmental Registry. Climate action in Hawaii is taking a bold step forward with a new tourism climate fee aimed at offsetting ecological damage from visitors. Meanwhile, an ancient species—the frilled shark—has been spotted off the coast of Chile,...
info_outline
Deep Sea Mining in U.S. Waters: A New Era of Ocean Extraction
How To Protect The Ocean
Deep sea mining in the U.S. is entering a new chapter after a recent executive order signed by former President Donald Trump authorized exploration and extraction not only in U.S. Exclusive Economic Zones but potentially in international waters. This move marks a dramatic shift in ocean policy and raises serious questions about compliance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which governs activities beyond national jurisdiction. The risks of deep-sea mining are substantial. From disturbing unique and fragile ecosystems on the ocean floor to triggering global...
info_outline
Coral Bleaching Across 82 Countries: Why This Global Event Is the Deadliest Yet
How To Protect The Ocean
Coral bleaching is not just a temporary event—it’s a climate emergency that can unfold over years. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, host Andrew Lewin dives deep into the devastating history of global coral bleaching events, revealing how the fourth and current one (2023–2025) is affecting over 80% of coral reefs worldwide. From the Great Barrier Reef to the Caribbean, bleaching is now a global phenomenon threatening biodiversity, food security, and coastal protection. Climate change and rising ocean temperatures are causing corals to lose the vital algae that keep them alive....
info_outline
Octopus Ocean Book: Exploring the Genius Minds Beneath the Waves with Mark Leiren-Young
How To Protect The Ocean
Octopus intelligence is nothing short of extraordinary—and in this episode, we dive deep with award-winning author Mark Leiren-Young to explore the surprising minds, behaviors, and conservation challenges of one of the ocean’s most elusive animals. Inspired by his latest book Octopus Ocean: Geniuses of the Deep, Mark shares jaw-dropping stories about tool-using octopuses, their ability to dream, their strange biology (think blue blood and donut-shaped brains), and why these misunderstood creatures deserve our awe and protection. Octopus conservation is becoming a hot topic thanks to a...
info_outline
US Government Rolls Back Environmental Protections for Energy Drilling
How To Protect The Ocean
Energy policy shifts in the U.S. are sparking concern as the government rolls back environmental regulations to fast-track oil and gas drilling. In this episode, we examine how these rollbacks could jeopardize ecosystems, especially marine environments, and undermine efforts to transition to clean energy sources. Environmental protections have long served as safeguards for biodiversity and climate resilience, but these new changes prioritize short-term energy gains over long-term sustainability. We discuss the potential consequences for marine protected areas, public health, and climate...
info_outline
Defunding Science Due To DEI: What It Means for Canada
How To Protect The Ocean
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) have become integral components of Canadian science funding. In this episode, we explore Pierre Poilievre's plan to strip funding from research programs that incorporate so-called "woke" policies like EDI. We examine how EDI policies are currently embedded in major grants from NSERC, SSHRC, CIHR, and more, and discuss what could be at stake for Canada's research innovation if these changes move forward. Pierre Poilievre's proposal has sparked a broader debate within the Canadian academic and scientific communities. Many fear that removing EDI requirements...
info_outline
US Opens Up Marine Protected Areas to Fishing: What This Means for Ocean Conservation
How To Protect The Ocean
Fisheries: In this episode, we see the surprising news that the U.S. government is opening up parts of its marine protected areas (MPAs) to commercial fishing. This rollback of protections in the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument has sparked debate about the future of sustainable fisheries and marine biodiversity. Ocean: We explore what this decision signals for global ocean governance and why it could undermine years of conservation progress. Focusing on political motivations and international implications, we ask the hard questions: Are MPAs truly protected if they can be so...
info_outline
AI-Powered Conservation: The Future of Coral Reef Protection with Andy Ridley
How To Protect The Ocean
Great Barrier Reef bleaching is accelerating at a dangerous pace, and yet, hope rises from a unique blend of technology, data, and collective action. In this powerful episode, Andrew talks to Andy Ridley, the founding CEO of Citizens of the Reef, about how they are building one of the most ambitious citizen science movements on the planet. They discuss how climate change rapidly degrades one of the world’s natural wonders and how empowering ordinary people to contribute data can shift the tide toward reef recovery. Citizen science plays a key role in understanding reef health on a massive...
info_outline
How McKnsea Balances Her Marine Career and Content Creation to Inspire Ocean Advocacy
How To Protect The Ocean
Ocean conservation is more than a job—it’s a calling. In this episode, we sit down with McKenzie Margereth, known online as McKnsea, who shares her inspiring journey of making bold career decisions in marine biology while becoming a powerful voice for science communication on social media. Her story highlights the challenges and triumphs of balancing a full-time role in marine science with a passion for educating the public about the ocean. Science communication becomes a lifeline when it’s driven by love for the sea. McKenzie opens up about the emotional and professional toll of...
info_outline
Coral Restoration In Trouble: Why Saving Reefs Takes More Planting Coral
How To Protect The Ocean
Coral restoration is often seen as a beacon of hope for our oceans—but are we putting too much faith in it? In this episode, we dive into why coral bleaching has become an annual event, especially on the Great Barrier Reef, and whether restoration can keep up with the pace of climate change. We explore what recurring stress events mean for the long-term survival of reefs and how restoration, while helpful, might be insufficient if larger systemic issues like warming seas and pollution aren’t addressed. Restoration is discussed not just as a solution, but as a strategy that needs to be...
info_outlineAre you tired of feeling frustrated and powerless in the face of misinformation about climate change? Have you been told to simply recycle and turn off the lights, only to see little progress toward a sustainable future? It's time to take action by recognizing fallacies and promoting productive conservation conversations. Join us in this episode as we explore the benefits of transitioning from fossil fuels, uncover ditactics, envision a sustainable economy, and gain the skills to detect fallacious arguments. Let's combat misinformation and work towards a healthier planet together.
In this episode, you will be able to:
-
Discover the long-term advantages of replacing fossil fuels with more sustainable energy sources.
-
Expose the diversion tactics utilized to sidetrack focus on climate change problems.
-
Contemplate the steps required to establish an economy resilient against environmentally damaging practices.
-
Understand the impact of effective communication by scientists and policymakers in lessening fossil fuel consumption.
-
Enhance your skills in discerning fallacious arguments that impede conservation progress.
The resources mentioned in this episode are:
-
Reduce your personal use of fossil fuels by using public transportation, biking, or walking whenever possible.
-
Support companies that prioritize sustainability and have transparent supply chains.
-
Educate yourself and others on the red herring fallacy and how to identify and challenge diversion tactics in conversations about climate change and ocean protection.
-
Advocate for government policies that prioritize reducing the use of fossil fuels and transitioning to a sustainable economy.
-
Support and invest in research and development of alternative energy sources and carbon sequestration technology.
-
Take action on a local level by participating in beach cleanups, supporting local conservation organizations, and advocating for environmental protections in your community.
Cutting Through the BS
It is critical to pierce through the obfuscation and challenge manipulation tactics in environmental conversations, specifically addressing fallacies such as red herrings. By maintaining a keen awareness of these deceptive approaches and calling them out, individuals can ensure that conversations remain focused on the relevant issues, contributing to meaningful progress in combating climate change and protecting our oceans. In his podcast episode, Andrew Lewin emphasizes the importance of identifying and challenging the diversion tactics and fallacies used to sidetrack essential discussions about climate change and environmental conservation. He encourages listeners to be aware of these tactics in conversations and to remain steadfast in focusing on the central issues at hand. By cutting through these distractions, one can facilitate a more productive and impactful conversation surrounding environmental issues.
Call to Action
Individuals, communities, and governments must take action to recognize fallacies, maintain focus during conversations, and work together to address the pressing environmental issues we face. By sharing experiences, knowledge, and stories, we can inspire others and promote a united effort toward environmental conservation and responsibility. Andrew Lewin asks listeners to share their thoughts on the impact of fallacies in conservation efforts, inviting open conversation and encouraging community building through shared experiences. He emphasizes the importance of inspiring others by sharing personal conservation journeys and challenges encountered in their efforts. Through open dialogue, collaborative thinking, and a unified focus on the environmental challenges we face, meaningful progress toward sustainability can be made.
Focus on Transitioning to a Sustainable Economy
Shifting the focus of the conservation debate to emphasize the importance of transitioning to a sustainable economy is essential in addressing the impacts of climate change. By placing attention on renewable energy sources, sustainable practices, and eco-friendly developments, individuals, communities, and entire nations can work together to create a future that minimizes harm to our environment while fostering economic growth. Andrew Lewin encourages science communicators, climate activists, and policymakers to concentrate on reducing fossil fuel use and supporting companies and technologies striving for sustainability. He calls for empathetic and focused conversations that consider the multifaceted impact of climate change on our planet, emphasizing that this transition to a sustainable economy is crucial in the quest to protect our oceans.
Link to Article: https://bit.ly/3I9PnXb
Connect with Speak Up For Blue:
Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG
Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc