loader from loading.io

Influencing Change: The Strategies of Climate Influencers

How To Protect The Ocean

Release Date: 11/08/2023

Climate Change Actions Using Sargassum and Black Fly Larvae show art Climate Change Actions Using Sargassum and Black Fly Larvae

How To Protect The Ocean

In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lewin interviews Dr. Annalisa Bracco, a professor at Georgia Tech specializing in ocean and climate dynamics. The discussion centers around innovative climate solutions, moving away from the typical focus on the negative impacts of climate change. Key Climate Solutions Discussed: Sargassum Management: Problem: Since 2011, there have been significant blooms of sargassum in the tropical Atlantic, impacting beaches in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. These blooms require costly cleanup efforts, amounting to approximately...

info_outline
Half of Murres seabird population dies after this happened show art Half of Murres seabird population dies after this happened

How To Protect The Ocean

In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Luan discusses the significant decline in the population of common murres, a seabird species in Alaska, which has seen about half of its population die off—approximately 4 million individuals—since the marine heat wave known as "the blob" occurred from 2014 to 2016. The primary reason for this drastic decline is linked to the effects of the heat wave on the marine food web rather than direct thermal stress on the birds themselves. The heat wave caused shifts in the availability of food sources, leading to starvation among...

info_outline
Mind Your Plastic Pollution: A Conversation On Changing Behaviors show art Mind Your Plastic Pollution: A Conversation On Changing Behaviors

How To Protect The Ocean

Mind your plastic pollution is a conversation that we all need to have because we all partake in using single-use plastic as the system is set up that way.  In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin engages in a conversation with Natasha Tucker, the Executive Director of Mind Your Plastic, a Canadian charity focused on eliminating plastic pollution. The discussion centers around the pervasive issue of plastic in our environment, emphasizing the need for behavioral change among individuals and businesses to reduce our dependence on plastics. Key points from...

info_outline
Plastic Pollution Clean Up Through Absorption show art Plastic Pollution Clean Up Through Absorption

How To Protect The Ocean

Plastic pollution clean up through absorption is now a possibility by using a combination of cotton and chittin to take microplastics out of the ocean...but can this work at scale? In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lo discusses the pressing issue of microplastics in the ocean and introduces a promising new method for their absorption using a combination of cotton and chitin. The mechanism involves creating a sponge-like substance called CT cell biomass, which combines cellulose from cotton and chitin from squid. This innovative material is designed to...

info_outline
Climate Action When Governments Won't Help show art Climate Action When Governments Won't Help

How To Protect The Ocean

In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses the pressing issue of climate change and the challenges posed by government inaction. With the recent political shifts in North America, particularly the incoming administration in the United States, there are concerns about the rollback of environmental regulations and policies that protect the ocean and climate. Key points include: Government Inaction: The episode highlights the potential consequences of a new U.S. administration that may prioritize economic interests over environmental protection,...

info_outline
Orcas Playing with Their Food: Wearing Salmon on Their Head show art Orcas Playing with Their Food: Wearing Salmon on Their Head

How To Protect The Ocean

Orcas playing with their food is not a new behavior; however, wearing salmon on their heads is not usual.  In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses a fascinating phenomenon involving orcas wearing salmon as hats. A recent photograph captured an orca in Puget Sound sporting a salmon on its head, reminiscent of similar behaviors observed in the 1980s when orcas from the southern resident population also donned salmon hats. Lewin explores the potential reasons behind this behavior, suggesting it could be a playful act, a celebration of a successful...

info_outline
Leave the seashells on the Seashore show art Leave the seashells on the Seashore

How To Protect The Ocean

Seashells on the seashore are being taken in large quantities and it's increasing erosion along beaches. A new study reveals the tourism industry is taking too many seashells along coastlines in Costa Rica.  In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses the environmental impact of taking seashells from coastal areas, particularly in Costa Rica. He highlights a growing crisis where the removal of seashells, driven by tourism, destabilizes beaches, accelerates erosion, and harms marine ecosystems. Seashells are essential for various marine species,...

info_outline
Abandoned Fish Farms in Greece: Ghost Farm Clean Up by Healthy Seas show art Abandoned Fish Farms in Greece: Ghost Farm Clean Up by Healthy Seas

How To Protect The Ocean

Abandoned fish farms in Greece are plaguing the coastline with marine debris; however, Healthy Seas is working to clean up some of the sites and raise awareness for support to tell the Greek government that fish farm owners should be responsible for cleaning up their sites once the business is done operating.  In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses the pressing issue of ghost farms—abandoned fish farms that are polluting oceans, particularly in Greece. The episode highlights the work of the organization Healthy Seas, which is actively...

info_outline
Solar Panel Efficiency Improvements Mimicking Giant Clam Algae show art Solar Panel Efficiency Improvements Mimicking Giant Clam Algae

How To Protect The Ocean

In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Luan discusses the fascinating connection between giant clams and the efficiency of solar panels. He highlights the vibrant colors of giant clams, which are not only visually stunning but also play a crucial role in coral reef ecosystems, particularly in the Southeast Pacific. The key focus is on the algae, specifically zooxanthellae, that live within the soft tissue of giant clams. These algae absorb sunlight and are essential for the clams' survival, as they facilitate photosynthesis and contribute to the clam's calcium...

info_outline
Orcas vs. Whale Sharks: A New Apex Predator Dynamic show art Orcas vs. Whale Sharks: A New Apex Predator Dynamic

How To Protect The Ocean

In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses the fascinating behavior of orcas, particularly their recent predation on whale sharks, the largest fish in the ocean. Orcas, known as apex predators, have been observed hunting whale sharks in the Gulf of California. This behavior was documented in a new study published in the journal Frontiers of Marine Science, which includes video footage and images of the attacks. The orcas target the whale sharks by striking their underbelly and grabbing their pectoral fins, aiming for the nutrient-rich liver,...

info_outline
 
More Episodes

In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses the importance of influencers and celebrities speaking up for the ocean and climate change. He starts off by highlighting Kim Kardashian's new product, a bra where part of the proceeds go to 1% for the planet. Andrew emphasizes that the involvement of celebrities in climate change discussions is significant and explores why it matters. He reflects on a time when climate change wasn't a widely discussed topic and emphasizes the role of social media in raising awareness.

Tune in to learn more about the power of celebrity influence and how we can all contribute to protecting the ocean.

Link to whitepaper: https://www.climatecommunications.earth/whitepaper-articles/influencing-the-influencers

Share your conservation journey on the podcast by booking here: https://calendly.com/sufb/sufb-interview
 
Fill out our listener survey: https://www.speakupforblue.com/survey
 
Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career:
 
Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI

Connect with Speak Up For Blue:
Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG
Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc 

According to the podcast episode, social media algorithms have a bias towards short-form and entertaining content, which limits the visibility of real-world examples and work on campaigns for social and environmental justice. The transcript highlights that social media platforms often prioritize content that is more about screen time and entertainment value, while limiting the visibility of stories and solutions related to injustices. As a result, important information and projects related to social and environmental justice may not be widely promoted or shared on these platforms.

The episode emphasizes the need to elevate those who engage in local grassroots activism and share real-world examples and work. It suggests that algorithms do not prioritize the sharing of information on specific projects and injustices, potentially hindering the dissemination of important information. This limitation is seen as problematic because some of these stories and projects may be difficult to digest but need to be addressed and changed.

The transcript also highlights the imbalance in how online activism is valued higher than offline activism. Grassroots organizers and organizations have relevant data and case studies showcasing how injustices were fought and what was demanded, but social media platforms may limit the visibility of these stories and solutions. This suggests that the algorithms used by social media platforms may not effectively promote or prioritize content related to social and environmental justice, potentially hindering the impact of grassroots activism and the dissemination of important information.

Many climate influencers rely on advertising and promotional agreements to fund their work and support their teams and families. The podcast transcript mentions that these influencers, including the host himself, share and promote product ads to secure funding models that sustain their work. Advertising or promotional agreements provide financial support for their efforts, allowing them to fund their teams and even support their families. This suggests that the role of an eco-influencer has evolved beyond simply informing people about sustainable products. It now includes elements of entrepreneurship, storytelling, and thought leadership. However, finding businesses or companies willing to fund climate-related messages can be challenging, as it is not always seen as a profitable endeavor. This difficulty in securing funding is similar to the host's experience in podcasting, where finding a business model that works and obtaining sponsorships from sustainable companies is a constant struggle. Nonetheless, advertising and promotional agreements remain crucial for many climate influencers to continue their important work in raising awareness and advocating for action on climate change.

According to the episode, the role of an eco-influencer has evolved beyond simply promoting sustainable products. In addition to advocating for more sustainable choices, eco-influencers now engage in entrepreneurship, storytelling, and thought leadership. This means that they not only promote sustainable products but also collaborate with academic institutions to communicate climate science and work with organizations to drive their message. They utilize various forms of media, such as videos, photos, and illustrations, to effectively communicate their message and engage their audience. This evolution in the role of eco-influencers highlights the importance of raising awareness about climate change and inspiring action, rather than solely focusing on product promotion.