Climate Change Justice Prevails: Hawaii Supreme Court Rejects Big Oil's Appeal
Release Date: 11/13/2023
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,...
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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...
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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....
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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_outlineIn this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses the recent victory in the Hawaii Supreme Court, where they rejected Big Oil's appeal to avoid going to trial. This decision is significant as it allows the court to hold oil and gas companies accountable for their role in climate change. Andrew highlights the devastating consequences of climate change in Hawaii, particularly the wildfires that caused loss of life and property. This episode emphasizes the importance of taking action to protect the ocean and combat climate change.
Link to article:
https://www.commondreams.org/news/honolulu-climate-case
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In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, the host discusses a significant development in the legal battle between oil and gas companies and their connection to climate change. The Hawaii Supreme Court has rejected the appeal from Big Oil companies to avoid going to trial. This decision is seen as a win for those advocating for action on climate change and holding fossil fuel companies accountable for their role in contributing to global warming.
The lawsuit, filed in 2020, accuses major oil and gas companies such as ExxonMobil, Chevron, Shell, and Sunoco of knowingly promoting fossil fuel products that pose a threat to the world's climate. The plaintiffs argue that these companies engaged in deceptive campaigns to downplay the link between their products and global warming, as well as the resulting environmental, social, and economic consequences.
Chief Justice Mark Rectilwad, in his majority opinion, stated that the oil companies' attempt to dismiss the lawsuit on the basis of regulating emissions fell short. He emphasized that the lawsuit does not seek to regulate emissions or seek damages for interstate emissions. Instead, the plaintiffs' complaint aims to challenge the promotion and sale of fossil fuel products without proper warnings, aided by a sophisticated disinformation campaign.
The court's decision means that the case will proceed to trial, allowing for further examination of the allegations and the gathering of evidence through the discovery process. Matthew Gonser, the executive director of Honolulu's Office of Climate Change, Sustainability, and Resiliency, expressed support for the court's decision and pledged to continue pursuing the case in a trial court where it was initially filed three and a half years ago.
This development in Hawaii highlights the growing efforts to hold oil and gas companies accountable for their role in climate change. It sets a precedent for similar lawsuits and legal actions in other regions where communities have been impacted by the consequences of global warming. The outcome of this trial will be closely watched as it may have implications for future litigation against fossil fuel companies and their responsibility for addressing climate change.
In addition to discussing the legal battle, the episode also addresses the importance of reviews for the How to Protect the Ocean podcast. Host Andrew Lewin encourages listeners to leave ratings and reviews on platforms like Apple Podcasts or Spotify. These reviews not only provide valuable feedback but also help others discover the podcast. Lewin explains that when people are looking for an ocean or conservation podcast to listen to, they often rely on recommendations and ratings. By leaving a review, listeners can contribute to the podcast's visibility and help it reach a wider audience. The host even invites listeners to share a screenshot of their review with him, expressing his excitement to hear their feedback.
Overall, this episode emphasizes the significance of the court's decision in holding oil and gas companies accountable for their actions related to climate change. It also highlights the importance of reviews in providing feedback and helping others discover and enjoy the How to Protect the Ocean podcast.