loader from loading.io

Ocean Acidification: Exploring the "Silent" Impact of Climate Change

How To Protect The Ocean

Release Date: 11/20/2023

Ontario Weakens Species Protections | Hawaii’s Climate Fee | Deep Sea Mining Clash | Frilled Shark Expansion show art 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 show art 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 show art 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 show art 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 show art 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 show art 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 show art 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 show art 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 show art 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 show art 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_outline
 
More Episodes

In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses the often overlooked consequence of climate change: ocean acidification. He explains what ocean acidification is, its impact on the oceans, and explores potential solutions. This important issue is rarely discussed in the media, making it crucial for listeners to be informed and take action.

Link to article: https://greencoast.org/ocean-acidification-solutions/

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 

In this episode, the host discusses the significance of utilizing alternative modes of transportation, such as walking, cycling, or public transport, to decrease carbon emissions from cars. The host emphasizes that these alternative transportation methods not only benefit the environment but also promote personal health.

While the host acknowledges that electric vehicles (EVs) are a viable option for transportation since they don't consume fossil fuels and therefore don't contribute to carbon emissions, they also encourage the use of walking, cycling, or public transport. These options are not only environmentally friendly but also promote physical activity and overall well-being.

Furthermore, the host highlights the concept of reducing food miles as a means to minimize transportation-related carbon emissions. They suggest consuming locally grown foods and eating locally, as most meals in the US travel over 1,500 miles to reach consumers. By purchasing and consuming local and seasonal food, individuals can reduce the energy and CO2 emissions associated with food transportation.

Overall, the episode emphasizes the importance of utilizing alternative modes of transportation, such as walking, cycling, or public transport, to reduce carbon emissions from cars. It also promotes the idea of eating locally and consuming locally grown foods to minimize transportation-related carbon emissions.

In this episode, the host emphasizes the significance of eating locally grown foods as a way to reduce the transportation of food and the associated carbon emissions. The host explains that most meals in the US travel over 1,500 miles to reach our plates, and this transportation by road, rail, or air consumes energy and releases CO2, with air freight being the most polluting. By choosing to eat locally, such as shopping at farmer's markets or local groceries, individuals can significantly reduce the distance that food needs to travel.

The host emphasizes the benefits of consuming seasonal food that is available in and around our area. By doing so, we can switch to foods that are readily available and do not require long-distance transportation. This not only reduces carbon emissions but also allows individuals to connect with the food in their local communities.

Additionally, the host mentions the concept of "food miles," which refers to the distance that food travels from the farm to the consumer. By reducing food miles through the consumption of locally grown foods, individuals can contribute to reducing the carbon footprint associated with food transportation.

Overall, the episode emphasizes the importance of eating locally grown foods as a way to reduce the transportation of food and the associated carbon emissions. By making conscious choices and opting for seasonal and locally sourced food, individuals can play a significant role in mitigating the environmental impact of the food industry.

In this episode, the host discusses the importance of repair, reuse, and recycling to decrease carbon emissions from manufacturing new products. The host points out that often, items are discarded instead of being repaired due to the high cost of fixing them or the convenience of buying new ones. However, the host emphasizes the need to shift this mindset and prioritize repairing more things, such as iPhones or mobile phones, instead of immediately disposing of them.

By repairing and reusing items, the host explains that we can significantly reduce the amount of CO2 emitted during the manufacturing process of new products. This is because manufacturing new products requires energy and resources, which contribute to carbon emissions. By extending the lifespan of products through repair and reuse, we can minimize the need for new production and therefore reduce the associated CO2 emissions.

Additionally, the host acknowledges the importance of recycling certain items. While recycling is often seen as a solution to reducing waste and carbon emissions, the host acknowledges that it can sometimes be misleading, as not all items are equally recyclable. However, the host encourages listeners to prioritize refusing single-use plastics and other non-recyclable items whenever possible. By refusing and reusing items that are difficult to dispose of, we can further contribute to reducing carbon emissions and protecting natural environments.

Overall, the episode emphasizes the importance of repair, reuse, and recycling as strategies to decrease carbon emissions from manufacturing new products. By adopting these practices, we can extend the lifespan of items, minimize waste, and decrease the energy and resources required for new production, ultimately leading to a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly approach.