Addressing Climate Change Skepticism in Online Communities
Release Date: 07/24/2024
Whales don’t get cancer: How bowhead whale DNA could change human health
How To Protect The Ocean
Whales don’t get cancer as often as you might expect, and in this episode you learn how the bowhead whale’s unique DNA repair system is helping scientists understand cancer prevention and healthy aging. This Arctic giant lives more than 200 years, grows to airplane size, and still avoids the runaway mutation patterns that lead to tumors in other species. Whales don’t get cancer at high rates because their cells repair DNA damage with remarkable accuracy, and recent studies show that bowhead whales have powerful repair proteins like CIRBP that might someday guide cancer research. You will...
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Fish feed in aquaculture, understanding what goes into feeding farmed fish
How To Protect The Ocean
Fish feed in aquaculture is at the center of a complicated global story that most people never hear about. In this episode, Andrew sits down with marine biologist and policy expert Marine Cusa to explore the hidden world of fishmeal, fish oil, feed ingredients, and the surprising connections between aquaculture, wild fisheries, West African communities, and even penguin populations in Antarctica. Marine breaks down what actually goes into the pellets fed to farmed fish, why transparency is lacking in the supply chain, and how her genetics research is uncovering the real species being...
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Orcas vs Great White Sharks: How Killer Whales Are Changing Shark Populations
How To Protect The Ocean
Orcas vs Great White Sharks is more than a dramatic headline—it’s a sign of how ocean ecosystems are shifting before our eyes. New drone footage shows orcas in the Gulf of California attacking and killing juvenile great white sharks in what scientists believe are nursery zones. The footage, captured in 2020 and 2022, reveals orcas flipping young sharks onto their backs, inducing tonic immobility, and surgically removing their livers—a precise and efficient hunting technique that may reshape predator-prey dynamics. For years, scientists have known about great white shark nurseries, but...
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Seagrass Decline in Moreton Bay: What Long-Term Research Reveals About Ocean Change
How To Protect The Ocean
Seagrass meadows are among the most vital yet overlooked ecosystems on our planet. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, Andrew Lewin explores a new 19-year study from Moreton Bay, Australia, which shows that seagrass coverage and diversity are declining over time despite short-term recovery periods. This long-term research reveals that while short-term studies might show seagrass bouncing back after storms or floods, the bigger picture tells a story of gradual loss and ecological transformation. The episode also highlights why this decline matters: seagrass meadows are nurseries for...
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Animals Affected by Climate Change: How Seabirds Reveal the Hidden Impacts of Warming Oceans
How To Protect The Ocean
Animals affected by climate change are showing us how fragile our ecosystems have become. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, host Andrew Lewin speaks with Dr. Helen Killeen, a marine ecologist whose research connects seabird reproduction to shifting ocean temperatures, prey diversity, and climate pressures across the northern hemisphere. Animals affected by climate change, from seabirds in the Arctic to those in the Pacific, serve as living indicators of ocean health. Helen explains how changes in prey diversity and warming oceans disrupt seabird breeding success, what this means for...
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Marine Conservation Projects: Why Recent Wins for Endangered Species Matter
How To Protect The Ocean
Marine Conservation Projects are driving real wins: green sea turtles downgraded to least concern in many regions, North Atlantic right whales showing a small but meaningful uptick, and a new vaquita calf sighting offering hope. In this episode I explain the common thread behind these stories, targeted local projects, science monitoring, and laws that actually get enforced, and I share practical ways you can support the people doing the work. From night patrols that protect turtle nests to whale disentanglement teams and community programs in Mexico that replace gillnets, you will hear how...
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Bill Gates & Climate Change: Why His Latest Comments Shocked the Climate Community
How To Protect The Ocean
Bill Gates and Climate Change have become a trending topic after the billionaire philanthropist argued that the world is too focused on cutting carbon emissions and not focused enough on improving human welfare. In this episode, I unpack what Gates said, why it caused such a reaction, and how his argument connects to decades of work in climate justice and climate equity. Many climate justice organizations have long emphasized that people struggling with hunger, illness, or poverty cannot prioritize environmental action until their basic needs are met. Gates’s claim—that people fighting to...
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Are These Whales Doing Better?
How To Protect The Ocean
North Atlantic right whales have been teetering on the edge of extinction for decades, with fewer than 400 individuals left. But recent reports hint at a small sign of hope: the population may finally be stabilizing, or even slightly increasing. In this episode, Andrew Lewin explores what that really means. Conservation efforts, from slower ship speeds to ropeless fishing gear, are starting to make a difference—but are they enough to ensure these whales survive? Andrew breaks down the latest science, the hard numbers from NOAA’s newest technical memo, and why every calf, especially every...
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Art and Ocean Science: How Creativity Reveals the Deep Sea’s Hidden Stories
How To Protect The Ocean
Art and Ocean Science are merging in ways that bring new life to marine research and conservation. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, host Andrew Lewin speaks with the creative minds behind Ocean Networks Canada’s “Surfacing Secrets” project, a groundbreaking collaboration where sculptors, theatre directors, and scientists explore how art can help people see, feel, and understand the ocean in fresh ways. Ocean creativity takes center stage as guests share how sculpture can represent underwater sounds, theatre can transform data into emotion, and how cross-disciplinary...
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Nova Scotia Whale Sanctuary Approval: What It Means for Captive Whales and Ocean Conservation
How To Protect The Ocean
Nova Scotia Whale Sanctuary has officially received provincial approval, marking a monumental step toward creating Canada’s first ocean refuge for retired whales. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, Andrew Lewin explains how this decision moves the Whale Sanctuary Project closer to reality, what challenges remain before the sanctuary opens, and why this could change the way the world cares for marine mammals. Andrew also dives into how the Whale Sanctuary Project built the foundation for this historic milestone through years of environmental assessment, scientific planning, and...
info_outlineAndrew Lewin discusses the community's response to vulnerabilities exposed by climate change. He delves into the reactions on social media, ranging from extreme political comments to calls for help. Andrew shares his own responses to these comments, despite anticipating blowback.
Tune in to explore the dynamics of community engagement and adaptation in the face of environmental challenges.
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Engaging in discussions on social media platforms can be a powerful tool for informing and educating others about important topics such as climate change and ocean conservation. In a podcast episode, the host emphasized the importance of using social media as a platform to provide information and educate others, rather than engaging in aggressive arguments or trying to change someone's mind.
The host shared his approach of commenting on social media posts not to change the mind of the person he is debating with, but to provide information for the benefit of other readers who may be seeking different perspectives. By focusing on informing and educating, individuals can contribute to a more constructive dialogue on important issues like climate change and ocean conservation.
Furthermore, the episode highlighted the significance of maintaining a respectful and informative tone during online discussions. By avoiding aggression and personal attacks, individuals can create a more conducive environment for sharing knowledge and engaging in meaningful conversations. This approach can help foster understanding and awareness among a wider audience, ultimately contributing to a more informed and educated community.
Overall, the episode underscored the value of engaging in discussions on social media with the intention of informing and educating others. By adopting a respectful and informative approach, individuals can play a crucial role in raising awareness about pressing environmental issues and promoting positive change within online communities.
Comments on social media can have a significant impact on public opinion and potentially influence political decisions. In the podcast episode, the host discussed how engaging in discussions on social media platforms, such as Facebook, can shape the narrative around important issues like climate change. The host emphasized the importance of providing accurate information and alternative perspectives in these discussions to inform and educate others who may be reading the comments.
The host shared their approach to commenting on social media posts that deny climate change or spread misinformation. Instead of engaging in aggressive arguments or trying to change the minds of those posting inaccurate information, the host focused on providing factual information and alternative viewpoints for the benefit of other readers. By presenting well-researched facts and offering a different perspective, the host aimed to inform and educate individuals who may be on the fence or unaware of the full picture.
The episode highlighted the role of comments on social media in shaping public perception and influencing political decisions. Politicians and policymakers often take into account public opinion, and if a particular narrative gains traction on social media, it can impact the priorities and actions of elected officials. Therefore, it is crucial to engage in constructive and informative discussions on social media platforms to ensure that accurate information is shared and alternative perspectives are considered.
Overall, the episode underscored the importance of providing accurate information and alternative viewpoints in social media comments to contribute to a more informed public discourse, potentially influencing public opinion and political decisions.
Calm and Informative Approach in Responding to Controversial Topics
In the podcast episode, Andrew Lewin discusses the importance of using a calm and informative approach when responding to controversial topics like climate change. He emphasizes the need to focus on informing people rather than trying to change their minds or engage in aggressive arguments. By adopting a calm and informative tone, individuals can reach a wider audience and promote understanding on complex issues such as climate change.
Lewin shares his personal experience of engaging with individuals who deny climate change on social media platforms. Instead of resorting to insults or aggressive language, he chooses to provide factual information and engage in constructive dialogue. By doing so, he aims to educate not only the person he is directly interacting with but also the broader audience who may be reading the conversation.
The podcast highlights the power of using facts, statistics, and logical reasoning to present a compelling case for climate change awareness. By staying composed and focusing on sharing knowledge, individuals can effectively convey the urgency of addressing climate change without alienating those who hold different views.
Furthermore, Lewin's approach demonstrates that by remaining calm and informative, individuals can inspire critical thinking and encourage others to consider alternative perspectives. This method of communication fosters a more open and respectful dialogue, leading to a greater understanding of complex issues like climate change.
Overall, the podcast episode underscores the significance of adopting a calm and informative approach when discussing controversial topics. By prioritizing education and understanding, individuals can contribute to a more informed and engaged society, ultimately leading to positive change in addressing pressing environmental challenges.