ManglarIA: Saving Nature with Artificial Intelligence. How WWF is Using AI to Help Mangroves Adapt
America Adapts the Climate Change Podcast
Release Date: 11/11/2024
The Wild, Wild West of Climate Modeling…Just Got Wilder
America Adapts the Climate Change Podcast
In episode of , we are re-releasing one of the more popular episodes of the podcast — my interview with , a law professor at Boston University. In our original conversation, we explored the critical role climate modeling plays in climate adaptation, including: what climate models can — and can’t — do; the concept of the “climate industrial complex”; legal liability for inaccurate climate projections and the role of climate analytics firms like First Street Foundation. When this episode first aired, there was still a general assumption that the federal government would...
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Foundations and Transformational Climate Adaptation: A Roadmap for Funders
America Adapts the Climate Change Podcast
In episode of , , a world leading expert in climate adaptation returns to discuss a new report she’s co-authored, . We explore how adaptation strategies have evolved—and why we need to shift from incremental approaches to truly transformational action. Susi makes a compelling case for “multisolving”—tackling climate, social, and economic challenges together—and outlines the urgent need for better coordination, deeper investment, and a more justice-oriented approach to resilience. We talk about the funding gaps holding this work back, the untapped role of the private sector,...
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Climate Change, Real Estate, and Adaptation: Why Flood Disclosure Matters with NRDC
America Adapts the Climate Change Podcast
In episode of , we explore flood risk disclosure—a simple yet powerful climate adaptation tool that helps homebuyers avoid financial disaster while building more resilient communities. As climate change worsens flooding and federal support for resilience efforts declines, some states are stepping up with smart policies to protect homeowners before disaster strikes. I’m joined by from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) to discuss the push for stronger flood disclosure laws, plus a homeowner who learned the hard way what happens when flood risks aren’t disclosed. We’ll also...
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Climate Migrants Are Real—Now What?
America Adapts the Climate Change Podcast
In episode of we’re diving into climate change and human mobility—how rising seas, extreme weather, and disasters are forcing communities to relocate and what that means for policy and planning. Joining the podcast is , who’s helping lead a new webinar series (where America Adapts was the moderator) on this topic with CCST (California Council on Science and Technology), the , and the . We’ll talk about how cities can prepare for climate-driven displacement, how researchers can better engage with policymakers, and what lessons we can take from California’s leadership in...
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Reducing Disaster Risk: The Workforce of the Future
America Adapts the Climate Change Podcast
In episode of , we explore disaster resilience and climate adaptation through four expert interviews. We start with of WWF’s (EDM) program who kicks things off by sharing the program’s 20-year journey integrating nature into disaster risk management. Then, critiques large-scale flood control in Ellicott City, Maryland, advocating for community-driven solutions. Next, , founder of ResilireD, shares insights into post-disaster housing recovery and the need for professionalized shelter reconstruction. Finally, Achala Navaratne from the American Red Cross, highlights the role of...
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From Risk to Resilience: Wildfires and the Insurance Industry’s Climate Reckoning
America Adapts the Climate Change Podcast
In episode of , I sit down with , a leading expert in climate risk and insurance, to explore the transformative potential of 'Insurance for Good.' We discuss how climate change is not only intensifying risks like wildfires in California but also driving radical changes to insurance markets worldwide. Carolyn shares insights on how the industry can respond to these challenges by closing protection gaps, incentivizing resilience, and creating innovative solutions to build more climate-resilient communities. It's a timely and critical conversation at the intersection of insurance, wildfires,...
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Climate Adaptation Predictions for 2025: What the Experts Say
America Adapts the Climate Change Podcast
In episode of , we’re hosting some of the world’s leading adaptation experts (and previous podcast guests) to make climate predictions for 2025! From the growing impacts of wildfires reshaping communities, extreme heat, adaptation technology, to the potential massive shifts in climate policy under a new presidential administration, this year promises to be a turning point. Join us as we explore the trends, innovations, and strategies that will define climate adaptation in the year to come. You won’t want to miss what these experts have to say about the future of climate...
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The Adaptation Playbook: Innovative Strategies for Climate Resilience with Tailwind
America Adapts the Climate Change Podcast
In episode of , we’re diving into a new project from Tailwind: The Adaptation & Resilience Innovation Playbook. In this episode, I chatted with , co-founder of Tailwind, a pioneering firm dedicated to driving innovation in climate adaptation. Katie and her team at Tailwind are at the forefront of helping companies tackle some of the most pressing climate hazards—think wildfires, heat waves, and more. And now, they’ve taken it a step further with their latest project: a comprehensive playbook that maps out the booming adaptation market, which is projected to hit $2 trillion by 2030....
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Climate Fiscal Risks: The U.S. Government Accountability Office’s Recommendations to Congress
America Adapts the Climate Change Podcast
In episode of , we dive into the intersection of climate resilience, fiscal accountability, and federal oversight with two distinguished guests: , a leading expert in adaptation and urban planning at Tulane University, and , Director of the Natural Resources and Environment Program at the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Together, we unpack a pivotal GAO report on federal climate adaptation efforts, exploring its critical findings on the government’s capacity to manage climate-related financial risks. First off, Alfredo Gomez outlines the GAO's four key recommendations for...
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Climatopias 101: The Who, What, Where of Utopic Climate Adaptation Planning
America Adapts the Climate Change Podcast
In episode of , I’m joined by , a recent doctoral graduate from the University of Miami, whose groundbreaking research explores the concept of "climatopias"—an innovative blend of climate and utopia. Now based in Nairobi, Kenya, Alizé shares her fascinating insights into how architecture and urban design can tackle climate challenges. From defining climatopias to categorizing their types—projects that fortify, float, forest, reduce, reuse, and retreat—Alizé unpacks the transformative potential of these aspirational designs. She also introduces a thoughtful framework for evaluating...
info_outlineIn episode 217 of America Adapts, we dive into World Wildlife Fund’s ManglarIA (“AI for Mangroves” in Spanish), a new initiative supported by Google.org, Google’s philanthropic arm. This pioneering initiative is using advanced technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), to understand how mangrove ecosystems and their contributions to communities are affected by climate change and its impacts. You will take a journey to the Yucatán in Mexico as we visit some spectacular mangrove forests with WWF Mexico staff, and you’ll learn how they are using state-of-the art sensors and drones to collect needed data and using AI to help with coastal adaptation planning. You’ll also hear from local Mexican community members who are participating in and benefiting from the project. This episode highlights the groundbreaking adaptation work WWF is doing to adapt our natural systems to a changing climate.
Transcript available here.
Topics covered:
- Overview of WWF's ManglarIA project, which focuses on using AI to understand the impacts of climate change on mangrove ecosystems
- Importance of mangroves for carbon storage, coastal protection, and local economies in Mexico and the Yucatan Peninsula
- Role of local communities in installing sensors, providing observations, and benefiting from weather stations
- Concerns about AI's energy consumption and how the ManglarIA project is addressing it
- Explanation of AI fundamentals, applications, and challenges by WWF's Chief Data Scientist
- Google.org's support for climate adaptation efforts using AI and other technologies
- Field trip to the Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve in Mexico and interviews with local community members
Experts in this Episode:
· Shaun Martin, Vice President, Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience, World Wildlife Fund - US
· David Thau, Global Data and Technology Lead Scientist, World Wildlife Fund – US
· Brigette Hoyer Gosselink – Director of AI and Sustainability, Google.org
· Alejandra Calzada, Climate Change Adaptation Coordinator, World Wildlife Fund - Mexico
· Gonzalo Sanson, Coastal Ecosystems Senior Officer, World Wildlife Fund - Mexico
· Frida Castillo, field officer, Yucatan
· Elena Meza Conde, hotel owner, Villa de Pescadores, Mexico
· Manuel Marrufo, beekeeper, Ria Lagartos, Mexico
· Gammariel Maldonado, ecotourism service provider, Yalmakan, Mexico
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Resources and Links in this episode:
ManglarIA: Using artificial intelligence to save mangroves in a changing climate
https://www.worldwildlife.org/projects/manglaria-using-artificial-intelligence-to-save-mangroves-in-a-changing-climate
Weather Station in Rio Lagartos, Mexico
https://www.weatherlink.com/embeddablePage/show/24bee1142da4472cbeacb45521bf069a/wide
Google Environmental Report 2024
https://www.gstatic.com/gumdrop/sustainability/google-2024-environmental-report.pdf
https://www.worldwildlife.org/initiatives/mangroves-for-community-and-climate
WWF Environment and Disaster Management Program https://envirodm.org/
WWF US https://www.worldwildlife.org/
Global Mangrove Alliance: https://www.mangrovealliance.org/
Doug Parsons and Speaking Opportunities:
If you are interested in having Doug speak at corporate and conference events, sharing his unique, expert perspective on adaptation in an entertaining and informative way, more information can be found here!
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Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco
Strategies to Address Climate Change Risk in Low- and Moderate-income Communities - Volume 14, Issue 1
https://www.frbsf.org/community-development/publications/community-development-investment-review/2019/october/strategies-to-address-climate-change-low-moderate-income-communities/
Podcasts in the Classroom – Discussion guides now available for the latest episode of America Adapts. These guides can be used by educators at all levels. Check them out here!
The 10 Best Sustainability Podcasts for Environmental Business Leaders
https://us.anteagroup.com/news-events/blog/10-best-sustainability-podcasts-environmental-business-leaders
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Podcast Music produce by Richard Haitz Productions
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Executive Producer Dr. Jesse Keenan
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Doug can be contacted at americaadapts @ g mail . com
Podcast Music produce by Richard Haitz Productions
Write a review on Apple Podcasts !
America Adapts on Facebook!
Join the America Adapts Facebook Community Group.
Check us out, we’re also on YouTube!
Executive Producer Dr. Jesse Keenan
Subscribe to America Adapts on Apple Podcasts
Doug can be contacted at americaadapts @ g mail . com