Challenging Consumerism: Communicate Embracing Experiences Over Material Gifts
Release Date: 11/22/2023
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, host Andrew Luen explores the importance of science and conservation communication in changing behaviors to protect the ocean. He discusses the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday and the consumer frenzy of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, emphasizing the need to rethink our behavior and prioritize conservation.
Tune in to learn how we can speak up for the ocean and take action to create a better future for our planet.
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Bernie's company is actively making a positive impact on the world through various environmental and local projects. The podcast transcript highlights how Bernie's team is involved in environmental initiatives and reconciliation projects with indigenous groups, demonstrating their commitment to improving the environment and making a difference in the community. Moreover, the podcast emphasizes that Bernie's team genuinely enjoys their work, indicating that the company's focus on these projects has fostered a positive culture within the team. Overall, Bernie's company is effectively leveraging their business to contribute to environmental and community initiatives, showcasing their dedication to creating a positive impact on the world.
In this episode of the podcast, the host explores the crucial role of science communicators in promoting alternatives to harmful consumerism. The host specifically emphasizes the negative consequences of materialistic behaviors, particularly during events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. They shed light on how the commercial aspect of these events encourages people to purchase products that may harm the environment or exploit those involved in their production.
The host suggests that science communicators have a responsibility to encourage individuals to consider alternatives to material goods. Instead of simply discouraging the purchase of consumer products or gifts, they should promote experiences such as family trips or volunteering for charities. By focusing on these alternatives, science communicators can help shift the perspective from materialistic consumption to more sustainable and meaningful actions.
The host acknowledges the challenge science communicators face in addressing these issues without sounding negative. They emphasize the importance of presenting alternatives in a positive light, rather than solely discouraging certain behaviors. Instead of saying "don't buy this because it affects the environment," science communicators should focus on suggesting actions that benefit the environment, such as choosing eco-friendly products or engaging in activities that promote conservation.
Overall, this episode highlights the significant role of science communicators in promoting alternatives to harmful consumerism. By encouraging individuals to think beyond material goods and consider more sustainable actions, science communicators can help protect the environment and drive positive change.
In the episode, the speaker underscores the importance of considering the environmental impact of our purchases and only acquiring what is truly necessary. They draw attention to the consumerism associated with events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, where people are enticed to buy discounted items without fully considering the environmental consequences. The speaker questions whether the convenience of acquiring more stuff, particularly from large online retailers like Amazon, outweighs the negative impacts on the environment and local communities.
They suggest that as science communicators, it is crucial to discuss alternatives to the materialistic mindset that often surrounds these shopping events. They advocate for a shift in behavior and mindset, encouraging individuals to reflect on their true needs and support small businesses that contribute to local economies. The speaker argues that instead of focusing on accumulating more possessions and wealth, individuals should prioritize making a positive impact on the world and their communities.
Overall, the episode emphasizes the need for individuals to be mindful consumers, considering the environmental consequences of their purchases and making choices that align with their values and the well-being of the planet.