Oceans Week Special Episode: Slowing Down for a Sustainable Future
Release Date: 06/04/2024
Great White Shark Populations Have Interesting DNA
How To Protect The Ocean
Great white shark DNA is one of the most puzzling mysteries in marine biology. Recent research has revealed that despite being one species, great whites have split into three distinct genetic groups across the globe. What’s even stranger: their nuclear DNA and mitochondrial DNA tell conflicting stories, leaving scientists scratching their heads. Shark philopatry—the tendency of females to return to their birthplace to give birth—adds another layer to this mystery. While philopatry has been well documented in species like lemon sharks and blacktip sharks, great whites show patterns that...
info_outline
How Scientists Can Become Advocates
How To Protect The Ocean
Advocacy for scientists is a skill that can transform how research impacts the real world. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, host Andrew Lewin reflects on an article by Melissa Varga from the Union of Concerned Scientists that encourages scientists to step into advocacy roles. Andrew shares why many researchers hesitate to speak out, the cultural challenges within academia, and how advocacy can be integrated into a science career without sacrificing credibility. Ocean conservation also depends on people outside the scientific community. Andrew emphasizes that anyone, scientist or...
info_outline
Sustainable Fashion with Courtney Barriger: Protecting the Ocean Through Clothing Choices
How To Protect The Ocean
Sustainable fashion is more than a trend, it is a movement that connects what we wear to the health of our planet. In this episode, Andrew Lewin speaks with Courtney Barriger, CEO of Holding Court Inc., about how clothing design can reduce waste, prevent microplastic pollution, and empower people to make responsible choices. The discussion reveals the hidden costs of fast fashion, from synthetic fibers shedding microplastics into waterways to the massive environmental toll of textile waste. Ocean protection is at the heart of this conversation. Courtney shares her journey of creating stylish,...
info_outline
Terracycle: Recycling Everything from Plastics to Global Waste Solutions
How To Protect The Ocean
Terracycle is proving that almost anything can be recycled, from cigarette butts to ocean plastics, transforming how the world thinks about waste. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, Andrew Lewin speaks with Tom Szaky, the founder and CEO of TerraCycle, to explore how his company is creating global recycling programs that redefine sustainability and consumer responsibility. TerraCycle has become a leader in connecting corporations and individuals to solutions that keep waste out of landfills and oceans. This conversation dives into the economics of recycling, why certain materials are...
info_outline
Shark Meat Fed To Students: Brazil’s Hidden School Lunch Scandal
How To Protect The Ocean
Shark Meat Fed To Students in Brazil’s public institutions has sparked outrage after Mongabay uncovered thousands of tons of mislabeled shark meat, including endangered species like angelsharks, being served in schools, hospitals, prisons, and elderly care centers. Labeled as “cação” or “angel fish,” these meals were consumed by thousands of unsuspecting Brazilians, raising urgent concerns for both public health and ocean conservation. Shark meat in Brazil carries dangerous risks due to high levels of mercury and arsenic that accumulate in these apex predators. Scientists warn that...
info_outline
Oceana Working to Protect Endangered Species: How Legal Action Safeguards Whales and Sea Turtles
How To Protect The Ocean
Oceana, working to protect endangered species, is at the heart of this powerful episode featuring Tara Brock, an environmental lawyer advocating for ocean life. Tara unpacks how the Endangered Species Act is used to protect humpback whales and sea turtles, and how legal tools like this remain essential to ocean conservation. As threats like ship strikes, climate change, and bycatch continue to rise, Tara explains why this legislation is still one of the strongest protections we have—and how it’s enforced. Throughout the episode, we explore Oceana’s litigation strategies, real-world wins...
info_outline
Starting an Environmental Nonprofit: The Balean Founders Story with Bart Oor and Sander Brienen
How To Protect The Ocean
Starting an environmental nonprofit often begins with a vision and the determination to make a difference, but it also comes with challenges in funding, community support, and long-term sustainability. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, Bart Oor and Sander Brienen share the story of how they created Balean, a platform designed to help independent projects and nonprofits access the support they need to thrive. Independent changemakers are reshaping how conservation work is done. Bart and Sander explain the obstacles they faced, how collaboration shaped their journey, and why Balean is...
info_outline
Pacific Islands Marine Monument Rollback and Court Reversal Explained
How To Protect The Ocean
Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument: For over a decade, these waters stood as one of the largest no-take zones on Earth, safeguarding corals, fish, and migratory species. But on day one of his presidency, Donald Trump erased the U.S. commitment to 30x30 and soon after issued Proclamation 10918, opening parts of the monument to commercial fishing. Marine conservation at risk: The rollback sparked lawsuits and reignited the debate over whether U.S. marine protections are too vulnerable to political swings. Just two weeks ago, a court overturned Trump’s proclamation on a...
info_outline
Less than 400 Left: How Media Coverage Shapes the Fate of North Atlantic Right Whales
How To Protect The Ocean
Less than 400 left — that’s how many North Atlantic right whales remain in the world. These critically endangered whales are at the center of an urgent conservation story, but how the media communicates about them plays a powerful role in shaping public awareness and action. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, Andrew Lewin sits down with Dr. Marcus Reamer, a new PhD graduate in science communication, to explore how newspapers and digital outlets covered right whale crises over the past decade. Science communication emerges as a critical conservation tool, with Dr. Reamer sharing...
info_outline
Managing Fishing Vessels: Uncovering the Hidden Ownership of Industrial Fleets
How To Protect The Ocean
Managing fishing vessels goes far beyond tracking where a boat is registered. In this episode, we dive into Oceana’s Beyond the Flag report to explore how large-scale fishing vessels are often flagged in one country but owned in another, creating dangerous loopholes that allow illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing to thrive. This legal and beneficial ownership opacity undermines ocean governance, drains resources from coastal nations, and hides the true power behind global fishing operations. Managing fishing vessels transparently is essential for sustainable ocean futures. We...
info_outlineThis episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast discusses the importance of behavior change in protecting our oceans. Host Andrew Lewin emphasizes the need to reconsider our behaviors and mindset towards the ocean and our planet to make a positive impact. As part of Oceans Week coverage, the episode encourages listeners to take action and live for a better ocean by changing their habits and advocating for ocean conservation.
Sign Up for Updates on the process: www.speakupforblue.com/oceanapp
Connect with Speak Up For Blue:
Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue
Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc
YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube
Behavior change is crucial for protecting the ocean and the planet. In a podcast episode, the host stresses the significance of altering our behaviors at different levels to ensure a sustainable future. The host discusses how individual behavior changes can significantly impact the environment. By reflecting on our daily routines, such as the food we eat, the products we use, and our resource consumption, we can make more sustainable choices that benefit the planet.
Furthermore, the episode highlights the role of governments in implementing policies that promote environmental protection. The host discusses the need for political parties to prioritize climate change policies and work towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By voting for leaders who prioritize environmental conservation, individuals can contribute to larger-scale behavior changes that benefit the planet.
The episode also emphasizes the importance of slowing down and enjoying life, rather than constantly striving for material growth. By taking the time to appreciate nature, cook from scratch, and engage in activities that promote well-being, individuals can lead more sustainable and fulfilling lives. This shift in mindset towards enjoying life and preserving the environment can lead to positive behavior changes that benefit the ocean and the planet as a whole.
Slowing down and taking the time to enjoy life can have a profound impact on our behavior, as highlighted in the podcast episode. The host emphasized the importance of changing our mindset and behavior to protect the ocean and the planet. By slowing down and appreciating the simple moments in life, individuals can become more mindful of their actions and their impact on the environment.
The episode discussed how the hustle and bustle of modern life often lead to convenience-driven choices that may not be sustainable or environmentally friendly. By rushing through daily routines, such as opting for fast food or processed meals, individuals may unknowingly contribute to environmental degradation. However, by taking the time to cook from scratch, enjoy nature, and savor the present moment, individuals can make more conscious choices that align with sustainability and environmental preservation.
The host also highlighted the importance of enjoying life and finding moments of peace and relaxation, such as observing a sunset or sunrise. By immersing oneself in nature and appreciating the beauty of the world around us, individuals can cultivate a deeper connection to the environment and feel motivated to protect it. This shift in perspective can lead to positive behavior changes, such as reducing waste, choosing sustainable products, and advocating for environmental conservation.
Overall, the episode underscored the transformative power of slowing down, enjoying life, and embracing a more mindful approach to daily living. By prioritizing moments of joy, relaxation, and connection with nature, individuals can cultivate a greater sense of responsibility towards the environment and make positive changes that contribute to a healthier planet.
Individual actions, government policies, and community efforts are all crucial components in creating a sustainable future for our planet, as discussed in the podcast episode.
Individual Actions:
The podcast emphasizes the importance of individual behavior change in contributing to a better environment. It encourages listeners to reflect on their daily routines and consider how they can make more sustainable choices. By slowing down, enjoying life, and being mindful of their consumption habits, individuals can positively impact the environment. This includes choices such as cooking from scratch, reducing reliance on processed foods, and taking time to appreciate nature.
Government Policies:
The episode highlights the significance of government policies in driving environmental change. It discusses the role of democratic societies where citizens have the power to vote for leaders who prioritize environmental protection. The example of contrasting climate change policies between political parties in Canada underscores the impact of government decisions on sustainability efforts. The podcast stresses the need for politicians and parties to propose and implement effective climate change policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and work towards global environmental goals.
Community Efforts:
Community engagement and collective action are also essential for building a sustainable future. The podcast suggests that communities, cities, towns, and regions need to come together to address environmental challenges. By working collaboratively, communities can implement local initiatives, promote sustainable practices, and advocate for environmental conservation. The episode emphasizes the importance of community-level involvement in supporting broader environmental goals and influencing positive change.
In conclusion, the podcast underscores the interconnected nature of individual actions, government policies, and community efforts in shaping a sustainable future. By recognizing the role of each of these components and actively participating in environmental conservation at various levels, individuals can contribute to a healthier planet for future generations.