Orca Conservation, Shark Ethics, and David Attenborough’s Ocean Film
How To Protect The Ocean
Orca conservation takes center stage as we highlight an inspiring community-led effort to protect these iconic marine mammals. Andrew explores how nearshore ocean heroes are driving real change, and why their stories matter more than ever. Learn how protecting your local waters can lead to healthier oceans worldwide—and why it’s time we recognize those leading the charge. Shark encounters on social media spark a deeper discussion on wildlife ethics, as Andrew reacts to a TikTok video that demonstrates exactly what not to do. Wrapping up the episode is a look at David Attenborough’s new...
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Why Nearshore Ocean Conservation Is Critical for Climate, Biodiversity, and Communities
How To Protect The Ocean
Nearshore conservation is often overlooked in favor of flashy offshore marine protected areas. But a growing movement of community-led initiatives is showing that protecting coastal waters might be one of the smartest, most effective ways to safeguard ocean biodiversity and build climate resilience. This episode explores new insights from the Nearshore Ocean Progress report by the Center for American Progress, which highlights successful local conservation efforts across the U.S. Community-driven ocean protection has the power to achieve more than top-down mandates. By focusing on the waters...
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Why Gray Whales Are Dying: Climate, Starvation, and Human Threats
How To Protect The Ocean
Gray whales are dying along the Pacific coast—and the reasons are alarming. In this episode, we dive into why hundreds of gray whales have stranded or died between 2019 and 2023. From food shortages in their Arctic feeding grounds to the rising risks of ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear, we break down what NOAA has called an Unusual Mortality Event (UME) and how climate change is accelerating the crisis. We also explore recent signs of population recovery and what it means for the future of marine mammal conservation. If you want to understand how ocean ecosystems are...
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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...
info_outlineAndrew Lewin discusses the changing climate resiliency of his community in Burlington, Ontario. He reflects on how the community used to be relatively unaffected by climate change but has recently experienced vulnerabilities, particularly with heavy rain and forest fires. Andrew delves into the importance of community resiliency in the face of climate change and its impact on local areas.
Tune in to learn more about the evolving climate challenges faced by communities and the need for proactive measures to protect our environment.
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Impact of Climate Change on Communities
The consequences of climate change are increasingly evident in communities worldwide, including traditionally resilient areas like Burlington, Ontario. In a podcast episode, the host discusses how Burlington, located in Southern Ontario, was once considered resilient to climate change impacts. However, in recent years, vulnerabilities within the community's resiliency have been exposed.
The host highlights how extreme weather events, such as heavy rainfall and flooding, have started to affect Burlington. While the city had not previously experienced significant damage from climate change-related events, recent occurrences like Hurricane Beryl and subsequent heavy rainfall have led to flooding, property damage, and disruptions within the community.
The episode emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing these vulnerabilities to enhance community resiliency in the face of climate change. It discusses the need for proactive planning, infrastructure improvements, and community engagement to mitigate the impacts of climate change on Burlington and similar areas.
The experiences shared in the podcast underscore the reality that no community is immune to the effects of climate change. Even in well-developed regions like Burlington, the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events are posing challenges that require immediate attention and action. By acknowledging and responding to these challenges, communities can work towards building greater resilience and adapting to the changing climate conditions.
Vulnerabilities in Community Resiliency Exposed by Extreme Weather Events
The podcast episode highlights how vulnerabilities in community resiliency are being exposed by extreme weather events, specifically heavy rain and flooding. The host discusses how their community in Burlington, Ontario, had previously been considered resilient to climate change consequences due to the lack of major storms, droughts, or forest fires. However, in recent years, they have experienced significant vulnerabilities in their community's resiliency.
The episode describes a recent event where Hurricane Beryl brought heavy rain to the region, causing flooding and exposing weaknesses in the infrastructure. The sudden and intense rainfall led to water accumulation in neighborhoods, resulting in flooded basements and homes. The host mentions instances where fridges were floating in basements, and water levels reached above fence lines, forcing some residents to evacuate.
Furthermore, the episode emphasizes the impact of these extreme weather events on individuals, with anecdotal stories of insurance companies not covering damages due to categorizing them as "acts of God" or natural disasters. This lack of coverage adds financial strain to those affected, highlighting the need for improved community resiliency measures.
The host also raises concerns about the city's preparedness for future climate change-related events, noting the importance of adapting infrastructure and planning for more frequent and severe storms. The discussion extends to the need for collaboration between community members, local officials, engineers, and organizations to address vulnerabilities and enhance resiliency.
Overall, the episode underscores the urgent need to address vulnerabilities in community resiliency exposed by extreme weather events like heavy rain and flooding. It serves as a reminder that even developed countries are not immune to the impacts of climate change and emphasizes the importance of proactive measures to build resilience in the face of changing weather patterns.
Building resilience against climate change impacts requires active engagement from community members. In the podcast episode, the host highlighted the importance of seeking answers, getting educated, and engaging with local officials and organizations. Here are some key points to consider:
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Seeking Answers: Community members should proactively seek information about climate change impacts in their area. This includes understanding the vulnerabilities of their community, such as susceptibility to flooding, extreme weather events, or other consequences of climate change. By asking questions and seeking answers, individuals can better prepare themselves and their community for potential challenges.
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Getting Educated: Education plays a crucial role in building resilience. By educating themselves about climate change, its impacts, and potential solutions, community members can make informed decisions and take appropriate actions. This knowledge empowers individuals to advocate for sustainable practices, support resilience-building initiatives, and contribute to community preparedness efforts.
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Engaging with Local Officials and Organizations: Collaboration with local officials, government agencies, and environmental organizations is essential for effective climate change resilience. Community members can engage with these stakeholders to voice their concerns, provide input on resilience strategies, and participate in decision-making processes. By actively participating in local initiatives, individuals can influence policies, advocate for sustainable development practices, and contribute to building a more resilient community.
Overall, community engagement is key to enhancing resilience against climate change impacts. By seeking answers, getting educated, and actively engaging with local stakeholders, individuals can play a significant role in preparing their communities for the challenges posed by a changing climate.