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The Sustainability Agenda

Science Podcasts

The Sustainability Agenda is a weekly podcast exploring today’s biggest sustainability questions. Leading sustainability thinkers offer their views on the biggest sustainability challenges, share the latest thinking, identify what’s working --and what needs to change -- and think about the future of sustainability.

Location:

United Kingdom

Description:

The Sustainability Agenda is a weekly podcast exploring today’s biggest sustainability questions. Leading sustainability thinkers offer their views on the biggest sustainability challenges, share the latest thinking, identify what’s working --and what needs to change -- and think about the future of sustainability.

Language:

English

Contact:

44-017861222510


Episodes

Episode 189: Interview with Irish rewilding pioneer Eoghan Daltun in the Beara peninsula of Co. Cork, Ireland.

3/14/2024
In this fascinating interview, conducted with my daughter, Catherine Byrne, we delve into the world of Eoghan Daltun, an Irish farmer and advocate for rewilding. Eoghan's journey is a testament to the power of nature and the importance of ecological balance. He shares his experiences running a farm and rewilding project on the Beara peninsula of Co. Cork, Ireland. His work is not just about farming, but about restoring and preserving the natural environment. His book, 'An Irish Atlantic Rainforest: A Personal Journey Into the Magic of Rewilding', is a testament to his commitment and passion for this cause. Eoghan's insights provide a unique perspective on the importance of rewilding and the role it plays in combating ecological and climate breakdown. Eoghan Daltun is an Irish farmer and outspoken advocate for rewilding --he runs a farm and rewilding project on the Beara peninsula of Co. Cork. He is the author of an acclaimed book on his personal rewilding work on the Beara peninsula, An Irish Atlantic Rainforest: A Personal Journey Into the Magic of Rewilding. By background and training a conservator of sculpture and a sculptor in stone. This extended interview took place on Eoghan’s farm in Eyeries on the Beara peninsula. Catherine Byrne is a forest researcher working with Evolving Forests in Devon, England and a Woodlab Fellow at Hooke Park in Dorset; Catherine is also host of a radio show on Balamii Radio, "Biorhythms" based around her nature based field recordings--some of which are included in this episode.

Duration:01:17:29

Episode 188: Interview with Bhutanese lama Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche...offering a distinctive Buddhist outlook on current environmental crises.

1/17/2024
In this compelling interview, Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, a revered Bhutanese lama and educator, offers a distinctive Buddhist outlook on the critical environmental crises we are currently facing. Rinpoche stresses the necessity of immediate action and illustrates how a Buddhist viewpoint can foster a deep comprehension of humanity’s interconnectedness with the environment. He delves into essential Buddhist metaphysical concepts—such as interdependence and the illusion of self—demonstrating how an understanding of these principles can aid in addressing our environmental predicaments. Rinpoche highlights the significance of reconnecting with ancient wisdom and the vital role of educating the younger generation about environmental stewardship. Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche, also known as Khyentse Norbu and Thubten Chökyi Gyamtso, is a widely respected Buddhist scholar and teacher from the Rimé (nonsectarian) lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. Also an acclaimed filmmaker and author of several books, Rinpoche is known for his modern, progressive, and sometimes provocative approach to teaching the dharma. Rinpoche is responsible for the care and education of approximately 3,000 monks at several monastic institutions in Asia: Dzongsar Monastery and Dzongsar College in Derge, Sichuan, China; Dzongsar Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö Institute in Chauntra, Himachal Pradesh, India; and the Chökyi Gyatso Institute for Buddhist Studies in Dewathang, Bhutan. In addition to the monastic community, Rinpoche guides hundreds of thousands of students in about 40 countries around the world. As an author, filmmaker, and benefactor, his many creative and philanthropic endeavors extend beyond traditional efforts through an ever-growing mandala of activities.

Duration:00:49:23

Episode 187: Interview with indigenous Australian academic and human and earth rights activist, Dr. Anne Poelina.

1/2/2024
In this episode, we speak to Dr. Anne Poelina an indigenous Australian academic and human and earth rights activist. Dr. Poelina explains her role as a “Yimardoowarra marnin,” which, translated from the Nyikina language, means “a woman who belongs to the Martuwarra River,” in Western Australia. Dr. Poelina discusses what she calls “first law,” the Aboriginal peoples’ customary law covering the rules for living in coexistence with nature, the rules of conduct that hold together and bond a civil society, the principles of an ethics of care. She talks about the indigenous cultural approach to collaborative water governance underlying the legal work that she is spearheading to make sure that the development of the Fitzroy River does not lead to the mistakes made in the development of the Murray-Darling river.Please see the Matuwarra Fitzroy River Council website to learn more about the Council and its work.Dr. Anne Poelina is a Nyikina Warrwa (Indigenous Australian) woman who belongs to the Mardoowarra, the lower Fitzroy River in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. She is an active Indigenous community leader, human and earth rights advocate, filmmaker and a respected academic researcher. Anne is currently an Adjunct Senior Research Fellow with Notre Dame University and a Research Fellow with Northern Australia Institute Charles Darwin University. She is also Managing Director of Madjulla Incorporated, an indigenous not-for-profit non-government community development organisation working with remote Aboriginal communities.The post Episode 100: Interview with Anne Poelina, Indigenous Australian and Nyikina Traditional Custodian appeared first on The Sustainability Agenda. This episode was first aired in August 2020.

Duration:00:57:48

Episode 186: Interview with Steve Trent, founder of the Environmental Justice Foundation

12/11/2023
In this revealing interview, Steve Trent, the founder of the Environmental Justice Foundation, delves into the Foundation’s pivotal work at the intersection of environmental security and human rights. He underscores the Foundation’s vital role in actively probing and witnessing environmental abuses, and the importance of presenting evidence and information to decision-makers in corporate boardrooms and governments worldwide. Steve highlights the importance of empowering local communities and giving a voice to the marginalized--at the core of the Environmental Justice Foundation’s work --and their potential to drive significant change. And he discusses ithe Foundation’s ongoing campaign against deep-sea mining, a practice which it vehemently opposes. He compares its destructive nature to the clear-cutting of forests and advocates for increased transparency in decision-making about deep-sea mining, which is too often conducted behind closed doors. Steve also discusses the Environmental Justice Foundation’s distinct approach to funding, emphasizing their commitment to self-reliance, independence, and transparency, with a focus on delivering tangible benefits. Despite facing numerous challenges, Steve maintains an optimistic outlook for the future, drawing inspiration from the engagement and perspective of younger generations. And he encourages listeners to get involved, educate themselves, and support organizations that align with their values. An eloquent call for environmental justice, transparency, and empowerment of local communities: this interview is essential listening for anyone interested in environmental justice and the long-term wellbeing of our planet. Steve Trent is the CEO and founder of the Environmental Justice Foundation, a non-governmental organisation that works to secure a world where natural habitats and environments can sustain, and be sustained by, the communities that depend upon them for their basic needs and livelihoods. Steve has more than 30 years' experience in environmental and human rights, campaigning for the protection of natural resources, the environment and human rights, taking action to bring about tangible positive change and implementing solutions to ensure genuine long-term sustainability. He has conducted investigations and trained environmental and human rights advocates in more than 25 countries and managed media campaigns in over 15 countries around the world. Steve also cofounded WildAid, serving as president for over a decade and leading WildAid’s work in China and India.

Duration:00:58:01

Episode 185: Interview with leading French anthropologist Professor Philippe Descola on man's relationship with nature.

11/27/2023
Fascinating interview with leading French anthropologist Professor Philippe Descola, first posted in 2021, exploring man's relationship with nature. Professor Descola argues that we can, and must today, learn from other ways of connecting to nature--and move beyond the strict separation between the cultural worlds of human beings and the non-human things of nature.

Duration:01:04:17

Episode 184: Interview with Dr. Matthew J. Bell, EY Global Climate Change and Sustainability Services Leader

11/20/2023
Matthew is Global Climate Change and Sustainability Services Leader Leader at EY, the professional services company. He has a background in government climate and energy policy, and science. Matt has more than 20 years' experience supporting organizational transformation toward a more sustainable path. Working across the public and private sectors, Matt leads teams of specialists across environment, health and safety; sustainability strategy and advice; non-financial reporting and assurance; impact investment and outcome measurement; human rights; and climate change and energy.

Duration:00:52:55

Episode 183 Interview with Professor Katharina Pistor on How the Law Creates Wealth and Inequality. First aired on December 13th, 2021.

10/21/2023
Katharina Pistor, Professor of Comparative Law and director of the Center on Global Legal Transformation at Columbia Law School, discusses her most recent book The Code of Capital: How the Law Creates Wealth and Inequality. In this fascinating discussion, she highlights the various ways that debt, complex financial products, and other assets are selectively coded to protect and reproduce private wealth—and the malleability of the legal system, that can be redesigned, and repurposed--by well paid lawyers. Katharina discusses the recent trend to create environmental financial assets-and highlights what she sees as a crucial, perennial, question: who will bear any financial losses (associated with climate change investments). Katharina also shares some ideas on we might create a financial system that would be more socially, environmentally and financially equitable. Katharina Pistor is the Edwin B. Parker Professor of Comparative Law and director of the Center on Global Legal Transformation at Columbia Law School. A leading scholar and writer on corporate governance, money and finance, property rights, and comparative law and legal institutions, Pistor’s most recent book, The Code of Capital: How the Law Creates Wealth and Inequality, examines how assets such as land, private debt, business organizations, or knowledge are transformed into capital through contract law, property rights, collateral law, and trust, corporate, and bankruptcy law. The Code of Capital was named one of the best books of 2019 by the Financial Times and Business Insider.

Duration:00:53:45

Episode 182: Journalist Vincent Bevins discusses his new book If We Burn: The Mass Protest Decade and the Missing Revolution

10/3/2023
In this revealing interview, journalist Vincent Bevins discussed his newly released book If We Burn: The Mass Protest Decade and the Missing Revolution, based on his research of a wide range of social movements between 2010 and 2020. Beginning with an analysis of the "Yellow Vest" protests in France, the discussion focusses on the challenges, nuances, and lessons of building broad social movements—with particular lessons for the climate movement. Vincent highlights the transformative power of social media but also its limitations in fostering genuine, long-lasting change. He underscores the drawbacks of decentralized movements and ambiguous goals identifying potential pitfalls. Drawing from his on-the-ground experiences in Brazil, Vincent emphasizes the significance of recognizing the worldwide repercussions of local endeavors. He also stresses the need for activists to work with governments and state institutions rather than rejecting them, emphasizing that radical change does not necessarily always mean being anti-government. Vincent Bevins is an award-winning journalist and correspondent. He covered Southeast Asia for the Washington Post, reporting from across the entire region and also served as the Brazil correspondent for the Los Angeles Times, also covering nearby parts of South America. He has written for are the New York Times, The Atlantic, The Economist, The Guardian, Foreign Policy, the New York Review of Books, the New Republic, and more. His previous book is the Jakarta Method: Washington’s Anticommunist Crusade And The Mass Murder Program That Shaped Our World.

Duration:00:55:13

Episode 181: Environmental degradation, capitalism, and imperialism with Jason W Moore

9/23/2023
In this fascinating, hard hitting interview, Jason Moore talks about the intertwining relations between environmental degradation, capitalism, imperialism, and climate change-stressing the need to recognize the role of imperialis--and counter-insurgency across the past century to advance climate justice. He argues it is naïve to believe that eco-socialism can be achieved through parliamentary majority alone and underscores the importance of understanding a century of struggles between revolutionary and counter-revolutionary forces. Jason sees the present era as a moment of transition, signaling a break with American uni-polar hegemony, a period of political possibility and revolts, and calls for a more dialectical way of thinking to establish connections between fractured social movements. Finally, Jason talks about the exploitation of the Global South, labeling it as a new phase of green imperialism, and criticizes the neglect of imperialism’s role in discussions about environmental transitions. Jason W. Moore is an environmental historian and historical geographer at BINGampton University, where he is professor of sociology and leads the World-Ecology Research Collective. He is author or editor, most recently, of Capitalism in the Web of Life , Anthropocene or Capitalocene? Nature, History, and the Crisis of Capitalism and, with Raj Patel, A History of the World in Seven Cheap Things. His books and essays on environmental history, capitalism, and social theory have been widely recognized, including the Alice Hamilton Prize of the American Society for Environmental History (2003), the Distinguished Scholarship Award of the Section on the Political Economy of the World-System (American Sociological Association, 2002 for articles, and 2015 for Web of Life), and the Byres and Bernstein Prize in Agrarian Change (2011).

Duration:00:57:54

Episode 180 Net Zero: Beyond the hype. Professor Angel Hsu on the reality of Net Zero Pledges

8/29/2023
Fascinating discussion with Professor Angel Hsu on the significance and challenges surrounding the Net Zero emissions goals. While companies often tout their commitment to Net Zero, a recent report suggests that many are not taking credible steps towards this target. Angel argues that the Net Zero space is filled with confusion and misinformation, exacerbated by sophisticated company communications that are often misleading. Angel discusses how the Net Zero Tracker helps to provide transparent data and clarify what constitutes credible Net Zero actions. Towards the end of the interview, Angel discusses the potential of AI highlighting the potential for AI to both assist in and complicate the understanding of Net Zero commitments. Finally, Angel highlights the potential business benefits for companies genuinely committed to Net Zero, allowing companies to meet their environmental responsibilities and also generate business growth. Angel Hsu is an American climatologist and environmental scientist. She is the founder and head of the Data-Driven EnviroLab at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She holds a PhD and is an Assistant Professor of Public Policy and Environment, Energy and Ecology at UNC-Chapel Hill. Her research interests include data-driven environmental policy, urbanization, climate change, and development, with a focus on China.

Duration:00:57:24

Episode 179: Jeremy Lent talks about finding our place in the universe by integrating science and traditional wisdom

8/16/2023
In this wide-ranging interview, first published in 2021, Jeremy Lent discusses his fascinating new book Web of Meaning which combines findings in cognitive science, systems theory and traditional Chinese and Buddhist thought, to develop a framework that integrates both science and meaning in a coherent whole. Jeremy discusses what he sees as an essential problem at the heart of our current worldview: how man is separated from nature which is seen purely as a resource. He highlights a very different perspective, common to many indigenous peoples, how we are interrelated, not just all humans related to each other, but seeing all of the living earth around us all of life as being our relations. Jeremy also shares his long standing criticisms on the structure of the modern corporation and its role in society, in light of the recent Shell climate litigation, and the election of new directors to the board of Exxon, instigated by a small activist investor-which has been called the oil industry’s “Black Wednesday.” Jeremy is an award winning author and founder of the nonprofit Liology Institute, dedicated to fostering a worldview that could enable humanity to thrive sustainably on the earth. His writings investigate the underlying causes and the patterns of thought that have led our civilization to its current sustainability crisis. The Patterning Instinct is a cultural history of humanity’s search for meaning, traces the deepest dark of foundations of our modern worldview. His most recent book is Web of Meaning: integrating science and traditional wisdom to find our place in the universe.He is the founder of the Deep Transformation Network, a global community exploring pathways to an ecological civilization, and the nonprofit Liology Institute, dedicated to fostering an integrated worldview that could enable humanity to thrive sustainably on the Earth.

Duration:01:01:56

Episode 178: Discussion with Paula DiPerna of the pros and cons of a market based approach to our environmental problems.

7/22/2023
In this in-depth, and spirited interview, we discuss the pros and cons of a market based approach to our environmental problems-and climate change in particular. Paula DiPerna discusses her new book, Pricing the Priceless: The Financial Transformation to Value the Planet, Solve the Climate Crisis, and Protect Our Most Precious Assets, arguing for a market-based approach to dealing with our environmental challenges, advocating for the integration of environmental considerations into financial and economic systems. DiPerna explores the concept of carbon markets, highlighting the European Union emissions trading scheme as an example of a functioning carbon market. She also discusses the idea of attributing a financial value to nature, suggesting that the work nature does should be financially recognized. DiPerna also argues for the necessity of new kinds of authorities to manage these complex issues, suggesting that global regulation is needed to ensure the preservation of our natural resources. Recognising the massive scale of the environmental challenges we are facing, DiPerna maintains an optimistic view, expressing her belief in the human ability to appreciate beauty and understand the mysteries of life. Paula DiPerna is Special Advisor to CDP North America, the international non-profit that helps companies, cities, states, regions and public authorities disclose their environmental impact. Paula is a leader in strategic global environmental and philanthropic policy, and served formerly as President of the international division of the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX). Prior to these positions, she served as writer and Vice President for International Affairs for the Cousteau Society, whose President was explorer and filmmaker, Jacques-Yves Cousteau. DiPerna has also served as a consultant to numerous national and international organizations, such as the World Bank and LEAD-International, and was awarded an Eisenhower Fellowship. Paula has published numerous books, her latest is Pricing the Priceless: The Financial Transformation to Value the Planet, Solve the Climate Crisis, and Protect Our Most Precious Assets.

Duration:01:14:13

Episode 177 Author Ned Beauman talks about his satirical extinction novel, Venemous Lumpsucker. First aired in September 2022.

7/11/2023
In this interview, British novelist, journalist and screenwriter Ned Beauman discusses his latest novel Venomous Lumpsucker-a brilliant, darkly satirical and terrifying novel about endlings (the last of a species), the manipulation of extinction credit markets... the elusive Hermit Kingdom: described by The Times Literary Supplement as “a tale of capitalism, penance and species extinction.” Fascinating, broad ranging discussion on extinction, literary fiction and the climate crisis, environmental satire, and the commodification of nature. First aired in September 2022. Ned Beauman is a British novelist, journalist and screenwriter, the author of five novels; he was selected as one of the Best of Young British Novelists by Granta magazine in 2013. His latest is Venomous Lumpsucker, “a darkly funny and incisive zoological thriller about environmental devastation and one very ugly little fish.”

Duration:01:02:19

Episode 176: Interview with Mike Davis, CEO of pioneering campaigning NGO, on their work unmasking global corruption, safeguarding the environment, and advocating for human rights

6/8/2023
In this revealing interview, Mike Davis CEO of pioneering campaigning NGO Global Witness provides an in-depth look at the work of the organization which is committed to uncovering and addressing human rights and environmental violations across the globe. Mike highlights the organization's intricate investigative strategies used to reveal the interplay of corruption, misuse of power, and industrial practices in sectors such as oil, gas, and mining. He highlights Global Witnesses commitment to independence and agility-which he sees as essential to be able to swiftly respond to global challenges. Mike also provides a glimpse into the future of Global Witness with discussions about their newer campaigns focused on equitable use of critical minerals for green technology and their initiatives to expose the undue influence of oil and gas companies on politics and economies. Fascinating insights into the work a highly effective campaigning NGO. Mike Davis is CEO of Global Witness, a pioneering campaigning NGO that has worked for some thirty years to expose the environmental and human rights abuses by some of the world’s biggest companies and most powerful political figures. It has campaigned against the exploitation of the earth’s natural resources, the destruction of indigenous peoples, and corruption that has siphoned billions of dollars from the poorest countries - working to break the links between natural resource exploitation, conflict, poverty, corruption, and human rights abuses worldwide. It has offices in London and Washington,

Duration:00:54:06

Episode 175: Dr. Samantha Montano: Understanding Emergency Management in the Climate Change Era

5/19/2023
In this episode, Dr Samantha Montana, an expert in disaster policy, discusses the U.S.'s approach to emergency management, specifically in the context of climate change. She highlights the complexity of disaster policy, which often necessitates a balance between immediate and long-term action. She explains that the U.S. has traditionally taken a reactive approach to disasters, and is only now shifting to proactive measures, with a heavy emphasis on the role of state governments. Additionally, the guest discusses the complicated relationship between the economy and politics in disaster policy. The discussions also delves into the different approaches to emergency management in other countries and the reasons why these can't always be applied to the U.S., due to significant differences in culture, politics, and the scale of disasters. The interview wraps up with discussions on the political aspects of disaster management, the necessity for a lobbying group in emergency management, and the disproportionate impact of disasters on disadvantaged communities. Dr Montano is an assistant professor of emergency management at Massachusetts Maritime Academy. She teaches courses on disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation, vulnerable populations in disaster amongst other topics. Her research interests cut across areas of interest to emergency management. She primarily studies nonprofits, volunteerism, and informal aid efforts in disaster. She is a co-founder of Disaster Researchers for Justice and the Center for Climate Adaptation Research. She is the author of Disasterology: Dispatches from The Frontlines of The Climate Crisispublished in 2021 by Park Row.

Duration:00:47:57

Episode 174: Interview with Professor Daniel Aldrich on resilience and the importance of social capital in post-disaster recovery, first aired October 2021

5/5/2023
In this deep dive on resilience, Professor Daniel Aldrich gives a fascinating overview of different ways of thinking about resilience—focussing in particular on the kind of resilience that allows communities to recover from disasters in a way that brings together resources — and allows the communities to rebuild themselves so they’re not as vulnerable as they were before the shock—so they can collaborate, communicate, and work together in a more effective way. Daniel discusses his research which has identified the critical importance of social bonds as a key factor determining how communities deal with disasters—too often neglected due to an overemphasis on infrastructural resilience. A fascinating interview from October 2021, packed with rich insights and research findings-providing a multidimensional perspective on resilience. Daniel Aldrich is professor of political science and Director of the Security and Resilience Studies Program at Northeastern University. A main body of his research focussed on recovery after natural disasters. His most recent book, Building Resilience: Social Capital in Post-Disaster Recovery, highlights how relationships among people in a disaster zone are a critical engine for recovery after a disaster. Daniel has held posts as a Fulbright Research Fellow and an Abe Fellow at Tokyo University and as an AAAS Science and Technology Fellow with USAID. He is a contributor to the New York Times, CNN, The Conversation, and the Asahi Shinbun, among other media.

Duration:00:59:00

Episode 173: Interview with Scottish author Martin MacInnes on contemporary literature and the climate crisis

4/25/2023
In-depth, frank, and fascinating exploration of contemporary literature's response to current environmental crises, with Scottish writer Martin MacInnes, author of the recently acclaimed novel, In Ascension. Martin believes literature is profoundly implicated in the crises, and that it has a responsibility to challenge certain assumptions regarding the human and the non-human; he shares his interest in exploring how the novel might do this. He suggests literature should not be limited to traditional forms and structures but should explore new ways of storytelling, for example by using non-linear narratives or multiple perspectives to explore environmental themes, creating compelling stories that challenge readers' assumptions and encourages them to think critically about their relationship with the living world. Martin MacInnes is a writer of experimental and science fiction novels. He won the Somerset Maugham Award for his debut novel, Infinite Ground (2016. His second novel, Gathering Evidence, was published in 2020 and earned him a place on the Guardian/British Council’s list of ten writers shaping the UK’s future. His latest novel, In Ascension, which came out recently, is a exploration of some of the deep philosophical questions of our time, delving into the secrets of the ocean and the cosmos, and our relationship with the living world.

Duration:00:58:03

Episode 172: Professor Neta Crawford discusses the emissions of the Pentagon -- the world’s largest single greenhouse gas emitter.

3/26/2023
In this eye-opening interview, Professor Neta Crawford discusses the research in her new book The Pentagon, Climate Change, and War focussing on the huge carbon footprint of the Pentagon -- the world’s largest single greenhouse gas emitter. She tracks the interconnect long-term cycles of economic growth, and fossil fuel use-and growth of the US military. Crawford believes the most effective way to cut military emissions is to rethink U.S. grand strategy, which would enable the United States to reduce the size and operations of the military.

Duration:00:55:25

Episode 171: Interview with Dr Jeffrey Kiehl, climate scientist and Jungian analyst.

2/27/2023
In this fascinating interview, first aired April 13th 2021, Dr. Jeffrey Kiehl brings to bear two very different ways of thinking about climate change: the scientific and the psychological—and his journey as an experienced climate scientist to bring these different perspectives together. Jeffrey explains the essential features of a depth psychological perspective, why he believes this is essential today, helping us understand why we have failed to take action on climate change--and the roots of climate denial. Jeffrey identifies the shortcomings of taking a purely rational approach to climate change, why it is important to understand ways of thinking that are not purely rational, that are imagistic—based on a deeper understanding of the unconscious. He also talks about the emerging field of eco-psychology, an interdisciplinary field that focuses on the synthesis of ecology and psychology. Dr. Jeffrey Kiehl is a senior scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in the United States, and an adjunct professor at UC Santa Cruz, and he has carried out research on climate change for some 40 years. Jeffrey is also a Jungian analyst and his main interests today are in the areas of eco-psychology, a field that focuses on the synthesis of ecology and psychology and the promotion of sustainability. Jeffrey is the author of the book Facing climate change: an integrative path to the future, which provides a Jungian perspective on climate change.

Duration:01:04:55

Episode 170: Interview with renowned climate scientist Will Steffen, first aired in June 2020, on the dangers of “tipping cascades” that could post an existential threat to civilization.

2/1/2023
In this fascinating interview, first aired in June 2020, renowned climate scientist Will Steffen discusses Earth System science, and his research on so-called “tipping cascades,” when one tipping point kicks off a series of others, posing a growing threat of abrupt and irreversible climate changes. Will draws parallels between -19 and climate change, in that it’s important to understand science and not just what intervention needs to take place but to plan for the amount of time it takes for it to take effect. A great interview with a pioneering climate researcher who died on January 29th, 2023. Will Steffen had a long history in international global change research, serving from 1998 to 2004 as Executive Director of the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (IGBP), based in Stockholm, Sweden, and before that as Executive Officer of IGBP’s Global Change and Terrestrial Ecosystems project. He was the Inaugural Director of the ANU Climate Change Institute, from 2008-2012. Prior to that, he was Director of the ANU Fenner School of Environment and Society. From 2004 to 2011, Will served as science adviser to the Australian Government Department of Climate Change; from 2011 to 2013 was a Climate Commissioner on the Australian Government’s Climate Commission; Chair of the Antarctic Science Advisory Committee, Co-Director of the Canberra Urban and Regional Futures (CURF) initiative and Member of the ACT Climate Change Council. Steffen’s interests spanned a broad range within the fields of sustainability and Earth System science, with an emphasis on the science of climate change, approaches to climate change adaptation in land systems, incorporation of human processes in Earth System modelling and analysis; and the history and future of the relationship between humans and the rest of nature.

Duration:00:46:45