We The Children - Kids Talk Climate Solutions (We The Children - Kids Talk Climate Solutions)

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Welcome to episode #5 of, We, The Children. This week we are talking to Ryan, a 12-year-old known for collecting recyclable trash, sorting it, and personally bringing it to the proper recycling centers. Ryan even has his own recycling company, yes, at 12! Ryan then joins us for a new game, WHAT BIN DOES IT GO IN? where we hope many of your “what bin” questions will be answered. The Wacky weatherman, Waldo, will discuss hurricanes, and our action step of the week is plastic bags. Thanks for listening!

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In this episode we will meet Ali Niesen, who has always been passionate about sustainability. Ali works at CleanRobotics, where they've built a robot called TrashBot, that sorts waste in receptacles. Think - the recycling bin of the future.  Ali will tell us all about her company and then play Trivia with us.

How many tons of plastic are produced each year globally? 

200 million tons

300 million tons *

600 million tons 

Listen to the episode to hear the answer! 

Then Waldo the weatherman will tell us about the Mustard shortage and how this delicious spread has been affected by a drought…  We will finish up with our Action Step of the Week.  As we learned today, there are regulations about what you can and cannot recycle. Please listen and feel free to share your thoughts or questions on our social media. Thanks for listening.

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Welcome to the We The Children podcast, the podcast where kids talk climate change! The show is hosted by your resident kid, Zachary James. He may be 11 years old, but he has big concerns for our future - concerns about how decades and even centuries of our forebears have done damage to our planet and profited at the expense of our future. Each week, we will discuss the most pressing climate issues and meet climate warriors who are working to protect our planet. You’ll get wacky weather reports, play fun trivia games, and learn ways that you can make a difference in your community. We may not have all the answers, but we will fight for climate solutions! 

Today’s episode is all about trees, and starts with an interview with David Milarch, founder of the Archangel Ancient Tree Archive. David shares that healthy trees are crucial for the earth; they filter the air and water that animals and humans need, and also provide shade and a home for birds. Trees are considered the earth’s “lungs,” and they are currently under the threat of mass deforestation. Deforestation undercuts the ability of trees to remove the toxins human “progress” feeds into the air and water, and is harmful to the entire ecosystems of the trees. 

In view of these problems, David and his colleagues are hard at work doing in the laboratory what already happens in nature: tree cloning. In their case, the aim is to preserve the genetics of certain trees, such as long-lasting redwoods, so that scientists may eventually determine what it is that has made these trees so resilient. David also shares about efforts to migrate forests, as well as the “Tree School” his organization has created (and is working to make available nation-wide!) to help young people learn about the importance and plight of trees. 

David explains that anyone, including his 11-year-old host, can make a difference to the climate by planting just two trees a year. Every person planting two trees a year would drastically shift the trajectory of our planet! And while David’s greatest fear about our changing climate is that people will sit around and do nothing, his greatest hope is young people, who have been raising the bar of taking action for change! After a round of tree trivia about all things redwoods and a wacky weather report on understanding and braving heat waves, Zachary leaves listeners with an action step of the week to complement David’s advice: instead of consuming wood-based products, look for sustainable bamboo alternatives!

Links:

Learn more about the Archangel Ancient Tree Archive and Tree School.

Learn more about David and his team.

Learn more about We The Children.

Reach out to us @wethechildrenpodcast

Thanks for listening! And always remember, if we act together, we the children, can inspire hope and create change for our climate!

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Podcast: We The Children

Episode: Episode 8

Welcome to the We The Children podcast, the podcast where kids talk climate change! The show is hosted by your resident kid, Zachary James. He may be 11 years old, but he has big concerns for our future - concerns about how decades and even centuries of our forebears have done damage to our planet and profited at the expense of our future. Each week, we will discuss the most pressing climate issues and meet climate warriors who are working to protect our planet. You’ll get wacky weather reports, play fun trivia games, and learn ways that you can make a difference in your community. We may not have all the answers, but we will fight for climate solutions! 

Today’s episode is all about the ocean with Emily Parker, a Marine Scientist with Heal the Bay, a Los Angeles-based organization working to remove plastics from the Pacific coastline. Emily shares that ever since she was a little girl, she knew she wanted to do something to help the ocean. She grew up in New England and likes to say that she has saltwater in her veins. While science and education were always careers of interest, Emily knew what she really wanted to do was protect the ocean. Her role at Heal the Bay is to use her scientific knowledge to help improve laws surrounding our oceans.

The Ocean provides much more than most people even realize. For example, 1 in 7 people on Earth get their primary source of food from our oceans. About 70% of the oxygen we breathe in comes from phytoplankton in the ocean. When plastic ends up in the ocean, it is often mistaken by wildlife as food, wreaking havoc on their bodies and making its way back up the food chain. It is clogging our landfills, contributing to climate change, littering our environments and making us sick. After a wacky weather report on understanding the role of clouds, Emily explains source reduction and how it can be used to reduce plastic waste. Aside from focusing on reusables, another easy step we can take towards reducing plastics in our ocean is to simply talk about the problem. By making it a more well known topic, we’re more likely to get solutions.

Then, Emily and Zachary engage in a round of plastic-related trivia. Finally, Zachary leaves listeners with an action step of the week: write letters to your local politicians about your concerns surrounding single-used plastic. Figure out who you want to write to here, introduce yourself to your legislator, then explain what you want to change and why. 

Links:

Learn more about Emily Parker and Heal the Bay.

Learn more about We The Children.

Reach out to us @wethechildrenpodcast

Thanks for listening! And always remember, if we act together, we the children, can inspire hope and create change for our climate!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the We The Children podcast, the podcast where kids talk climate change! The show is hosted by your resident kid, Zachary James. He may be 11 years old, but he has big concerns for our future - concerns about how decades and even centuries of our forebears have done damage to our planet and profited at the expense of our future. Each week, we will discuss the most pressing climate issues and meet climate warriors who are working to protect our planet. 

Today’s episode is all about composting and fermentation with guest Nick Kiss, Founder of Bokashi Living. Nick is a farmer and gardener, and he created Bokashi Living to reduce our carbon footprint by composting food. Nick spent years in the trash and recycling industry, where he watched many people throw away items that shouldn’t have been garbage. The community started to recycle various items, but was shocked that food waste wasn’t the first one to correct since it can be composted. He wanted to make a change by composting food waste and educating homeowners.

According to the Department of Agriculture, 30-40% of food is wasted each year while millions of people suffer from food insecurity. All of our food waste collectively piles up in the land waste and rots. This rotting food produces carbon dioxide and methane gas, which contributes to greenhouse gasses and accelerates the climate change problem. If we properly compost our food waste, then we can prevent those gasses from entering the atmosphere. If you left your food in a warm kitchen with sunshine, you would start to see mold in 3-4 days, which really is microorganisms feeding on the food. This is not beneficial to us as humans and there are a whole host of different organisms that will eat the food before it rots, which starts the fermentation process for food waste. Fermentation is the process of microbes at work, and can actually be used to store food and feed plants. An example of fermentation is pickling, where you change a cucumber to a pickle. When food ferments, the rotting microbes don’t want this food anymore and the garden soil microbes eat this fermented food instead. The Bokashi Method speeds up the process of fermentation by supplying microorganisms, fungi and yeast that will eat your food waste.

After a wacky weather report on meteor showers, Nick explains that fermentation is a great solution for urban areas. Residents don’t have a lot of space, but they can add special microbes to their food waste to feed their plants with good soil. He says the most concerning aspect of climate change for him is that so many people think their own individual actions don't add up to much, so they don't do their part. If we all make a contribution and effort to be more sustainable, it makes an impact and collectively, we are the solution to climate change. He says the next generation gives him the most hope about climate change because kids are aware of this problem.

Then, Nick and Zachary engage in a round of compost IQ trivia. Finally, Zachary leaves listeners with action steps of the week: eat leftovers or freeze them, buy ugly food (the misshapen ones are typically thrown away if not sold), be a smart shopper and buy wisely so you don't overbuy and start composting. Remember that our small, every day efforts go a long way!

Links:

Learn more about Nick Kiss and Bokashi Living.

Learn more about We The Children.

Reach out to us @wethechildrenpodcast

Thanks for listening! And always remember, if we act together, we the children, can inspire hope and create change for our climate!

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Solar Saves The Day

Can you believe this is our tenth episode! If you've missed any, I’d suggest going back to hear about Trees, fossil fuels, the EPA, plastics and recycling. We’ve just begun talking about climate solutions and have much more to learn and share. We have a great show for you today. Today we will be interviewing Freeman Hall, who is an expert in the field of solar power technology. He is also an industry executive who understands the relationship between business and environmental causes. Have questions about solar, well then listen in, lots of good information about solar and how it’s becoming the cheapest form of energy. Zach and Freeman also discuss an exciting new technology that puts old electric car batteries to good use. Waldo has some travel interruptions and will take time to explain a weather pattern that’s been happening lately. Clare and Zach wrap up this episode with the Action Step around solar energy. Please tune in and as usual, any questions you have, please contact us on our social media @we_the_children_podcast. Thanks for listening!

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Podcast: We The Children

Episode: Episode 11 - Heather White

Welcome to the We The Children podcast, the podcast where kids talk climate change! The show is hosted by your resident kid, Zachary James. He may be 11 years old, but he has big concerns for our future - concerns about how decades and even centuries of our forebears have done damage to our planet and profited at the expense of our future. Each week, we will discuss the most pressing climate issues and meet climate warriors who are working to protect our planet. You’ll get wacky weather reports, play fun trivia games, and learn ways that you can make a difference in your community. We may not have all the answers, but we will fight for climate solutions!  

Today’s episode is all about Heather White, author of One Green Thing. After a wacky weather report about understanding volcanic activity, we turn to our interview with Heather White. Heather is also the founder of One Green Thing, a nonprofit with the focus on finding practical ways to solve the climate crisis and help others turn climate anxiety into climate optimism. Growing up in eastern Tennessee, Heather spent lots of her childhood partaking in outdoor activities. It wasn’t until college that she focused on environmental science, working on Capitol Hill and in various political campaigns. Having children is what ultimately inspired her to write this book and take her climate action to the next level. 

Heather explains that climate anxiety is a new term recently defined by the Oxford Dictionary as a chronic fear of environmental doom. Climate optimism, on the other hand, focuses on the solutions we have to address these threats. With all of these solutions, what is really missing is the political will to take action. The premise of Heather's book is that older generations have an ethical duty to prove to young people that they are not alone in the fight to save our planet. So, how can implementing small daily changes really make an impact? Heather explains that the entire idea of individual carbon footprint was created by PR executives from the oil industry to try to shift the burden of the climate crisis onto people, rather than products. As humans on this earth, we all have the ability to inspire others to think about regular environmental impacts and solutions. When we inspire a ripple effect, we can together create the change our world needs. Next, Heather shares her top tips for families to reduce waste at home: reduce food waste, be mindful of the brands you are buying, invest in energy efficiency and ask young people how they feel about the future. Finally, Heather and Zach engage in a round of climate-related trivia and Zach shares the action step of the week: talk to your parents about your climate concerns. 

Links:

Learn more about Heather White. 

Learn more about book One Green Thing

Take your Service Superpower Assessment

Learn more about We The Children.

Reach out to us @wethechildrenpodcast

Thanks for listening! And always remember, if we act together, we the children, can inspire hope and create change for our climate!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the We The Children podcast, the podcast where kids talk climate change! The show is hosted by your resident kid, Zachary James. He may be 11 years old, but he has big concerns for our future - concerns about how decades and even centuries of our forebears have done damage to our planet and profited at the expense of our future. Each week, we will discuss the most pressing climate issues and meet climate warriors who are working to protect our planet. You’ll get wacky weather reports, play fun trivia games, and learn ways that you can make a difference in your community. We may not have all the answers, but we will fight for climate solutions! 

On today’s episode, Zach interviews guest Dr. Heïdi Sevestre. She obtained her PHD from the University of Oslo. She is a top science communicator, educator and leads expeditions to cold places every year. Her studies have taken her around the world, but now she dedicates her time to science policy, outreach and research. Dr. Sevestre is French and was born in the French alps. She fell in love with the mountains and knew from the age of 16 that she wanted to be a glaciologist. Dr. Sevestre is currently in Svalbard, which is in the center of climate change and permafrost, which is any ground that stays permanently frozen for two years. This place is covered with snow and ice everywhere year round, but the sea ice covering most of the arctic ocean has retreated. When temperatures increase, the permafrost thaws, which causes buildings to shift and releases greenhouse gasses. Dr. Sevestre says seeing polar bears and other arctic animals is magnificent, but the arctic is rapidly changing and is directly affecting them. Polar bears hunt from the sea ice and if that totally disappears, then these animals will be affected. 

Dr. Sevestre explains how glaciers melting directly affects us all in two ways. The first is that glaciers hold 70% of freshwater reservoirs, which is what we use for everyday water usage. Secondly, when glaciers melt, the sea levels around the world rise. If all the glaciers in the world were to disappear, it would increase sea levels globally by 65 meters or 280 feet. This is important because there are 70 million people living between 0 and 30 feet of elevation. When the ice melts, people will have to adapt and move somewhere else. In order to combat this, we need to burn fewer fossil fuels. The more we burn fossil fuels like coal, gas, etc., the more the planet keeps the heat in and prevents it from going back into space. Our planet keeps getting warmer and has increased by 1.1 degrees Celsius since the pre-industrial revolution. This sounds like a tiny temperature increase, but a 1 degree temperature increase will continually get worse. NASA predicts that if we don’t make changes around the world, the global temperature is on track to rise by 4.5 degrees celsius in 2100. The key to tackling the climate crisis is to stop using fossil fuels as much as we are today. She suggests educating people on these issues and to calculate your own carbon footprint and water consumption. If everyone makes these slow solutions and shares these solutions with positivity and excitement, we can keep fighting to reduce the carbon footprint and stabilize our planet’s temperature. Finally, Dr. Sevestre and Zach engage in a round of climate-related trivia and Zach shares the action step of the week: switch to a more plant-based diet to reduce your carbon footprint. 

Links:

Learn more about Heïdi Sevestre. 

Learn more about We The Children.

Reach out to us @wethechildrenpodcast

Thanks for listening! And always remember, if we act together, we the children, can inspire hope and create change for our climate!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the We The Children podcast, the podcast where kids talk climate change!  The show is hosted by your resident kid, Zachary James.  He may be 11 years old, but he has big concerns for our future - concerns about how decades and even centuries of our forebears have done damage to our planet and profited at the expense of our future.  Each week, we will discuss the most pressing climate issues and meet climate warriors who are working to protect our planet.  You’ll get wacky weather reports, play fun trivia games, and learn ways that you can make a difference in your community.  We may not have all the answers, but we will fight for climate solutions!  

Today’s episode is all about wasteful habits with Sheila Morovati. Shelia is the founder of the amazing nonprofit Habits of Waste, which seeks to find and implement waste reduction solutions both locally and on a national scale. After a wacky weather report about how we can combat climate change with nature itself, Sheila is welcomed to the show. She is known for her success in reducing waste at restaurants by throwing out crayons kids use to entertain themselves. This was her first initial step into environmental work. She shares the story behind how she initially came up with this idea when she observed her own daughter tossing the crayon she just briefly used in the garbage. She began to collect the crayons herself before getting the restaurant in on the task to collect these lightly used crayons and donate them to schools. 

Small lifestyle changes ultimately amount to big changes. When we make these incremental changes in our own life, it becomes easier and easier to keep making positive changes. Sheila was involved in the banning of plastic straws in Malibu, the first city to do so. She encourages listeners to attend their own city council meetings to advocate for the positive change they believe in. She also urges listeners to incorporate more plant based foods into their diet rather than making a full jump to strictly vegan. Before wrapping up, she shares how listeners can help contribute to the work being done at Habits of Waste. This includes making sure you have no single-use waste in your daily lunches, raising money for Habits of Waste or establishing a crayon collection at your own school. Finally, she voices her biggest concerns about climate change. 

Links:

Learn more about Sheila Morovati. 

Learn more about Habits of Waste

Learn more about #8meals

Learn more about Lights, Camera, Plastic?

Learn more about the Crayon Collection

Learn more about We The Children.

Reach out to us @wethechildrenpodcast

Thanks for listening!  And always remember, if we act together, we the children, can inspire hope and create change for our climate!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the We The Children podcast, the podcast where kids talk climate change! The

show is hosted by your resident kid, Zachary James. He may be 11 years old, but he has big

concerns for our future - concerns about how decades and even centuries of our forebears have

done damage to our planet and profited at the expense of our future. Each week, we will

discuss the most pressing climate issues and meet climate warriors who are working to protect

our planet. You’ll get wacky weather reports, play fun trivia games, and learn ways that you can

make a difference in your community. We may not have all the answers, but we will fight for

climate solutions!

Today’s episode is all about conservation with Shawn Sweeney, Associate Vice President of

Communications and Policy at the Jane Goodall Institute. His career has spanned many years

of combining his passion for the environment, research, and community relations. He shares that

while he has worked in conservation for about 15 years, his work in the field really began by

studying animal behavior and conservation psychology in college. He became aware of how

black-capped capuchin monkeys, were treated in the wild and the extinction they faced. He studied

animal behavior at the College of Wooster and got to work on some really cool projects there. He shares his

history of being a nature and wildlife champion. Shawn is a storyteller in his role at the Jane

Goodall Institute. He emphasizes the importance of knowing your audience as a communicator.

During college, Shawn was introduced to Roots & Shoots when they visited a local high school.

He was so inspired by the power of the group that he started his very own on campus. Then,

people were just beginning to talk about these conversations around sustainability and the

climate crisis. Jane Goodall began Roots & Shoots to give young people the opportunity to

make a difference in their own communities. They have developed a 4-step formula for young

people to follow in order to generate the most impact possible. Next, Shawn shares how young

people can get started on their own projects within their communities. These include identifying

a problem, utilizing community mapping and designing a project of your own. Shawn also

shares how the Roots & Shoots team have leveraged Dr. Jane’s gift of storytelling to create a

framework and training for the entire team. When telling these stories, it is important to

recognize and give credit to the person who did the work in order for the story to be told. Before

wrapping up, he explains the oppressive systems in place which create unhealthy conditions for

humans and animals alike. Changing these systems is the key to fighting climate change and

species extinction, and Shawn has hope for younger generations and the power of community.

Links:

Learn more about Shawn Sweeney and Roots & Shoots.

Learn more about We The Children.

Reach out to us @wethechildrenpodcast

Thanks for listening! And always remember, if we act together, we the children, can inspire

hope and create change for our climate!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the We The Children podcast, the podcast where kids talk climate change! The show is hosted by your resident kid, Zachary. He may be 11 years old, but he has big concerns for our future - concerns about how decades and even centuries of our forebears have done damage to our planet and profited at the expense of our future. Each week, we will discuss the most pressing climate issues and meet climate warriors who are working to protect our planet. You’ll get wacky weather reports, play fun trivia games, and learn ways that you can make a difference in your community. We may not have all the answers, but we will fight for climate solutions! 

Today’s episode is all about Climate Curriculums with Eve and Jeremy from Community Roots Academy School in Southern California. Eve Fein is CRA’s Co-Founder and Executive Director of Operations and Research Development. She was a major force behind opening Community Seedlings Preschool. Jeremy Cavallaro is CRA’s Co-Founder and Executive Director of Education. Both of them wanted to provide quality education that was free. They shared a passion for project-based learning and realized there was no K-8 school like this in Orange County. The school is now so popular that they have to conduct a lottery for enrollment each year. Environmental sustainability has been a core value of the school since it opened. Students are taught to love and connect to the natural world before they are shown the importance of healing its wounds. The two major skills they are taught in project-based learning are advocacy and efficacy.

Next, Eve and Jeremy offer their best advice for weaving environmental literacy and climate awareness into existing curriculums in schools without a specific program. From Jeremy’s experience, these lessons must come from a place of passion. It is all about building passion and compassion in children. They also recommend their favorite books and films on the subject. CRA is lucky to be surrounded by such a beautiful natural space, but urban cities don’t usually have the same opportunity for connecting students with nature. However, Jeremy reminds listeners that small things such as a tree, planted flowers or a windowsill box of herbs all can have a major impact when tended to with care.

Links:

Learn more about Community Roots Academy School

Learn more about We The Children.

Reach out to us https://www.instagram.com/we_the_children_podcast/

Thanks for listening! And always remember, if we act together, we the children, can inspire hope and create change for our climate

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zach Fox-DeVol is a 12 year-old with a lot of questions about our planet, how climate change will impact his generation and, most importantly, what he and other kids can do to help. We the Children is a podcast for young people like Zach to learn about and examine the climate change crisis, and have some fun along the way, too! Through conversations with experts, educators, and activists, each episode is a chance to explore how everyone–adults and kids alike–can work together to save the planet!

Season 2 launches in January 2024.

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Summary

If farmers update the way they grow food and raise livestock, can we all eat better and also fight climate change? Yes we can! There’s a sustainable farming approach called regenerative agriculture, which argues that by improving soil health, our food would be more nutritious and we’d improve biodiversity, limit air pollution, and literally heal the Earth. 

Gabe Brown is a regenerative agriculture advocate who lives in Bismarck, North Dakota, where he and his family operate Brown's Ranch. He found his way to regenerative agriculture after the family farm he took over from his in-laws began failing. He turned things around by leaving age-old agricultural methods behind, and regenerated the farm using holistic management practices.

Since then, Gabe's become a huge advocate for soil health. He's written a book, he's featured in documentaries, and he travels far and wide to teach people about regenerative agriculture. In this episode we’ll explore soil health, sustainable farming, weather and air pollution’s impact on farming, the need for more eco education and awareness, and how the food choices we make as consumers affect the environment we share on Earth.

Listen along with your friends, parents, and teachers as we share discussion questions and helpful definitions…there’s even a quiz at the end of the episode to practice what you learned. So, join Zach as We the Children digs into soil health and sustainable farming with Gabe Brown!

Highlights:

• How financial disaster led Gabe to more productive and sustainable farming (02:37)
• Six principles of soil health (03:56)
• Why old ways of farming lead to “desertification” (9:38)
• What happens when synthetic fertilizers and pesticides enter the food chain? (12:29)
• Are more farmers embracing regenerative agriculture? (15:40)
• Is eating sustainably more expensive? (23:43)

Links:

Brown’s Ranch

Book: Dirt to Soil: One Family’s Journey into Regenerative Agriculture

Film: Common Ground

Video: Gabe Brown - Bismarck, ND

Video: Gabe Brown: Keys To Building a Healthy Soil 

Connect with us!

Subscribe to We the Children on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts and follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/wethechildrenpodcast) and Instagram (@we_the_children_podcast). Also, please visit our website (wethechildrenpodcast.com) and leave us a voice message or email if you want to stay in touch or engage with episode questions!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When we think about protecting our environment for future generations, the job at hand seems really big. Huge, even. But what if the solutions to these problems start with actions that seem kind of small? What if parents and teachers start getting kids engaged with the natural environment in their own communities from a young age?

This week, we meet Laetania Belai Djandam, a 22 year-old Indonesian Indigenous environmental activist. She was raised to care for her local landscape and people, with the understanding that if similar dedication was applied by everyone around the world, the Earth would be in a much better state.

A member of the Dayak tribe, her main focus areas are Indigenous land rights, climate justice, and climate intersectionality. A 2023 University of Sheffield graduate, she earned a Bachelor of Medical Sciences, Health and Human Sciences, and has worked for organizations like Healthcare Without Harm to create a more equitable and sustainable world through planetary health. She believes that young people are creating positive change in the world and that right here, right now, powerful people are listening to what youth are saying about how we use and misuse our natural resources. 

In this episode, we’ll cover all of that, plus lessons about why Indigenous land rights are so significant, how to detect “youth washing,” and why connecting with your own community is crucial in securing support for climate advocacy. Belai shares her own journey with us and offers empowering advice to anyone feeling too small to make a big difference.

Listen along with your friends, parents, and teachers as we share discussion questions and helpful definitions…there’s even a quiz at the end of the episode to practice what you learned.

Highlights:

• Learning about Belai’s homeland and Dayak heritage (2:29)
• How to increase climate curriculum in schools (9:44)
• Local Weather Report: Bogor, Indonesia (12:35)
• Why indigenous land rights are such an important issue (13:43)
• What is climate intersectionality? (20:18)
• Youth empowerment but also “youth washing” (24:57)
• Climate advocacy career advice (29:30)

Links:

Belai on LinkedIn

Belai on Instagram

Article: Why This Youth Climate Activist Insists on the Importance of Joy

Connect with us!

Subscribe to We the Children on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts and follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/wethechildrenpodcast) and Instagram (@we_the_children_podcast). Also, please visit our website (wethechildrenpodcast.com) and leave us a voice message or email if you want to stay in touch or engage with episode questions!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Summary:

Polar bears have been a symbol of climate change for a long time—and for good reason. Their icy home in the Arctic is warming much faster than the rest of the planet, affecting the habits and lifestyle of polar bears and other Arctic residents in a big way. With these changes come new challenges for both polar bears and people alike.

This week, we meet one of the experts leading the charge to help polar bears, humans, and other Arctic wildlife navigate these changes—World Wildlife Fund's Elisabeth Kruger.

As WWF’s Manager of Arctic Wildlife, Elisabeth Kruger works at the forefront of conservation, mitigating threats to the marine wildlife of Alaska. Over the last 13 years, Elisabeth has worked with WWF to help polar bears and other Arctic marine mammal populations thrive alongside people in what’s becoming an increasingly warmer and ice-free Arctic.

In this episode, we'll learn about the unique characteristics that make polar bears well suited to the extreme climate of the Arctic, find out how climate change is affecting polar bears' habits and creating conflict with their human neighbors, and discover the vital importance of Arctic conservation efforts.

Listen along with your friends, parents, and teachers as we share discussion questions and helpful definitions…there’s even a quiz at the end of the episode where you can show off what you've learned! So, join Zach as We the Children visits the icy Arctic to learn about Arctic conservation and polar bears with Elisabeth Kruger!

Highlights:

• Elisabeth on the challenges and beauty of living in extreme environments (03:17)
• How is climate change uniquely impacting the Arctic and creating challenges for polar bears? (04:24)
• Elisabeth's memorable polar bear encounter (08:33)
• Polar bear adaptations and characteristics (10:47)
• Local Weather Report! (16:23)
• Global polar bear conservation efforts (17:56)
• Why is it difficult to estimate polar bear populations? (22:44)
• How has climate change increased the potential for conflicts between humans and polar bears? (26:11)
• Indigenous knowledge and arctic food security (28:04)
• Wrap Up & Quiz! (31:47)

Links:

Guest Bio: WWF Website

LinkedIn: Elisabeth Kruger

WWF Wild Classroom: Polar Bear Curriculum

Connect with us!

Subscribe to We the Children on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts and follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/wethechildrenpodcast) and Instagram (@we_the_children_podcast). Also, please visit our website (wethechildrenpodcast.com) and leave us a voice message or email if you want to stay in touch or engage with episode questions!

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Summary:

Bees and other pollinators have an important role to play in our planet's ecosystems. As they travel flower to flower collecting pollen, not only are they feeding themselves, but they're feeding us as well. By helping plants reproduce, bees ensure we have an abundance of the fruits, vegetables, and nuts that fuel our food chains. But that's not all...the honey bees make serves as both a sweet treat and a medicine.

Bees take care of us, and in return we need to take care of them. Human activities and climate change are having a negative impact on bee populations globally, so our guest this episode, interdisciplinarian and beekeeper Melanie Kirby, is here to teach us all about bees and what we can do to help them thrive.

Melanie is the co-founder of Zia Queenbees farm, which specializes in breeding regionally-adaptive bees. A Fulbright-NatGeo Storytelling Fellow, and a Grist 50 Climate Fixer with a graduate degree in Entomology, she advocates for broadening the narrative of marginalized farmers and communities as a mestiza of mixed Indigenous ancestry. Melanie collaborates across cultures and landscapes promoting whole system approaches to pollinator conservation with diverse communities and is a writer, researcher, artist, and mom. 

In this episode, we'll learn about different bee species and their habits, the impact of climate change on bees, and what we can do to support the health of local bee populations.

Listen along with your friends, parents, and teachers as we share discussion questions and helpful definitions…there’s even a quiz at the end of the episode to practice what you learned. So, join Zach as We the Children gets the latest buzz on bees from Melanie Kirby!

Highlights:

• Melanie's introduction to beekeeping (03:09)
• The importance of bees and pollinators in ecosystems (03:34)
• How Melanie connects culture and beekeeping (09:00)
• Bee types and traits (10:53)
• How health and habits (16:46)
• Impact of climate change on bees (23:45)
• How we can protect bees (26:01)
• Lessons we can learn from bees (31:22)
• Wrap Up & Quiz! (32:52)

Links:

Website: Zia Queenbees Farm & Field Institute

LinkedIn: Melanie Kirby

Instagram: @nectarnomad

Bee City USA

Connect with us!

Subscribe to We the Children on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts and follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/wethechildrenpodcast) and Instagram (@we_the_children_podcast). Also, please visit our website (wethechildrenpodcast.com) and leave us a voice message or email if you want to stay in touch or engage with episode questions!

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Summary:

For the most arid areas of our planet, water conservation and wildfires have always been hot topics. Climate change and a warming planet, however, have escalated this important conversation. It is now more necessary than ever to understand the impacts climate change will have on our water supply and weather, and come up with strategies to address them.

Having grown up in Arizona, one of the driest places in the United States, our guest this episode hasn't just learned about the importance of water conservation—she's lived it! Dr. Faith Kearns is a scientist and science communication practitioner who writes, works on, and talks about water, wildfire, and climate change issues in the southwestern United States. Author of the award-winning book Getting to the Heart of Science Communication, her work has been published in New Republic, On Being, Bay Nature, and more. Dr. Kearns is also co-host of the podcast "Water Talk."

In this episode, we'll learn about the interconnectedness of water conservation and wildfires, and explore the effects climate change is having on both. We'll also explore the concept of "eco emotions" and how to communicate about climate change effectively and compassionately.

Listen along with your friends, parents, and teachers as we share discussion questions and helpful definitions…there’s even a quiz at the end of the episode to practice what you learned. Now, let's all take a deep breath and plunge into the world of water conservation with Dr. Faith Kearns!

Highlights:

• Dr. Kearns' childhood experience with wildfire (03:00)
• How are water conservation, drought, and wildfires connected? (07:12)
• Water's importance for humans and agriculture (09:35)
• What is science communication? (18:21)
• "Eco emotions" and climate-related anxiety in young people (21:15)
• Creative solutions to address drought and water conservation (24:34)
• How can individuals promote water conservation locally? (28:48)
• Wrap Up & Quiz! (30:24)

Links:

Website: Dr. Faith Kearns

Book: Getting to the Heart of Science Communication by Faith Kearns

Book: All the Feelings Under the Sun by Leslie Davenport

Podcast: Water Talk

Connect with us!

Subscribe to We the Children on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts and follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/wethechildrenpodcast) and Instagram (@we_the_children_podcast). Also, please visit our website (wethechildrenpodcast.com) and leave us a voice message or email if you want to stay in touch or engage with episode questions!

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Today we revisit my conversation with Dr. Heïdi Severstre! Dr. Sevestre is a glaciologist. She is a top science communicator, educator and leads expeditions to cold places every year. Her studies have taken her around the world, but now she dedicates her time to science policy, outreach and research.

In this interview, Dr. Sevestre explains how glaciers melting directly affects us all in two ways. The first is that glaciers hold 70% of freshwater reservoirs, which is what we use for everyday water usage. Secondly, when glaciers melt, the sea levels around the world rise. If all the glaciers in the world were to disappear, it would increase sea levels globally by 65 meters or 280 feet. This is important because there are 70 million people living between 0 and 30 feet of elevation. When the ice melts, people will have to adapt and move somewhere else. In order to combat this, we need to burn fewer fossil fuels. The more we burn fossil fuels like coal, gas, etc., the more the planet keeps the heat in and prevents it from going back into space. Our planet keeps getting warmer and has increased by 1.1 degrees Celsius since the pre-industrial revolution. This sounds like a tiny temperature increase, but a 1 degree temperature increase will continually get worse. NASA predicts that if we don’t make changes around the world, the global temperature is on track to rise by 4.5 degrees celsius in 2100.

The key to tackling the climate crisis is to stop using fossil fuels as much as we are today. She suggests educating people on these issues and to calculate your own carbon footprint and water consumption. If everyone makes these slow solutions and shares these solutions with positivity and excitement, we can keep fighting to reduce the carbon footprint and stabilize our planet’s temperature.

Website: Dr. Heïdi Severstre

Instagram: @heidisevestre

Connect with us!

Subscribe to We the Children on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts and follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/wethechildrenpodcast) and Instagram (@we_the_children_podcast). Also, please visit our website (wethechildrenpodcast.com) and leave us a voice message or email if you want to stay in touch or engage with episode questions!

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Dive into the mesmerizing world beneath the waves with Molly Timmers, a marine ecologist whose lifelong passion for the ocean has taken her on an extraordinary journey all around the globe.

Growing up with a deep appreciation for nature, Molly's fascination with the ocean led her to pursue a career dedicated to marine research and conservation. From her formative experiences as a marine debris removal technician scuba diving in the pristine waters of Hawaii to her current role as a marine ecologist for the National Geographic Society's Pristine Seas program, Molly's commitment to protecting our oceans is evident in every aspect of her work.

In this episode, Molly refelcts on the beauty and fragility of marine life. Drawing from her extensive fieldwork and research, she offers insights into the challenges facing coral reefs, the profound impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems, and the pressing need for innovative conservation strategies to safeguard our oceans for generations to come.

Listen along with your friends, parents, and teachers as Molly delves into the intricacies of marine ecology, illuminating the wonders of the underwater world while underscoring the critical importance of collective action in preserving our planet's most precious resource – the ocean.

Highlights:

• An underwater world (03:41)
• How Molly’s work with coral reefs began (05:50)
• What are coral reefs exactly? (07:21)
• Understanding organisms through eDNA (08:55)
• The role do coral reefs play in our global ecosystem  (13:52)
• What happens as the ocean's temperature warms? (17:35)
• How no-take zones protect coral reefs (23:37)
• Wrap Up & Quiz! (28:59)

Links:

Website: Nat Geo Pristine Sea's Program

Connect with us!

Subscribe to We the Children on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts and follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/wethechildrenpodcast) and Instagram (@we_the_children_podcast). Also, please visit our website (wethechildrenpodcast.com) and leave us a voice message or email if you want to stay in touch or engage with episode questions!

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Join Zach and environmental advocate Philippe Cousteau in a captivating discussion on the urgent role of ocean restoration and the power of youth activism in environmental conservation. Philippe shares innovative techniques for coral restoration that have transitioned from experimental stages to significant global projects aimed at rebuilding healthy marine ecosystems. Zach and Philippe also talk about the pervasive issue of plastic pollution, discussing both its catastrophic impacts on marine and human life and the solutions that organizations like EarthEcho are spearheading to mitigate these effects.

Philippe Cousteau dives into how his family legacy continues to inspire his environmental advocacy, particularly in empowering the next generation. He highlights initiatives such as the OurEcho Challenge, which encourages youth to explore and address biodiversity concerns within their communities, fostering a proactive approach to environmental stewardship. This episode not only illuminates the environmental challenges we face but also celebrates the promising efforts led by young people worldwide, underlining the profound belief that the younger generation holds the key to sustainable solutions.

Philippe emphasize the importance of education and active participation in environmental issues. Philippe's stories and strategies offer a roadmap for listeners who are eager to make an impact, advocating for a united approach where clean air, clean water, and a healthy ocean are seen as fundamental and unifying global priorities.

Listeners are encouraged to join the ongoing conversation about ocean preservation and youth activism by following the podcast on social media platforms and participating in community-focused environmental initiatives. This episode serves as a compelling reminder that while the challenges are significant, the opportunities for making a difference are immense.

Highlights

• Philippe discusses the origins of coral restoration technology and its impact on ocean health (01:30)
• Discussion on the pervasive problem of plastic in our oceans and innovative responses to this global crisis (15:45)
• How the OurEcho Challenge is engaging young people in environmental science and stewardship (30:00)
• Philippe reflects on his grandfather Jacques Cousteau’s legacy and its influence on his life and work (45:20)
• Strategies for effective environmental communication and the critical role of education in fostering a sustainable future (58:40)

Resources Mentioned

- EarthEcho International (website link)

- OurEcho Challenge (website link)

Connect with us!

Subscribe to We the Children on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts and follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/wethechildrenpodcast) and Instagram (@we_the_children_podcast). Also, please visit our website (wethechildrenpodcast.com) and leave us a voice message or email if you want to stay in touch or engage with episode questions!

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Uncover the intricate connections between geology and climate change with geologist and astronomer Tim Martin. Tim, a seasoned instructor at Elon University and naturalist with National Geographic, shares insights from his Arctic expeditions and his extensive research into Earth's geological past.

Growing up with a passion for the outdoors and a curiosity about the natural world, Tim’s lifelong commitment to environmental education shines through as he discusses the vital role of geologists in understanding climate change. Tim's dual career as a scientist and artist enriches his approach to teaching and communicating about climate change. His work emphasizes how geological evidence from millions of years helps us comprehend and address the rapid environmental changes we face today. Tim explains the science of paleoclimatology and its importance in predicting future climate scenarios.

Tim explains the significant financial implications of ignoring climate change, emphasizing that the costs of inaction far outweigh the investments required for sustainable solutions. The episode paints a vivid picture of the economic, environmental, and social stakes involved in global climate dynamics. Tim also illustrates the critical role of interdisciplinary research and public participation in shaping our response to environmental challenges.

Highlights

• The science of paleoclimatology and its relevance to modern climate issues (00:02:13)
• Discussion on the rapid pace of climate change and its economic implications (00:07:01)
• The importance of combining various scientific disciplines to address climate challenges (00:13:11)
• How individuals can contribute to climate science through citizen science initiatives (00:20:28)
• Personal observations and their impact on understanding and combating climate change (00:24:13)
• Educational Wrap Up & Quiz to reinforce the episode's themes (00:29:26)

Resources Mentioned

• National Geographic Resolution (website link)
• Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow Network (CoCoRaHS) (website link)

Connect with us!

Subscribe to We the Children on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts and follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/wethechildrenpodcast) and Instagram (@we_the_children_podcast). Also, please visit our website (wethechildrenpodcast.com) and leave us a voice message or email if you want to stay in touch or engage with episode questions!

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Explore the role of corporations in the fight against climate change with Becky Martin, a sustainability manager at Toyota Motor North America. In this episode, we learn about Toyota’s ambitious goals for achieving carbon neutrality and the innovative projects they are spearheading to reduce their environmental footprint.

Becky Martin’s journey from investment banking to a career in sustainability is an inspiring tale of following one’s passion to make a significant impact. With a strong background in business and environmental science, Becky is at the forefront of Toyota’s sustainability initiatives, focusing on renewable energy, biodiversity, and strategic partnerships with organizations like the Jane Goodall Institute's Roots & Shoots program.

Join us as Becky discusses the critical importance of corporate responsibility, the intricate processes behind carbon offsetting, and Toyota’s efforts to align with global biodiversity frameworks. Learn how one of the world’s largest corporations is tackling climate change. What lessons we can all learn from their approach?

Listen along with your friends, parents, and teachers as Becky explains the complexities of sustainability in the corporate world and shares her vision for a greener future.

Highlights:

- Becky’s career path to sustainability (02:45)

- Understanding corporate contributions to climate change (04:32)

- The importance of biodiversity and Toyota’s initiatives (07:30)

- How Toyota aims to achieve carbon neutrality (09:50)

- Becky’s work with the Jane Goodall Institute (14:32)

- Advice for entering the sustainability sector (16:17)

- The future of sustainability and Becky’s hopes for the planet (18:10)

- Wrap Up & Quiz! (19:25)

Links:

- Toyota Motor North America Sustainability

- Jane Goodall Institute's Roots & Shoots Program

- Carbon Offsets, Illustrated

Connect with us!

Subscribe to We the Children on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts and follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/wethechildrenpodcast) and Instagram (@we_the_children_podcast). Also, please visit our website (wethechildrenpodcast.com) and leave us a voice message or email if you want to stay in touch or engage with episode questions!

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Summary:

Zach interviews Matt Scott, the Director of Storytelling and Engagement at Project Drawdown. Matt discusses his journey from feeling disconnected from the climate movement to becoming a pivotal voice for inclusivity and representation. He emphasizes the importance of “passing the mic” to underrepresented voices in the climate conversation, arguing that diverse perspectives are crucial for developing effective and inclusive climate solutions. Matt’s work focuses on amplifying stories from communities that are often overlooked, ensuring that their contributions and insights are recognized and valued.

Matt shares his experiences working with various organizations, including NASA and the White House. He reflects on a transformative moment at a climate conference where he realized the power of personal stories over data-heavy presentations. This experience inspired him to create impactful narratives that resonate emotionally and inspire action. Matt’s storytelling approach highlights the humanity behind climate data, making the complex issue of climate change more relatable and engaging for diverse audiences.

Throughout the episode, Matt provides examples of how storytelling has made a difference in his work, from connecting with underrepresented communities to creating the Global Solutions Diary, a community-generated library of climate solution stories from around the world. This initiative allows people from various backgrounds to share their experiences and solutions, fostering a sense of global community and collective action. Matt’s dedication to amplifying diverse voices and his belief in the transformative power of storytelling serve as a powerful reminder that everyone has a role to play in addressing climate change.

Links:

•Project Drawdown

•Ayanna Elizabeth Johnson

•Drawdown’s Neighborhood

•Global Solutions Diary

Highlights:

• The Role of Storytelling in Climate Change (01:21)
• The Importance of Diverse Voices (03:55)
• Matt's Work with NASA and Project Drawdown (05:59)
• Understanding Project Drawdown (08:17)
• The Climate Action Venn Diagram (16:24)
• Environmental Justice Explained (24:59)
• Global Solutions Diary (26:40)
• Future of Project Drawdown (30:19)
• Embracing Our Superpowers (33:38)

Connect with us!

Subscribe to We the Children on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts and follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/wethechildrenpodcast) and Instagram (@we_the_children_podcast). Also, please visit our website (wethechildrenpodcast.com) and leave us a voice message or email if you want to stay in touch or engage with episode questions!

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Summary

In this special bonus episode, join Zach on a journey to the Arctic with National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions, exploring Norway, Greenland, and Iceland. Aboard the National Geographic Resolution, Zach meets marine biologists Taylor Simpkins and Eva Prendergast to discuss their essential research on seaweed, ocean plastics, climate change, and marine mammal conservation.

Taylor and Eva are two National Geographic scientists working to raise awareness about the environmental challenges facing the Arctic, and the role we all play in reducing the impact of plastic pollution and climate change in the region. While underscoring the importance of marine conservation and the critical role science communication plays in improving our stewardship of the natural world, Taylor and Eva also share innovative solutions and cutting edge technological advancements with Zach.

From the vital role kelp forests play in capturing carbon, to the effects of climate change on polar habitats, this episode underscores how one of the planet's most remote areas is experiencing changes that resonate much closer to home.

Enjoy, and join We the Children at sea next time for part two of this series.

Links:

Lindblad Expeditions

Taylor Simpkins

Eva Prendergast

Highlights:

• All aboard the National Geographic Resolution (00:00)
• The Plastic Nurdle Problem (03:48)
• Importance of Kelp Forests in Carbon Sequestration (05:17)
• Innovative Solutions: Bioplastics from Seaweed (07:46)
• Impact of Climate Change on Polar Habitats (19:12)
• How to Classify Whales (13:45)
• The Unicorn of the Sea, Narwhals (18:18)
• Role of Scientific Communication in Environmental Protection (24:03)

Connect with us!

Subscribe to We the Children on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts and follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/wethechildrenpodcast) and Instagram (@we_the_children_podcast). Also, please visit our website (wethechildrenpodcast.com) and leave us a voice message or email if you want to stay in touch or engage with episode questions!

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Summary

In part two of our special We the Children at Sea series, Zach continues his Arctic expedition aboard the National Geographic Resolution, this time focusing on conversations with three remarkable environmental experts. Join us as Alexandra Kristjansdottir, an environmental engineer with a rich global perspective, discusses her role in combating climate change through innovative engineering solutions. She shares personal observations of the alarming changes in the polar regions and emphasizes the need for viewing waste as a valuable resource. Jackie Weston, transitioning from human physiology to a dedicated naturalist, recounts her thrilling journey from guiding grizzly bear tours to studying polar bears in the Arctic. Her stories highlight the interconnectedness of ecosystems and her passion for educating others about wildlife and conservation. Kerstin Langenberger, a polar guide with deep environmental science expertise, shares observations on the rapid transformations in the Arctic. Her viral photo of a thin polar bear brings a stark visual to the discussion, underlining the urgency of addressing global warming.

Together, they explore the significant challenges and changes they've witnessed firsthand in the Arctic's fragile environments, providing a powerful testament to the global impacts of local environmental changes.

Highlights

• Alexandra on environmental engineering and witnessing climate change (00:01:26)
• Jackie's journey from physiology to polar naturalism (00:06:36)
• Kerstin's on the visible effects of climate change in the Arctic (00:16:20)
• Discussion on innovative recycling solutions in Iceland (00:03:07)
• The role of sea ice in polar bear habitats (00:09:37)
• Impact of climate change on Arctic wildlife and ecosystems (00:17:22)

Connect with Us

Subscribe to We the Children on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts and follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/wethechildrenpodcast) and Instagram (@we_the_children_podcast). Also, please visit our website (wethechildrenpodcast.com) and leave us a voice message or email if you want to stay in touch or engage with episode questions!

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Join Zach as he embarks on an inspiring journey to uncover and share incredible stories of progress in the fight against climate change. This season, we explore the latest advancements in climate technology, the rise of public awareness and activism, the rapid growth of renewable energy, and powerful reforestation efforts. Get ready to be inspired by the voices leading the charge for a better future. New episodes of We the Children drop this September!

Connect with us!

Subscribe to We the Children on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts and follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/wethechildrenpodcast) and Instagram (@we_the_children_podcast). Also, please visit our website (wethechildrenpodcast.com) and leave us a voice message or email if you want to stay in touch or engage with episode questions!

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Hi everyone, and welcome back to Season Three of We the Children! This season, we're meeting even more incredible change-makers—from scientists to young climate heroes—who will inspire us with their amazing stories and big ideas. Plus, Zach has an exciting surprise: a brand-new 'Climate Command Center,' a hub of imagination and adventure ready to whisk Zach and Clare around the world as they explore how we can all make a difference for our planet.

Our first guest of the season is making a global impact of his own. Koen Timmers is a Belgian environmentalist and educator who is raising the bar on climate education internationally. He’s the founder of the Kakuma Project, which has provided free, quality education to thousands of refugees since 2015, and the Climate Action Project, which has connected over 5 million students across 168 countries since 2017.

Koen is passionate about how technology and collaboration can enhance learning, and today, he shares why taking action is just as important as learning the facts. So buckle up! It’s time to join Zach in the Climate Command Center and blast off to Belgium to meet Koen Timmers.

Highlights:

• Koen Timmers' journey to climate advocacy (03:54)
• Climate Action Education: A New Approach (06:43)
• Combining academics and action in climate education (11:45)
• "Gamifying" education with technology (12:57)
• Examples of students' climate action projects (15:49)
• What does it mean to be a global citizen? (21:48)
• Take action with Ridwell (25:47)

Links:

• We the Children Educator's Toolkit
• Koen Timmers Website
• EarthProject App
• Climate Action Project
• The Kakuma Project
• Lego's Build the Change
• Book: Game Changer by Koen Timmers
• Ridwell
• The Earth Prize 2024 Winners

Subscribe to We the Children on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts and follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/wethechildrenpodcast) and Instagram (@we_the_children_podcast). Also, please visit our website (wethechildrenpodcast.com) and leave us a voice message or email if you want to stay in touch or engage with episode questions!

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Zach and Clare venture into the Quantum Nexus to explore the fascinating intersection of quantum physics and climate science with Dr. Brad Marston, a physicist from Brown University. Dr. Marston unpacks how quantum mechanics connects to climate systems, from understanding the role of quantum waves in Earth’s atmosphere to the potential of quantum computers for solving complex climate models.

The discussion dives into innovative carbon capture methods like enhanced rock weathering, the importance of collaboration among scientists, and the remarkable beauty of our planet’s climate system. Dr. Marston leaves us with an inspiring reminder: while the science is complex, the steps we take to protect our planet can start with appreciation and teamwork.

Join Zach and Clare for a mind-expanding journey that’s part science, part inspiration, and all about how we can better understand—and care for—our world.

Highlights:

• Stepping into the Quantum Nexus (00:00)
• Meeting Dr. Brad Marston (02:03)
• How quantum physics links to climate science (02:33)
• Understanding quantum matter physics (03:53)
• Waves, energy, and the climate system (07:38)
• Enhanced rock weathering and carbon removal (16:37)
• Collaboration in climate science (20:01)
• The promise of quantum computers (22:10)
• A hopeful vision for the future (26:25)

Links:

• We the Children Educator’s Toolkit
• Quantum Computing for Climate Science
• Enhanced Rock Weathering Research
• American Physical Society

Subscribe to We the Children on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts and follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/wethechildrenpodcast) and Instagram (@we_the_children_podcast). Also, please visit our website (wethechildrenpodcast.com) and leave us a voice message or email if you want to stay in touch or engage with episode questions!

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In this episode, Zach and Clare venture into the Quantum Nexus to explore the fascinating intersection of quantum physics and climate science with Dr. Brad Marston, a physicist from Brown University. Dr. Marston unpacks how quantum mechanics connects to climate systems, from understanding the role of quantum waves in Earth’s atmosphere to the potential of quantum computers for solving complex climate models. The discussion dives into innovative carbon capture methods like enhanced rock weathering, the importance of collaboration among scientists, and the remarkable beauty of our planet’s climate system. Dr. Marston leaves us with an inspiring reminder: while the science is complex, the steps we take to protect our planet can start with appreciation and teamwork.

So, join Zach and Clare for a mind-expanding journey that’s part science, part inspiration, and all about how we can better understand—and care for—our world.

Episode Highlights:

• Stepping into the Quantum Nexus (00:00)
• Meeting Dr. Brad Marston (02:03)
• How quantum physics links to climate science (02:33)
• Understanding quantum matter physics (03:53)
• Waves, energy, and the climate system (07:38)
• Enhanced rock weathering and carbon removal (16:37)
• Collaboration in climate science (20:01)
• The promise of quantum computers (22:10)
• A hopeful vision for the future (26:25)

Links:

• American Physical Society
• The Quantum Physics of Climate Change (video)
• We the Children Educator’s Toolkit

Subscribe to We the Children on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Also, check out our website (wethechildrenpodcast.com). We love to hear form you!

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Today’s episode focuses on TREES, and to help us discuss this important topic we have Wendy Baxter.  Wendy is a forest canopy ecologist who has conducted research in some of the most pristine old-growth giant sequoia and coast redwood  forests in California over the past decade. Wendy manages a network of weather stations for the University of California Natural Reserve System, and is a co-founder of Canopy Dynamics LLC, a private forest research, consulting, and media company. Based in South Lake Tahoe, CA, Wendy also makes short films to educate and inspire others to appreciate the beauty of our diverse and interconnected planet.

If you want to learn more about Wendy’s company the Marmot Society, check out her website at www.marmotsociety.org. 

Each week I would like to highlight a local organization that is doing good for the planet. This week I want to share about a company called Compostable LA. www.compostablela.com 

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Thanks for coming back to We The Children. Here on episode 2 Wacky Weather will be coming to you live from the Siberian tundra then we go back to the studio to interview Elly an EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) employee who is in charge of cleaning up superfund sites. We will finish out this episode with Climate Trivia!! Welcome and we hope you enjoy this episode.

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