Planet Policy Pals Podcast
Ajwah Zahid and Alayibo Semenitari
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We are pals who met in college and love discussing science. We are passionate about environmental inequality, innovative solutions and keeping science communication as simple as possible. This podcast is our chance to learn about the policies around the world that shape our environment and we want you to join us for a fun and relaxed conversation between pals.
Available episodes
Newest first
Oldest first
Jul 11, 2023
EP 53: A Dying Rainforest- Congo
The UN estimated that in 2000 some 1.6 billion people around the world, including many of the world’s poorest, derived at least part of their food, income or medical needs directly from the forest. The Congo rainforest is the second biggest rainforest in the world and has lost more than 600,000 hectares of primary forest in 2020, which is a 9 percent increase compared to 2019, according to recent data from the Global Forest Watch (GFW). The biggest drivers of deforestation in the Congo rainforest over the past 30 years have been small-scale subsistence agriculture, logging, urban expansion, and mining. What has the impact been on the DRC, the general region, and the globe at whole? We discuss this, the lack of global efforts, and more in this episode.
Global land use changes are four times greater than previously estimated | Nature
Global land use change, economic globalization, and the looming land scarcity | PNAS
Land degradation and climate change - resource | IUCN.
Climate change: Land degradation and desertification | WHO
Deforestation in Africa: Causes, Effects, and Solutions | Earth.Org
3 Surprising Ways Water Depends on Healthy Forests | World Resources Institute
Saving Africa’s forests, the ‘lungs of the world’ | Africa Renewal
Rainforests in Africa- Mongabay
How Colonialism Spawned and Continues to Exacerbate the Climate Crisis | Columbia news
COP27: Conserving the Congo Basin rainforest | African Wildlife Foundation
US tech giants sued over DRC cobalt mine child labour deaths | Al Jazeera
To save the Congo basin rainforest, end the conflict in the DRC | Al Jazeera
COP26: Landmark $500 million agreement to protect the DRC forest | UN.org
COP27 long on pledges, short on funds for forests | Mongabay.org
Women for Forests | WECAN International
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Jun 27, 2023
EP 52- America First: Another Disaster
On Feb. 3, a Norfolk Southern train carrying toxic chemicals derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, igniting a fire and setting off fears of an explosion. The NTSB found that the accident was “100% preventable” and yet Norfolk Southern, the company responsible, firmly disagrees. Shortly after the derailment, 1,500 to 2,000 residents were told to evacuate. The EPA, Ohio officials, and the company responsible are all reporting different effects. It will take continuous testing to determine the scope of this accident. Still, what is being done to prevent these accidents that keep happening in America? We get into it in this episode.
Source links below:
Section of major I-95 highway in Philadelphia may take months to repair | CNN
EPA Residential, Commercial, and Agricultural Soil Sampling Results
EPA Updates from the East Palestine Train Derailment Emergency Response
The Ohio Train Derailment: A Timeline - The New York Times
Environmental Disaster from East Palestine, OH Train Derailment | pennfuture
UC professor explains environmental harm caused by rail accidents | University of Cincinnati
Aches, rashes and fear: Trauma remains after Ohio derailment | AP News
Ohio Train Derailment: An Ecological and Human Health Disaster? | Earth.Org
Justice Department sues Norfolk Southern over derailment | AP News
Norfolk Southern’s Profits and Accident Rates Rose Before Ohio Derailment - NYT
Ohio senators introduce safety rules after toxic train derailment disaster | Guardian
Derailed: Investigating the US railroad industry | transport | Al Jazeera
Indigenous Climate Action
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Jun 13, 2023
EP 51: Greening Auto- Money or the Planet?
The transportation sector is one of the largest contributors of GHGs and cars alone contribute to 29% of emissions in the US. The issue of renewable transport has plagued humanity longer than you think and the rise of electric vehicle sales may be part of the solution. Tesla, Toyota, Honda… all companies that have been less than honest with marketing tactics regarding environmental impact to varying degrees. Is the EV market plagued by greenwashing?
Source links below:
The History of the Electric Car | Department of Energy
How electric vehicles help to tackle climate change | Carbon Brief
Electric Vehicles: Technology Analysis | International Energy Agency
Tesla 2022 Impact Report
Carbon disclosure rating
Tesla’s carbon footprint is bigger than the company let on in the past | The Verge
Nationwide Study of the Electric Vehicle Shopping Experience | Sierra Club
Best Electric Vehicles of 2023 - Top-Rated EVs | U.S. News
Consumer Reports' top auto picks 2023 | CNBC
Best Electric Vehicles of 2023 | Kelly Blue Book
Toyota accused of greenwashing in Greenpeace complaint filed to ACCC
EU Commission prepares to crack down on greenwashing with Green Claims law | EEB
South Korea establishing fines for corporate 'greenwashing' | Business & Human Rights Centre
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Nov 3, 2022
EP 50: Are we losing seasons? (Is it true?)
A study in the geophysical research letters journal found that summer in the Northern Hemisphere midlatitudes has lengthened, whereas winter has shortened, owing to shift in their onsets and withdrawals, accompanied by shorter spring and autumn. Over the period of 1952–2011, the length of summer increased from 78 to 95 days and that of spring, autumn and winter decreased from 124 to 115, 87 to 82, and 76 to 73 days, respectively. Our health and well-being are inextricably linked to our natural environment. So much, in fact, that the World Health Organization has called climate change “the single biggest health threat facing humanity.” The link between changing climate and erratic weather is clearer than ever. Join us as we dive into the complicated game of predicting seasonal changes!
Show notes and references available at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jLk46tmRSKwKS3maPM5NyOZKvoHumnIiDVdbsdbhBB0/edit?usp=sharing
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Oct 11, 2022
EP 49: Alternative fabrics (Is it true?)
As a follow up to our fashion episode, we are providing general tips on the best fabrics to help guide ourselves and our listeners when expanding our wardrobes.
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Oct 4, 2022
EP 48:Is reproduction stalling? (Is it true?)
For four years, male sea turtles have been declining in Florida, and a study in Australia confirmed similar findings with 99% of the hatchlings born female, with both linked to rising temperatures. Earlier this year, we breached the planetary limit for hazardous chemicals. There are over 350,000 human-made chemicals on the market with numbers expected to triple by 2050. This cocktail of facts got us thinking about the impacts of synthetic chemicals and rising global temperatures on the reproductive health of human and non-human species, as well as the possible impact of reproductive ability? Are we gonna run low on babies? Join us as we discuss.
Show notes and references available at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_6QmU2lSfd16X2K_35MdrS5Cu_Er-XMHBAbLgVRJC24/edit?usp=sharing
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Sep 27, 2022
EP 47: Do Celebs Worsen the Climate Crisis? (Is it true?)
For every 4,434 metric tons of carbon produced beyond 2020 levels, one person globally will die prematurely due to extreme temperatures, according to an analysis published in Nature Communications. If you then consider the fact that in the first half of 2022, those 10 celebrities’ planes released a staggering 3,376.64 metric tons of carbon emissions, you might be a little angry. Especially since that amount is about 482 times more than the average person’s annual emissions, according to Yard. So, why should we all keep trying? Is there hope? Are rich people ruining the climate faster than we can save it? All these difficult, passive aggressive questions and more are answered in this episode.
Show notes and references available at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1J4TrikUSeBCA73YgciOryzc7OXEyIBd-gfMdI214BOs/edit?usp=sharing
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Sep 20, 2022
EP 46: Is fast fashion poisonous? (Is it true?)
A viral TikTok video of a woman claiming SHEIN nail flakes sent her to the hospital led internet sleuths down a web of contaminants and bad environmental practices that the fashion industry has engaged in for decades. Yoga pants and gym leggings sold by Lululemon and Old Navy contained Perfluoroalkoxy alkanes, PFAS, according to testing done by consumer health activist blog Mamavation. Outdoor apparel brands Columbia, REI, and L.L. Bean received either a D or F grading for PFAS by Fashion FWD. H&M is fighting greenwashing allegations as of this episode being published, and SHEIN has given vague responses whenever it has been challenged on lead and other metals in its clothing. So, what is the deal? Should we go naked? We get into these chemicals, their effects, and verified claims in this episode on the toxic nature of fast fashion!
Show notes and references available at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1m6-E0M4NRIH93B6QgyYPFBnZSLQXUIbgeZup6jssQ_c/edit?usp=sharing
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Sep 6, 2022
EP 45: Will Pakistan’s Floods Stop? (We’re Back!)
From June through August, Pakistan has received 190 percent of its normal rainfall. The heavy rainfall saturated soil, preventing the ground from soaking up more water from storms in August. Pakistan’s downpours have flooded a third of the country, according to officials, affecting 33 million people, and killing at least 1,100. In southeast Pakistan, the city of Nawabshah hit 49.5 degrees Celsius (120.2°F) on May 1. The Global Climate Risk Index puts Pakistan as the eighth most vulnerable country because of disasters caused by climate change, yet the country is responsible for less than 1 percent (0.7%) of the global carbon emissions. The health, ecosystem, economic, and infrastructure fallout is estimated to cost $10 billion. We discuss the details, climate science, the money, and what can be done to reduce future damage. Ultimately we answer the question “Will Pakistan’s flood stop?”
Show notes and references available at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xlf7NaWg-YTHpUpYCZUGa-5kJAXZfgv3tYQT7_wFRo8/edit?usp=sharing
Donate and help: Akhuwat Foundation, Alkhidmat Foundation. The Citizens Foundation, Balochistan Youth Action Committee
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Apr 19, 2022
EP 44: Ocean Acidification with Katrina Dutton
This week our guest is a professor, marine biologist, and fellow FL Tech alum, Katrina Dutton. Surface waters are now 30 percent more acidic than they were at the start of the industrial era. Projections show that by the end of this century, ocean surface waters could be more than twice as acidic as they were at the end of last century if we do not reduce our carbon emissions. How are we doing this? What are the effects? Are there any solutions? Will we implement them? Listen now to get into it with us!
Links used for references are below:
The Oceans Feel Impacts from Acid Rain
Acid Rain Has Disproportionate Impact on Near-Shore Ocean Waters | NSF
Effects of Ocean and Coastal Acidification on Marine Life | US EPA
Acidifying Oceans Could Get Help from Kelp - Eos
climate change performance index
CO2 and Ocean Acidification: Causes, Impacts, Solutions
Captions of transcript available on our YouTube Page
Head to https://newsly.me/ and use promo code PLANETPALS to receive a 1-month free subscription on the revolutionary app that lets you listen to news, podcasts, and pretty much the internet in one place.
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Apr 12, 2022
EP 43: Climate Finance Resources in Pakistan with Risham Amjad
Agriculture provides employment for roughly 25 million people in Pakistan and is the main income source for 34% and 74% of economically active men and women respectively in the country. The sector is taking hit after hit due to our rapidly changing climate and the resources for adaptation and mitigation are limited here, as they are in most developing nations, even though the country is considered a low emitter and contributor to the climate crisis. Our guest, Risham Amjad, is an environmental policy consultant who focuses on research to raise climate funding for the agricultural sector in Pakistan. Her experience studying impacts of climate change on rural economies, livelihoods and weather patterns in Pakistan, makes this episode exciting and enlightening!
Links used for references are below:
https://www.ais.unwater.org/ais/pluginfile.php/232/mod_page/content/128/pakistan_murtaza_finalcountryreport2012.pdf
https://www.dawn.com/news/1624382
https://www.climate-refugees.org/spotlig…
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Apr 5, 2022
EP 42: Textile Waste in Abia State with Ken Ajah
An estimated 70–80% of the MSW generated in Africa is recyclable, yet only 4% of MSW is currently recycled. 5% of all textiles go to the dump every year, according to the World Economic Forum, enough to fill Sydney Harbor annually. In a state with growing businesses and clothes manufacturers, the issue of fast fashion that is quickly disposed of is adding to a dire solid waste management crisis. We speak with Ken Ajah, owner of fabrics by Nonso, on the solutions, what he sees happening with implemented government strategies, and where he thinks the future of waste management and sustainable fashion are headed in Abia state, and Nigeria as a whole.
Links used for references are below:
Defeating environmental degradation in Abia
(PDF) Analysis of Post-Consumer Solid Textile Waste Management among Households in Oyo State of Nigeria
AfricA - Waste Management
Municipal solid waste management in Aba, Nigeria: Challenges and prospects
Captions of transcript available on our YouTube Pa…
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Mar 29, 2022
EP 41: Integrity in Green Finance with Ibrahim Pam PT 2
The conversation with Mr. Pam, who is the head of the independent integrity unit at the GCF, continues in this episode. This time we talk about projects, the process for handling reports, the tools that ensure accountability and more.
Links used for references are below:
How can we meet the urgency of financing climate action in cities?
The broken $100-billion promise of climate finance — and how to fix it
Who Funds th e Fight Against Climate Change? - Means and Matters
FP095: Transforming Financial Systems for Climate
Captions of transcript available on our YouTube Page
Head to https://newsly.me/ and use promo code PLANETPALS to receive a 1-month free subscription on the revolutionary app that lets you listen to news, podcasts, and pretty much the internet in one place.
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Mar 22, 2022
EP 40: Discussing Integrity in Green Finance with Ibrahim Pam (Part 1)
Mr. Ibrahim Pam, head of the Independent Integrity Unity (IIU) at the Green Climate Fund joins the policy pals to discuss how sustainable projects can be financed with integrity. The GCF is currently the world’s largest dedicated multilateral climate fund and the main multilateral financing mechanism to support developing countries in achieving a reduction of their greenhouse gas emissions and an enhancement of their ability to respond to climate change. As such managing large funds across many projects requires major oversight and that is what we discuss with Mr. Pam in this episode.
Links used for references are below:
The trillion dollar climate finance challenge (and opportunity) | | UN News
Green Climate Fund Update
Green Climate Fund
Captions of transcript available on our YouTube Page
Head to https://newsly.me/ and use promo code PLANETPALS to receive a 1-month free subscription on the revolutionary app that lets you listen to news, podcasts, and pretty much the internet…
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Mar 8, 2022
EP 39: Discussing Soot in Port-Harcourt with Ibim Semenitari PT 2
Mrs. Semenitari is back for part 2 to get into the details of the causes behind the soot issue in Port-Harcourt, Nigeria. How effective are the government’s strategies? How valid are the claims of transitioning to greener energy? What do the people in the Niger Delta community get as a response to their worsening environmental issues? We tackle these difficult questions together and we want to hear what you think as well!
Links used for references are below:
Africa's largest refinery, Nigeria's Dangote, to start operations in H2 2022: officials
Nigeria's Petroleum Industry Act: Addressing old problems, creating new ones
COP26: Nigeria To Reach Net-Zero Emissions By 2060, Says Buhari
Captions of transcript available on our Youtube Page
Head to https://newsly.me/ and use promo code PLANETPALS to receive a 1-month free subscription on the revolutionary app that lets you listen to news, podcasts, and pretty much the internet in one place.
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Mar 1, 2022
EP 38: Discussing Soot in Port-Harcourt with Ibim Semenitari PT 1
There is a literal cloud hanging over the city of Port Harcourt, Nigeria that has existed for several years. For the local people of Port Harcourt, the soot has made life hell. In our first ever interview, Ibim Semenitari joins us to discuss an issue she and other members of her community are working to tackle. Mrs. Semenitari worked for over three decades as a journalist, in public service as Honorable Commissioner, Ministry of Information and Communications, Rivers State, Nigeria as well as being a former Ag Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, an agency responsible for driving development in Nigeria's troubled oil-rich region. She is a member of the Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Cosmopolitan where she serves as club advisor and was president of the group in 2020-2021.
Links used for references are below:
Port Harcourt soot: Why is this Nigerian city covered in black soot? | CNN
Black Soot in Rivers State: 'Government Have Failed to Protect Citizens'
Depart…
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Feb 22, 2022
EP 37: Ozone Depletion (What Happens When?)
The ozone layer filters out incoming radiation in the "cell-damaging" ultraviolet (UV) part of the spectrum. One example of ozone depletion is the annual ozone "hole" over Antarctica that has occurred during the Antarctic spring since the early 1980s. The effects of ozone depletion range include poor air quality, imbalance in bio-geo-chemical cycles, loss of biodiversity and a negative effect on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. However, tackling the issue of ozone depletion is one of the greatest environmental successes we have achieved on a global scale. Listen to find out how we did it, why we did it and what we can do to keep our very useful ozone layer intact.
Follow the link for show notes and references. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1l4w_2I-32hoNZv1kyeDADjsNEpJe0EanILGoIVPTvQU/edit?usp=sharing
Captions of transcript available on our Youtube Page
Head to https://newsly.me/ and use promo code PLANETPALS to receive a 1-month free subscription on the revolutionary app tha…
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Feb 15, 2022
EP 36: Climate Crisis is More than Global Warming (What Happens When?)
It has been 1 year exactly since we launched our first official episode and we are so grateful to all our listeners, so although we made sure to cover an environmental topic this week, we went real big picture and decided to just tackle the entire climate change issue in one go! LOL not even. It took nearly a century of research and data to convince the vast majority of the scientific community that human activity could alter the climate of our entire planet and still not everyone is convinced. In this episode, we discuss the history behind this division, the mechanisms and policy in place and the other effects of human impacts on the climate beyond rising temperatures. We also get real personal with our environmental preferences guys, it’s a good time.
Follow the link for show notes and references. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1d1bkfeevNPW-NJZ26xadj28HOrj4iLzU82Jhx7qov5E/edit?usp=sharing
Captions of transcript available on our Youtube Page
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Feb 8, 2022
EP 35: Polar ice melts Pt 2 (What happens when?)
In this episode, we continue our discussions on polar ice melting by shifting our focus to the Arctic and water. Changes to the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets are of considerable societal importance, as they directly impact global sea levels, which are a result of climate change. Sea level rise will reshape coastlines as incoming water floods dry areas and erodes coastal features like beaches, cliffs and dunes. Policies and regulations governing this area are tricky because the region is a geographical area comprising eight countries including five coastal states with jurisdiction over parts of the Arctic Ocean. So, what will happen and what can we do? The pals get into it!
Follow the link for show notes and references.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/13b-0dMeT4iqMXpU4jfxW6HQWUYZkts1aE7KA7LdgQ4c/edit?usp=sharing
Captions of transcript available on our YouTube Page
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Feb 1, 2022
EP 34: Polar ice melts Pt 1 (What happens when?)
In this episode we are going to talk about what happens when the polar ice caps melt, with a focus on effects seen in the earth’s crust and permafrost loss. Ongoing ice loss in West Antarctica has increased over the past few decades. Measurements since the 1950s indicate that the amount of sea ice in the Arctic has been declining. Permafrost in the Arctic alone is estimated to hold nearly twice as much carbon as exists in the atmosphere now, as well as a sizable amount of methane, and losing it turns what is one of the greatest carbon sinks on earth to a major emissions source. Since the retreat of a glacier can reduce stress loads on Earth’s crust underneath, impacting the movement of subsurface magma, this can lead to volcanic activity and other surface implications.
Follow the link for show notes and references.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1O630cQPc-aUAWj3hRbufoK0aX4uP7xyzfAQpkoWbO84/edit?usp=sharing
Captions of transcript available on our Youtube Page
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Jan 23, 2022
EP 33: What happens when we do bad things?
WE'RE BACK! Series 4 is coming and we are tackling some more big picture environmental dilemmas based on feedback from our loyal listeners. In this mini episode, we catch up with you all and discuss what we are looking forward to this year personally and for the planet policy pals podcast.
Captions of transcript available on our Youtube Page
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Dec 31, 2021
EXTRA POLICY- EP 32: More Oil
We have had an amazing year and series sharing stories with our policy pals and now in this last episode of the year, we would like to share two more oil spill stories that reflect what this series was about- how human negligence and rash actions can be detrimental to our continued existence.
The Exxon valdez oil spill was the largest oil spill in the US until Deepwater Horizon and was caused by one man's irresponsibility. The Gulf war oil spill is our pettiest disaster on this list and took decades to recover from.
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/environmental-effects-of/
https://www.history.com/topics/1980s/exxon-valdez-oil-spill
http://large.stanford.edu/courses/2018/ph240/barber1/
http://pure.iiasa.ac.at/id/eprint/7427/
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Dec 21, 2021
EP 31: The Worst Oil Spill in US History (Story time)
About 17 percent of the U.S.’s total crude oil production comes from offshore projects in the Gulf today and the region provides more than a fifth of U.S. oil and gas production. The BP Deepwater Horizon rig capsized 36 hours after an explosion, on the morning of April 22, which is coincidentally Earth Day, a globally recognized day promoting environmental protection. As the rig sank, it damaged the pipe leading down to the well. Oil began spilling from the well and did not stop for 87 days, with eleven people and thousands of animals lost to this tragedy. It turns out many mistakes were made prior to this accident. Join us as we discuss how cutting corners and ignoring warnings lead to the worst oil spill in US history.
Follow the link for show notes and references https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VsVgcn_AXhiM8jP-v_UB2RkMb7xX5mi4j7BwqejBajg/edit?usp=sharing
Captions of transcript available on our Youtube Page
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Nov 15, 2021
EP 30: EXTRA POLICY- The World is Burning
In August, an alarming UN report blamed human activity for “unprecedented” changes to the climate. Scientists from across the globe said humanity will experience more extreme weather in the coming years and will suffer the consequences of rising sea levels and melting Arctic ice. Our hope is that highlighting this will further drive home the importance of climate change mitigation because it’s important. Please donate your time and effort to communities still recovering from the tragedies earlier this year however you can.
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Nov 9, 2021
EP 29: Dioxin in Seveso (Storytime)
An unforeseeable accident on July 10, 1976, in northern Italy, led to an environmental contamination with caustic reaction products and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Original contamination of vegetation was in the order of O.5 ppm TCDD. The tragedy in Seveso led to changes in hazardous waste policy that reached from Europe to the rest of the world. Join us as we discuss one of the major reasons most of the world no longer produces dioxins.
Follow the link for show notes and references https://docs.google.com/document/d/15KB0gAlLXUtBpFD-VHB9ww8yrvVWHbSJfgFbW-UU67I/edit?usp=sharing
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Nov 1, 2021
EP 28: The Great Smog of London (Story Time)
Smog had become a frequent part of London life, but nothing quite compared to the smoke-laden fog that shrouded the capital from Friday 5 December to Tuesday 9 December 1952. The Met Office says though that “While it heavily affected the population of London, causing a huge death toll and inconveniencing millions of people, the people it affected were also partly to blame for the smog.” The crazy thing is the effects of this smog were not realized until 3 weeks after the event. It was a bizarre and hard time in London’s history, so settle in and join us as we discuss the story that changed air quality regulation forever.
Follow the link for show notes and references https://docs.google.com/document/d/1df_IWEezl7ySqUtU0_SO-6c4ZBHBRXcwXmfbUPs_1tw/edit?usp=sharing
Captions of transcript available on our Youtube Page
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Oct 25, 2021
EP 27: Blue Carbon Policy
The coastal ecosystems of mangroves, tidal marshes and seagrass meadows contain large stores of carbon deposited by vegetation and various natural processes over centuries. These ecosystems sequester and store more carbon – often referred to as ‘blue carbon’ – per unit area than terrestrial forests. The ability of these vegetated ecosystems to remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere makes them significant net carbon sinks, and they are now being recognized for their role in mitigating climate change. These ecosystems are important and are being damaged by human activity, which is why policies to protect these systems are important now more than ever. Join us as we explore some innovative solutions in policy for using this resource to mitigate climate change. Follow the link for show notes and references https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tsseN5pXIjd8t3TtfyHTR-wuz9uSUXK7Qf6uw1XTiTI/edit?usp=drivesdk
Captions of transcript available on our Youtube Page
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Oct 18, 2021
EP 26: EXTRA POLICY- Shell V The Niger Delta
Oil was first found in Nigeria in 1956, then a British protectorate, by a joint operation between Royal Dutch Shell and British Petroleum. A major 1970 oil spill in Ogoniland in the south-east of Nigeria led to thousands of gallons being spilt on farmland and rivers, ultimately leading to a £26m fine for Shell in Nigerian courts 30 years later. With thousands of oil spills and multiple law suits, the situation has continued to worsen and we discuss this example of how reckless exploration can cost human lives.
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Oct 10, 2021
EP 25: EXTRA POLICY- IPCC Assessment Report Update
The IPCC is now in its sixth assessment cycle, in which the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is producing the Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) with contributions by its three Working Groups and a Synthesis Report, three Special Reports, and a refinement to its latest Methodology Report. The Synthesis Report will be the last of the AR6 products, currently due for release in 2022. We briefly discuss just a few of the hard warnings issued by this report and why governments and corporations cannot continue to take a half baked approach to tackling the problem of climate change.
Captions of transcript available on our Youtube Page
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Oct 3, 2021
EP 24: EXTRA POLICY- Pacific Blob Making Chile Dry
During the last four decades, the sea level pressure has been decreasing over the Amundsen–Bellingshausen Sea (ABS) region and increasing between New Zealand and Chile, which created pressure dipoles across the South Pacific. Researchers have now linked the natural phenomenon exacerbated by human activities and climate change to the mega droughts that have plagued South American countries like Chile for over 40 years. In this extra policy, we discuss the science behind their investigation and how crazy it is that seemingly independent events can actually be linked.
Captions of transcript available on our Youtube Page
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Sep 26, 2021
EP 23: Deforestation in Borneo (Story Time)
The World Wide Fund For Nature (WWF) describes forests as the “lifeblood of our economies and our health.” Forests cover nearly one-third of the global land area and are the source of 75 percent of the world’s freshwater. Nowhere has more native rainforest been wiped out than Borneo. Between 2000 and 2017, 6.04 million hectares of old-growth forest were lost in Borneo, a decline of 14%. It’s time for us to discuss this wonder of nature and how decades of wanton human greed led to it’s decline. Luckily, things have improved, but there is still much work to be done. Join us on this journey of exploration through the Borneo forest.
Follow the link for show notes and references.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_6Q3S1G2IXwg9p_5cQdDA1blPV3ju9NzC90bP4V-9AA/edit?usp=sharing
Captions of transcript available on our Youtube Page
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Sep 20, 2021
EP 22 Bhopal- The Worst Industrial Disaster (Story time)
This week we unpack the entirely avoidable tragedy that has come to be known as the world’s worst industrial disaster. In the night of December 2, 1984, chemical, methyl isocyanate (MIC) spilt out from Union Carbide India Ltd’s (UCIL’s) pesticide factory turned the city of Bhopal into a colossal gas chamber. It was India's first major industrial disaster. At least 30 tonnes of methyl isocyanate gas killed between 15,000 and 20,000 people and affected over 600,000 workers. The Bhopal gas tragedy is dear to our hearts as it is the perfect example of how innocent people and the environment suffer, when we ignore safety for profit.
Follow the link for show notes and references https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ETJBQKUljJzPfdWDjhtD39kIQ9q1OTEWqlDS3f8EzWM/edit?usp=sharing
Captions available on our YouTube channel
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Sep 12, 2021
EP 21: The Chernobyl Disaster (Storytime)
The April 1986 disaster at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine was the product of a flawed Soviet reactor design coupled with serious mistakes made by the plant operators. The accident caused the largest uncontrolled radioactive release into the environment ever recorded for any civilian operation, and large quantities of radioactive substances were released into the air for about 10 days. This accident affected many lives and changed how the world deals with nuclear material, even now. Listen now to hear this story and maybe learn new facts about one of history’s most infamous man-made disasters.
Follow the link for show notes and references https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-RKfpkmbNmHMGRSpR2sV-bcT0MEGtWAFAoMe25e-Ll0/edit?usp=sharing
Captions of transcript available on our Youtube Page
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Sep 5, 2021
UPDATE: Series 3 is coming!!!
It’s a new series and a new topic. Until the end of the year, we will focus on some of the environmental tragedies that have been caused by humans and impacted communities severely in the last few decades. Topics like the Bhopal disaster, Chernobyl and the oil spill that gave us Earth day are on the list. We want to learn how these things happened and how people recovered. Listen for more details and learn with us every Monday starting September 13th.
Captions of transcript available on our Youtube Page
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Aug 29, 2021
EP 20: EXTRA POLICY- Ecotourist Spots
In episode 17, we discussed how the principles of ecotourism can improve general tourism, but there is a dark side too. Ecotourism is now a large industry and there are not enough regulations to control how it is operated. The destruction of local resources to make room for ecotourism is a problem. In this mini-sode we discuss some examples of the dark side, what can be done better and highlight even more amazing spots that you can visit for the best eco-friendly experience.
Captions of transcript available on our Youtube Page
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Aug 24, 2021
EP 19: EXTRA POLICY: Milk and Milk Adjacent
Global demand for dairy continues to increase in large part due to population growth, rising incomes, urbanization and westernization of diets in countries such as China and India. Milk, butter, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, and other dairy products are ubiquitous, consumed by more than 6 billion people worldwide. In this episode, we explore the myths surrounding dairy and look at the best options for plant milk, considering environmental impact, resource consumption and nutrients. The facts may shock you, but listen to find out what the best option is for you!
closed captions of transcript on youtube
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Aug 2, 2021
EP 18: EXTRA POLICY- Flash Floods & Infrastructure
Flash flooding is fresh in our minds following the devastation seen recently in Germany. Urban areas are more likely to experience this type of "surface water" flooding because they have a lot of hard surfaces. Last year, flooding in Senegal displaced over 4000 people and this year, we have seen events in China, Nigeria, Afghanistan, London, USA, Guatemala, Sudan and others. Clearly, we have a big problem with flooding, but specifically the unpredictable nature of flash floods. In this mini-sode, we discuss some recent events, how floods and climate change are related and the effects on infrastructure moving forward.
Captions of transcript available on our Youtube Page
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Jul 12, 2021
EP 17: Let‘s Talk Tourism and the Environment
45 people arrive on average at tourist locations every minute and there have already been over 740,000 tourist visits this year alone. While tourism creates jobs and is a great way to appreciate the diversity of the human experience, mass tourism also takes a toll on the environment. In this episode, we look at the positives versus negatives of different forms of tourism and discuss how ecotourism could be the solution to a growing crisis. Wanna start planning your next sustainable vacation? Listen and get started!
Follow the link for show notes and references https://docs.google.com/document/d/16XJUTaSMlivAT1IfBFdcg9XG7566LsL3lXDOrShLdTw/edit?usp=sharing
Captions of transcript available on our Youtube Page
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Jul 4, 2021
EP 16: Let‘s Talk Meat and Environment (PT 2)
In 2020, the United States, Brazil and the European Union accounted for roughly 50% of the world's beef production. In Episode 16, we continue the conversation on the impact of meat on our environment by focusing on some of the biggest producers and consumers, as well as the regulations and cultural paradigms that guide production and consumption in these countries. We will also look at some best practices, meat alternatives and recommend some creators to check out if you are interested in vegetarian recipes to eat less meat.
Follow the link for show notes and references
https://docs.google.com/document/d/17jsD4-qffvS5WNu_r6KUBnspOQsNsmHF9HxfkOcy6XI/edit?usp=sharing
Closed caption of transcript available on our YouTube channel.
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Jun 27, 2021
EP 15: Let‘s Talk Meat and Environment (Pt 1)
Worldwatch Institute data notes that people in industrial countries eat an average of 176 pounds of meat per person. This rising consumption of meat makes the industry one of the greatest contributing factors to global warming and environmental degradation in general. In this week’s episode, the pals are diving into the habits that drive our meat consumption, what meat sources are most sustainable and comparing the environmental benefits of small versus large scale farming.
Follow the link for show notes and references
https://docs.google.com/document/d/17lUNRcK4PlXTIbzSL90bnlOcgOj8HKnMFCfrTworm_4/edit?usp=sharing
Closed caption of transcript available on our YouTube channel.
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Jun 21, 2021
EP 14: Let‘s talk Textiles and Environment (Pt 2)
Last episode, we talked about the problem that the textile industry poses towards the environment and what some companies are doing to change that. The European Union is enacting regulation that will change how manufacturers market clothing and in places like the UK, waste programs are undergoing to meet the fashion waste problem. In this episode, we discuss a UN effort to tackle the textile industry's environmental impact, some of the biggest offender countries and the policies that some countries are using to address the problem of pollution in fashion.
For show notes and references, follow the link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/15--_drIKaFJmCsU39VQzsvJGChfDkO4JWDvB0tGS_E4/edit?usp=sharing
Closed caption of transcript available on our YouTube channel.
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Jun 14, 2021
EP 13: Let‘s Talk Textiles and Environment (Pt 1)
We begin our series investigating the connection between large industries and the environment with textiles. According to the UN, the total carbon emissions of the fashion industry account for 10% of global carbon emissions, making it the second most polluting industry after the oil industry. Prepare to explore the history of the textile industry boom, how fast fashion became so popular, the environmental impact, as well as how this affects human health. We also discuss companies that are trying to make a difference, so we can shop better.
For show notes and references, follow the link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/166x0LTLMrqXu1MvDpHLTbvuGOQDURtj9ApXDVdszqjA/edit?usp=sharing
Closed caption of transcript available on our YouTube channel.
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May 30, 2021
EP 12: EXTRA POLICY- China‘s Environmental Crackdown
Following their economic boom, China has begun an intense environmental movement spearheaded by its government to clamp down on offenders in business, imports and even officials that cause harm to the environment. Basically, they’re coming for everybody and we were not ready AT ALL.
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May 24, 2021
EP 11 Extra Policy: E-Waste in Africa and the Bamako Convention
In this extra long, extra policy discussion, we are discussing a problem that has been plaguing African countries for a long time- the import of hazardous wastes and the mechanisms that fail to stop the practice. We focus on electronic wastes and the implications of the failing Bamako convention.
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May 10, 2021
EP 10: EXTRA POLICY- NY FRACKING BAN
Still on a break, but Ajwah shared a story about how a small town in upstate NY set the ball rolling for a state now free of fracking. Can communities and towns continue to hold their own against corporations? We mulled it over in this week’s extra policy. Spoiler alert- we do not agree.
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May 3, 2021
EP 9: Extra policy- Net Zero Emissions
In this extra policy clip, the pals start off our one month summer break by responding to an audience question regarding corporation commitments to net zero emissions by 2050. Is it really possible? Are companies pandering? Why is it taking so long? Is it enough commitment? Listen and find out!
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Apr 25, 2021
Ep 8: Debating the Green New Deal
In our latest Ep 8 to end our first series, the pals take a look at both sides of the SANE arguments concerning the Green New Deal. The green new deal is a non-binding resolution for tackling climate change at the federal level. The idea of a Green New Deal first arose at the time of the 2007-2008 financial crisis in the US and the UK. The current version is the brainchild of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Senator Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts.
Show notes and references available with this link https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KTOq8eF4V5-VQP619JweAVsboyOj1tSOvs5YGuLszLA/edit?usp=sharing
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Apr 11, 2021
EP 7: Extra policy- Overfishing and Whaling
In this extra policy clip, the pals get into a listener question and discuss overfishing and whaling policies and impacts. Why do we even still have this problem? It’s complicated.
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Apr 11, 2021
Ep 6: Grassroots (Global Intergovernmental Orgs)
In episode 6, we turn our attention to grassroots organizations. A grassroots organization or movement is basically a community driven effort. These movements matter because who knows what a community needs better than those who live there?
Show notes and references available at our website or with this link https://docs.google.com/document/d/186OLuUDr3-wdvYLEm8vUW_zlcogfqNZta31d1Bp8Rhs/edit?usp=sharing
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Mar 28, 2021
EP 5: Extra policy- Climate change
Sometimes, we have to cut great conversations because we have a lot to say. Here, Ajwah and Ala share our honest thoughts about climate change and attitudes towards climate action.
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Mar 28, 2021
Ep 4: IPCC (Global Intergovernmental Orgs)
In this episode, we discuss the IPCC, which assesses current science on climate change and compiles reports to aid policy makers adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change. Climate action is necessary and through its assessments, the IPCC identifies the strength of scientific agreement in different areas and indicates where further research is needed.
Show notes and references available at our website or with this link https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ksL1F94r-AS937oJ-sq8R2UQsO_geggeM9Nybq0PA7k/edit?usp=sharing
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Mar 15, 2021
Ep 3: CGIAR (Global Intergovernmental Orgs)
This episode we continue talking about intergovernmental organizations with global impact on environmental policy by discussing the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). Home to more than 8,000 scientists, researchers, technicians, and staff, the CGIAR and its 15 research centers drive agricultural research and innovations to improve food access and security for billions of people.
Show notes and references available at our website or with this link https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MPMuehAnEj6fYX9gCwohlFfX8w1XWIXqTA7pyTCJAkU/edit?usp=sharing
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Feb 28, 2021
Ep 2: IUCN (Global Intergovernmental Orgs)
In this episode, we continue the series on global intergovernmental organizations with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). IUCN is a research organization that provides data to drive conservation efforts. One of their major accomplishments is the Red list of endangered species. Get ready to learn about their global impact and what they're doing to make sure forests, creatures, and bodies of water are protected in ways that are sustainable.
Show notes and references available at our website or with this link https://docs.google.com/document/d/1i_WAQqchsAPINzRWhW3MdeNOxzeG3vb5JU7CXE5ilw8/edit?usp=sharing
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Feb 15, 2021
Ep 1: UNEP (Global Intergovernmental Orgs)
In this episode, the pals are jumping into their first series on global intergovernmental organizations and the topic is the UNEP. The United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) aka UN Environment is the international regulatory authority that sets the global environmental agenda. We discuss what they do, how they do it, how effective they are and the implications of their efforts.
Show notes with references are available at our website or at this link https://docs.google.com/document/d/12GAH0JBmq2THyXYLuEfKTE2IzB1WrQG7MF-bEd6EJaE/edit?usp=sharing
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Feb 13, 2021
Ep 0: Who we are and what we love
Surprise!!! It's a Valentine's gift episode. In this preview episode, the planet policy pals tell you about who we are, what drives us to care about the environment, why we are doing this podcast, our favorite environmental policies/ programs and recommend organizations you may want to check out.
Follow the link for show notes and references on everything we discussed. https://docs.google.com/document/d/16v9CGPqNhdzL-F655Qy0K3gajs7l9mFnSqqKQ5WjONI/edit?usp=sharing
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Feb 2, 2021
Trailer: The Planet Policy Pals Podcast
Welcome to the podcast where friends discuss environmental science and policy, and effects on communities from around the planet New episodes every Monday starting February 15th!
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