Eco Insights

In this episode of Eco Insights, our hosts interview Jamie Simone, a social worker turned urban planner who designed the iconic 606 Trail in Chicago. We discuss the importance of active listening, community engagement, and sustainable urban design. Have you ever thought about all the planning and effort that goes into the structures, transport, sidewalks and roads we use every day? Listen to this episode to learn more?

We are excited to welcome Dr. Kelly Tzoumis, a professor of Environmental Public Policy and Public Administration at Depaul University, to the podcast. The focus of the episode was a specific aspect of her work: The New Ecological Paradigm (NEP). The NEP is a survey consisting of 15 questions used to measure environmental concern among a group of people. Our insightful conversation with Dr. Tzoumis consisted of discussing the survey itself, the importance of understanding how factors like race and socio-economic status influence environmental worldview, the applications of the NEP in environmental policy, and more. How do you think your background influences your environmental worldview?

On today’s episode we interview Kavi Chintam, a PhD candidate for Chemical Engineering at Northwestern University working in the intersection between science and policy. We discuss the importance of the inclusion of science in policy making and reducing controversy in politics, as well as the role science policy plays in reducing environmental injustice. Have you heard of science policy? Do you think science should play a larger role in politics today?

In today’s episode, our hosts interview Professor Xavier Basurto from Duke University. We discuss the evolution and intersectionality of his career, the importance of collaboration within sustainability, and his research into common-pool resources and collective action. Professor Basturto explains his research with the Seri people from a Mexican fishing community, where he developed strategies to support small-scale fisheries. Now more than ever, it is crucial we work with communities around the world to protect the global commons.

On today’s episode, Chloe and Georgia spoke to Adan Ramirez, the Co-Founder of Greenfluidics. Greenfluidics created an Intelligent Solar Biopanel based on microalgae and nanotechnology, all with the aim of building an energy efficient future that benefits both the planet and the people. Adan told us about the inspiration for the technology, the process of creating it, and how it compares to other renewable energy alternatives such as solar panels.

Frances Davenport, a PhD student at Stanford University in the Earth Systems Science department, was a part of the ground breaking study that found that intensifying precipitation contributed one-third of the financial costs of flooding in the United States over the past three decades. This begs the question… how does Climate Change impact flooding? What is the difference between snowmelt-driven and rain-driven flooding, and what does it have to do with Climate Change? How are flooding patterns changing over time? All insightful questions, answered in this episode.

On today’s episode of Eco Insights, Chloe and Georgia spoke to Baylee Ritter, a woman working to protect both the planet and its people in various ways. She is a National Geographic Young Explorer, Youth Advisor for the Ocean Project, Founder of ‘Operation Endangered Species’ and the ‘Prescription Pill and Drug Disposal Program’, and she recently started a plastic-free shop called ‘Everyone’s Collective’. Baylee told us about the incredible work she has done, including the lessons she has learnt and the significance of each project, in addition to how she thinks other youth can get involved and truly make an impact.

Chase Iron Eyes is an Indigenous rights activist, Attorney with Lakota People’s Law Protect, and the Co-founder of “Last Real Indians''. Today we spoke with him about indiengous rights and public lands in, what is now known as, the United States of America. Now more than ever, indigenous people need to truly be listened to as we confront the environmental crises, as they are not only on the front lines of its impact, but play a key role in the solution.

Resources:

Watch this short video to learn more about Standing Rock: https://lakotalaw.org/resources/vice-chase 

Last Real Indians: https://lastrealindians.com 

Stop the Line 3 Pipeline: https://www.stopline3.org/#intro 

Rory Moore is the founder of CCV Global, the world’s largest COVID-19 volunteering network and an advisor to UK government on volunteering strategy. In this episode, we discuss how starting small is the key achieving great successes, and the importance of diverse perspectives in politics. Rory also shares advice on how young people can get involved in politics and not only be heard, but truly listened to.

You can check out CCV Global and volunteer by visiting https://www.ccvglobal.org .

To kick off Season 2 of Eco Insights, our hosts spoke with Alexandra Bowman, a junior at Georgetown University and Editorial Political Cartoonist for Our Daily Planet and the Lincoln Project. Climate information can be complex and hard to understand, but in order for the environmental movement to be successful, the information needs to be accessible. Alexandra explained how art forms, such as cartoons, can do this, and she also spoke about how youth artists can get involved in activism and take advantage of the opportunities around them.

Kevin Mtai is an environmental activist from Kenya who has done significant work with various organizations and campaigns, such as ‘Mock COP26’ and ‘Africa Is Not A Dumpster’. With a medical background and vast experience in the environmental crises, he told us about the various negative impacts of landfill, in addition to corporate, government and individual responsibility in reducing waste, specifically in the case of Africa.

In this episode, we met with environmental engineer, Neena Hemmady, and discussed the pushes for sustainability that she’s been able to achieve whilst working at an electricity utility. We spoke about the importance of working from the inside of a major fossil fuel emitting industry and about having hope for the future of energy.

In today’s episode, our hosts spoke with Eddy Badrina, CEO of Eden Green. Eden Green uses vertical farming technology to help the world sustainably grow large amounts of food to create a healthier and happier existence for all. Urban farming is expanding rapidly, and with good reason. Our guest explains how vertical farming actually works, the advantages and disadvantages to it, and how it can be scaled globally.

Mainstream media often only focuses on the environmental movement in the West, however, the environmental crises varies widely around the world. Rayan Kassem, who has lived in Lebanon, Austria and Denmark, provides us insight into these differences, and their significance. Such discrepancies also occur in food systems, and we discuss the significance of sustainable food and how it differs depending on the surrounding ecosystem and local conditions.

In this episode, we spoke with Roz Beile - a youth environmental activist who attended the COP 25 summit in Madrid and has experience working with various non-profits focused on the environmental crises. We discussed how international conferences are often just  “political photo opportunities” and the significance of youth voices in actively using various platforms to create sustainable change.

Today, our guest host, Julian Cohen, spoke with Max Silverman, the Executive Director of Teens Be Heard. TBH is a student-led initiative focused on education and awareness in order to combat social injustices. We discussed the role that teens play in activism and some of the steps you can take to make an impact on a local and national scale. Visit TBH's website here: https://www.teensbeheard.org . 

Professor John McNeill teaches History at Georgetown University, and is best known for “pioneering the study on Environmental History”. In this episode, we discuss what makes anthropogenic climate change historically unique, the global environmental significance of the industrial revolution, as well as differing theories about population growth. Throughout this podcast, reflect on the significance of history in molding current events - especially in the context of our planet.

Ashleyn Przedwiecki is a Director at Fashion Revolution USA, an Eco-Ethical Event Producer and Designer, and the Founder of Threaded (an organization committed to creatives and visionaries who are leading a more sustainable future for fashion). We spoke with her about the intersections between environmentalism and fast fashion, in addition to the commitments that need to be made by both consumers and corporations in order to achieve a sustainable and ethical fashion industry.

Today we spoke with the state leads of the Illinois Youth Climate Movement, Ella Barry and Avery Martin.  ILYCM is responsible for the climate strikes all across Illinois, but they also collaborate with other organizations on events, often representing the youth voice of the movement. Chloe and Georgia are also on the core team of ILYCM, and are regularly inspired by the passion of these two leaders. We discussed the importance of protesting, the process of organising a strike, and the pandemic’s impact on Climate Strikes.

It’s no surprise that the majority of businesses aren’t sustainable, but as climate change becomes a topic at the forefront of decision making around the globe, this is set to change. This episode features Ammi Borenstein, Founder of Snaplinc Consulting, Higg Index pioneer, and expert in the outdoor apparel industry. We spoke to Ammi about how and why businesses are transitioning to a sustainable model, the importance of quantification and the future of profitable but environmentally friendly business.

Tune into this episode where Chloe and Georgia chat with the Founder of Route Del Sol,  who is currently traveling from Alaska to Argentina in a solar powered van! Harnessing the power of photovoltaic energy to travel across the Americas, Joel is well-versed in the ups and downs of renewable energy. Listen to our fascinating discussion about van life, the future of transportation, and the benefits (as well as the difficulties) of renewable energy.

Listen to this episode to hear the conversation that our hosts had with Sophia Kianni. In March of 2020, Sophia started an international non-profit, Climate Cardinals, which makes the climate movement more accessible to all. They do this by translating climate information, and to date they have translated climate information into over 100 languages which has reached above 350,000 people. The ECI team has even joined their movement by translating 8 texts. Furthermore, she is the youngest member on the United Nations Secretary-General's Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change, an organizer for Fridays For Future, and an inspiration to both youth & adults globally. During this podcast, we hope that you reflect on the importance of globally accessible climate information and the impact of language barriers.

Today we spoke with Jordan Williams, junior in high school from Chicago, Illinois and Founder of Untold Magazine. Untold aims to give an inside look into the lives of young adults, and through sharing these stories they hope to inspire readers, provide a voice for the voiceless, and be a catalyst for conversation. Listen to this episode to hear the insightful conversation the hosts had with Jordan about the importance of telling stories, understanding different perspectives and activism. After listening, we hope you reflect on where you get your information from & whether different perspectives are being accounted for.

In today's episode, we spoke with Ava Hedeker, Founder & Editor-In-Chief of F(earth)er Magazine. F(earth)er focusses on interdisciplinary environmentalism, and allows youth to discover and write about the intersections between their passions and sustainability. Currently used by 24 schools and thousands of readers, it encourages individuals to reflect on the widespread connections of the crisis. After listening to this episode, we want you to consider how environmentalism links to your academic interests or field of work and how you think schools & other institutions can better educate people on sustainability.

Join our hosts as they interview their first guest: Graeme Phillips. Graeme is an 18 year old Filipino-American activist from Chicago. His journey in politics began at age 14 and he has since gained experience through internships, trips abroad and working on campaigns. Most recently, he founded Chicago Socrates, an organization that provides a platform for youth artists to express their creativity on a large scale and showcase their artivism (art activism). He shared with the hosts some inspiring messages about following your passions, not being afraid of failure, and having compassion. 

Before we get on to interviewing other people, it's time to get to know our hosts: Chloe Young and Georgia Scarr, Founders of Eco Circle International. Listen to this episode to hear about the ups and downs they faced getting to where they are now, what ECI is currently doing and where they are planning on taking Eco Circle International in the future.

Today we are faced with the daunting reality of the environmental crises. But together, we can solve it. One action, one conversation, one insight, at a time. 

Join environmentalists from the youth led non-profit Eco Circle International, along with other globally influential figures, as they unpack the intersections of climate change, human rights, economics, and more.