Benji Jones

Paige Vega, Vox's climate editor, shares insights on the Trump administration's impact on climate policies and clean energy efforts. Benji Jones, environmental correspondent, discusses Iowa's impressive wind energy growth amid political hurdles. The duo explores how electric vehicles and wind energy are shaping the future of renewable energy. They highlight unexpected climate progress and emphasize the economic benefits of renewable initiatives for local farmers, underscoring the resilience of climate action in challenging political landscapes.

Benji Jones, an environmental correspondent at Vox, dives into the unsettling issue of microplastics infiltrating our rainwater. He unveils shocking research revealing plastic particles falling from the sky and the potential health risks associated with them, including links to cancer and infertility. Reflecting on past victories against pollution, Jones emphasizes the urgent need for awareness and regulation to combat this crisis. He also shares practical tips for individuals looking to reduce their plastic footprint and the importance of global cooperation on this pressing issue.

Benji Jones, Vox's environmental correspondent, along with Sam England from Berlin's National History Museum, dives into the quirky world of butterflies and static electricity. They discuss the innovative and whimsical experiments that involve walking butterflies on leashes to study the role of electrostatics in pollination. The conversation reveals how these fascinating insects interact with their environment in ways that are vastly different from humans, blending humor with groundbreaking scientific inquiry. Additionally, they emphasize the importance of creative methodologies in advancing ecological research.

Benji Jones, an environmental reporter at Vox, shares his fascination with cicadas, which last emerged during Thomas Jefferson's presidency. He discusses their remarkable life cycle and the rare return of Brood 13 and Brood 19 after over 200 years. The noise they make has even prompted calls to the police! Jones highlights cicadas' ecological impact, providing food for birds and other species, and explores the bizarre relationship between cicadas and the zombie fungus that alters their behavior, showcasing the intricacies of nature.

Benji Jones, an environmental correspondent at Vox, shares insights from his dive into Bonaire's stunning coral reefs. He discusses the vital role these reefs play in marine biodiversity and how successful conservation efforts are shining a beacon of hope. However, he also highlights the dire threat posed by stony coral tissue loss disease, colloquially known as Skittle D. Innovative treatments like antibiotics and probiotics are on the table, but the broader crisis of climate change looms large over these fragile ecosystems.

Benji Jones, an environmental reporter at Vox, and Tom Philpott, a senior research associate at Johns Hopkins, dive into the alarming H5N1 avian flu outbreak affecting U.S. poultry. They discuss the drastic measures farmers are resorting to, as millions of birds perish. The conversation highlights the vulnerabilities of factory farming, particularly overcrowded conditions that worsen disease spread. They also emphasize the need for better farming practices and biosecurity measures to protect both the poultry industry and public health.

Benji Jones, an environmental correspondent at Vox, and Shoshannah Buxbaum, a producer, dive into the controversial decision to revoke protections for the lesser prairie chicken. They discuss its colorful courtship rituals and the environmental policy shifts under the Trump administration. Topics also include the surprising intersection of Trump supporters with wind energy, revolutionary at-home health tests, and the discovery of a new fossil shedding light on the evolution of flight. Plus, quirky cicada facts and flamingos’ feeding techniques add humor to the mix!

Benji Jones, senior environmental reporter at Vox, discusses the recent resurgence of bed bugs and their resistance to pesticides. The podcast explores the challenges in eradicating bed bugs, their attraction to human bodies, and their ability to survive without blood meals. It also explores the implications of bed bug exposure in a globalized society and the uncertain effects of climate change on their distribution.

Benji Jones, senior environmental reporter at Vox, discusses the rise of bedbugs, their mating behavior, the challenges of eliminating them, their resilience to pesticides, and the potential impact of climate change on their populations.

Join Benji Jones, a Vox writer passionate about environmental change, as he reveals a startling trend: birds are shrinking over time. Delve into how climate change impacts animal sizes and the potential implications for ecosystems. Explore the intricate behaviors of birds and envision a future where evolution adapts to a world without humans. With fascinating speculation on future creatures and ecosystems, this conversation challenges us to think critically about our role in shaping life on Earth.