Future Ecologies

Adam Davis, co-founder of Ecosystem Investment Partners, and Tim Male, founder of the Environmental Policy Innovation Center, dive deep into the intersection of environmentalism and politics. They discuss their transition from non-profit work to influential roles in the White House, highlighting achievements during the Obama era. The duo also tackles the ramifications of recent executive orders on environmental policy, the importance of youth voting, and how AI is reshaping careers in this field. Their conversation emphasizes collaboration and resilience in the face of ecological challenges.

In this engaging discussion, Heather Shibley, a landscape architect and ecology expert, and Gaurav Gurjar, ecology lead for Aforest and India’s first Green Champion, delve into the revolutionary Miyawaki method of creating mini-forests. They explore its rapid adoption worldwide, the intricate balance of high-density plantings with local ecosystems, and share personal insights on its effectiveness. However, they don't shy away from critiques, addressing the ecological concerns and the need for nuanced, location-specific approaches to urban reforestation.

Mendel here with an exciting announcement:I'm producing a new video podcast for a local environmental advocacy organization: the False Creek Friends Society.False Creek, as the name suggests, is not a creek. It’s a tidal slough, and it’s one of the most visible waterways here in Vancouver, where I live. It’s right next to downtown, and it’s always bustling with life. It also has a reputation for being highly polluted, thanks to bygone industry and present day civic infrastructure. Despite that, a recent bioblitz survey revealed that it’s home to more than 500 different species.The goal of the False Creek Friends Society is to see this waterway become a focal point of healing the intersection of ecology and urban society, and have it serve as a living lab for us to better understand our relationship with these waters. More specifically, the proposal is for False Creek to be designated as Canada’s first Urban Marine Park, with Indigenous co-governance, under the 30 x 30 conservation goals.Of course, getting there is going to take work, and a lot of learning — lessons which I think will be relevant not just for me and my neighbours, but anybody living near water. The story of False Creek’s future is about public health, climate resilience, Indigenous reconciliation, more-than-human beings, and environmental justice. Because after all, we’re all waterbodies. If you’re as excited about this project as I am, you can learn more and get involved at falsecreekfriends.orgWaterbodies is recorded on location on False Creek. The first episodes will arrive this September, but the trailer is out now. So I hope you’ll get subscribed to the Waterbodies feed anywhere — YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etcetera. Here's the video trailer.(Just in case you were wondering, Future Ecologies is not going away. But it’s also still not sustainable as a full time job for me or anyone else. If you want, you can help us out at Patreon.com/futureecologies, but in the meantime I think this makes for a pretty cool balance.)

Sarah Jim, a visual artist from the Hussanich Nation, and Lucas Glenn, known for his innovative ecological art in Okanagan, dive deep into the synergy between art and environmental stewardship. They discuss how repurposing materials can foster a greater connection with nature. The duo explores childhood influences on their art, the balance of gender in creative expression, and the power of sound to engage with ecological themes. Their collaborative projects emphasize community involvement and the transformative potential of art as a tool for ecological advocacy.

In this engaging discussion, Sarah Cox, an investigative journalist, and Sarah Dubois, a professor and animal welfare advocate, tackle the ethical dilemmas of wildlife management. They explore the rivet popper hypothesis, emphasizing biodiversity's critical role in ecosystems. Personal stories highlight the struggles of species like the spotted owl amidst logging threats and cormorant overpopulation. The conversation underscores the importance of compassion in conservation practices, challenging listeners to rethink the value of all life and the implications of lethal intervention in nature.

Join evolutionary biologist Toby Kiers, known for her insights on mycorrhizal fungi, and Merlin Sheldrake, author of "Entangled Life," as they delve into the fascinating underground world of fungi. Discover how these secretive organisms form complex networks that sustain ecosystems through intricate nutrient exchanges. They discuss fungi's problem-solving abilities and decision-making processes, highlighting their intelligence and vital roles in nature. The conversation encourages a deeper appreciation for the hidden life beneath our feet and the urgent need for its conservation.

Join Saxon Richardson, a filmmaker passionate about feral donkeys, Abby Wines from the National Park Service, and ecologist Eric Lundgren as they dive deep into the wild burros of Death Valley. Discover the surprising biodiversity of this rugged landscape and the ongoing debate surrounding the ecological impact of these captivating animals. Can they be seen as vital players in the ecosystem instead of mere pests? From donkey management strategies to the complexities of invasion biology, this conversation challenges traditional conservation narratives.

Skye Augustine, from the Shamanis First Nation, is a passionate advocate for clam and sea garden restoration. In this engaging conversation, she highlights the historical and ecological significance of these marine wonders, emphasizing Indigenous stewardship. Skye explores how revitalizing clam gardens can enhance food security and sustainability in modern communities. Listeners are inspired to take part in restoration efforts that connect culture, environment, and community, while also redefining humanity's role in ecological balance.

We're borrowing an episode from one of our all-time favourite shows: Threshold, a Peabody Award-winning documentary podcast about our place in the natural world.Now in their 5th Season, "Hark", Threshold producer Amy Martin is exploring sound itself: investigating what it means to listen to the nonhuman voices on our planet — and the cost if we don’t. With mounting social and ecological crises, what happens when we tune into the life all around us?Other episodes from Hark cover the sounds of the primordial microbial ooze, of insects, of fish, and of plants. Today, we're featuring episode 3: on the sounds of coral reefs, and how listening to them may help them survive a warming world.Find Threshold (and the rest of Hark) wherever you get podcasts, or at thresholdpodcast.org

Joining the conversation are Aaron Slade, a marine ecologist passionate about coastal restoration; Nicole Smith, an archaeologist who has dedicated over two decades to understanding shoreline ecosystems; Marco Hatch, an environmental science professor and member of the Samish Indian Nation; and Nicole Norris from the Chalalt First Nation. They delve into the fascinating world of sea gardens, exploring their role in food security and biodiversity. The guests highlight the importance of Indigenous knowledge in environmental stewardship and the urgent need to revive these gardens amidst climate change challenges.