Future Ecologies

We’ve got a great guest episode for you today, coming courtesy of our friends over at the podcast Cited.They’ve got a new series out called “Green Dreams” — covering stories of radical environmentalist thought leaders, and the ripples they’ve left on the present day. We wanted to share with you the very first episode from this series, called “The Green Cosmos”, covering Gerard O’Neil’s 1970s vision for humanity’s passage to the stars. Find the rest of Green Dreams and much more from Cited wherever you're listening.

We’ve got something a little different for you: something a little less in the sciences, and a little more in the humanities — in the realm of language and human experience.Today, through a series of conversations, we’re exploring the notion of what it means to have a relationship to land, to be or not be of a place (in other words, to belong or not) and how the intrinsic tensions in all that may be metabolized through the practice of art, and more importantly, that of life.Our co-producer and interlocutor for this episode is Darby Minott Bradford: poet, editor, translator, and the author of Bottom Rail on Top.Our guests are author Jordan Abel (Nishga, Empty Spaces), multi-disciplinary artist S F Ho (Green Lines), and poet Cecily Nicholson (Wayside Sang, Harrowings)Music by Thumbug

Join Louise Romain, a recordist and anthropologist who brings soundscapes to life, along with Javan Hunt, a musician and conservationist dedicated to preserving mangroves in the Bahamas. They explore the rich cultural identity of the Raizal community, unveiling their fight for fishing rights and environmental protection. Hear inspiring stories of female marine biologists restoring coral reefs and the urgent call for community action against climate change. Together, they weave a narrative of resilience and hope for Caribbean coastal ecosystems.

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.