Future Ecologies

Our fifth genus includes the Dragons of Perceived Risk: functional, temporal, financial, social, and physical. These dragons are at the root of all fears – steering our decisions in a continuous assessment of risk versus reward.When it comes to climate change, the risks are global, but distributed unequally. In this chapter, we explore what physical risk can mean to the people dedicated to the health of the planet, as we follow one woman’s journey to becoming a force of nature.To learn more about the Dragons of Climate Inaction (+ musical credits, citations, and more) visit futureecologies.net/dragons

Join Robert Gifford, a professor of environmental psychology, alongside social psychologist Reuven Sussman and behavioral scientist Christine Kormos, as they tackle the 'Dragons of Discredence.' They delve into climate denial's subtle impacts on policy trust and the importance of effective communication strategies. The conversation highlights innovative approaches for promoting sustainable choices, emphasizing self-interest as a motivator in environmental action, and how aligning incentives can drive transformative change. Tune in for insights that mix psychology with real-world impact!

Robert Gifford, a leading environmental psychologist, Kate Sandilands, a professor and climate thought leader, and Kay Gallivan, an artist behind the Wasteland Project, come together to discuss the social dynamics of climate action. They delve into how social comparison influences our motivations and highlights the importance of community conversations. The discussion emphasizes storytelling as a powerful tool for change and showcases Gallivan's immersive art installation as a unique response to climate anxiety, urging listeners to engage collectively for a sustainable future.

Robert Gifford, an environmental psychologist, shares insights on the ideologies limiting our climate response. Kevin Kaners, a podcaster who delves into negative emissions technologies, discusses the skepticism surrounding carbon capture methods. Kate Moran, leading Ocean Networks Canada, shares exciting developments in converting CO2 into solid rock through the Solid Carbon project. The conversation critiques the 'technosalvation' mindset, stressing that while technology is crucial, personal accountability and systemic change are equally essential in the fight against climate change.

In this engaging discussion, Robert Gifford, a psychologist specializing in environmental studies, Nicolas Depensier, renowned cinematographer of 'Anthropocene,' and Ellen Kelsey, an author dedicated to environmental education, dive into the psychological barriers to climate action. They dissect concepts like perceived behavioral control and self-efficacy, shedding light on how shifting narratives can foster hope. By exploring the idea of 'Hope Punk,' they highlight the importance of community resilience and storytelling in inspiring collective environmental action, all while challenging negative perceptions surrounding climate change.

Robert Gifford, a psychology and environmental studies professor, discusses his 'dragons of climate inaction' framework, exploring psychological barriers to effective climate action. Quetztonat Charlene George, a cultural guide and artist from the Coast Salish First Nations, shares insights on storytelling's role in reconnecting with the land and fostering community. They delve into the urgent need for collective action, reflect on pandemic parallels with climate change, and highlight the importance of individual and systemic approaches to sustainability.

Season 2 may be over, but Future Ecologies is still going strong.We're so excited to announce that our new *weekly* 8-part miniseries will hitting your podcast feed on May 13th. Listen on for the trailer.Subscribe to Scales of Change at https://scales-of-change.captivate.fm/listen

To find out what the future might hold for Kelp, Sea Otters, Urchin, and Abalone, we're taking you to Haida Gwaii – an archipelago famous for both its deep culture and unique ecology. In Gwaii Haanas, the Islands of Beauty, a surprising experiment is taking shape, and we're going to dive right in.We go from mountain top to sea floor, and we finally get to meet the fastest snail in the west.This is the final chapter of our three-part series on kelp worlds. Click here to listen to part one, Trophic Cascadia, and here for part two, Ocean PeopleThis episode features Stu Crawford, Captain Gold, Lynn Lee, Dan Okamoto, and Nate Spindel, and more.For lots of photos from our adventure to Haida Gwaii, musical credits, citations, and more head to https://www.futureecologies.net/listen/fe-2-9-in-the-balanceSupport Future Ecologies and get monthly bonus episodes and more! https://www.patreon.com/futureecologiesKelp forest photo by Alex Mustard

Ecological science has had a persistent blind spot: the deep involvement of Indigenous peoples in managing their lands and waters. The return of Sea Otters from the brink of extinction, while celebrated, was enacted under a framework of settler colonialism. As voracious predators themselves, otters compete with humans for all of the same sea foods. One shellfish in particular has become a flash point for fisheries – a modest mollusc, Haliotis kamtschatkana: Northern Abalone.This is part two of our three-part series on kelp worlds. Click here to listen to part one, Trophic Cascadia.This episode features Kii'iljuus Barbara Wilson, Anne Salomon, and Charles Menzies.For a full list of music credits, citations, and more, head over to https://www.futureecologies.net/listen/fe-2-8-ocean-people💖 To support the work that we do, and to get access to monthly bonus mini-episodes, a community Discord, and more, pay what you can at https://www.patreon.com/futureecologiesBull Kelp artwork by Sarah Jim

How did nuclear testing accidentally reshape our understanding of food webs and marine ecology? Why did sea otters bounce back from near-extinction on some parts of the Pacific coast, but are still absent in others? We speak with Dr. Jim Estes (a godfather of the field) about a series of serendipitous events that led to the re-writing of textbook ecology.This is part one of our three-part series on kelp worlds.For a full list of music credits, citations, and more, head over to https://www.futureecologies.net/listen/fe-2-7-trophic-cascadia💖 To support the work that we do, and to get access to monthly bonus mini-episodes, a community Discord, and more, pay what you can at https://www.patreon.com/futureecologies