Podcast Summary
Exploring Conservation Technology with Shaw Selby: Conservation technology combines saving the world with innovative tech, from gorilla tracking to Amazon logging monitoring, all in a makerspace lab setting.
This week's episode of Ologies podcast is all about conservation technology, an interdisciplinary field that combines the art of saving the world with technology. The host, Ali Ward, is excited to share this episode, which is full of adventure, inspiration, and stories from a conservation technologist named Shaw Selby. Selby is a fellow at the National Geographic Society and the founder of Conservify, a nonprofit organization that creates open-source technology to help save the planet. The conversation covers various projects, such as tracking gorillas in the Congo, monitoring logging in the Amazon, and tagging sharks. To illustrate the technology used, Selby's lab is described as a makerspace or hackerspace with a gurgling algae-filled terrarium, where sensors test water quality in unique ecosystems. The episode promises to be both educational and inspiring, showcasing the potential of technology to make a positive impact on the environment.
From tinkering in a makeshift lab to making a global impact: Engineering and technology can be used to solve environmental issues, from illegal fishing to conservation and ecology. Passion and curiosity from a young age can lead to a career making a positive impact on the world.
Shaw's work as a conservation technologist involves using engineering and technology to address environmental issues, from illegal fishing to conservation and ecology. This work is done in a makeshift lab filled with tools and equipment, including 3D printers and lasercutters. Shaw's passion for engineering started at a young age, when he took apart his father's expensive audio equipment and learned how it worked. After studying engineering in college, Shaw went on to become a spacecraft propulsion engineer, but his desire to use technology for more profound purposes led him to create the role of conservation technologist. From his childhood curiosity to his current work, Shaw's story illustrates the power of engineering and technology to make a positive impact on the world.
Learning from Failures in the Scientific Process: Failure is inevitable in scientific research, but resilience and learning from those failures can lead to greater successes. Shaw's career in satellite launches at Boeing taught him the importance of adapting and moving forward after setbacks, and his experiences inspired him to start a nonprofit focused on environmental research and conservation.
Failure is a natural part of the scientific process and learning from those failures can lead to greater successes. Shaw, a former rocket engineer, shared his experience of working on satellite launches at Boeing, where not all launches were successful. He emphasized that it's important to be resilient and learn from those failures, as they are essential for progress. Shaw also discussed his transition from Boeing to starting a nonprofit focused on environmental research and conservation, which was driven in part by his experiences and a fellowship from the National Geographic Society. Throughout his career, Shaw has worked on various projects around the world, including the Okavango Wilderness Project in Botswana, Namibia, and Angola, which aims to better protect the Okavango Delta and its rich wildlife.
Sharing real-time experiences from the Okavango Delta: The Okavango Wilderness Project uses technology to live-stream discoveries from the Okavango Delta, offering a unique and engaging way to learn about this ecosystem and its researchers.
The Okavango Wilderness Project is an innovative initiative aimed at sharing real-time experiences and data from wildlife expeditions in the Okavango Delta, a beautiful yet challenging wetland paradise in the heart of the Kalahari Desert. Traditionally, scientists would write down their observations and wait years to publish their findings. However, the Okavango Wilderness Project uses technology tools to live-stream their discoveries, photos, and audio to the public, offering a unique and engaging way to learn about this extraordinary ecosystem and the teams working in it. From scientists and guides to researchers from around the world, the project showcases the challenges and beauty of their work, with data gathered via sensors and shared live via satellite. Even astronauts in space have offered support and encouragement, making the project a truly global collaboration. Despite the hardships, the project's outreach efforts have brought the wonders of the Okavango Delta to a wider audience, inspiring curiosity and appreciation for this remarkable ecosystem.
Using Technology to Preserve and Protect the Natural World: Apps, sensors, drones and other tech tools are being used to track wildlife, protect habitats, and map out conservation areas in the Amazon and Republic of Congo. Mainstream environmental organizations and companies are investing in conservation tech, making it increasingly accessible.
Technology is being used in innovative ways to preserve and protect the natural world. This was exemplified in the discussions about projects in the Amazon rainforest and Otsala National Park in the Republic of Congo. In the Amazon, technology like apps and sensors are being used to track migratory fishes and protect their habitats. In the Republic of Congo, drones are being used to map out areas and identify specific trees important to gorillas. Shaw, being a conservation technologist, uses technology to understand and preserve nature, even though it's often seen as a contributor to environmental problems. The use of technology in conservation is becoming more mainstream, with major environmental NGOs and companies investing in it. The availability and affordability of technology are increasing every year, making it an accessible tool for conservation efforts.
Technology's Role in Environmental Protection: Technology gathers crucial info to protect the environment, documents changes over time, and empowers communities with affordable solutions.
Conservation technology plays a crucial role in gathering information to better protect the environment, particularly in areas where human activities pose significant threats. This technology helps document and monitor environmental conditions, creating baselines for tracking changes over time. For instance, sensors can detect heavy metals in rivers before visible damage occurs, saving ecosystems and wildlife. However, not all countries have extensive monitoring systems, leaving communities vulnerable to environmental issues. Affordable technology solutions, like low-cost sensors, can empower these communities to prove and address environmental concerns, ensuring accountability and transparency. The use of technology in conservation extends beyond sensors, with projects like monitoring melting glaciers using cell phone sensors. These innovative approaches provide valuable insights into environmental changes and contribute to more effective conservation efforts.
Interactive installation in Calgary raises awareness about melting Bow Glacier: Technology is being used to create interactive installations and develop non-invasive tags for animals, advancing conservation efforts and engaging the public in environmental issues
Technology is being used to raise awareness about the melting of the Bow Glacier in Calgary and its potential impact on the city. Data collected from the glacier is being used to create an interactive installation in downtown Calgary, allowing people to experience the melting process in real-time. This installation aims to create a sense of urgency and encourage action to save the glacier. Additionally, there's a project underway to develop low-cost, open-source animal tracking tags using smartphone technology, which could revolutionize the way researchers study animal behavior without the need for expensive, invasive tags. Another project involves developing a non-invasive tagging system for whales, using ideas inspired by geckos and other natural adhesives. These initiatives demonstrate how technology can be used to advance conservation efforts and engage the public in important environmental issues.
Conserving ecosystems and animals with technology: Shaw's lab focuses on using tech for eco-conservation, collaborating with locals and scientists, prioritizing waterproofing and affordability, and experiencing unpredictable wildlife encounters.
The team at Shaw's lab focuses on using technology to help conserve various ecosystems and animals, often collaborating with local communities and scientists. They prioritize waterproofing and cost-effective solutions, aiming to move beyond the traditional model of well-funded universities leading conservation efforts. An intriguing moment shared was an encounter with hippos in Botswana, where they displayed aggressive behavior, charging the team underwater and performing a threat display involving tail spinning and defecation. Despite the potential danger, these experiences fuel their passion and commitment to their work.
Hippos' warning display and explorer's encounter with an elephant: Lee Wolf, an explorer, invented the khaki vest in 1930 for practicality and conservation. He popularized catch and release method and coined 'game fish are too valuable to be caught only once'.
Hippos are impressive and threatening creatures, capable of producing a "poop tornado" as a warning display. This anecdote, while humorous, underscores their power and potential danger. The explorer in the story also shares a personal experience of feeling truly afraid, which was when they were charged by an elephant. Khaki vests, a staple for explorers, were invented by Lee Wolf in 1930, who was not only a pioneer in fly fishing but also a conservationist. He is remembered for popularizing the catch and release method and coining the phrase "game fish are too valuable to be caught only once." Today, we can learn from his legacy and appreciate the versatility and practicality of the fishing vest.
Conserving Water Through Individual Actions: Reduce plastic use, be more vegetarian, and avoid palm oil products to conserve water and reduce environmental impact. Desalination technology is costly and has drawbacks, and sending snow to drought-stricken areas is logistically and financially challenging. Make conscious choices as consumers to help mitigate water crises and potential water wars.
Individual actions matter when it comes to conserving water and reducing environmental impact. The speakers discussed various ways to make a difference, such as reducing plastic use, being more vegetarian, and avoiding products with palm oil. Desalination technology, while becoming more viable, is costly and has its drawbacks. A listener's question about sending snow to drought-stricken areas was addressed, explaining the logistical and financial challenges of such a solution. The speakers also touched on the impending water crises in certain areas and the potential for water wars. Overall, the conversation emphasized the importance of making conscious choices as consumers to help mitigate environmental issues.
Individuals can make a big impact on the environment: Future generations may criticize our reliance on non-renewable resources and plastic. Solar energy innovations, like cars and satellite tech, are promising solutions. Address misconceptions and focus on real causes of environmental issues.
Individuals have the power to make a significant impact on the environment by demanding changes and adopting more sustainable practices. An amusing anecdote shared in the discussion was about how future generations might look back on our time and be appalled by our reliance on non-renewable resources and excessive use of plastic. The importance of battery technology advancements for renewable energy sources like solar and wind was also emphasized. Solar energy was highlighted as a promising solution, with innovations like solar cars and satellite technologies expected to have a significant impact on conservation efforts. The discussion also touched upon the importance of addressing misconceptions and addressing the real causes of environmental issues, such as bird deaths from windows and buildings, rather than focusing on minor concerns. Overall, the conversation underscored the importance of individual actions and technological advancements in driving positive change for the environment.
Technology advances help in environmental conservation: Every choice matters in preserving the environment, from using AI to understand it, to repairing and reusing items instead of buying new.
Advancements in technology, such as low-cost sensors and artificial intelligence, are revolutionizing conservation efforts and making a significant impact on understanding and preserving the environment. For individuals who feel their actions don't matter due to the vastness of the issue, it's essential to remember that every choice we make contributes to the problem. Stories of environmental devastation, like the pilot whale dying from ingesting plastic bags, serve as a reminder of the consequences of our actions. Additionally, repairing and reusing items instead of constantly buying new ones can help reduce our overall impact on the planet.
Repairing broken items is educational and environmentally friendly: Learning to repair broken items instead of throwing them away reduces waste, saves money, and provides an educational experience. Engage with local governments and advocacy groups to make sustainable practices legal and accessible to all.
Learning to repair broken items instead of throwing them away is not only environmentally friendly but also educational. This concept was exemplified by a man who required customers to learn how to fix their espresso machines while he repaired them. This philosophy is still alive today through organizations like ifixit.org and local fix-it clinics. Moreover, applying this mindset to technology can lead to innovative solutions like recycling old smartphones into forest guardians. However, legal barriers can hinder the implementation of sustainable practices, such as rainwater catchment systems. To address this, engaging with local governments and advocating for changes to building codes can help make these practices legal and accessible to all. Environmental justice is another important aspect of this movement, ensuring that marginalized communities have a voice in addressing environmental issues that affect them.
Considering Water Sources and Environmental Impact: Gray water requires filtration and first flush devices for safety, biofuels have potential but can consume more energy, and IoT devices can be useful but need proper management to minimize environmental impact.
While it's important to consider various water sources for survival, not all of them are safe for consumption without proper treatment. Gray water, for instance, which comes from sinks and appliances, can be reused but may require filtration systems and first flush devices to ensure safety. Biofuels, on the other hand, have potential but can sometimes consume more energy to produce and transport than they provide. As for fatherhood and the environment, the desire to leave a better world for future generations fuels the passion to solve bigger problems and promote wildlife growth and survival. IoT devices, part of the Internet of Things, can be useful but also have the potential to add to environmental issues if not managed properly. Overall, it's crucial to consider the potential impacts of various solutions and make informed decisions.
The sixth mass extinction event and its causes: Human activities are causing a mass extinction event, 1000 times faster than the natural rate, primarily due to habitat loss, poaching, and global warming
We are currently experiencing the sixth mass extinction event in Earth's history, primarily caused by human activities. This extinction rate is 1000 times higher than the baseline, resulting in the rapid disappearance of species at an alarming rate. The causes include habitat loss, poaching, and other human impacts on the environment. Regarding global warming, human behavior has been a significant contributor, with the Earth acting as a closed system that is being altered by the substances we are adding to it. The scientific community is in near-unanimous agreement that human-caused global warming is a reality. However, there is concern that we may not take decisive action until the consequences become more severe. Technological solutions such as carbon capture and geoengineering are being explored, but their implementation comes with risks and uncertainties. The loss of biodiversity and the consequences of global warming pose significant challenges to humanity and the planet.
Thinking beyond quick fixes for a sustainable impact: Consider long-term maintenance, community involvement, and minimize catastrophic failures for a truly sustainable environmental impact.
Making a positive impact on the environment involves more than just quick fixes or glamorous projects. It requires a sustainable, holistic approach. Planting trees and reducing carbon footprint are important, but it's equally crucial to consider the long-term maintenance and community involvement in projects like providing clean water access. Previous generations' well-drilling efforts, while well-intentioned, often lacked this sustainability, leading to broken wells and wasted resources. To truly make a difference, we must think about solutions that are maintainable, empower local communities, and minimize catastrophic failures. Additionally, it's essential to remember the beauty and resilience of the planet and our ability to make a positive impact. Despite the challenges, there's always room for optimism and the potential to leave a lasting, positive legacy.
Expeditions to Protect Unique Wildlife with Technology: Conservationist Shah Selbe and team use technology like drones and tagging for data collection and wildlife protection in various locations. Anyone can help by joining Conservify, offering skills or assistance.
Conservationist Shah Selbe and his team are embarking on various expeditions this year to different parts of the world, including Sri Lanka, Belize, and Antarctica, to monitor and help protect unique wildlife populations. They plan to use technology like drones and tagging to gather data and make a difference. If you're interested in following their work or helping out, you can find them on social media and through their nonprofit Conservify. The organization welcomes any skills or assistance, not just engineering expertise. So, whether you're an engineer, marketer, designer, or even a cookie maker, there's a place for you in conservation efforts. To learn more and get involved, check out Conservify's social media channels and website.