Logo
    Search

    Introducing: Guardians of the River

    en-usNovember 24, 2021

    Podcast Summary

    • Exploring the importance of protecting places and the role of technology in making our lives easierThe 'Guardians of the River' podcast delves into water conservation ethics and mythical creatures, while Canva's AI tools simplify design tasks. Businesses use Slack for collaboration and task management as we navigate complex work environments, and the Colorado River's future highlights the need for compromise and unity in addressing environmental issues.

      There are important stories out there that make us think deeply about the world and our role in it. The "Guardians of the River" podcast, for instance, explores the question of how we protect places and what makes them ours to protect. It's a compelling series that delves into the mysteries of water, conservation ethics, and even mythical creatures. On a different note, technology can also make our lives easier, as demonstrated by Canva's AI tools that can generate slides and words in seconds. But as businesses grow, managing work becomes more complex. That's where tools like Slack come in, helping us collaborate, automate tasks, and make the most of our time. Lastly, the Colorado River's future underscores the importance of compromise and unity in addressing pressing environmental issues. Ultimately, these stories remind us of the power of exploration, innovation, and collaboration in making a difference.

    • Understanding the Okavango Water System and Its ImpactDr. Steve Boyes' dedication to the Okavango water system has led him to become a champion for its preservation, as the inconsistent availability of water can lead to devastating consequences for both wildlife and human communities.

      The Okavango Delta, a massive freshwater delta in Southern Africa, is a vital source of life for thousands of elephants, millions of birds, and hundreds of hippos in Angola, Namibia, and Botswana. However, the water that feeds this delta is a mystery, and its inconsistent availability can lead to devastating consequences, including the desertification of the region. Dr. Steve Boyes, a South African zoologist, has dedicated himself to understanding the Okavango water system and protecting it. His commitment to the cause has tied the fate of the Okavango water system to his own, and he has become a champion for its preservation. As the people of the region grapple with the uncertainties surrounding the water's origin, usage, and availability, the stakes are high for not just the wildlife, but also the human communities that depend on it.

    • Integrating Science and Local Knowledge in Eastern AngolaIn regions with limited scientific research, combining local stories and traditions with scientific data leads to a more comprehensive understanding of ecosystems and their inhabitants. Respecting and valuing local knowledge is crucial to building trust and gaining valuable insights.

      Science and local knowledge are interconnected and essential in understanding the mysteries of the natural world, particularly in regions with limited scientific research, such as Eastern Angola. During my time volunteering there, I discovered the importance of integrating local stories and traditions with scientific data to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the ecosystem and its inhabitants. An encounter with an indigenous hunter, Sarabecca, highlighted this concept. Although we spoke different languages and came from different backgrounds, he sensed a connection and shared his knowledge with me. Through our shared experiences in the forest, we built trust and I gained valuable insights into the local wildlife and culture. This experience underscores the importance of respecting and valuing local knowledge, and recognizing that it can complement and enhance scientific research. By combining these two approaches, we can gain a more holistic understanding of the natural world and the communities that depend on it.

    • Hidden Lakes in Eastern Angola: Guardians of Southern Africa's RiversThe preservation of Eastern Angola's hidden lakes, vital water sources for Southern Africa, requires balancing local culture and traditions with sustainable conservation practices to mitigate threats from natural disasters, industrial development, and historical conflicts.

      The source lakes in Eastern Angola, though hidden and seemingly untouched, are of immense importance as they feed rivers across Southern Africa and are home to unique ecosystems. However, these delicate environments face numerous threats from natural disasters, industrial development, and historical conflicts. The local community, acting as guardians, have passed down myths and legends about the protective dragon Mukisi, which may hold clues to preserving these precious bodies of water. The challenges these guardians face in protecting the lakes are significant, requiring efforts to mitigate threats from various sources while addressing the historical and generational wounds of the community. Ultimately, the preservation of these vital water sources requires a balance between respecting the local culture and traditions, and implementing sustainable conservation practices.

    • Exploring the importance of preserving the world's wild placesThe Okavango Delta's source slicks and other remote, wild places are precious and deserve protection. The water system in the Okavango Delta plays a crucial role in preserving this unique ecosystem.

      Key takeaway from this episode of "Guardians of the River" is that the world's wild and remote places, like the Okavango Delta and its source slicks, are precious and worth protecting. The podcast, hosted by Kerlan Kosta, delves into the importance of preserving these areas and raises the question of whether there are any places left on Earth untouched by human impact. The discussion also touches upon the significance of the water system in the Okavango Delta and its potential role in preserving this unique ecosystem. Listeners can find this podcast on various platforms including Spotify, Google Play, Apple Podcasts, Sound Club, and Stitcher. Ultimately, the podcast serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting the natural world and the role we can play in preserving its most remote and wild places.

    Recent Episodes from TED Climate

    This ancient rock is changing our theory on the origin of life | Tara Djokic

    This ancient rock is changing our theory on the origin of life | Tara Djokic

    Exactly when and where did life on Earth begin? Scientists have long thought that it emerged three billion years ago in the ocean — until astrobiologist Tara Djokic and her team made an unexpected discovery in the western Australian desert. Learn how an ancient rock found near a hot volcanic pool is shifting our understanding of the origin-of-life puzzle.

    TED Climate
    en-usMay 22, 2024

    How to build an equitable and just climate future | Peggy Shepard

    How to build an equitable and just climate future | Peggy Shepard

    Everyone has the right to a clean environment — but major disparities exist when it comes to who faces the consequences of pollution. Environmental justice leader Peggy Shepard points to the disproportionate impact that hazardous environmental conditions have on Black, brown and Indigenous communities and challenges us to build a truly equitable future that turns "sacrifice zones" — where community health is sacrificed for the sake of development — into "green zones" that redress the legacy of pollution and harmful policies.

    The future of fashion — made from mushrooms | Dan Widmaier

    The future of fashion — made from mushrooms | Dan Widmaier

    Your closet is likely full of all kinds of materials — leather, cotton, nylon and polyester, to name a few — that contribute to fashion's sustainability crisis. Biomaterials investigator Dan Widmaier explains how we could look to nature for sustainable replacements for these much-used materials and introduces a leather alternative made from mushrooms that looks great and doesn't harm the environment. "We can make fashion sustainable, and we're going to do it with science," Widmaier says.

    How we could eat real meat without harming animals | Isha Datar

    How we could eat real meat without harming animals | Isha Datar

    What if you could eat chicken nuggets without harming a chicken? It's possible through "cellular agriculture," says Isha Datar. In a talk about cutting-edge science, she explains how this new means of food production makes it possible to eat meat without the negative consequences of industrial farming — and how it could fundamentally change our food systems for the better. "It's our once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get a second chance at agriculture," she says.

    Where on Earth will people live in the future? | Parag Khanna

    Where on Earth will people live in the future? | Parag Khanna

    From the return of nomadic living to a climate-disrupted world, author and global strategist Parag Khanna has some predictions for humanity. Get a fascinating glimpse at the future as he tackles an urgent question: Where on Earth will eight billion humans live in the uncertain times ahead?

    (This conversation, hosted by TED current affairs curator Whitney Pennington Rodgers, was part of an exclusive TED Membership event. Visit ted.com/membership to become a TED Member.)

    The innovations we need to avoid a climate disaster | Bill Gates

    The innovations we need to avoid a climate disaster | Bill Gates

    The single most important thing for avoiding a climate disaster is cutting carbon pollution from the current 51 billion tons per year to zero, says philanthropist and technologist Bill Gates. Introducing the concept of the "green premium" — the higher price of zero-emission products like electric cars, artificial meat or sustainable aviation fuel — Gates identifies the breakthroughs and investments we need to reduce the cost of clean tech, decarbonize the economy and create a pathway to a clean and prosperous future for all.

    What to do when climate change feels unstoppable | Clover Hogan

    What to do when climate change feels unstoppable | Clover Hogan

    Today's youth have inherited a big, unprecedented climate problem to solve — and the eco-anxiety to go with it. Gen-Zer and activist Clover Hogan knows the struggle firsthand, but she also understands the path to climate action starts with the one thing you can control: your mindset. She explains why challenging the stories that keep you feeling powerless can help you take the first step to protecting the planet for generations to come.

    The Anti-Dread Climate Podcast: Green holidays, without being a Grinch

    The Anti-Dread Climate Podcast: Green holidays, without being a Grinch

    This is an episode from a show we think you might like: The Anti-Dread Climate Podcast.

    Holiday shopping season is upon us, but instead of having a wasteful, plastic-heavy Christmas, why not have a green one? Hosts Candice and Caleigh have tips for how to celebrate sustainable holidays, from your wrapping paper to the menu at your holiday dinner.

    Sold Out: Rethinking Housing In America is back with an all new season.

    Sold Out: Rethinking Housing In America is back with an all new season.

    The third season of Sold Out examines the intersection of the climate and housing crises. Hosted by Erin Baldassari, the series tells the stories of families and communities throughout California, as they grapple with the ways that climate is challenging the very idea of home. Sold Out shines a light on the solutions that can help us all face the future, highlighting the people who are actively working to protect their communities. This series questions assumptions that dictate how and where people live, while examining the barriers – whether political, financial or social – that hold us back from embracing or realizing change. 

    Listen to Sold Out wherever you listen to podcasts. 

    The Big Switch, Part 1: A Crisis in the Making

    The Big Switch, Part 1: A Crisis in the Making

    TED Climate will be back soon -- in the meantime here is an episode of another podcast we thought you'd enjoy.

    This is the first episode of a five-part series exploring the European energy crisis in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In this season, we ask the trillion dollar question: Will this crisis speed or slow down the energy transition in Europe? And what does that mean for the rest of the world?

    Unpacking the history behind Europe’s dependence on Russian energy

    Putin’s assault on Ukraine triggered an energy crisis that sent Europe’s economies into a tailspin and put the European energy transition to the test. But how did the European Union, a leader in climate action, become so dependent on Russian oil and gas to begin with?

    This season, we look at the energy systems of Germany and Poland. Both have very different energy systems, but both became dependent on Russian energy for heating homes, firing power plants, and fueling businesses.

    In this episode, we look at the immediate impact of the Ukraine invasion on that dependency and the historical influences behind it– from Germany’s pursuit of natural gas to Poland’s centuries-long relationship with coal.

    Then we ask whether Europe’s initial response to the crisis– leaning more heavily on fossil fuels– will accelerate or slow down Europe’s push toward green energy.

    If you like The Big Switch, you can listen wherever you get your podcasts.

    Related Episodes

    Strategic Doing”: Ten Skills for Agile Leadership

    Strategic Doing”: Ten Skills for Agile Leadership

    Ed Morrison introduces how to do strategy in today’s world turned upside down, and how to connect it to innovation.  He lays the foundation on why and how to design ecosystems supported by collaboration, conversations, and (double-loop) learning.  He then goes to introduce his 2x2 questioning approach to lead forward and the 10 skills to apply throughout the journey of discovery.   A real, and uniquely applicable gem in today’s complex, networked world!

    Cosmic Aikido

    Cosmic Aikido

    Human activity does not have to be destructive. It can be a harmonizing source of health & renewal. Regenerative Development asks us to imagine cities, towns, and villages that possess greater natural beauty, ecological health, and productive capacity. To align our built environment and human systems with natural systems. In this episode, we speak with Pamela Mang and Joel Glanzberg, two of the founding members of Regenesis. Together we explore the inner and outer work of Regenerative Development — a radically different way to think and act with the potential to transform the way humans inhabit the Earth. 

    EP 118 - Mapping Innovation: A Playbook for Navigating a Disruptive Age with Greg Satell

    EP 118 - Mapping Innovation: A Playbook for Navigating a Disruptive Age with Greg Satell

    “Every Square-Peg Business Eventually Meets Its Round-Hole World.” - Greg Satell

    On this episode author, speaker and consultant Greg Satell shares with us the principles of his latest book: Mapping Innovation.

    In this show we discuss:

    • How so-called geniuses Einstein, Darwin and Fleming needed more than their individual genius to bring their ideas to life
    • Why innovation fails
    • A better understanding of innovation by dispelling myths
    • How Blockbuster, Kodak and others were well aware of the threats that disrupted them
    • How Air BnB and Hotels serve different market needs
    • New tools to frame problems
    • How innovation in the digital age has evolved from previous times
    • How collaboration is king
    • Highlight that you need to re-energise your human capital not just your technological resources
    • Why we need a personalised portfolio approach to our innovation efforts
    • How Google, Amazon and others prepare for their eventual cash cow disruption

     

    You can learn more about Greg here:

    https://www.digitaltonto.com

    https://www.gregsatell.com

     

    Pollinators and Gardening Like A Forest

    Pollinators and Gardening Like A Forest

    There is endless wisdom to be learned from the forests. As we listen, observe, and experiment, we can support and create thriving ecosystems that also happen to be delicious!

    In this episode of The Yes! We Rise Podcast, we're focusing on plants, gardening like a forest, and planting for pollinators. We're going to do a deep dive and share how edible forest gardens work and what you can do to create a simple forest garden that builds soil and increases the health of the ecosystems around us. We can grow delicious food while sustaining and replenishing the incredible land that has given us so much. Welcome!

    LINKS/RESOURCES MENTIONED

    Check out Xerces Society and learn more about helpful plants for pollinator conservation.

    Learn more about the importance of pollinators through Pollinator Pathway. Discover the best pollinator plants where you live in the United States.

    For an incredible read on what you can do at home, be sure to check out: Bringing Nature Home by Dr. Douglas W. Tallamy

    The Yes! We Rise podcast is produced by Dialogue + Design Associates, Podcasting For Creatives, with music by Drishti Beats.

    Follow the We Rise podcast on Facebook and Instagram.

    Please rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast so we can continue spreading our message far and wide. Find our email list at the website: www.yeswerise.org. Thanks for listening.

    The Yes! We Rise podcast features solutions-seekers, change-makers, and those creating a resilient future. We share stories and strategies to inspire action to build collective resilience and community transformation. To create change, people need to feel like they belong and that they are part of a growing movement. They need to know their voice matters and that they have the inspiration, agency and ability to transform their lives and their communities. They are the key to a resilient future.    

    From the Navajo Nation to the mountains of Appalachia, incredible work is being done by community members and leaders. Change is often sparked by inspiration: seeing what others have done, especially in similar situations and places. People see that when someone looks like them or lives in a place like theirs, and has created real, true and lasting change, change that will allow their granddaughters and grandsons to thrive — they begin to imagine what might be possible for them.  No longer waiting for someone else to come and save them, they realize they are the ones they have been waiting for.  But what creates that spark? What creates that inspiration?  Learning through stories and examples, feeling a sense of agency and belonging, and getting fired up to kick ass creates that spark. 

    We Rise helps community leaders and members learn to forge a new path toward creating resilience and true transformation. One person at a time, one community at a time, one region at a time, the quilt of transformation can grow piece by piece until resilience becomes the norm instead of the exception. Together, we rise.

    Ask The Nonproft Expert - Segment #4

    Ask The Nonproft Expert - Segment #4

    Q. What is the best way for a nonprofit to create partnerships?

    Listen as Kamila Brown-Washington shares her expertise.

    Kamila has built a multi-million dollar profitable charitable agency and has helped over 3000 clients learn to put strategic systems and processes in place to become a profitable business.

    Kimberly is in the process of transforming her agency and will also build a multi-million dollar profitable agency and she wants other nonprofit leaders to do the same.
    Website: KamilaBrownWashington.com