Logo
    Search

    Podcast Summary

    • Exploring BetMGM's Immersive Sports Betting Experience and Purdue Global's Accessible EducationBetMGM offers a rich sports betting experience with live options and promotions, while Purdue Global provides accessible education backed by Purdue University. The Marshall Islands, represented by the word 'majuro,' symbolize hospitality, resilience, and cultural significance despite limited resources.

      BetMGM offers an immersive sports betting experience with various features, live betting options, and daily promotions. New customers can receive up to $1500 back in bonus bets if their first bet doesn't win. Meanwhile, Purdue Global provides an accessible and respected education for those looking to further their careers, backed by Purdue University. The Marshall Islands' people, known for their hospitality, are represented by the word "majuro," which holds several meanings, including a greeting, a loss, and a reminder of beauty. This episode was a compilation of previous episodes with fewer ads. The people of the Marshall Islands, despite living on an island with limited resources, welcomed a circus by sharing their food and resources, showcasing their hospitality. The word "majuro" represents their beauty and resilience in the face of challenges. The Marshall Islands, though small in size, hold significant cultural and historical significance to its people.

    • The Marshall Islands: A Nation Facing Existential ThreatsThe Marshallese people, despite facing existential threats from climate change and nuclear legacy, remain resilient and adaptive, offering valuable lessons on community resilience and the importance of addressing past and present crises.

      The Marshall Islands, a tiny Pacific nation with land barely above sea level, face an existential threat from rising sea levels and extreme weather events due to climate change. Despite this, the Marshallese people, who deeply value their land and ties to it, remain resilient and have weathered numerous crises throughout history. Their story offers valuable lessons on community resilience and adaptation in the face of crises, whether it be nuclear war or climate change. The Marshall Islands, known for their tropical beauty, have a rich history and culture that has endured despite external influences and challenges. The nuclear legacy of the islands, which includes the heavily bombed Bikini Atoll, is a difficult topic for the Marshallese, especially due to unpaid compensation. Their story serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing the impacts of past and present crises, and the need for collective action to support vulnerable communities.

    • U.S. nuclear testing and military actions impacting Marshallese peopleThe US forced relocation and nuclear testing in the Marshall Islands led to significant harm and ongoing consequences for the Marshallese people, including displacement, health issues, and a continued US presence on the islands.

      The Marshallese people continue to bear the consequences of nuclear testing and military actions that took place decades ago. During World War II, the US bombed and occupied the Marshall Islands, resulting in significant loss of life and destruction. Later, in 1946, the US forcibly relocated some of the island's inhabitants from Bikini Atoll to make way for nuclear testing. The people were given the impression that their relocation was for the greater good, but they were met with intimidation and coercion. The testing itself was fraught with frustration and disregard for the wellbeing of the displaced people. Today, there are few survivors left, and the US still maintains a presence on the islands through offices dedicated to radiation testing and providing care for survivors. The legacy of these events continues to shape the lives of Marshallese people, who are still fighting for recognition and compensation for the harm caused to their communities.

    • US Nuclear Tests in Bikini Atoll: Human Suffering and Environmental DamageDespite warnings, US nuclear tests in Bikini Atoll led to human suffering, animal deaths, and long-term environmental damage, displacing residents multiple times and exposing them to dangerous radiation levels.

      The US nuclear tests in the Bikini Atoll during the mid-20th century resulted in significant human suffering and environmental damage, despite the testing being conducted just a few years after the atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The tests led to the displacement and hardships of the local residents, as well as the death of thousands of animals used in the experiments. The most infamous test, codenamed Baker, was a disaster that sunk a US ship and released massive amounts of radiation, causing devastating effects on nearby atolls and their inhabitants. Despite warnings and concerns, the US continued to conduct tests, ultimately displacing the residents multiple times and exposing them to dangerous levels of radiation. The long-term consequences of these tests are still felt today.

    • Nuclear tests at Bikini Atoll caused devastating consequences for local populationThe nuclear tests at Bikini Atoll led to health issues, loss of livelihood, and displacement for the local population, with long-term impacts on future generations.

      The nuclear bomb detonation at Bikini Atoll, known as Bravo, had devastating consequences for the local population, despite their peaceful relationship with the USA. The fallout affected their health, with symptoms including stomach problems, hair loss, and skin peeling. Children were also impacted, with some experiencing thyroid cancer and even death. The Bikinians' living conditions were significantly impacted, with fish becoming inedible and the loss of homes and infrastructure. The Bikinians' flag, which bears a striking resemblance to the US flag, serves as a reminder of the debt owed to them by the USA for the displacement and hardships caused by the nuclear tests. The community's experiences are chronicled in the Michigan Chronicle Daily, which elevates black voices and provides authentic perspectives. BetMGM, a sportsbook, offers a way to connect with sports and entertainment, with easy sign-up and generous bonus bets for new customers. Remember to use code celebrate and place your bets responsibly.

    • Impact of US Nuclear Tests on Marshallese PeopleThe US nuclear tests on Bikini Atoll caused harm to local populations, including Rongelap and Utrecht Atolls, and the Japanese fishing boat Lucky Dragon number 5. The Marshallese people faced stigma, evacuation, inadequate clothing, and further testing without consent, resulting in health issues and no immediate compensation.

      The aftermath of the US nuclear test on Bikini Atoll in 1954 led to significant harm for the local populations of Rongelap and Utrecht Atolls. The Japanese fishing boat Lucky Dragon number 5 also encountered fallout, and its crew members suffered illnesses and eventual deaths due to prolonged exposure. The Marshallese people were evacuated and stripped naked before being hosed down and given inadequate clothing. Upon arrival at Kwajalein Atoll, they were subjected to further testing without consent, including daily bathing in contaminated water and frequent urine and blood samples. Despite the devastating impact on their health, they faced stigma and received no immediate compensation from the US government. The UN urged caution but did not compel the US to stop testing or provide adequate reparations. This marked the beginning of decades of harm inflicted upon the Marshallese people by nuclear testing.

    • Marshall Islands Nuclear Tests: Unwilling Participants in Radiation StudiesDuring the Marshall Islands nuclear tests, pregnant women and their babies were used without consent from radiation studies, causing severe birth defects and disrupting traditional ways of life. The Marshallese people faced relocation, starvation, and long-term health effects.

      During the Marshall Islands nuclear tests in the 1940s and 1950s, pregnant women and their babies were used as unknowing subjects in radiation studies. They were monitored without pain medication or support during their pregnancies, and their children were born with severe birth defects. The Marshallese people were relocated multiple times, and their traditional ways of life were disrupted. The people of Rongelap were kept on their contaminated land for 28 years, and when they were eventually evacuated, they were used in studies on how radiation affects the food chain. The Bikinians, who were evacuated earlier, faced severe starvation and the loss of their navigation skills due to their relocation to an uninhabitable atoll. These events had long-lasting impacts on the Marshallese people and their communities.

    • Impact of Nuclear Tests on Marshallese PeopleNuclear tests forced Marshallese people to leave their homes, faced new challenges, received delayed compensation, and continue to face new threats, impacting them profoundly.

      The nuclear tests conducted on the Pacific islands of Bikini and Rongrik Atoll during the mid-20th century caused significant trauma and displacement for the local populations. The people were forced to leave their homes due to radioactive contamination and were relocated to other atolls, where they faced new challenges such as rat infestations and lack of resources. Despite promises of return and compensation, the people were subjected to further hardships, including high levels of radioactivity and delayed rebuilding efforts. The trust fund established to provide reparations tied the Marshallese interests to those of global capital, and the value of the fund's investments did not fully align with their needs. The Marshallese continue to face new threats, such as rising sea levels, and have not received the full compensation they were promised. The legacy of nuclear testing on these islands continues to impact the Marshallese people in profound ways.

    • The Depleted Trust Fund of Bikini AtollDespite nuclear testing history, mismanagement and personal expenses depleted Bikini Atoll's trust fund from $59M to $100K, halting monthly stipends and leaving the community mostly deserted. Nuclear waste and slow cleanup pose ongoing threats to health and environment.

      Despite the isolation and nuclear testing history of Bikini Atoll, its trust fund, which holds the proceeds from the sale of the atoll to the US government, was significantly depleted due to mismanagement and personal expenses by the mayor and council. The fund, once valued at $59 million, now holds less than $100,000. The lack of funds has resulted in the cessation of monthly stipends that helped feed and pay for medical care for the islanders. The community that once thrived on the atoll is now mostly deserted, with only a few caretakers remaining. The US's nuclear testing on the atoll, which included conventional and biological weapons, has left behind radioactive waste that poses a threat to the environment and human health. The cleanup efforts have been slow and incomplete, and the dome built to contain the waste is slowly sinking and cracking. The Marshallese people have been fighting for fair compensation from the US for the damages caused during the nuclear testing, but progress has been slow and the settlement remains in limbo. The story of the people of Bikini Atoll serves as a reminder of the long-lasting consequences of nuclear testing and the challenges of finding financial settlements to offset the damages caused by disasters, particularly those related to climate change.

    • Encountering a poet's mother in the Marshall Islands highlights the importance of community and resilience in the face of climate change.Art and community can inspire and motivate people to fight for their future against climate change, despite the fear of losing their homeland.

      The speaker, who encountered a poet's mother during a visit to the Marshall Islands, emphasizes the importance of community and resilience in the face of climate change. The poet's poem, addressed to her daughter, expresses the fear of losing their homeland but also the promise to protect it. The speaker apologizes to islanders who are already experiencing the effects of climate change and vows that they will fight to preserve their homes. The poem's imagery of a devouring lagoon contrasts with the speaker's assurance that they will not be displaced or become climate refugees. The poet's words resonated with the speaker during the UN climate summit and continue to inspire her to take action. This moment underscores the power of art and community in raising awareness and motivating people to fight for their future.

    • The Marshall Islands: A Pacific Island Nation at Risk from Climate ChangeThe Marshall Islands, contributing less than 0.03% to global greenhouse gas emissions, face severe consequences from climate change, impacting over 50,000 people annually. World leaders must act to mitigate effects and support affected communities.

      The Marshall Islands, an island nation in the Pacific, face a significant threat from rising sea levels, which could render their lands uninhabitable. Despite contributing less than 0.03% to global greenhouse gas emissions, the Marshallese people are among those most affected by climate change, with more than 50,000 displaced every year. The people of the Marshall Islands love their lands and want to raise their families there, but the choices made by world leaders impact their ability to do so. Climate change brings gradual, yet destructive changes, such as saltwater intrusion and the death of breadfruit trees, making it increasingly difficult to live on the islands. According to a meteorologist, the worst-case scenario is that the islands may not completely sink within a century, but they will become uninhabitable much earlier due to the inability to drive on roads or rely on fresh water. The people of the Marshall Islands are not afraid of the ocean, but they are afraid of the consequences of climate change, which threatens their culture, their homes, and their future. It's crucial for world leaders to take action to mitigate the effects of climate change and support those most affected to prepare for unavoidable impacts.

    • Marshall Islands facing frequent coastal flooding due to sea level rise during El Nino phasesThe Marshall Islands, a low-lying atoll nation, faces frequent coastal flooding due to sea level rise during El Nino phases. 40% of buildings in Majuro, the capital city, are endangered, yet denial from corporations and governments hampers progress.

      The Marshall Islands, a low-lying atoll nation, is experiencing more frequent coastal flooding due to the compounding effects of sea level rise during El Nino phases. This issue is compounded by the fact that 96% of Majuro, the capital city, is at risk for frequent flooding introduced by climate change. The impact of climate change on each building in Majuro was visualized in a World Bank report, which revealed that 40% of existing buildings in the capital are endangered. The resistance to acknowledging and addressing this issue comes from corporations and governments, as seen in the historical denial of the nuclear winter theory. This denialism, despite being well-funded and qualified, won't stick in the Marshall Islands, where everyone has personally experienced the impacts of rising sea levels. The Marshallese people must persuade the rest of the world to care about their plight, as the actions of people everywhere impact them. The historical denial of scientific findings, such as the nuclear winter theory, serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging and addressing climate change.

    • The Power of Resilience, Hope, and CommunityDespite facing adversity, the Marshallese community maintains hope and upholds the importance of respecting and protecting our planet. Local efforts to address public health issues caused by climate change demonstrate the urgency of community investment and action.

      Finding inner calm and resilience, even in the face of adversity, is a valuable skill. Whether it's holding your breath underwater or dealing with the challenges of climate change, the ability to remain calm and focused can make all the difference. This was evident in the Marshallese community, who despite their nuclear past and uncertain future, maintained a hopeful and upbeat attitude. Reggie, a Marshallese man, emphasized the importance of respecting and protecting our home planet. Juliet Miranda, an older resident from one of the outer islands, shared her love for her simple life in the Marshall Islands and her strong faith in God, which helped her understand the natural world. Meanwhile, Monique and Francine from a local NGO were actively addressing the public health issues caused by the lack of electricity, gas, and clean water. Their work underscores the urgency of addressing climate change and the importance of community investment and action. Overall, the stories shared in this discussion highlight the power of resilience, hope, and community in the face of adversity.

    • Climate Change Challenges in the Marshall Islands: Physical and Mental Health ImpactsThe Marshall Islands face unique challenges due to climate change, including spreading diseases and mental health issues. The community is taking a proactive approach, incorporating traditional methods and advocating for culturally-relevant projects like solar panels and electric canoes.

      The Marshall Islands are facing significant challenges due to climate change, both in terms of physical and mental health. The rising sea levels and changing climate are leading to the spread of diseases and mental health issues among the population. The Marshallese community is responding by taking a proactive approach, incorporating traditional methods into modern solutions, and advocating for unique, culturally-relevant projects. For instance, they are building solar panels on basketball courts and exploring the use of electric canoes. The Marshall Islands' small size and unique challenges make it important for them to lead in mitigating carbon emissions and adapting to climate change in ways that fit their context. The community is also advocating for aid money to be spent on solutions that reflect their specific needs. The conversation highlighted the importance of community-led initiatives and the need for solutions that are tailored to the unique challenges faced by small, vulnerable communities.

    • Marshall Islands: Adapting to Climate Change with Innovation and ResilienceThe Marshall Islands face climate change challenges but innovate with solar power for boats and modern canoes, reducing carbon emissions and providing economic opportunities.

      The people of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) are not only facing the challenges of climate change head-on but are also finding innovative solutions to adapt and thrive. Reggie, a boat owner, experimented with solar power for his boat, experiencing both success and setbacks. Despite these challenges, he remains committed to reducing his carbon footprint and inspiring others to do the same. The RMI government, with the help of donors and international partners, is also taking action by building more modern canoes and training local boat builders. These efforts not only help reduce carbon emissions but also provide economic opportunities for the community. The RMI people's resilience goes beyond physical infrastructure, as they are forming strong communities and making hard choices to ensure their future. Despite the overwhelming challenges, the RMI remains a beautiful and happy place, and its people's determination to adapt and thrive is truly inspiring.

    • Community and resilience in action: Women of Kora in Okrani and clean water in the Marshall IslandsCelebrate life's milestones, support community projects, and enjoy BetMGM's sports betting experience with promotions and live betting options. Remember to gamble responsibly with code 'celebrate' for up to $1500 back in bonus bets.

      Community and resilience are powerful forces, as evidenced by the women of Kora in Okrani and their successful 5-year project to provide clean water to every person in the Marshall Islands. Another takeaway is the importance of celebrating life's milestones, whether it's a first birthday or remembering those who have passed. Lastly, BetMGM offers an immersive sports betting experience with various promotions, live betting options, and parlay selection features. Remember to gamble responsibly and use code "celebrate" for up to $1500 back in bonus bets if you don't win your first bet. Stay informed and connected to your community through the Michigan Chronicle Digital Daily, and don't miss the upcoming Amy Winehouse documentary, "Back to Black."

    • Volunteer organization prioritizes remote areas in Marshall IslandsThe Q volunteer organization has made a significant impact in the Marshall Islands by prioritizing the needs of remote areas, distributing water filtration systems, and addressing major health issues with a simple and sustainable solution

      The Q volunteer organization, founded by Kathy and her friends in the Marshall Islands 16 years ago, has made a significant impact on the community by prioritizing the needs of the most remote and hard-to-reach areas. The organization, which is entirely volunteer-based, has distributed water filtration systems to help remove harmful bacteria from rainwater, addressing a major health issue that disproportionately affects the Marshallese population. The project's success lies in its commitment to serving those in need first, regardless of proximity to power or resources. The distribution of filters was completed during a journalist's visit to the Marshall Islands, with the former president of the Republic of Marshall Islands, Hilda Heine, receiving the last one. The Sawyer filter system, which is simple and easy to maintain, has proven to be a perfect solution for the Marshallese people who rely on rainwater for their drinking needs. The project's sustainability is a testament to the strength of the organization's commitment to its community.

    • Community-led water filtration project in the Marshall IslandsEmpowering communities to address unique challenges leads to effective, sustainable solutions. Collaboration between nonprofits and governments reduces costs and avoids competition. Minimal maintenance requirements ensure long-term viability.

      Community-led initiatives, like the water filtration project in the Marshall Islands, can be more effective and sustainable than top-down approaches. The filters provided by Keogh not only ensure safe water for the Marshallese people but also help the Environmental Protection Agency achieve its mandated goals. The visual comparison of water before and after filtration has been an effective way to build trust and promote uptake. Access to clean water is crucial for community resilience, especially in the face of climate change. The project's success lies in its collaboration between the nonprofit and the government, reducing costs and avoiding competition. The filters' minimal maintenance requirements also contribute to their long-term viability. Overall, the project demonstrates the importance of empowering communities to address their unique challenges and needs.

    • Community-led initiatives in the Marshall IslandsLocal women-led organizations, like Wootmi and WAM, effectively address unique challenges and empower community members through education, skills training, and mental health support, preserving cultural heritage and building a sustainable future.

      Community-led initiatives, like Wootmi and WAM, are effective in addressing the unique challenges faced by local communities in the Marshall Islands. These organizations, founded and run by local women, fill gaps left by external organizations and governments. They empower community members through education, skills training, and mental health support, enabling them to preserve their cultural heritage and build a sustainable future. The women's group, Wootmi, was established in 1987 to address issues like domestic violence, alcohol abuse, and lack of representation in decision-making bodies. WAM, on the other hand, was founded to preserve traditional seafaring technologies and provide education to at-risk youth. Both organizations demonstrate the power of community-led initiatives in addressing social, ecological, and public health issues. The women of the Marshall Islands are working to preserve their homes and ensure a better future for their children, focusing on clean water, land preservation, and education.

    • Women Leaders Preserve Marshall Islands Culture and Address Unique NeedsWomen leaders in the Marshall Islands incorporate traditional practices and values into modern initiatives, keeping culture alive and empowering communities, while balancing these values with modern democracy and external influences. Significant progress towards gender equality, but external pressures and colonization pose challenges.

      In the Marshall Islands, women leaders play a crucial role in preserving their culture and addressing the unique needs of their communities. By incorporating traditional practices and values into modern initiatives, they keep their culture alive and empower their people. However, balancing these traditional values with the demands of modern democracy and external influences is a challenge. Despite these challenges, the Marshall Islands have made significant strides towards gender equality, with women holding prominent roles in government and civil society. However, the impact of colonization and external influences continues to pose challenges, as seen in the recent attempt to establish a special economic zone on Rongelap Atoll. It is essential to ensure economic development does not come at the expense of illicit activities and respects the rights and wellbeing of the local population.

    • External powers' impact on small Pacific nationsChina's involvement in internal security of small Pacific nations brings opportunities and challenges, while Marshallese resilience and international solidarity offer hope for a better future, despite historical letdowns from international institutions and corporate irresponsibility.

      The influence of external powers, be it China or international institutions, can bring both opportunities and challenges to small nations, particularly those in the Pacific like the Solomon Islands and the Marshall Islands. While China's involvement in the Solomon Islands' internal security may not be malicious, it raises concerns about the region's vulnerability to external forces. Meanwhile, the Marshall Islands, which have faced historical letdowns from international institutions, continue to strive for a better future with the help of international solidarity and community-centered approaches. The Marshallese flag, with its orange and white lines representing courage and peace, respectively, symbolizes their resilience and growth despite their past struggles. Corporations, including those contributing to climate change, must also take responsibility for their impact on communities and the environment. Ultimately, the future belongs to those who can adapt and grow, and the Marshallese people's determination and hope for a brighter future serve as an inspiration.

    • CVS Health prioritizes senior wellness with comprehensive care offeringsCVS Health expands in-person and virtual services for seniors, including partnerships for doctors, nurses, pharmacists, in-home evaluations, and mental health support.

      CVS Health is expanding its offerings to prioritize senior wellness through a combination of in-person and virtual care services. This includes partnerships with Oak Street Health and CVS Pharmacy for doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, as well as in-home evaluations through Signify Health and mental health support through Aetna. These services are designed to provide comprehensive care and support for seniors, ensuring they receive the attention and resources they need to maintain their health and wellbeing. To learn more about these offerings and eligibility, visit cvshealth.com/healthierhappens. It's important to note that availability and specific services may vary depending on location and individual circumstances. Overall, CVS Health is committed to making healthier happen for seniors by offering a range of convenient and accessible care options.

    Recent Episodes from Behind the Bastards

    Part Two: How the British Empire and U.S. Department of Defense Murdered an Island Paradise

    Part Two: How the British Empire and U.S. Department of Defense Murdered an Island Paradise

    Robert killed a man in Reno, just to watch him die. Also he concludes the story of the murder of the Chagos Islands by the U.S. and the ailing British Empire. With bonus Dog Genocide!

     

    Behind the Bastards is doing it's annual fundraiser for the Portland Diaper Bank! We had a soft start a week or so ago but will actually be plugging it this week and next. Please help if you can!

    https://www.gofundme.com/f/btb-fundraiser-pdx-diaper-bank?attribution_id=sl:a1a2d058-9511-435e-ab61-93bc1252ffa5&utm_campaign=pd_ss_icons&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=twitter 

    Sources:

    https://www.hrw.org/report/2023/02/15/thats-when-nightmare-started/uk-and-us-forced-displacement-chagossians-and

    https://archive.is/KvGqw#selection-1769.0-1781.535

    Vine, David. Island of Shame: The Secret History of the U.S. Military Base on Diego Garcia (p. 18). Princeton University Press. Kindle Edition.

    https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2019/2/25/how-britain-forcefully-depopulated-a-whole-archipelago/

    https://archive.org/details/webofdeceitbrita0000curt/page/432/mode/2up?q=chagos

    https://journals.openedition.org/oceanindien/2003

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Behind the Bastards
    enJune 20, 2024

    Part One: How the British Empire and U.S. Department of Defense Murdered an Island Paradise

    Part One: How the British Empire and U.S. Department of Defense Murdered an Island Paradise

    Robert welcomes Andrew Ti back to the show to tell the story of the Chagos Islands, a paradise founded by former slaves that was wiped out by the British empire so they could lease it to the U.S. as an air base.

    (2 Part Series)

    Behind the Bastards is doing it's annual fundraiser for the Portland Diaper Bank! We had a soft start a week or so ago but will actually be plugging it this week and next. Please help if you can!

    https://www.gofundme.com/f/btb-fundraiser-pdx-diaper-bank?attribution_id=sl:a1a2d058-9511-435e-ab61-93bc1252ffa5&utm_campaign=pd_ss_icons&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=twitter 

    Sources:

    https://www.hrw.org/report/2023/02/15/thats-when-nightmare-started/uk-and-us-forced-displacement-chagossians-and

    https://archive.is/KvGqw#selection-1769.0-1781.535

    Vine, David. Island of Shame: The Secret History of the U.S. Military Base on Diego Garcia (p. 18). Princeton University Press. Kindle Edition.

    https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2019/2/25/how-britain-forcefully-depopulated-a-whole-archipelago/

    https://archive.org/details/webofdeceitbrita0000curt/page/432/mode/2up?q=chagos

    https://journals.openedition.org/oceanindien/2003

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Behind the Bastards
    enJune 18, 2024

    Related Episodes

    Home Is Not a Safe Place: Irene Maun

    Home Is Not a Safe Place: Irene Maun

    Irene Maun is originally from the Marshall Islands, descended from a Micronesian royal family. Like many Marshallese, she and her family have struggled with chronic illness due to the lasting impacts of U.S. nuclear testing and colonialism in their tiny island home. In the wake of war and weapons testing, US troops and corporations flooded the islands with processed foods. The most popular and iconic of these is Hormel Foods’ SPAM, which has been linked to obesity and other chronic diseases across the region. Irene eventually moved to Dubuque, Iowa, temporarily leaving her small children and accompanying her diabetic husband to secure medical treatment for him in the U.S. She now helps other Pacific Islanders navigate healthcare as a leader at the Pacific Islander Health Project, including many who work at a Hormel meat packing plant in Dubuque. Learn more about the project and support it’s parent organization, Crescent Community Health Center.

     

    COVID hit the Marshallese community especially hard, including Irene and her family. The pandemic spread rapidly among packing plant workers and their families due to existing medical conditions, crowded living arrangements, and unsafe work environments. The pandemic could have been even more devastating without the resources of Crescent and its staff. For years, Irene has also for more federal support, advocating to restore Medicaid coverage for Marshallese in the U.S., a promise made to compensate for nuclear impacts. This lobbying was finally successful in December 2020, as part of COVID-relief legislation. 

     

    Read more about the Marshallese community in Dubuque (in English or Marshallese) through some of the story collections online. The Facing Project published a 2017 collection of local stories, including Irene’s: Facing Diversity: Marshallese Stories. In 2020, The Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque gathered stories of diversity in Dubuque, promoting understanding and solidarity in the midst of the pandemic: #AllofUsDubuque


    This episode features a clip from the video performance, “Anointed,” by Marshallese poet, climate activist, and educator Kathy Jetñil-Kijiner. The project was supported through a collaboration with filmmaker Dan Lin, Pacific Resources for Learning (PREL), and the Okeanos Foundation. Visit www.kathyjetnilkijiner.com to read more of her poetry and watch more of her videos.

    Who Pays the Bill for Climate Change?

    Who Pays the Bill for Climate Change?

    Last month at COP27, the U.N. climate change conference, a yearslong campaign ended in an agreement. The rich nations of the world — the ones primarily responsible for the emissions that have caused climate change — agreed to pay into a fund to help poorer nations that bear the brunt of its effects. 

    In the background, however, an even more meaningful plan was taking shape, led by the tiny island nation of Barbados. 

    Guest: David Gelles, a climate correspondent for The New York Times.

    Background reading: 

    For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. 

    Our Radioactive Ocean: Ken Buesseler

    Our Radioactive Ocean: Ken Buesseler

    The Pacific Ocean is Safe

    After the Fukushima reactor accident, radiation leaked into the Pacific Ocean, sparking global worry. In the months after the accident, levels were high, but not high enough to cause marine life die-off. For the last five years, all fish caught off Japan has been below the radiation thresholds for consumption. Radioactive cesium levels have been low since 2014, and levels of radiation off the California coast are lower today than they were in the 1960s when the US detonated hydrogen bombs in the Marshall Islands. Swimming in the Pacific for eight hours every day is less risky than one dental x-ray.

    Our Radioactive Ocean

    A crowdsourced science campaign called Our Radioactive Ocean was created to measure ocean radiation at various points in the Pacific. Interested citizens collected ocean samples and sent them to Woods Hole to be analyzed. The campaign became a hit, and more than 300 data points have been plotted up and down the West Coast. More than 1 million people have visited their site. Once citizen scientists got involved in the project, they wanted to learn more and engaged their communities. Communities, like Laguna Beach, began to band together to pay for samples. The data used is credible and has resulted in at least one scientific paper. Thanks to the public nature of the effort, new data points are continuing to be analyzed today.

    Radioactive World

    Radiation is a naturally occurring phenomenon, and we live with it every day. Even without human interference, the ocean still has radiation because of dissolved radioactive agents found in salt. Radiation in small doses is natural and perfectly healthy. Living at a high altitude exposes you to cosmic radiation and flying from New York to Japan gives you a dose of radiation much higher than background levels. Living in New England exposes you to elevated levels of radiation thanks to the large amounts of granite, which releases it. Many foods, like bananas, have trace amounts of radiation. Getting a dental x-ray or CAT Scan gives you a dose of radiation. We live with radiation and should not be afraid of it, except in extremely high doses.

    Find out more:

    Ken Buesseler is a marine radiochemist who studies the fate and distribution of radioactive elements in the ocean at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. His lab has also been active in response to radioactivity released from disasters such as the impact of radioactivity released from the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant, and from earlier sources such as Chernobyl or atomic weapons testing at the Marshall Islands.

    He created the Our Radioactive Ocean project, which uses citizen scientists to measure radiation levels on the West coast of United States. He also leads WHOI's Café Thorium, which analyzes marine samples for both natural and artificial radionuclides.

    You can follow him on Twitter @cafe_thorium.

    Paul Hawken: Creating Restoration, Regeneration, and Community

    Paul Hawken: Creating Restoration, Regeneration, and Community

    Welcome back to part two of our incredible conversation with Paul Hawken. Paul has been influential in Christine’s own work, both personally and professionally, for over two decades.

    In part two, we dive into a beautiful dialogue with Paul around restoration and regeneration, discover what it means to be an ally to our planet and one another, where we can start to make change, and the gift of building a relationship with nature.

    If you haven’t yet, take a listen to Episode 46 to hear part one, where Paul explains the importance of work at the collective level, listening, and connecting with ourselves, as well as nature. 

    Paul Hawken is an environmentalist, entrepreneur, author and activist who has dedicated his life to environmental sustainability and changing the relationship between business and the environment. He is one of the environmental movement’s leading voices, and a pioneering architect of corporate reform with respect to ecological practices.

    Paul has started several ecological businesses, writes about nature and commerce, and consults with heads of state and CEOs on climatic, economic, and ecological regeneration. He has appeared on numerous media including the Today Show, Talk of the Nation, CBS This Morning and others, and his work has been profiled or featured in hundreds of articles including the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Washington Post, and Forbes. He has written nine books including six national and New York Times bestsellers: Growing a Business, The Next Economy, The Ecology of Commerce, Blessed Unrest, Drawdown, and Regeneration. 

    He is published in 30 languages and his books are available in over 90 countries. His latest book, Regeneration, Ending the Climate Crisis in One Generation, was published in 2021, which is his sequel to Drawdown. He is the founder of both Project Drawdown and Project Regeneration (regeneration.org). Project Regeneration is the world’s largest, most complete listing and network of solutions to the climate crisis.

    True lasting change begins with self awareness and understanding of the systems and choices that have brought our world to the place it is now. But this is only the beginning. Christine’s conversation with Paul moves into what action looks like, and how nature is actually a “laboratory of curiosity” from which we have much to learn.

    Paul’s shares the heart wisdom of moving forward with compassion and understanding, saying “Don’t be too hard on yourself.” Instead of guilt or self-punishment, we can accept what has already happened and choose differently. Be inspired to love and restore this beautiful earth and all of its inhabitants. Welcome.

    LINKS/RESOURCES MENTIONED

    If you missed it, you can still hear part one of this two part series in Episode 46, where Paul explains the importance of work at the collective level, listening, and connecting with ourselves, as well as nature. 

    To stay informed and learn more about what’s happening to combat the climate crisis and how you can take part, sign up for Waggle, a weekly newsletter put out by Project Regeneration.

    Learn more about the incredible work of Project Drawdown and Regeneration, both founded by Paul Hawken, aiming to restore the climate in powerful ways.

    Discover how YOU can take action now with Nexus, a comprehensive plan outlining the challenges and solutions to end climate change in one generation. You can also reach out directly at info@regeneration.org

    Get your copy of Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming and Regeneration: Ending the Climate Crisis in One Generation for more powerful wisdom and insight from Paul!

    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.

    Ending the Nuclear Era: Fred Pearce

    Ending the Nuclear Era: Fred Pearce

    Legacy of Secrecy

    Nuclear technology has a long history of secrecy, cover-up, and deceit from military officials and government leaders, starting with the creation of nuclear weapons. Secrecy has hampered scientists in conducting rigorous research and data collection. They are often faced with studying the effects of radiation after an accident, which means they lack baseline data for comparison. This is most notable in Chernobyl, where the surrounding exclusion zone is now teeming with wildlife. Scientists disagree whether the detected DNA changes in the animals are due to radiation or to natural evolution, and how harmful it is. A combination of disinformation, a lack of understanding, and fundamental disagreements about the danger posed by radiation feeds public skepticism of nuclear technology.

    Dangerous Waste

    Nuclear technology's longest-lasting legacy is radioactive waste. It produces plutonium, a highly radioactive isotope that takes thousands of years to decay. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute estimates that the world currently has about 550 tons of plutonium. Most of the waste sits in silos designed for temporary storage, which is expensive. We still need to find a way to treat, move, and bury it in a permanent storage space that is deep underground. The immense cost of waste management is one of the main reasons that nuclear reactors are being decommissioned. After deciding to abandon nuclear power, Germany is now struggling with its waste. Some of it is stored in salt mines that are not secure enough in the long term, and some is in the UK for treatment. It’s unclear if Germany will take back the nuclear waste that is overseas. How the world will eventually safely maintain nuclear waste is an open question.

    Nuclear Disarmament

    The heart of Pearce’s opposition to nuclear energy is the danger of nuclear proliferation. The creation of nuclear weapons is a Faustian pact that poses a vast and unnecessary risk to the world. The hydrogen bombs that were developed after WWII would kill millions of people instantly, which are now in silos all over the world, ready to be deployed. He argues that nuclear weapons are not a security measure, but instead create global insecurity. Every year they lie dormant, the chances they fall into the wrong hands increases. Nuclear weapons disarmament needs to be our highest priority, and should be achievable in the next 30 – 40 years. The only way to do so is by eliminating atomic technology, which also means eliminating nuclear power.

    Find out more:

    Fred Pearce is a freelance author and journalist based in London. He has reported on the environment, science, and development issues from 88 countries over the past 30 years. Trained as a geographer, he has been an environment consultant of New Scientist magazine since 1992. He writes regularly for The Guardian newspaper, including the weekly Greenwash column, and published a 12-part investigation of the 'Climategate' emails affair at the University of East Anglia. He is also a regular contributor to Yale University's prestigious e360 website.

    Fred is the author of numerous books, including Fallout: Disasters, Lies, and the Legacy of the Nuclear Age, and The Last Generation: How Nature Will Take Her Revenge for Climate Change. His books have been translated into at least 14 languages.