Forces for Nature artwork

Forces for Nature

89 episodes - English - Latest episode: 17 days ago -

Get informed, get inspired, and get empowered to make more animal and eco friendly choices. The Forces for Nature podcast celebrates people who are doing great things in sustainability, conservation, and animal-related issues. We bring you uplifting stories of these everyday heroes; their trials and triumphs; and how they find the motivation to keep going. You’ll leave feeling hopeful, prepped with actionable tips that answer your question, “But what can I possibly do,” so that you, too, can be a Force for Nature.

Nature Science Kids & Family Pets & Animals environment climate change good news animals wildlife sustainability positive environmental education environmental issues nature
Homepage Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed

Episodes

Creating Future Stewards of Our Planet with School Gardens with Ciara Byrne, Ep.73

March 11, 2024 07:00 - 32 minutes - 22.1 MB

Our disconnection from nature has never been greater and this is resulting in not only a crisis for our planet but for our own well-being too. Ciara Byrne, the founder of Green Our Planet, has been using school gardens to help bridge this disconnect. Through her organization, these green spaces are more than just a cool project—they're a way to teach kids about taking care of our planet and each other. And it's working! She's helping to plant seeds of change and watching hope, connection, an...

Creating Future Stewards of Our Planet with School Gardens with Ciara Bryne, Ep.73

March 11, 2024 07:00 - 32 minutes - 22.1 MB

Our disconnection from nature has never been greater and this is resulting in not only a crisis for our planet but for our own well-being too. Ciara Byrne, the founder of Green Our Planet, has been using school gardens to help bridge this disconnect. Through her organization, these green spaces are more than just a cool project—they're a way to teach kids about taking care of our planet and each other. And it's working! She's helping to plant seeds of change and watching hope, connection, an...

Finding the Magic in Our Young Changemakers with T. A. Barron, Ep.72

February 18, 2024 17:00 - 36 minutes - 25 MB

There's magic in nature and all of us. T. A. Barron integrates this belief into his life as a bestselling author, conservationist, and host of the Magic & Mountains podcast. But, it's his work honoring young changemakers with the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes, that really proves this notion to be true. These individuals are making significant contributions to environmental conservation and community improvement, despite the odds that may be stacked against them. And T. A. shines a lig...

Defending our Health from Plastic Contamination with Dr. Roopa Krithivasan, Ep. 71

January 29, 2024 09:00 - 26 minutes - 18.1 MB

We all know that plastics have become a problem, but there's even more to it than the litter you see thrown on the ground. Dr. Roopa Krithivasan is the Director of Research for Defend Our Health, an environmental health and justice organization. They recently released a report titled Hidden Hazards: The Chemical Footprint of a Plastic Bottle which tracks the impact of plastic bottles on human health and climate change. Turns out, we can experience the hazards of our plastic use well before t...

Unveiling the Shocking Secrets of Pesticides with Elizabeth Hilborn, Ep70

January 07, 2024 13:00 - 42 minutes - 29.4 MB

First, the tadpoles and frogs disappeared; then the bats and the songbirds left. Dr. Elizabeth Hilborn, a honey bee veterinarian and environmental health scientist, soon realized the bees—the vital pollinators of fruits, plants, and vegetables—were dying. Everything went still and silent. In 2017, after a large flood, most of the teeming life on her beloved family farm in North Carolina had vanished in a matter of weeks. As a scientist and a naturalist, Hilborn set about to get answers and s...

The Surprising Benefits of Beavers with Alison Zak, Ep69

December 16, 2023 17:00 - 26 minutes - 18 MB

The recent COP28 climate change conference concluded with mixed feelings from many stakeholders. Despite this, a noteworthy optimistic takeaway was the emphasis by top scientists on the urgent need to prioritize the protection and restoration of wild ecosystems within global climate strategies, highlighting the necessity of biodiversity conservation.  Alison Zak from the Human-Beaver Coexistence Fund champions the crucial role of beavers in mitigating the effects of climate change. Her advo...

The Ongoing Story of the Youth Who Sued The US Government Over Climate Change with Elizabeth Rusch, Ep.68

November 27, 2023 16:00 - 27 minutes - 19.1 MB

What happens when you have a constitutional right that's being violated but you're too young to vote for the constituents who might fix it? These kids asked the courts to step in. Today's guest, author Elizabeth Rusch, has captured this gripping story in her latest book, The Twenty-One. We dive into how, in 2015, twenty-one young Americans, ages 8-19, filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. government. In this ongoing landmark case, Juliana VS. United States, the plaintiffs claim that the ...

Empowering our Students with Climate Education in New Jersey Schools with Tammy Murphy, Ep67

November 06, 2023 16:00 - 27 minutes - 18.9 MB

As the world makes strides toward a green economy, the U.S. State of New Jersey is determined to be a leader in the movement. And, the First Lady of New Jersey, Tammy Murphy, is ensuring that citizens are prepared. She has spearheaded the initiative of integrating climate change into school curriculum. New Jersey is now the first State to require the topic be taught across all disciplines in the K-12 grade levels. With the consequences of global warming affecting us all, there's no better ti...

66. Empowering Future Wildlife Conservation Leaders with Nina Fascione & Jeff Flocken

September 25, 2023 14:00 - 29 minutes - 20.1 MB

**This episode first aired in October 2021. Listen to an update from Nina at 26: 27 about the next round of EWCL open to applicants now. The field of wildlife conservation has some of the most passionate and determined people in the world. Building a career protecting animals requires professionals in this field to have a diverse and complex toolbox of skills and knowledge. However, as happens in many other professions, academic training is only the beginning of the learning journey and oft...

65. Advocating for Environmental Justice in the Ecuadorian Rainforest with Julio Prieto UPDATED

September 09, 2023 05:00 - 27 minutes - 19.1 MB

**This episode originally aired in May 2021. You can find an update from Julio at 24:19. Today's guest is Julio Prieto. He's an Ecuadorian lawyer working with the Union of People Affected by Texaco, the organization otherwise known as UDAPT. He has been a key player in one of the most well-known battles for environmental justice- the case of Ecuador vs. Chevron-Texaco. After 20 years of litigation, Julio's team won the case that found Chevron to be guilty of egregious pollution and irrespon...

64. Bridging the Partisan Divide with Christopher Barnard

August 28, 2023 06:00 - 44 minutes - 30.7 MB

*This episode first aired in April 2021 and Chris's title mentioned in the show has changed since. Climate change and environmental protection haven't always been as politicized as they are today. And, unfortunately, in being so, progress on these fronts gets hindered. Chris Barnard is helping to change that. He's the VP of External Affairs of The American Conservation Coalition, a group founded by political conservatives working to transform the narrative of denialism in order to get more ...

Ep64: Bridging the Partisan Divide with Christopher Barnard

August 28, 2023 06:00 - 44 minutes - 30.8 MB

*This episode first aired in April 2021 and Chris's title mentioned in the show has changed since. Climate change and environmental protection haven't always been as politicized as they are today. And, unfortunately, in being so, progress on these fronts gets hindered. Chris Barnard is helping to change that. He's the VP of External Affairs of The American Conservation Coalition, a group founded by political conservatives working to transform the narrative of denialism in order to get more ...

63. Protecting the World's Penguins with Pablo Borboroglu

August 14, 2023 17:00 - 34 minutes - 23.9 MB

**This episode first aired in April 2020. ** When Pablo Borboroglu released his first rehabilitated penguin back into the wild 30 years ago, he saw the ability that one person has to make a difference. Holding steadfast to this belief, he has since become one of the greatest voices for these animals. And, facing threats both on land and in water, they need it. Through the Global Penguin Society, Pablo uses scientific research to help guide conservation actions that have not only protected p...

62. Bee-ing the Change for Detroit with Nicole Lindsey & Timothy Paule

July 31, 2023 12:00 - 33 minutes - 23.2 MB

**This episode first aired in June 2021. You can find the updated clip from Timothy and Nicole at 30:35** Did you know that most of the food crops we eat are reliant on pollinators to reproduce? Fruits, vegetables, nuts, even the food fed to cattle, sheep, and pigs, need pollinators such as bees. Unfortunately, there have been staggering declines in bee population numbers over the past couple of decades that have the potential for disastrous consequences. Timothy Paule and Nicole Lindsey sa...

61. Recycling to Keep Our Seas Trash Free with Ryan Hickman

July 16, 2023 10:00 - 24 minutes - 17.1 MB

**This episode first aired in June 2020. You can find the updated clip from Ryan at 21:00** Did you know that only 10% of all plastic that's ever been produced has been recycled?!* And that just 60% of communities in the U.S. have access to curbside recycling pick-up?** Our waste is a huge problem but, today's guest, Ryan Hickman, is determined to be part of the solution. At just 12 years old (yes, you read that right!), he's CEO of his own company, Ryan's Recycling. He joins us today with ...

60. Forces for Nature Season 3 Wrap-Up and Updates with Crystal DiMiceli

June 28, 2023 13:00 - 13 minutes - 9.05 MB

Whoohoo! Sixty episodes in! This seems like a good time to take a step back and introduce to new listeners some of Forces for Nature's older episodes. So, the season break to follow won't be a break, per se, because you'll keep seeing episodes be published. But, they will be some favorites from Seasons 1 and 2, many with bonus updates from the guests!  If you have a favorite that you loved and would like to hear their "where are they now" update, let me know! I had two asks in this episode...

59. How to Spot Abusive Animal Situations on Social Media & Live Interactions with Devon Schowe

June 05, 2023 08:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MB

Have you had wild animal photo opportunities while on vacation? Have you "liked" cute exotic animal videos on social? Are you dying for an opportunity to hold a baby monkey? If so, you may unintentionally be fueling a dark industry and promoting animal abuse. Devan Schowe is the campaigns director for Born Free USA, an organization that works to ensure that all wild animals, whether living in captivity or in the wild, are treated with compassion and respect and are able to live their lives ...

58: Following the Path of the Panther and Bringing Hope for a Wild Florida with Carlton Ward Jr.

May 15, 2023 13:00 - 44 minutes - 30.6 MB

Driven to near extinction in the eastern United States, the Florida panther was able to escape complete persecution by disappearing into the untamed wilderness of the Everglades. However, for its long-term survival, they need more than just a small pocket of land at the bottom of the State. Carlton Ward Jr., a National Geographic Explorer, and photographer, has spent almost two decades advocating for the conservation of the vital acres of land and water that this, and so many other species, ...

57. Spreading Happy Eco News with Grant Brown

April 20, 2023 13:00 - 24 minutes - 17.1 MB

If you're tired of only hearing about environmental destruction and that we're around the corner from doomsday, you're going to want to listen to this episode! Grant Brown is the founder of the website and newsletter, Happy Eco News. He's not naïve to the pressures that the world is facing - we talk about what he has seen with his own two eyes - but he has also seen, and gotten to know, people who are doing something about them. He's created this platform to share their stories and inspire o...

56. Animal Rescue in the Big City with Mary Beth Purdy Artz

March 28, 2023 10:00 - 27 minutes - 18.9 MB

Nothing could be cuter than baby animals. But, their adorableness can easily distract you from the lifelong responsibility that their care requires. Unfortunately, this reality check can result in animals- especially those that we associate with their wild cousins like ducks and bunnies- being dumped out into the wild after they are grown and their care becomes too much. Except, these animals don't have the instincts to survive outdoors. This "wild" is often your local neighborhood park and ...

55: Show Swap! Becoming Forces for Nature with Carly Puch & Crystal DiMiceli

March 09, 2023 08:00 - 37 minutes - 25.9 MB

Show Swap! The host of Forces for Nature, Crystal DiMiceli, joined Carly Puch on her podcast, Consciously Clueless, to talk about her own cluelessness on this lifelong journey toward sustainability. Highlights What does she do when she’s not feeling optimistic about the world? What made her almost throw in the towel on this journey? How did Forces for Nature come to be? What are her go-to's to lessen her carbon footprint? Resources Consciously Clueless on Apple On Spotify Use EXGREE...

54: Working to Save the World's Most Trafficked Mammal with Four Pangolin Champions

February 15, 2023 19:00 - 39 minutes - 27.2 MB

The organization, Save Pangolins, is raising awareness and supporting conservation efforts of the world's most trafficked mammal. One of their initiatives is the Pangolin Champions Program which aims to support emerging leaders in the pangolin conservation landscape.  Since its inception in 2020, they have accepted 12 passionate, committed, and inspiring pangolin conservationists into its program- I speak with four of them here. The Champions comprise of a global team of conservationists who...

53: An Intro to The Healthy Seas Podcast with Crystal DiMiceli & Various Pod Guests

February 05, 2023 13:00 - 29 minutes - 20.2 MB

Are you concerned about the state of our oceans and seas and all the life in them? Do you worry that not enough is being done to help? Come dive in and meet the people doing all they can for these ecosystems - from above and below the waves! The Healthy Seas Podcast is hosted by Forces for Nature creator, Crystal DiMiceli, and, in this episode, she takes you through snippets of the first six episodes of this show. Last year, it was ranked in the top 25% of podcasts most shared globally on Sp...

52. Sustainable Style: Mitigating Fashion's Environmental Impact with Anna Bakst and Michele Rutigliano

January 13, 2023 17:00 - 23 minutes - 16.4 MB

According to the OECD, if fashion were a country, it would be the fourth largest emitter of CO2 in the world*! And a significant percentage of those emissions comes from just the creation of the textiles and leathers that are to be used for clothing and accessories. Unfortunately, too many of these raw materials are left unused and either end up in a landfill or in climate-controlled (aka energy-guzzling) warehouses.  Anna Bakst and Michele Rutigliano are two fashion industry veterans that ...

Ep51. How (and why) to Start Composting with Michelle & Java Bradley

December 21, 2022 06:00 - 20 minutes - 14.4 MB

Did you know that we send about 40-50% of our food scraps and organic material, like fallen leaves, to landfills? Landfills don't allow for proper decomposition so those materials end up releasing harmful methane into the atmosphere as they break down. To avoid this much waste, we can compost instead! Michele and Java Bradley, the founders of Java's Compost, help individuals make composting an easy addition to their recycling routine and they give us some insights as to how!  If it surprise...

51. How (and why) to Start Composting with Michelle & Java Bradley

December 21, 2022 06:00 - 21 minutes - 14.6 MB

Did you know that we send about 40-50% of our food scraps and organic material, like fallen leaves, to landfills? Landfills don't allow for proper decomposition so those materials end up releasing harmful methane into the atmosphere as they break down. To avoid this much waste, we can compost instead! Michele and Java Bradley, the founders of Java's Compost, help individuals make composting an easy addition to their recycling routine and they give us some insights as to how!  If it surprise...

51. How To Do Composting Right At Your Home With Michelle And Java Bradley

December 21, 2022 06:00 - 21 minutes - 14.6 MB

Did you know that we send about 40-50% of our food scraps and organic material, like fallen leaves, to landfills? Landfills don't allow for proper decomposition so those materials end up releasing harmful methane into the atmosphere as they break down. To avoid this much waste, we can compost instead! Michele and Java Bradley, the founders of Java's Compost, help individuals make composting an easy addition to their recycling routine and they give us some insights as to how! If it surprises...

50. How To Be More Sustainable-ish With Jen Gale

November 24, 2022 14:00 - 35 minutes - 24.3 MB

Jen Gale is the founder of Sustainable(ish), a podcast and blog that have grown into a myriad of resources meant to help individuals find support and ideas in their efforts of becoming more eco-friendly. She's all about embracing the "-ish" in our actions. We all have different circumstances and, within those, she helps you to aim for progress and not the unattainable perfection. If you ever thought your contribution to saving the planet was insignificant, Jen will surely change your mind. ...

49. How to Have an Eco-Friendly Holiday Season with Crystal DiMiceli

November 06, 2022 13:00 - 18 minutes - 12.9 MB

With everything going on during this time of the year, you may not want to be bothered with trying to change your holiday habits to be more eco-friendly. However, I have a few suggestions on what you can do WITHOUT adding to your to-do list!  With these tweaks, you can end the year on a sustainable note!  Highlights Thanksgiving Black Friday Christmas Use EXGREEN20 discount code and receive a 20% discount to a full week or single day for the Congress of Conference registration! Want a...

Ep48: Show Swap! Becoming a Force for Nature with Julie Delucca-Collins & Crystal DiMiceli

October 17, 2022 07:00 - 39 minutes - 27.3 MB

Today's episode is different than usual in that it's actually from another podcast that I guested on a few months back. The podcast is called Casa de Confidence and it's hosted by the incredible Julie Delucca-Collins. Her show highlights people who are confident dreamers. And, although I can't say I've always done it with confidence, I can say that I have always followed my North Star in order to reach for my dreams and live the life I imagined. We chat about imposter syndrome, my path to li...

48. Show Swap! Becoming a Force for Nature with Julie Delucca-Collins & Crystal DiMiceli

October 17, 2022 07:00 - 39 minutes - 27.5 MB

Today's episode is different than usual in that it's actually from another podcast that I guested on a few months back. The podcast is called Casa de Confidence and it's hosted by the incredible Julie Delucca-Collins. Her show highlights people who are confident dreamers. And, although I can't say I've always done it with confidence, I can say that I have always followed my North Star in order to reach for my dreams and live the life I imagined. We chat about imposter syndrome, my path to li...

47. Working For Well-being For All Beings with Beth Allgood

September 26, 2022 17:00 - 26 minutes - 18.5 MB

According to the World Health Organization, the pandemic triggered a 25% increase in the prevalence of anxiety and depression worldwide. Today's guest, Beth Allgood, has a suggestion on what could help. She is an expert in well-being but in a very niche way. She looks at the connections that nature and wildlife play toward the well-being of communities. What's really interesting, but concerning though, is how our current systems are designed in a way that doesn't consider well-being nor valu...

46. Breaking Down Climate Change & What We Can Do with James Lawler

September 02, 2022 12:00 - 35 minutes - 24.6 MB

This summer, it's been hard to ignore the fact that climate change is no longer something we can think of as a future threat. It is here and it is impacting lives and livelihoods on unprecedented scales. But, it's also something that many people are still trying to fully understand. Today's guest is James Lawler, the founder of Climate Now, a Webby Award-nominated multimedia resource that distills the science and economics of climate change. He's here to answer questions sent in from listene...

45. Saving Bats (and Tequila!) with Dr. Rodrigo Medellin

August 03, 2022 13:00 - 30 minutes - 20.8 MB

Did you know that bats provide you with the services of pest control and plant pollination that directly benefit the food you eat, the clothes you wear, and even the liquor you drink? In fact, for example, the existence of tequila and mezcal is thanks to these mammals. Unfortunately, industrialized farming is endangering bats- and your favorite margarita. Renowned ecologist, Dr. Rodrigo Medellin, has a simple way to fix that. He has not only spent his life working to rectify the misunderstan...

Ep45: Saving Bats (and Tequila!) with Dr. Rodrigo Medellin

August 03, 2022 13:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MB

Did you know that bats provide you with the services of pest control and plant pollination that directly benefit the food you eat, the clothes you wear, and even the liquor you drink? In fact, for example, the existence of tequila and mezcal is thanks to these mammals. Unfortunately, industrialized farming is endangering bats- and your favorite margarita. Renowned ecologist, Dr. Rodrigo Medellin, has a simple way to fix that. He has not only spent his life working to rectify the misunderstan...

Ep44: Living with Wildlife- Elephants in a Developing Landscape with Dr. Nurzhafarina Othman

July 10, 2022 08:00 - 30 minutes - 20.8 MB

As humans increasingly dominate the landscape through building homes, farms, highways, etc, the territories of wildlife are getting smaller and smaller. Animals are finding themselves in what are now our backyards as they are trying to satisfy their own needs for food, shelter, water, and finding mates. Elephants in Malaysia are no exception. Dr. Nurzhafarina Othman is a Bornean Elephant researcher and founder of the organization Seratu Aatai whose mission is to create a society that is will...

44. Living with Wildlife- Elephants in a Developing Landscape with Dr. Nurzhafarina Othman

July 10, 2022 08:00 - 30 minutes - 21 MB

As humans increasingly dominate the landscape through building homes, farms, highways, etc, the territories of wildlife are getting smaller and smaller. Animals are finding themselves in what are now our backyards as they are trying to satisfy their own needs for food, shelter, water, and finding mates. Elephants in Malaysia are no exception. Dr. Nurzhafarina Othman is a Bornean Elephant researcher and founder of the organization Seratu Aatai whose mission is to create a society that is will...

43. Sustainable Investing for Climate Change with James Regulinski

June 01, 2022 17:00 - 51 minutes - 35.3 MB

James Regulinski is the cofounder of Carbon Collective, the first financial investment advisory firm focused solely on solving climate change. We talk about how we may, unintentionally, be supporting industries that we don't want to see in our world's future (such as fossil fuels and nuclear weapons) and James provides tangible resources and ways for us to change that. *The opinions expressed in this episode are not meant to be taken as financial advice. Investing comes with risks that shoul...

Ep43: Sustainable Investing for Climate Change with James Regulinski

June 01, 2022 17:00 - 51 minutes - 35.1 MB

James Regulinski is the cofounder of Carbon Collective, the first financial investment advisory firm focused solely on solving climate change. We talk about how we may, unintentionally, be supporting industries that we don't want to see in our world's future (such as fossil fuels and nuclear weapons) and James provides tangible resources and ways for us to change that. *The opinions expressed in this episode are not meant to be taken as financial advice. Investing comes with risks that shoul...

42. Getting the Peregrine Falcon Off the Endangered Species List with Art McMorris

April 27, 2022 13:00 - 30 minutes - 20.7 MB

By 1964, there were no successfully nesting peregrine falcons in North America east of the Rockies and south of the Arctic. They were functionally extinct. So, why do we have them now? How did they come back? And why are they loving cities? One of the heroes of their story is Art McMorris. He was the Peregrine Falcon Coordinator with the Pennsylvania Game Commission from 2004 to 2021. Under his leadership, the Peregrine came to be removed from the endangered species list. This is a story not...

Ep42: Getting the Peregrine Falcon Off the Endangered Species List with Art McMorris

April 27, 2022 13:00 - 29 minutes - 20.5 MB

By 1964, there were no successfully nesting peregrine falcons in North America east of the Rockies and south of the Arctic. They were functionally extinct. So, why do we have them now? How did they come back? And why are they loving cities? One of the heroes of their story is Art McMorris. He was the Peregrine Falcon Coordinator with the Pennsylvania Game Commission from 2004 to 2021. Under his leadership, the Peregrine came to be removed from the endangered species list. This is a story not...

Ep41: Restoring Wild Salmon in the Cowichan with Parker Jefferson

April 09, 2022 08:00 - 33 minutes - 23.1 MB

It has been found that 70% of wild fish populations are either fully used, overused, or in crisis from overfishing. And with food demand projected to increase by 50% by 2050, there is simply not enough fish in the sea for fishing to be sustainable. Fish farming, otherwise known as aquaculture, is intended to supplement this demand. In fact, salmon aquaculture is the fastest-growing food production system in the world- although not without its own share of controversy. Parker Jefferson is a f...

Ep:40 Ghost Gear- From Waste to Wear with Jenny Ioannou

March 25, 2022 20:00 - 26 minutes - 18.5 MB

Have you seen the images of whales dragging buoys wrapped around their tails? Or turtles entangled in ropes? These are examples of what is called "ghost gear," which are lost or abandoned fishing nets or gear that then aimlessly drift through the ocean, catching whatever comes into their path. Jenny Ioannou is with Healthy Seas, an organization dedicated to fixing this problem. Their work focuses on the retrieval of this pollution from the sea, prevention activities, and awareness building. ...

Ep:39 Environmental Success Stories with Emma Illick Frank

March 08, 2022 13:00 - 24 minutes - 17.1 MB

More often than not, when you hear about the state of the natural world, you hear allllll the bad things. Yes, they are happening and, yes, they suck. But what you might not realize is that there are also soooo many good things happening. People are coming together to make the changes that we wish to see. Emma Illick Frank is a journalist and she joins us today to be the bearer of some great news. Although, our tangent about natural flavoring may make you cringe. ;) *Correction: Emma menti...

Ep:39 Conservation Success Stories with Emma Illick Frank

March 08, 2022 13:00 - 25 minutes - 17.4 MB

More often than not, when you hear about the state of the natural world, you hear allllll the bad things. Yes, they are happening and, yes, they suck. But what you might not realize is that there are also soooo many good things happening. People are coming together to make the changes that we wish to see. Emma Illick Frank is a journalist and she joins us today to be the bearer of some great news. Although, our tangent about natural flavoring may make you cringe. ;) *Correction: Emma menti...

Ep38: Empowering Future Wildlife Conservation Leaders with Nina Fascione & Jeff Flocken

October 21, 2021 10:00 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MB

The field of wildlife conservation has some of the most passionate and determined people in the world. To build a career protecting animals requires professionals in this field to have a diverse and complex toolbox of skills and knowledge.  However, as happens in many other careers, academic training is only the beginning of the learning journey and often does not fully cover the wide range of challenges and opportunities that individuals will face in the real world. Recognizing this gap, Ni...

Ep37: Season 2 Closer: Update and What's Next

August 05, 2021 11:00 - 8 minutes - 5.62 MB

Hey there! We're wrapping up this season with an update on what Crystal's been up to and a call to action. What would you like to see from Forces for Nature? What topics, people, tips, etc? Find me on social media or write to me at [email protected]. I can't wait to hear from you! Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it at https://forcesfornature.com/becoming-a-force-for-nature-free-guide/ What action for the world are you going to take today? Background...

Ep36: Restoring Coral Reefs with Francesca Virdis

July 22, 2021 06:00 - 25 minutes - 17.3 MB

Despite its protected status, the marine waters surrounding the Caribbean island of Bonaire are not immune to the global effects of climate change, warming waters, and ocean acidification. These dangers, among others, are greatly impacting coral reefs all over the world. Francesca Virdis of Reef Renewal Bonaire is working to protect and restore these ecosystems by propagating new coral growth and transplanting these animals (did you know they are animals!?) back into degraded landscapes. Thi...

Ep35: Leading a Global Movement Against Trash with Sharona Shnayder

July 09, 2021 08:00 - 26 minutes - 18.4 MB

If you live in a country with a highly developed garbage collection system, such as the US, you might not be fully aware of the impact that trash and litter have. However, even the US is in the top 20 of all countries generating the greatest amount of ocean-bound trash. These items end up choking the waters we swim in, ingested by the fish we eat, and degrading ecosystems across the world. Sharona Shnayder is the co-founder of Tuesdays for Trash. What started as her way to get outside during...

Ep34: Bee-ing the Change for Detroit with Timothy Paule and Nicole Lindsey

June 24, 2021 09:00 - 32 minutes - 22.5 MB

Did you know that most of the food crops we eat are reliant on pollinators to reproduce? Fruits, vegetables, nuts, even the food fed to cattle, sheep, and pigs, need pollinators such as bees. Unfortunately, there have been staggering declines in bee population numbers over the past couple of decades that have the potential for disastrous consequences. Timothy Paule and Nicole Lindsey saw an opportunity in this crisis to make a two-fold impact. They created Detroit Hives which not only works ...

Twitter Mentions

@acc_national 2 Episodes
@bornfreeusa 1 Episode
@savepangolins 1 Episode
@udapt_oficial 1 Episode
@pathofpanther 1 Episode
@elizabethrusch 1 Episode