Welcome to ‘from the archive’, the IES audio series bringing you environmental science analysis and insights taken from the archive of past articles written by IES members, stakeholders, and staff.

Today’s article was written in 2017 by Duane Ager & William Pope, following the February 2016 edition of the environmental SCIENTIST journal: “Growing in space: Science beyond the biosphere”. After the release of the journal, the IES received a question worthy of greater exploration: “Does silicon-based life exist – and if not, why?”

From the Archive 11 - Silicon-based Life

Welcome to ‘from the archive’, the IES audio series bringing you environmental science analysis and insights taken from the archive of past articles written by IES members, stakeholders, and staff.

Today’s article was was adapted from 'Transforming the planet: Our vision for the future of environmental science'. It was written in March 2024 by Ethny Childs and Joseph Lewis, outlining the role that environmental scientists can play in providing knowledge to enable people to make informed decisions about their future.

From the Archive 12 - Informing choices for the public

Welcome to ‘from the archive’, the IES audio series bringing you environmental science analysis and insights taken from the archive of past articles written by IES members, stakeholders, and staff.

The final episode in series one of 'from the archive' was written in August 2023 by Joseph Lewis and Ellie Savage, discussing the interactions between objective science and subjective views on the environment, as well as what that means for environmental scientists working on the same topics as environmental activists.

From the Archive 13 - Where is the line between science and activism?

Studies have revealed that soil and all of the complex systems that exist within the soil are being altered by our changing climate. This, in turn, is affecting our ability to grow crops and provide food security for our growing populations. 

Join the Alberta Land Institute for the first ever live episode of the Land Use Podcast where postdoctoral researcher, Yuge Bai, will discuss how biochar may be able to improve soil health in Alberta under future climate conditions.

For more information check out these resources:

Soil Health: Policy, Science, and Law in Action: https://www.ualberta.ca/en/alberta-land-institute/research/soil-health-policy-science-and-law-in-action.html

Climate Change and Soil Dynamics: Effects on Soil Microbes and Fertility of Soil:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780128164839000037

Evaluation of the Use of Sewage Sludge Biochar as a Soil Amendment—A Review: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/14/9/5309

Soil Health, Biochar and the Changing Climate with Yuge Bai

Join Kit Marie on location at the vibrant Norwich Science Festival 2025 for a special episode of Coffee & Geography! This episode is packed with engaging conversations and insights from the Climate Ambassadors exhibit, featuring a diverse range of topics including adaptation, resilience, biodiversity, climate education, green careers, and decarbonisation.

You can WATCH a special video edit of this episode over on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxsvBwbg63Y

Listen in as Kit Marie chats with various Climate Ambassadors and experts, such as Eilidh Chapman from THURN Group on passive acoustic monitoring of underwater insects, and Azza Dirar from Norfolk and Waveney Mind on the intersection of mental health and climate change. Discover the innovative ways young people are getting involved in climate action, from creating mini climate action plans to exploring the role of insects in ecosystems.

You'll also hear from Matthew Henderson of Scottish and Southern Energy about the importance of renewable energy and green careers, and Stella Ramey from Colchester Zoo on how connecting with nature can build resilience. Plus, get a glimpse into the fascinating world of offshore wind farms with Diana Ng from ODiGE.

This episode is a celebration of community, education, and the collective effort to tackle climate change. Whether you're a teacher, student, or just passionate about the environment, there's something here for everyone. Grab your favorite brew and join us for a motivating journey through the Climate Ambassadors Exhibit at 2025's Norwich Science Festival!

Education settings in England can get in touch with any DfE-supported Sister Project for support with climate action:

- Climate Ambassadors (www.climateambassadors.org.uk)
- Let's Go Zero (https://letsgozero.org/climate-action-advisors/)
- National Education Nature Park (https://www.educationnaturepark.org.uk/)
- Sustainability Support for Education (https://www.sustainabilitysupportforeducation.org.uk/)

### About Coffee & Geography

The aim of ‘Coffee & Geography’ is to get to know, explore and celebrate the diverse & intersectional range of people and their love for the world. If you're interested in being a guest or want to find out more, then visit geogramblings.com/coffee-geography-podcast. There you will also find an interactive map to explore the locations of guests and the brews that they drink!

Music: 'Spark of Inspiration' by Shane Ivers (www.silvermansound.com/)

### How you can support the podcast and continue the conversation

- Follow us on Bluesky at bsky.app/profile/geogramblings.com and the hashtag #CoffeeGeogPod
- Post a listener question for guests using #GeogQOverABrew
- Rate, review (ratethispodcast.com/coffeegeogpod) and subscribe to the podcast via your preferred platform.
- Support Geogramblings education efforts by donating at ko-fi.com/kitrackley
- Switch your energy provider to Octopus Energy via this link: share.octopus.energy/reed-foal-15. Any referral rewards will go towards Geogramblings education efforts.

Coffee & Geography 5x06 Climate Ambassadors Exhibit at Norwich Science Festival 2025

It’s crunch time for the oceans and shipping sector, and tensions are high. Dr Simon Chin-Yee brings you this special episode of #UCLGenerationOne in the midst of critical negotiations at the International Maritime Organization (IMO). 

Simon speaks to colleagues who have travelled across the oceans to the IMO - the UN agency responsible for regulating the shipping sector. In April 2025, countries came together to negotiate the IMO Net-Zero Framework, including a set of ‘mid-term measures’ to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with 2023 targets.

In this episode, Fijian performing artist and climate advocate John Taukave (Pacific Coordinating Group) and Eldine Glees (Maritime Policy Consultant) discuss the importance of a just and equitable transition for small islands and developing countries. 

 And as the dust settles, Simon picks up with Opportunity Green’s Emma Fenton to break down what actually happened, and what it means for the future of green shipping. 

The stakes are huge: will the IMO agree to decarbonise global shipping while ensuring no one is left behind? Find out in our podcast Talanoa!  

Transcript: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/climate-change/podcasts/ucl-generation-one-climate-podcast

 Date of episode recording: 5 and 16 April 2025 
Duration: 55:40 
Language of episode: English  
Presenter: Professor Mark Maslin and Dr Simon Chin-Yee  
Guests: 
John Taukave, Micronesian Center for Sustainable Transport 
Eldine Chilembo Glees, Micronesian Center for Sustainable Transport 
Emma Fenton, Senior Director, Climate Diplomacy at Opportunity Green 
Producers:  
Adam Batstone 
Caitlin Mullin

Season 5, Episode 6 - ‘Are we on course to decarbonise shipping?’: A podcast Talanoa at the IMO

Noise is everywhere—disrupting our sleep, increasing our stress, and wrecking our focus—yet it's often dismissed as a minor nuisance. But what if it’s a major environmental issue hiding in plain sound?

This episode of Big Blend Radio's Nature Connection Show features author and science writer Chris Berdik, who dives into the surprising science and urgent implications behind his new book, "Clamor: How Noise Took Over the World―and How We Can Take It Back."

Berdik discusses the widespread impact of noise pollution on human health, wildlife, and our planet's natural soundscapes. The conversation covers:
- Why everyday noise deserves serious measurement and attention
- How chronic noise affects mental and physical health
- The role of urban planning and community action in reducing noise
- Personal insights and compelling stories uncovered through Berdik’s research

"Clamor" is more than just a wake-up call—it’s a rallying cry to recognize noise as an environmental threat on par with air and water pollution.

📘 Learn more about Chris Berdik and his work at: https://www.chrisberdik.com/

🎧 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's Quality of Life Show.
🌐 Explore our full network of shows here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Clamor – Tackling the Global Noise Crisis with Author Chris Berdik

This episode of Big Blend Radio shines a spotlight on North East Trees, an award-winning urban greening nonprofit committed to building climate resilience and advancing environmental equity throughout Los Angeles.

Featured Guests:
🌳 Joe Laskin – Director of Development, North East Trees – https://www.northeasttrees.org/
🌿 Cheryl Leutjen – Author of “Love Earth Now” and “Madness on the Brink of Eco-Apocalypse," and Board Director, North East Trees – https://cherylleutjen.com/


Recognized as a 2025 Nonprofit of the Year by the California Association of Nonprofits, North East Trees is making a lasting difference through urban forestry, biodiversity enhancement, and workforce development programs. From planting over 100,000 trees to transforming schoolyards into green spaces, the organization demonstrates how trees can heal communities, foster connection with nature, and combat climate change.

📺 Learn more in this PBS special: Combatting Climate Change with Trees – https://www.pbs.org/video/combatting-climate-change-with-trees-tcffrw/

This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s "Parks & Travel", "Quality of Life", and "Garden Gossip" Channels. Keep up with all Big Blend Radio shows at: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

*** Images by Alex Michel, courtesy of North East Trees

Greening Los Angeles: The Transformative Work of North East Trees

A selection of my work as an audio producer, podcast host, and editor featuring science storytelling, human-centered narratives, and mission-driven conversations. I specialize in turning complex topics into compelling stories that resonate. https://sarahbsmithart.com

Podcast & Audio Production Demo Reel 2025 - Sarah Smith

Suburban areas have large amounts of green space and concrete that contribute to urban heat island effects. Find out the benefits of transforming these spaces into ecosystems for native pollinators!

Join Oscar Zapata and Ana Hidalgo to learn about ecosystem services from native pollinator gardens!

For more information check out these resources:

Transforming suburban areas: A marketplace for urban ecosystem services 
https://tinyurl.com/nativpollgardens

Pollinator plants catalogue - Native species in the Prairies: https://research-groups.usask.ca/urban-ecoservices/documents/pollinators-catalogue.pdf

Native Pollinator Gardens as Suburban Ecosystems with Oscar Zapata and Ana Hidalgo

UCL (University College London) is consistently ranked among the world's top ten universities (QS World University Rankings 2010 - 2021). Our excellence extends across all academic disciplines, from one of the world's foremost centres for research and teaching in the biological sciences to world-renowned centres for architecture (UCL Bartlett), education (UCL IOE) and fine art (UCL Slade School).

UCL is London's leading multidisciplinary university, with more than 13,000 staff and 43,000 students from 150 different countries. Founded in 1826 in the heart of London, UCL was the first university in England to welcome students of any religion and the first to welcome women on equal terms with men.

UCL Minds brings together UCL’s knowledge, insights, and ideas through events, activities, and digital content open to everyone. Find out what’s on UCL Minds: www.ucl.ac.uk/minds

The Land Use Podcast is your home to discussion on a wide range of land use issues affecting public policy. If you're a landowner, planner, public official, conservationist, or involved in industry, we're a home for you! We are the Alberta Land Institute and based out of the University of Alberta.

Follow us to keep up to date

Website: https://albertalandinstitute.ca

Facebook: https://facebook.com/AlbertaLandInstitute

Instagram: https://instagram.com/ablandinstitute/

X: https://twitter.com/ABLandInstitute

Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/company/albertalandinstitute

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@albertalandinstitute9047

Select Big Blend Radio interviews that are featured in the digital, interactive Big Blend Radio & TV Magazine and Parks & Travel Magazine. Hosted by Nancy J. Reid and Lisa D. Smith, mother-daughter travel team and publishers.

== About the 'Coffee & Geography' podcast ==

The aim of ‘Coffee & Geography’ is to get to know, explore and celebrate the diverse & intersectional range of people and their love for the world. We’ll have fun exploring all the myriad of ways that connects your life to geography. Wait – you don’t think you’re a ‘geographer’? Well, that’s ok! If you have a love and passion for the world then you probably are more than you know.

If you're interested in being a guest or want to find out more, then visit https://geogramblings.com/coffee-geography-podcast/. There you will also find an interactive map to explore the locations of guests and the brews that they drink!

Follow us on Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/CoffeeGeogPod. 

The Coffee & Geography Podcast is a 'Geogramblings' production, hosted and produced by Kit Rackley (they/them). The podcast is supported by generous donations via https://ko-fi.com/kitrackley and takes advice from an advisory board of volunteers.

== About Geogramblings ==

Kit Rackley (Geogramblings) spent 13 years as a Geography high-school teacher, and is now freelancing as an educational blogger, author, speaker & trainer. They are a consultant to the Geographical Association (UK) and work through the University of East Anglia to raise aspirations of young people to Higher Education. 

Kit's projects include the Geogramblings.com educational blog, communicating issues through performing arts, the Coffee & Geography podcast and many community-based initiatives.

New tracks tagged #environmental science