Gulf Streams

With Hurricane Katrina's 20th anniversary landing in August, we sit down with Dr. Andy Horowitz (University of Connecticut) to discuss his book Katrina: A History, 1915-2015. Together we discuss the longterm impacts of the disaster, how the conditions in New Orleans were primed for disaster, and what recovery means -- and what we can learn -- in an age of more frequent extreme weather. 

Today we sit down with Brandon Ballengée , a biologist and artist, who researches and makes art that explores the unique ecosystems of the Gulf Coast. Reflecting on the fifteenth anniversary of the capping of the capping of the oil leak  caused by the Deepwater Horizon disaster, Dr. Ballengée helps us understand the ongoing harm caused by the spill and the ways we can remember the devastation and...

A thriving economy exists around our natural resources: tourists flock to take in beautiful destinations. But maintaining and leveraging these sites takes work. So today we're talking about EcoTourism, both how nature can attract tourists (and their dollars), and the ways that tourists are increasingly thinking about how they can "travel green." Our guests are Sasha Francis (Galveston Island Natur...

On today's show our researcher Jadyn turns the tables to sit down with Weston Twardowski (Rice University) to talk all about the environmental consequences of the agricultural system how what we choose to eat impacts the world around us. 

In today's episode, we talk with Dr. Chris Funk (Director of the Climate Hazards Center at UCSB) and Dr. John Nielsen-Gammon (Texas State Climatologist) about the growing impact of drought across Texas and how global climate patterns are shaping local conditions. They break down the science behind water scarcity, what to expect in the coming years, and what communities can do to prepare. Then, we...

As our environments change, whether from natural disaster or man-made forces, part of adapting to our new reality is processing the loss of what was as we accept what is. On today's show, Dr. Chaney Hill (Rice University) sits down with our usual host Dr. Weston Twardowski (Rice University), Dr. Jennifer Ladino (University of Idaho), and Dr. Nick Koenig (University of Idaho) to talk about the ways...

We sit down with Ian Rosenberg (Senior Vice President of Projects & Planning) and Karen Farber (Vice President of External Affairs) at Buffalo Bayou Partnership to talk about the expansion of Buffalo Bayou East and the coming projects that will remake one of the most iconic parks in Houston over the next few years. Later in the hour our researcher Nomin has a piece on the surprising environmen...

Today we sit down with Matthew Tejada (Natural Resources Defense Council), the Deputy Director of Environmental Justice at the Environmental Protection Agency under President Obama, President Trump, and President Biden. Tejada, a longtime Houston environmentalist, is now working diligently with the NRDC to advocate for cleaner, safer environments. We have a direct conversation about the changes th...

On today's episode we sit down with Dr. Korey Evans (Rice University) and Dr. Scott Egan (Rice University) who recently hosted a symposium all about biodiversity and what it means to the Houston region. Later in the hour our researcher Sophia kicks off a new series all about green spaces around Houston. 

The Columbia Tap Trail, a historic train line in Houston, is a four-mile path where residents have practiced tactical urbanism for decades. Now, with new support from the city and funders, the trail is becoming more of a community resource for the thousands who live nearby. Edward D. Pettitt, doctoral candidate the Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice, joins us to discuss his work...

On today's show we sit down with Leigh Fondakowski, the playwright behind the documentary theatre show SPILL. SPILL recounts the events leading up to, and following the 2010 Deepwater Horizon and subsequent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The Moody Center for the Arts, at Rice University, will be mounting a production of the show April 11th and 12 . We revisit that moment and discuss how the worl...

Often when we think of environmental hazards and climate change, it feels as though nature is fighting us. What if we reimagined nature as our partner, our ally, in the fight against climate change? Today we sit down with Jim Blackburn (Rice University) and Dr. Carrie Masiello (Rice University) to talk all about Nature Based Solutions. 

Is nuclear energy the future? Or is it doomed to be a decreasingly important energy source in a rapidly changing landscape. On today's show we sit down with two different thinkers on opposite ends of the debate around the future of nuclear: Dr. MV Ramana (University of British Columbia), and Paris Ortiz-Wines (Mothers for Nuclear). This episode is guest hosted by our researcher Nomin Rentsendorj. 

On today's show we're joined by Dr. Casey Williams (Environmental Studies Lecturer at Rice University) as co-host, Dr. Randal Hall (Environmental Historian at Rice University), and Dr. Gökçe Gunel (Anthropologist at Rice University) discussing this year's major energy conference in Houston, CERA Week. Later in the episode two Rice Anthropologists, Dr. Dominic Boyer and Dr. Cymene Howe, discuss the...

On today's episode we sit down with Dan Gearino of Inside Climate News to talk about the growing solar industry in Texas. Later in the hour we're joined by the Electric Vehicle Association of Houston to talk about how EV's have never been more popular in the area.

Botanical gardens are a feature of great cities around the world, and since 2020, Houston has a botanical garden of its own, the Houston Botanic Garden . On today's show we sit down with three of the garden's staff to talk all about the role of botanical gardens in cities, and what makes the Houston Botanic Garden so special. 

On today's show we're talking about the very materials we use to build our homes and buildings. We sit down with Jesus Vasallo (Rice University) to talk all about the future of building materials and the coming prevalence of plant-based construction approaches.

Today we sit down with Jonathan Levy (University of Chicago) to talk all about the past of Houston to understand what might be coming in its future. In particular, where Houston can serve as a leading example in the coming world of climate adaptation. Later in the hour our researcher Jadyn has a story on animal welfare during disasters. 

Dr. Cyrus Reed is the Conservation Director of the Sierra Club's Lone Star Chapter. The Lone Star Chapter is the oldest environmental organization in Texas, and today they're sharing with us some of the most important issues in front of the Texas Legislature this session regarding energy security, environmental protection, and water quality. 

Today we sit down with Geoff Winningham, an award winning photographer, to talk all about his experiences charting Buffalo Bayou and learning about Houston's ecology for his book, Along Forgotten River. Our researcher Sophia and regular host Weston Twardowski learn about adventuring along the bayou, and discuss how it continues to change as we reshape it today.

The first of two episodes focused on exploring the Bayous of "Bayou City," our researcher Sophia Soltes talk with ecologist Suzanne Simpson (Galveston Bay Foundation) and advocate Yudith Nieto (Bayou City Waterkeeper) about the history, health, and importance of the city's bayous. Later in the episode our researcher Jadyn Bray-Boyce shares the psychological benefits of spending time in nature.

On today's show we have an update on Project 11, the expansion of the Port of Houston, and the history of polluted soil in local neighborhoods as a result of port dredging. We're joined by Leticia Gutierrez (Air Alliance Houston), Cleo Sharp (Achieving Community Tasks Successfully), and Naomi Yoder (the Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice) to learn more. 

Today our researcher Nomin Rentsendorj sits down with Dr. Cin-Ty Lee to talk about his cutting edge geological research. Dr. Lee is a geologist/petrologist/geochemist whose work has moved into bioacoustics to study wildlife – especially birds. In this fascinating conversation, he walks us through his work. 

Today we sit down with Alison Weaver, Founding Executive Director of the Moody Center for the Arts, to talk about what can be accomplished through collaborations between environmentalists, scientists, and artists. The Moody Center has been dedicated to producing community engaged work, much of which explores the environment, for years and has a new exhibit opening that speaks to how we can reimagi...

On today's show we're diving into the unexpectedly important role of laughter and comedy in addressing climate change. Our guest, Dr. Aaron Sachs (Cornell University), walks us through the importance of comedy to survival, social movements, and, he argues, fighting climate change.