Livable Future Podcast

Alpine ecosystems are rapidly changing due to climate change, with shifts in snow cover, increasing temperatures, and increasing droughts. Arthur Broadbent, an ecologist researching the changes in vegetation and soil communities in the European Alps, joins the podcast to discuss how climate change and human impact are changing fundamental properties in mountain ecosystems that are essential to alp...

In the third episode of our series on mountain ecology, we engage with Dr. Katie Kamelamela, a distinguished Assistant Professor at Arizona State University and a researcher at the Global Discovery and Conservation Science Center. With a focus on the Hawaiian Islands, this episode delves into the historical land management practices and how they are intertwined with Hawaiian culture. Additionally,...

We delve into a highly unique and climate-vulnerable region of the world, the Hindu Kush Himalayas. Basanta Shrestha, Director of Strategic Cooperation at ICIMOD, discusses how the Himalayan region is already experiencing the consequences of climate change and why the Paris Agreement's goal of 1.5-degree warming is too hot for the Himalayas. We examine the necessary qualities to create effecti...

Appalachian communities have been deeply impacted by extractive industries, leading to devastating consequences from climate change. In the introductory episode of the Mountain Life Series, community leader, and activist Tiffany Pyette shares her perspective on the impacts of strip mining on the Appalachian community, the need for a Just Transition, listening to community members, and more. "I...

Welcome to the Livable Future Podcast, a thought-provoking series of discussions on climate change, environmental conservation, and sustainability. Our goal is to create a space for an open and factual dialogue accessible to everyone. In each episode, we dive deep into various sustainability topics, sharing insights from experts and stakeholders to help shape a livable future for all. In our lates...

​​The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) publishes the most robust climate assessments. So, how does the science accurately come through? Who’s voices are being heard? What does the IPCC get right? How can it improve? In this episode, Dr. Jessica O'Reilly is a cultural anthropologist from Indiana University who studies the decision-making process of the IPCC. Dr. O'Reilly sha...

This round table discussion with students and young environmentalists from the YEAH Network focuses on ways we can approach the climate crisis and keep a sense of optimism when we face an uphill battle.

Storytelling is inherent in science, but sometimes we get comfortable with narratives that may be problematic. Agroecology PhD student Siwook Hwang sheds light on the dangers of the "scarcity axiom" and how we should pay attention to and challenge how we frame our stories in science.

Wildfire season is lasting longer, affecting more people, and is becoming harder to control. Wildfire ecologist Casey Teske discusses fire's role in ecosystems, fuel treatment methods, and the challenges of fire forecasting.

Dr. Rick Knight set out on a mission to save nature 30+ years ago, but revelations over the course of his career have changed everything. In this episode, Dr. Knight shares how his work, and his life, have transformed and made for better outcomes.

Getting people on the same page about sustainability goals can be challenging. In this episode, environmental consultant, artist, and community facilitator, Emmanuelle Vital, discusses how we can bridge the gap between science, sustainability goals, and communities.

Australian environmentalist Shane French discusses the 2020 bushfires, Australia's unique wildlife, and offers advice for career longevity in environmentalism.

The 5th episode explores how important mentorship and community is to STEM students. Cristal Dominguez Vasquez, a recent college graduate in a STEM field, takes a moment to discuss the opportunities, hardships, and realizations she experienced as a Latinx student.

Dr. Brian Forist, a lecturer at Indiana University and seasoned park service expert, advocates for the impactful educational tool of connecting people to their environment. In this episode, we explore examples showcasing how this connection to nature promotes healing, learning, and unity.

America's national parks are called our "best idea", but are they? How can we make them better? What's co-management of the parks? What are ecosystem sciences? In this episode, long-time National Park Service employee and lecturer at Indiana University, Dr. Brian Forist gives an honest look at the growth happening across "America's Best Idea."

How can we make science and nature more accessible? In this episode, we look at how citizen science can be a tool for people to reach a higher understanding of the ecosystem surrounding them. Scientists Dr. Bowser and Sarah Whipple continue the discussion on how we each will connect to nature differently, we also examine the interesting parallels in finding nature in a park in New York City with f...

The first episode is focused on the importance of understanding multicultural understanding for climate action and sustainable development. This is the first one of a two-part interview with Dr. Gillian Bowser and Ph. D. candidate Sarah Whipple. In this episode, Dr. Bowser details the origin of the YEAH network, the "open the door & get out the way" teaching approach, and how each cult...