The Hopeful Environmentalist

Have you heard the news? A new report has found that Earth has officially crossed its first global tipping point . But what does that actually mean for our future? Are we past the point of no return? Short answer: no, and giving up is the worst thing we could do. In this episode, host Taylor Ganis sits down with Dr. Steve Smith, one of the scientists and writers behind the Global Tipping Points Re...

In this episode, host Taylor Ganis interviews the Earth herself, Hila. We dive into the story behind becoming the Earth, how we can open our minds to the nature around us (including in urban environments), and how art and creativity plays a role in movements. Ways to take action: Support Hila and her work to make climate education accessible Follow Hila on Instagram Learn more about Hila's work Ad...

In this episode, host, Taylor Ganis, sits down with Thom Norman, Co-founder of FarmKind , to discuss the ecological and ethical impacts of factory. We look at how we can transition to kinder food system that prioritizes people, animals and the planet, and what FarmKind is doing to aid this transition. Call to Action: Donate to FarmKind Switch to a plant-based diet Learn about the work of organizat...

In this episode, our host, Taylor Ganis, sits down with Lilly Woodbury, to take a deep dive into the all things plastic. From waste colonialism (if you're sitting there thinking, wtf is waste colonialism, then take a listen), the Plastics Treaty, to the Optimism Pendulum. We discuss the actions needed to move away from plastic and fear, to a world that is plastic free and activated by hope. Ways t...

In this episode, our host, Taylor Ganis, sits down with communications strategist, filmmaker, and author of the recently published book, Haiku and Hope, Maggie Dewane. We delve into the importance of storytelling and art in communicating complex topics such as climate change and how these forms of advocacy and communication can inspire us to take action. We protect what we love, and Maggie provide...

Factory farming is a notoriously cruel practice; but did you know that it also impacts both people and the planet? In this episode, our host, Taylor Ganis, talks with the Senior Director of the Humane League, Mia Fernyhough, about how factory farming impacts animals, people and the planet. Episode Resources: Donate. TheHumaneLeague.org TheHumaneLeague.org/Take-Action FastActionNetwork.com CrumblCr...

Climate change is wreaking havoc on our world - from melting glaciers, to more intense storms. But did you know that climate change is also coming for our food and wine? In this episode, our host, Taylor Ganis, sits down with Michael P. Hoffmann, who is a distinguished professor at Cornell University, and one of the authors of the book, Our Changing Menu, to discuss the ways in which climate chang...

SOA’s Chief Program Officer Brandon Levy brand ON (he/him) Ensuring ocean and environmental solutionists have the funding they need to turn their innovative ideas into action, is a critical part of fighting the climate crisis that we find ourselves in. The Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) is helping to do just that: fund innovative ocean and climate solutions and activate and arm young people with...

How do the movies we watch and the shows we binge help normalize having conversations about climate change (hint hint, you can find the answer to this in the episode)? In this episode, I speak with the Editor-In-Chief of Good Energy, Carmiel Banasky, to dive into their latest report which looks at how, and if, todays films discuss /mention the climate crisis. We also discuss the role that Hollywoo...

Women in leadership is a climate solution. In this episode, our host, Taylor, speaks with the founder and executive director of the Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN), Osprey Orielle Lake, to dive deeply into the concept of how women play integral roles in the fight for an equitable future. We discuss some incredible statistics that show how women in leadership can positively impact...

Have you ever wondered how the natural world and mental health are connected? In this episode, our host, Taylor Ganis, speaks with Pamela Lowell, a licensed therapist, to discuss this very question, while also diving into topics like the interdisciplinary nature of the environmental field, how connecting with nature and wildlife helps us protect them, the power of community and working together to...

What do sustainable landscape design, tomatoes, rainwater harvesting, and humor have in common? They’re all discussed in this episode with our incredible guest speaker, Daryl Lindsey! We dive into a variety of hot topics like the debate of whether or not to leave the leaves, why pollinator gardens are important, how sustainable landscape designs can save billion of gallons of water through collect...

Have you heard people talking about Rights of Nature and wanted to learn more about it? Well, you’re in luck! In this episode of the Hopeful Environmentalist, our host, Taylor, sits down with Liz Downes from the the Rainforest Information Centre to talk about Rights of Nature, the court cases in Ecuador, and more! EarthX Congress of Conferences Registration: earthx.org 20% Discount Code for EarthX...

Have you ever wondered how an environmental court case works? Or maybe you're wondering how youth can get involved in environmental law. In this episode, our host, Taylor Ganis, sits down with the Assistant Dean for Environmental Law Studies, Randall S. Abate, to discuss what environmental law is, how you can get involved, and where you can find resources about this topic.  The George Washing...

In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant Sebrena Rhodes to discuss the environmental injustices plaguing her community and their fight for justice. We discuss environmental racism, the impacts of industry and capitalism on black, brown, and low-income communities all over the world, and ways that we can move towards a more equitable world for ALL communities. It is important to note that som...

What do forest fires and colonialism have in common? As it turns out, a lot. In this episode, I speak with forest fire researcher, Jessika McFarland, about how colonialism impacts the forest fires we see today, what a forest fire is, how climate change is fueling them, and why we must change our current fire management and land management practices. Jessika McFarland- IG @jessforplanet Activists,...

What is the correlation between extinct bananas, COP28 events, building community, and documentaries? The correlation is that these things are all discussed in this exciting episode! In this weeks episode, Taylor speaks with Time For Better's Director of Climate Action, Charly Frisk, who is a climate storyteller. Charly is the director of the documentary, Nordic Seed Heroes, which sheds light on t...

How does wildlife filmmaking positively impact wildlife conservation? In this episode, our incredible guest speaker, Kaush, discusses the answer to this question, while also providing advice to anyone interested in getting started in wildlife filmmaking. An award-nominated photographer and having worked with conservation organizations and media outlets such as BBC, Kaush is extremely experienced i...

Have you heard people talking about the High Seas and the High Seas Treaty? Well, what exactly is it and why do the High Seas matter? Tune into this weeks episode to hear from the brilliant Director of the High Seas Alliance, Bec Hubbard, who will answer all of these questions and explain why the High Seas are critically important to everyone, even if you don't live near the ocean! High Seas Allia...

What is Disability Justice and what are the connections that it has to Environmental Justice? In this episode, I speak to disabled activist and attorney, Marissa Ditkowsky , on the intersections of disability justice and environmental justice, while also discussing cross movement solidarity, the difference between disability justice and disability rights, and how to advance disability justice with...

What's the difference between ocean plastic and ocean bound plastic? How much plastic is in our oceans? How do you start a sustainable and ethical business? Our amazing guest speaker, Deidre Horan, founder of Dri, gives us the answers to all of these questions. Whether your considering starting a sustainable company or you just want to learn about ocean plastics, this episode has something for eve...

In this mini episode, I speak to Shannon Baker-Branstetter, who is the Senior Director of Domestic Climate Policy at the Center for American Progress. We discuss the Inflation Reduction Act and the many different incentives that it offers, what it is, where you can find the resources, and how to stay in the loop! Resources discussed in the episode: cleanenergy.gov Rewiring America Calculator

In this episode, Taylor speaks to Jim and Jamie Dutcher, who are both two well known wolf advocates and extremely accomplished wildlife filmmakers, winning 3 Primetime Emmys. Our discussion focuses on their experiences living with the famed Sawtooth Wolf Pack for 6 years, the lessons they learned from wolves, and why wolves are crucial, keystone species. "It's not hard to be a Matsi" - Jamie (lear...

"Dismantling White Supremacy is Environmentalism" Joined by Isaias Hernandez, the founder of the online platform, Queer Brown Vegan, we discuss the importance of inclusion within the environmental field, ecological wealth vs generational wealth, why dismantling white supremacy is environmentalism, building community, and accessibility within veganism. You can learn more about the Queer Brown Vegan...

Have you been hearing people talking about a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty and don't know what it is? Well, we have you covered. Joined by the incredible, Tzeporah Berman, who is the Chair of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, we discuss what a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty is (and what it would need), what a Just Transition means, the run up to COP28, and what you can do righ...