in this podcast, lily edelman-gold, a young female professional in the california transportation and electric vehicle (ev) industry, discusses “a future of fair fueling,” her mapping project for equitable access of ev charging stations within monterey, california.  she walks us through how she created this project using arcgis pro, a geographic information system (gis) software through which professionals can analyze and display data through maps.

arcgis pro is a crucial tool for various environmental applications, such as mapping runoff risk to reefs and monitoring the illegal wildlife trade. edelman-gold’s project maps recommended ev charging locations in monterey that ensures equitable access for disadvantaged communities.  

a soon-to-be graduate from the middlebury institute of international studies (miis) in monterey, edelman-gold will be graduating with a masters in international environmental policy and sustainability management.  listen to learn more!

view excerpts from edelman-gold’s mapping project below — click to expand!

one segment in particular, how we frame it: crafting your story with intention, captured my attention. moderated by tyler hickman, a planet 世界杯欧洲预选赛免费直播 from university of colorado, boulder, the segment navigated some of sustainability storytelling’s most tricky questions. how do you craft an engaging story? with whom do you craft it? what can we do to ensure our storytelling is timely and impactful? 

see my big three takeaways from the how we frame it segment below:

1.) framing should be participatory

sustainable storytelling is dependent on defining a character. one key piece of advice from panelist jessica stahl, editor for creative storytelling at grist, was to include ‘frontline communities’ that your story describes in the crafting of the story itself. coming from a background of focused, decisive reporting, stahl encouraged us all to bring our characters into the storytelling process. her journalistic niche is ensuring those most impacted by climate change are receiving the media attention they deserve. in this way, stahl urges us to give platform to the characters of our stories (given they are tangible individuals) in a way that directly supports their needs. when participatory, your story’s frame will undoubtedly make an impact.

2.) storytelling should be multidisciplinary

while you may believe that you know how to tell a story best, consider the opinions and input of others. that’s what rachel frazin, energy and environment reporter for the hill, suggested to an eager and receptive audience. frazin works for a publication that caters to a wide range of media consumers, often necessitating strict editing, fact-checking, and revision processes. as an energy and environment reporter, she understands the weight her journalism carries, especially for an audience that may not be expecting climate news. frazin’s strategy is to utilize the input and skills of those around her to synthesize a better end product. the climate crisis requires meticulous and intentional storytelling, and frazin urged us not to shy away from our coworkers, colleagues, and peers in times of need.

3.) framing should be flexible

for jesse j. holland, journalism is an act of adaptability. the associate director and associate professor of the school of media and public affairs at george washington university regaled the planet forward audience with his perseverance. declaring himself a “wordsmith” by trade, holland reminded us that journalism is always changing, evolving, and reinventing itself. further, he emphasized the importance of flexible framing and ensuring the integrity of your story within that flexibility. just as you match a particularly sized photo to a frame, sustainable storytelling must do the same. holland reminded us that journalistic quality is only determined by the storyteller’s ability to adapt and grow alongside their work.

carson davis is an academic assistant for the gw alliance for a sustainable future and is a dual-degree ba/mph student in the milken institute school of public health.

antonio has brought together researchers, elected officials, and community members to grow mushrooms to combat toxins in the soil from fracking waste. known as “mycoremediation,” the use of fungi to remediate polluted land has been shown to be effective at degrading waste. for antonio, the proximity of fracking operations, abandoned uranium mines, and coal mines to her community represent constant threats. rather than sit idly, antonio took action. listen below to hear the full story:

shining and shimmering, clear like glass in which you can see coral and fish enjoying the day, sits a meromictic lake in fayetteville, new york. the periphery of evergreens and oaks is the only indication that this lake is not in a tropical destination in the caribbean, but rather in upstate new york.

green lake is home to blue tropical waters, 15,000-year-old fresh water reefs, and life forms dating back to the ice age. a body of water that does not turn over and allows these ancient forms and corals to thrive, is called a meromictic lake. green lake is one of only 36 meromictic lakes in the world.

it is also popular for swimming, hiking, camping, fishing, water activities, picnicking, and also in-depth education for all ages about the lake. new york state parks aids in bringing the serenity of our natural world to the general public, fostering a care for our earth. katie mulverhill and cara gannon are environmental educators at green lakes state parks, both coming from differing backgrounds but using their compatibility they provide a vital resource for this park.

what is a meromictic lake?

meromictic lakes are unique because of their structure and natural ecosystems. unlike in other bodies of water, layers of water contained in meromictic do not mix. in green lake, the water column is split into three layers, which is not the case for every meromictic lake. the top layer is the fresh water run-off and is where most recreational water activities are being held, the middle layer is occupied by purple sulfur bacteria, and the bottom layer is spring-fed salt water.

normally, seasonal changes in sunlight and temperature would mix the layers of this lake together, but as a meromictic lake, the layers not mixing is the reason for the water remaining very clear. this layering effect creates a perfect home to a cyanobacteria that photosynthetically shed off calcium flakes that create fresh water reefs and sponges. given the clarity of the lake, it is very easy to view these reefs and sponges from the shoreline.

cara gannon who is a central region environmental education assistant with a background in marine science education, said the lakes at green lakes state park are unique to experience within the united states. “not only do we have green lake, we also have round lake at the park, and they’re both meromictic lakes,” she said. “there’s only about 13 of these types of lakes in the united states.”

the larger of the two lakes at the park, green lake, is rare for its quirky structure. glaciers from the ice age dug into the ground like a pint of ice cream being scooped into, creating a 195-foot depth and just two miles of circumference. after these glaciers melted, ancient life forms were left to flourish in the lake and are still thriving there to this day. “it’s really important for us to try and protect them and do as much research as we can on them,” gannon said. there are not many places on earth with pristine conditions for 15,000-year-old organisms to be able to grow and thrive. this makes greens lake the prime location to expand our knowledge on these life forms.

why is it blue?

green lake gets it’s name from the greenish blue color that is observed. in the top layer there lives cyanobacteria that photosynthetically shed off calcium carbonate. these little flakes of calcium carbonate float through the water column and reflects a blue/green wavelength to the human eye, this is why the water looks a tropical color.

the cyanobacteria shedding off calcium carbonate is also the reason the fresh water coral reefs form. this is because, as the calcium carbonate floats through through the water column it will eventually bump into something floating in the water of the edge of the lake. these little flakes compile together as time goes on and create fresh water reefs.

without the layering of this lake or the presence of cyanobacteria shedding of calcium carbonate, this lake would not have its unique color or the natural reefs that continue to grow. the structure of the lake, the water components, and glacier activity makes an almost unreal scenario for this lake to exist.

mulverhill touched on a lot of creatures that live around green lake. some of her favorites were the gray tree frog, tiger salamander, and the ring-necked snake. this habitat facilitates many different types of life and is a place that fosters the growth of next generations.

“giant clams give the reef life,” says delphia selch, “but today we hardly can see them on our reef.” giant clams play a critical role in coastal marine ecosystems and local food production all around the world, especially in the federated states of micronesia (fsm), a north pacific country of over 600 islands.

for the last 17 years, martin selch and his wife delphia have been growing endangered species of clams on the island of kosrae, the smallest of fsm’s four states with a population of under 7,000. these clams not only contribute to repopulating the reefs, but also provide sustainable and local food security.

“giant clams have become threatened all around the world,” says martin selch. climate change and sediment runoff has caused many of the local giant clam species to become endangered or extinct. however, martin and delphia have dedicated their lives to cultivating six varieties of clams including tridacna gigas, the world’s largest mollusk species, that previously had disappeared from kosrae’s waters.

in this short documentary, discover the importance of giant clams, their contribution to food security and the marine environment, and meet the people dedicated to keeping them around forever.

what if the future of air quality justice rested in the threads of a spider web?

in this original hand-drawn comic, climate cartoonist joy reeves explores a recent initiative in north carolina to use spider webs to monitor air pollution. spearheaded by the north carolina environmental justice network and a team of volunteer “funnel web finders,” the “spidey sens-r” project aims to measure heavy metal pollution on funnel weaver spider webs in greenville and goldsboro communities. the team hopes to use the metals collected on the webs to identify air pollution hotspots near polluting industries—especially in areas that lack government air quality monitors — in order to prioritize future testing in those areas and uphold environmental justice principles through community science. 

traditionally, indigenous educational systems diverged from formal classroom settings. learning occurred through hands-on experiences within families and villages, under the guidance of mothers, elders, and fellow community members. indigenous youth acquired knowledge while participating in activities such as tending gardens and preparing hides. while both genders were afforded equal opportunities, girls were instructed in familial and gardening responsibilities under the supervision of women who managed the gardens. they learned the timing and techniques of planting, along with the accompanying gardening songs believed to ensure a fruitful harvest. on the other hand, boys received instruction in hunting and defense from their older brothers and other male figures within the community. this hands-on approach to learning surpassed traditional classroom methods in effectiveness, actively involving students, improving retention, encouraging practical application of knowledge, accommodating diverse learning styles, and fostering creativity.

in the hidatsa language, “maaʔabáari” translates to “to grow or to plant,” encapsulating the essence of traditional indigenous educational systems — nurturing the growth and development of the younger generation. however, the integration of westernized educational systems has fallen short for indigenous peoples. indigenous students who successfully complete high school often find themselves ill-prepared for further academic pursuits. high school experiences for indigenous students typically occur within underfunded institutions that fail to adequately equip them for successful college enrollment. this educational disparity affecting native american youth across the united states remains a significant issue.

“braiding stem” addresses systemic injustices faced by indigenous youth by exploring ways to empower them with the necessary tools to overcome these challenges, while considering indicators of success. at its core, indigenous cultures embody an intrinsic reverence for the earth, rooted in practices such as the concept of the seven generations, where decisions are made with future generations in mind. indigenous peoples are natural caretakers of the land, and it is imperative to nurture the growth of future stewards who will carry on this tradition.

click on the presentation below to view the whole story:

green lakes state park, located in syracuse, new york, is a rare ecosystem attracting millions of visitors each year. many of our shared natural spaces have been inundated with visitors since the pandemic and visitors are ravaging the fragile environment. this film takes a glance into what the new york state park & historic preservation system is doing to protect and preserve green lakes for generations to come.

in the heart of manitoba, canada, lies the rural swan river, where the indigenous community’s hands weave a tale of environmental guardianship and cultural resilience. at its center are two remarkable figures: elder joe campbell and sarah “running bear” ferland, embodying their people’s timeless wisdom and future hopes.

elder joe, a venerable member of the opaskweyak cree nation, bears his 83 years with grace. his weathered hands, accustomed to the rhythm of the land, deftly weave sweetgrass, while his steady gaze, reflecting the wisdom of countless winters, speak of a sacred bond between his people and the earth. “our connection to the land is etched deep within us; it carries our stories, our traditions,” he imparts, his voice resonating with ancestral echoes. his teachings transcend mere conservation, rooted in a spiritual reverence for mother earth.

seventeen-year-old ferland, with a passion for environmental advocacy, represents the burgeoning spirit of her generation. she sees in the wisdom of elders like campbell a pathway to reclaiming indigenous methods in modern ecological endeavors. “amidst the challenges of colonialism, our elders safeguard invaluable knowledge,” she said, bridging the gap between past wisdom and future aspirations.

in addition to their environmental stewardship, campbell and ferland actively engage with the community, imparting their knowledge and inspiring the next generation. they host workshops and educational events, inviting community members to participate in traditional practices and learn about sustainable living. these efforts not only preserve cultural heritage but also foster a sense of pride and connection among the youth, empowering them to carry forward the legacy of their ancestors.

together, campbell and ferland orchestrate a harmonious blend of tradition and progress. time-honored practices such as prescribed burns to rejuvenate forests and sustainable harvests to nurture the river and fields are passed down with care and reverence.

yet, amidst their efforts, challenges loom large. from the spectre of climate change to the struggle to preserve traditions in a rapidly changing world, the community faces adversity. campbell’s resilience in the face of such trials speaks volumes. “we have weathered many storms, but our spirit, like the river’s flow, remains undeterred,” he said with unwavering resolve.

ferland, too, adds her voice to the chorus, emphasizing the global implications of their local actions. “our stewardship of the land resonates far beyond our community; it serves as a testament to the harmony we can achieve with nature,” she sadi, infusing her message with a sense of urgency and hope.

furthermore, campbell and ferland advocate for indigenous rights and sovereignty, recognizing the inseparable link between environmental and social justice. they collaborate with local and national organizations to amplify indigenous voices in land management and conservation decision-making processes. their advocacy extends beyond swan river, resonating with indigenous communities worldwide as they stand in solidarity with those fighting to protect their ancestral lands and way of life.

ferland stands on the riverbank, her spirit determined and purposeful, encapsulating a fusion of heritage and progress, a reverence for the past, and a vision for the future. “our actions today shape the world our children will inherit. we must honor our ancestors by protecting the land and upholding our responsibilities as stewards,” she said. ferland highlights the urgency of addressing climate change and the need for indigenous voices to be heard in environmental decision-making processes.

as the story of swan river unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all life and the importance of honouring indigenous wisdom in addressing pressing environmental challenges.

through the resilience and determination of individuals like elder joe campbell and ferland, communities find hope and inspiration to navigate an uncertain future with courage and conviction. their’s is a legacy of stewardship, resilience, and reverence — a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of collective action.

this is a story about the intersection of science and indigenous communities. focusing on the potomac river watershed, this film highlights inequalities in environmental management. the patawomeck tribe of virginia, the original people of the potomac river, discuss environmental injustices facing their community. filmmaker and ph. d. student, veronica malabanan lucchese, uses social network analysis, or the scientific study of relationships, to identify the most and least influential managers. tying together research and personal histories, “managing the potomac: featuring the patawomeck tribe of virginia” shows the need for more inclusive management.

it’s a story about how excluded communities, research, and government can work together for a more sustainable future. this film was supported by the integrated application network at the university of maryland center for environmental science, the coast card project, the environmental justice journalism initiative, the noaa-lmrcsc fellowship, the belmont forum, and the national science foundation.