Special: Students on Finding Optimism

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 alpine systems. In this episode, Broadbent identifies sustainable practices and policies that can help mitigate these impacts. Broadbent offers a unique blend of scientific insight and practical advice, making it a necessary listen for anyone concerned about the future of mountain landscapes.Resources & full episode transcriptions - https://livablefuturepodcast.com/episodes/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/livablefuturepodcast/Guest:Arther Broadbent - https://twitter.com/arthurbroadbentHosts:Kaydee Barker - https://www.kaydeebarker.com/Cody Sanford - https://www.instagram.com/cody.livablefuture/

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, the pressing issue of climate change's impact on the island chain is a focus of this discussion.Dr. Kamelamela, who has a background in ethnoecology, ecological restoration, indigenous conceptions of wealth, and indigenous economies, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the discussion. Her work emphasizes the importance of incorporating community voices in forest restoration and the modern applications of Native Hawaiian plant gathering traditions.Episode Transcripts and sources: https://livablefuturepodcast.com/episodes/Dr. Kamelamela Social links:https://www.instagram.com/kteabam/https://twitter.com/kteabam

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 effective partnerships and explore ways to bring 'mountains from the margins.' Learn about mountain tipping points, ecosystem services, the urgent need for increased financing to drive climate mitigation and adaptation for mountain communities, and more.Join hosts, Kaydee Barker & Cody Sanford, at the end to discuss key takeaways from our interview and actionable items that people from anywhere can do to support mountain sustainability.Full episode transcript and episode sources are available at livablefuturepodcast.com.

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 know one of my friends who's a wonderful activist, her son, he asked one time, “When are the mountains gonna grow back?” And I remember that being just one of those moments where like, you had to really sit with the fact that like our mountains have been sliced clean off and we can't give this child a good answer," Pyette.Listen to Pyette on how extractive industries have taken away traditional and ancestral land, the origins and meaning of Two-Spirit identity, and ways of supporting mountain communities.Full transcript and episode sources are available at livablefuturepodcast.com

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 latest episodes, we explore what a sustainable future means for communities and people in the mountains. We have partnered with the Mountain Sentinels Network to bring you informative discussions on how global mountain sustainability affects everything.Join us as we work towards a sustainable future for you and me. Subscribe to the Livable Future Podcast and follow us on social media to stay informed and engaged.

​​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 shares an inside look into the scientists writing the Sixth Assessment Report of the IPCC and provides advice to junior scientists looking to get involved in the IPCC. 

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.