183: How Environmental Impact Assessment Shapes Our Sustainable Future: Insights with Angus Morrison-Saunders

In this episode, we talk to Briege Whitehead. She is the Founder and Creative Director of White Spark Pictures, driven by a passion for storytelling. Through her innovative work in film, she inspires change and elevates environmental awareness. A critically acclaimed director and executive producer, she has spearheaded numerous projects, including 'Impossible Planet' and 'Beyond the Milky Way.' Notably, her groundbreaking VR hit, 'The Antarctica Experience,' earned her the Channel 7’s Western Australian Young Achiever of the Year Award. Other awards include the 40under40 winner (2020), former SPA (Screen Producers Australia) 'One-to-Watch,' and the winner of the 2020 ECU International Alumni Award.During this episode, we discussed how the origins of her sustainable journey intertwined storytelling with environmental advocacy, emphasizing the importance of factual content. We also delved into her groundbreaking VR project, 'The Antarctica Experience,' and explored some exciting new projects she has in the pipeline.Links from the episodes:White Spark Pictures ProgrammesWhere can people find Briege?FacebookInstagramLinkedInWebsiteKey Take Away“You take it for granted when it is in your own backyard”

In this episode, we talk to Angus Morrison-Saunders. He is an Environmental Impact Assessment expert with over 35 years of experience. He has excelled in academia, research, and consultancy as well as an editor of leading EIA journals and a dedicated environmental consultant, who has significantly shaped the field.During this episode we talked about origins of EIA, highlighted EIA's pivotal role in mitigating environmental impacts, and explored challenges like defining "significant" impacts and the comprehensive EIA process. Emphasizing the evolving role of public engagement, obstacles in EIA, the practice of offsetting impacts, and the necessity of collaboration between sectors.Links from the episodes:The best books on environmental impact assessmentWhere can people find Angus?LinkedInECUKey Take Away“Think before you act”

In this episode, I share with you one of the important topics that I looked out in depth this year, that is eutrophication. It might seem like a big word and if you are wondering what am I talking about, well it simple terms it is mainly the greenish water that you might often come across in some of the aqua systems, but there is a lot more to it. The term, eutrophication. originating from the Greek word "eutrophos,", meaning well-nourished, is a complex environmental issue that has far-reaching consequences on aquatic ecosystems. This phenomenon involves the enrichment of aquatic environments with excess nutrients, leading to profound ecological changes. While eutrophication can occur naturally over extended periods, the recent acceleration of this process is primarily attributed to human activities, marking it as a significant contemporary environmental challenge. KEY TAKE AWAY“Every step no matter how big or small can make a difference.”

In this episode, we talk to Lisa Blair. She is a record holding sailor, that only started her sailing journey at the age of 25 and in seven short years, started making history. She was the first woman to sail solo around Antarctica with one stop, overcoming a dramatic dismasting at sea. She went on to lead the first all-female team in the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race after setting two more world records by sailing solo, non-stop, and unassisted around Australia. In 2022, she became the fastest person to sail solo, non-stop, and unassisted around Antarctica while conducting crucial ocean health research. With over 110,000 nautical miles under her belt, she is not only an accomplished sailor but also an author, adventurer, and inspirational speaker.During this episode we talked about some of the challenges she faced while sailing solo around Antarctica, What inspired her naming her boat Climate Action Now. Some of the magical wild life encounters she shared while at sea as well as how climate change and the plastic pollution is impacting our oceans. Links from the episodes:178: Sailing the waves of change a conversation with Captain Paul WatsonClimate Action Now MessageIce Maiden the filmFacing Fear BookMelanie Perkins (Canva)Million Dollar IslandWhere can people find Lisa?FacebookInstagramLinkedInTwitterYouTubeWebsiteKEY TAKE AWAY“The rhythm of the planet is changing.”

In this episode, we talk to Kate Williams. She is the CEO at 1 % for the Planet. Founded in 2002 it is a global movement inspiring businesses and individuals to support environmental solutions. Her relentless dedication to environmental sustainability has made her a driving force in corporate responsibility.During this episode, we talked about what exactly is 1% for the planet, how the certification process works as well as what type organisations forms part of the 1% for the planet network. We also dug into some of Kate’s goals and aspirations as CEO and the involvement of the environment over the last two decades of 1 % of the planet. Links from the episodes: Let my People go surfing book by Yvon Chouinard, the founder of 1% for the PlanetPlanet impact fundBritish cycling teamWhere can people find Kate and 1% for the Planet?FacebookInstagramLinkedIn - 1% for the PlanetLinkedIn - Kate WilliamsTwitterVimeoYouTubeWebsiteKEY TAKE AWAY“Progress not perfection”

In this episode, we talk to Maya van Rossum. She is the founder of Green Amendments For the Generations, a grassroots non-profit organization dedicated to securing constitutional recognition and protection of environmental rights. She has been a passionate advocate for the health of the Delaware River and its tributaries for over 30 years as the Delaware Riverkeeper. She was a lead petitioner in the landmark Robinson Township case and has testified multiple times before US Congressional Committees. She is also the author of The Green Amendment, Securing Our Right to a Healthy Environment, which won the 2018 Living Now Evergreen Awards GOLD in the Nature Conservation category.During this episode we looked at what green amendments are and how we can secure our right to an environmental future and what it takes to be the voice of a river. Links from the episodes:Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding SweetgrassSharma vs Minister for Environment case in Australia. The Green Amendment bookSilent Spring by Rachel CarsonWhere can people find Maya?FacebookInstagramLinkedInTwitterWebsiteKEY TAKE AWAY“The laws, fundamentally fail us.”

In this episode, we talk to Captain Paul Watson. He is a true legend in, marine wildlife conservation and environmental activist. As one of the founding members of Greenpeace (which he left in 1977) and founder of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, Captain Watson has spent his life fighting for the protection of our oceans and marine life. He continues this mission today through the new Captain Paul Watson Foundation.A master mariner, accomplished author, and renowned speaker, he has received numerous honors for his dedication to the planet, including the Genesis Award for Lifetime Achievement, being named one of Time Magazine's Top 20 Environmental Heroes of the 20th Century, and induction into the U.S. Animal Rights Hall of Fame. In 2007, he was awarded the Amazon Peace Prize by the president of Ecuador and in 2012, he became only the second person, after Captain Jacques Cousteau, to receive the Jules Verne Award for environmentalists and adventurers.During this episode we talked about the current state of our oceans, how we are all connected to the oceans and took a deep dive into the environmental movements, the role media plays and what the future might have in store for us. Links from the episodes:SeaspiracyWhere can people find Captain Paul Watson?FacebookInstagramLinkedInTwitterYouTubeWebsiteKEY TAKE AWAY“Be passionate, courageous and persistent”

In this episode, we talk to Doug Woodring. He is the Founder and Managing Director at Ocean Recovery Alliance. He was also awarded the coveted Prince's Prize for Innovative Philanthropy from Prince Albert of Monaco for his work in this space. He is the originator and initiator of Rebound Plastic Exchange for the global trading of recycled plastic feedstock in a certified, verified manner. During this episode we took a deep dive on how his sustainable journey started, Looking at the Great pacific garbage patch. We also talked about the importance of organisation and consumers in the current plastic waste problem as well as looked at some of their wonderful initiatives they have started from an app all the way through to their Plastic Disclosure Projects.Links from the episodes010: Top Tip Thursday The Great Pacific Garbage Patch with Mariska NellEllen Macarthur FoundationGlobal Alert AppWhere can people find Doug?FacebookTwitterWebsiteKEY TAKE AWAY“They are reminded to recycle.”

In this episode, we talk to Alicia Long. She is the founder and CEO of Nutr, a sustainable wellness brand that is changing the way we consume milk. She has been featured in major outlets such as Good Morning America, TODAY Show, Forbes, New York Magazine, Women’s Health.During this episode we talked about some of the benefits to us as well as the planet to switching to a milk alternative and we take a look at what exactly is Nutr and how is it revolutionising the way we enjoy milk alternatives without packaging. Links from the episodes:090: How one tree planted can make a difference with Matt HillNutr RecipesStep down Converter This is the one I have, but you can use anyone that steps down from a US to where you are located. Where can people find Alicia?15% Discount code - MAMAEARTH15FacebookInstagramLinkedInPinterestTiktokYouTubeWebsiteKEY TAKE AWAY“It all starts with a problem that you experience.”

In this episode, we talk to Andrea Richey. She is an animal activist, educator, TEDx Speaker and know by many as the Shark Lady. She is the Executive director of the Hong Kong Shark Foundation where she is reaching out to over 10,000 students annually to encourage them to say no to shark fin soup.During this episode we take a look at the shark fin industry, from what a bowl of soup would cost you, to what that bowl of soup is costing the environment. Andrea also gave us some great tips that we can do to help out our sharks and make sure the are around for future generations.Links from the episodes143: How To Save Our Oceans With Dr. Sylvia EarleWhere can people find Andrea?FacebookInstagramLinkedInTwitterYouTube - Andrea's TEDx TalkWebsiteKEY TAKE AWAY“You can actually be the change”