Planet Policy Pals Podcast

UPDATE: Series 3 is coming!!!

It’s a new series and a new topic. Until the end of the year, we will focus on some of the environmental tragedies that have been caused by humans and impacted communities severely in the last few decades. Topics like the Bhopal disaster, Chernobyl and the oil spill that gave us Earth day are on the list. We want to learn how these things happened and how people recovered. Listen for more details and learn with us every Monday starting September 13th.
Captions of transcript available on our Youtube Page

EP 20: EXTRA POLICY- Ecotourist Spots

In episode 17, we discussed how the principles of ecotourism can improve general tourism, but there is a dark side too. Ecotourism is now a large industry and there are not enough regulations to control how it is operated. The destruction of local resources to make room for ecotourism is a problem. In this mini-sode we discuss some examples of the dark side, what can be done better and highlight even more amazing spots that you can visit for the best eco-friendly experience.
 Captions of transcript available on our Youtube Page

EP 19: EXTRA POLICY: Milk and Milk Adjacent

Global demand for dairy continues to increase in large part due to population growth, rising incomes, urbanization and westernization of diets in countries such as China and India. Milk, butter, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, and other dairy products are ubiquitous, consumed by more than 6 billion people worldwide. In this episode, we explore the myths surrounding dairy and look at the best options for plant milk, considering environmental impact, resource consumption and nutrients. The facts may shock you, but listen to find out what the best option is for you!
closed captions of transcript on youtube

EP 18: EXTRA POLICY- Flash Floods & Infrastructure

Flash flooding is fresh in our minds following the devastation seen recently in Germany. Urban areas are more likely to experience this type of "surface water" flooding because they have a lot of hard surfaces. Last year, flooding in Senegal displaced over 4000 people and this year, we have seen events in China, Nigeria, Afghanistan, London, USA, Guatemala, Sudan and others. Clearly, we have a big problem with flooding, but specifically the unpredictable nature of flash floods. In this mini-sode, we discuss some recent events, how floods and climate change are related and the effects on infrastructure moving forward. 
Captions of transcript available on our Youtube Page

EP 17: Let‘s Talk Tourism and the Environment

45 people arrive on average at tourist locations every minute and there have already been over 740,000 tourist visits this year alone. While tourism creates jobs and is a great way to appreciate the diversity of the human experience, mass tourism also takes a toll on the environment. In this episode, we look at the positives versus negatives of different forms of tourism and discuss how ecotourism could be the solution to a growing crisis. Wanna start planning your next sustainable vacation? Listen and get started!
Follow the link for show notes and references https://docs.google.com/document/d/16XJUTaSMlivAT1IfBFdcg9XG7566LsL3lXDOrShLdTw/edit?usp=sharing 
Captions of transcript available on our Youtube Page

EP 16: Let‘s Talk Meat and Environment (PT 2)

In 2020, the United States, Brazil and the European Union accounted for roughly 50% of the world's beef production. In Episode 16, we continue the conversation on the impact of meat on our environment by focusing on some of the biggest producers and consumers, as well as the regulations and cultural paradigms that guide production and consumption in these countries. We will also look at some best practices, meat alternatives and recommend some creators to check out if you are interested in vegetarian recipes to eat less meat.
Follow the link for show notes and references
https://docs.google.com/document/d/17jsD4-qffvS5WNu_r6KUBnspOQsNsmHF9HxfkOcy6XI/edit?usp=sharing 
Closed caption of transcript available on our YouTube channel.

EP 15: Let‘s Talk Meat and Environment (Pt 1)

Worldwatch Institute data notes that people in industrial countries eat an average of 176 pounds of meat per person. This rising consumption of meat makes the industry one of the greatest contributing factors to global warming and environmental degradation in general. In this week’s episode, the pals are diving into the habits that drive our meat consumption, what meat sources are most sustainable and comparing the environmental benefits of small versus large scale farming. 
Follow the link for show notes and references
https://docs.google.com/document/d/17lUNRcK4PlXTIbzSL90bnlOcgOj8HKnMFCfrTworm_4/edit?usp=sharing
Closed caption of transcript available on our YouTube channel.

EP 14: Let‘s talk Textiles and Environment (Pt 2)

Last episode, we talked about the problem that the textile industry poses towards the environment and what some companies are doing to change that. The European Union is enacting regulation that will change how manufacturers market clothing and in places like the UK, waste programs are undergoing to meet the fashion waste problem. In this episode, we discuss a UN effort to tackle the textile industry's environmental impact, some of the biggest offender countries and the policies that some countries are using to address the problem of pollution in fashion.
For show notes and references, follow the link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/15--_drIKaFJmCsU39VQzsvJGChfDkO4JWDvB0tGS_E4/edit?usp=sharing 
Closed caption of transcript available on our YouTube channel.

EP 13: Let‘s Talk Textiles and Environment (Pt 1)

We begin our series investigating the connection between large industries and the environment with textiles. According to the UN, the total carbon emissions of the fashion industry account for 10% of global carbon emissions, making it the second most polluting industry after the oil industry. Prepare to explore the history of the textile industry boom, how fast fashion became so popular, the environmental impact, as well as how this affects human health. We also discuss companies that are trying to make a difference, so we can shop better. 
For show notes and references, follow the link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/166x0LTLMrqXu1MvDpHLTbvuGOQDURtj9ApXDVdszqjA/edit?usp=sharing 
Closed caption of transcript available on our YouTube channel.

EP 12: EXTRA POLICY- China‘s Environmental Crackdown

Following their economic boom, China has begun an intense environmental movement spearheaded by its government to clamp down on offenders in business, imports and even officials that cause harm to the environment. Basically, they’re coming for everybody and we were not ready AT ALL.