We Are Carbon
We Are Carbon is the interview show that helps us to recognise that the future of both our planet and our societies can be incredibly beautiful - and that we all play a role in getting there! Hosted by Helen Fisher with guests joining from across the globe. There's a new episode every other Tuesday, and they'll average 1 hr long. We see endless headlines warning us of the horrific impact that we're having on the climate and how dire the outlook is, but we're going to re-frame this crisis and start putting the solutions into our own hands. I'm inviting...
S3 E18 · Tue, April 01, 2025
DRAFT - Carbon Builds Life [working title!]
draft for checking
S3 E17 · Tue, September 10, 2024
Nature Based Solutions - In Conversation with Diana Denke [Co-Founder Fair Carbon]
I'm delighted to be joined by Diana Denke who has generously offered to bring us an overview of what can be done to bring more financing towards nature. For generations wealth and financial markets have benefited from the extraction and depletion of the natural world to the extent that we're globally facing a crisis of biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse. There is a firm recognition of the need to protect, support and regenerate nature for the multi-faceted benefits that it brings to our economy, health, communities & climate. But companies are facing a barrier when it comes to moving significant finance into projects for nature so there's a need for new approaches and further learning. Diana is passionate about nature regeneration and has a wealth of experience exploring investment opportunities into nature based solutions. She is the perfect voice to help us all to get a better grasp of the barriers, the challenges and possible paths forward. (For a further breakdown of this discussion see the timestamps below) You can learn from Diana and her work with Fair Carbon here: https://www.faircarbon.org/ Find a video version of this conversation over on the website: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/nature-based-solutions-diana-denke/ ------------- Related We Are Carbon episodes: Yesterday’s Sunlight or Today’s? – In Conversation with John Roulac Roots So Deep – In Conversation with Peter Byck Understanding Carbon Offsetting – In Conversation with Brennan Spellacy ----------- Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 04:34 - What are nature based solutions? 07:42 - The need & benefits of investing in nature 17:20 - Barriers to bringing finance into nature at scale 29:28 - Investing in carbon removal technology vs investing in nature 43:20 - Financing solutions for nature projects 50:35 - Collaborating to scale up projects? 54:20 - Diana's work with Fair Carbon [restoring coastal and marine ecosystems]
S3 E16 · Tue, August 27, 2024
Nature Connection for Well-Being & Earth Healing - Wayapa Wuurrk Group Chat
Join me for a group chat with four practitioners of Wayapa Wuurrk exploring the relevance of Indigenous wisdom & nature connection in our modern world. There are many reasons that our lives today have caused disconnection between us and the people and environments around us. And it's too easy to over look the importance of this. I'm joined by three guests in Australia, Jem Stone, Rebecca Dunn and Sara Jones , along with Debbie Mace in the UK. They've all come together to share about the power of nature connection for our personal, collective and planetary well-being. These four ladies are all practitioners of Wayapa Wuurrk which is an earth connection practice based on ancient Indigenous wisdom, originating in Australia. This is a relaxing chat between like-minded woman and yet at its heart it's also a powerful conversation which demonstrates the place of talking in circle, sharing stories and reconnecting to the world around us. You can learn more about Wayapa Wuurrk at the website: https://wayapa.com/ If you're in the UK and would like to connect with Debbie Mace directly you can find her here on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-mace-639a3b242/ ----- More from We Are Carbon: The Power Of Food: Connection & Community Group Chat - https://www.wearecarbon.earth/power-of-food-collaboration/ Connecting with Textiles: in Conversation with Sharon Kallis - https://www.wearecarbon.earth/sustainable-textiles-sharon-kallis/ What Even is Soil?! - a dialogue to support holistic thinking - https://www.wearecarbon.earth/soil-path-to-whole-systems-thinking/ ----- For a further breakdown of this episode see the timestamps below. 00:00 - Introductions 06:50 - "Individual Journey to Collective Well-being" 13:55 - Empowering through relationships 23:07 - Observation, conversation & story 33:58 - Addressing eco-anxiety 41:14 - What is Wayapa Wuurrk? 46:33 - Bringing Wayapa to the UK 50:44 - Personal transformation & global connection
S3 E15 · Tue, August 13, 2024
The Weather Proof Farm - In Conversation with Niels Corfield [Soil Health & Regen Ag Trainer]
It's a pleasure to be joined by Niels Corfield who shares insights from his concept of 'The Weatherproof Farm'. It's hard to not have noticed the increase in standing water across farmlands in recent years; fields appearing to contain vast lakes during our wetter seasons. Whilst we might consider ourselves to be at the mercy of changing weather this conversation helps to underline why the cause and solution to this standing water can be much more within our control. Having monitored the soil and pasture health on over 200 farms in the UK Niels developed the concept of 'The Weatherproof Farm' which puts the focus on addressing compacted and unhealthy soils. Making changes to a farm management system can be complex and so I really appreciate the way that Niels breaks down the barriers with his practical and accessible approach to understanding both the problems and solutions around soil health. Niels works with producers and landowners to implement regenerative systems and has a passion to help farmers to understand the root causes of the issues they work with day-to-day, enabling them to create low-input, profitable operations that are nature-friendly and productive. Learn more with Niels: Niels' website: https://nielscorfield.com/ Farm Ed [17th Sept] 'Weatherproof Your Farm': https://www.farm-ed.co.uk/event-details/weatherproof-your-farm ---------- Related We Are Carbon episodes: Roots So Deep -In Conversation with Peter Byck Understanding Regenerative Agriculture - with Caroline Grindrod Holistic Management - with Sheila Cooke ---------- For a further breakdown of this discussion see the timestamps below: 00:00 - Intro 04:44 - The case for 'The Weatherproof Farm' 06:50 - Soil type doesn't have to be the limit 11:31 - What is aggregation in soil & why is it important? 18:31 - Dairy management - soil health, resilience & profitability 25:31 - Arable management - soil health, resilience & profitability 32:43 - The soil doesn't lie!</p
Bonus · Tue, July 30, 2024
A Quick Invite - Join Our Food Forest Learning Group [Climate Action From Our Gardens]
From Our Food Forests Discovering Climate Action in Our Gardens & Communities Join us as we embark on a learning journey of regeneration from our growing spaces across the globe. From Our Food Forests is a new light touch network hosted by Helen Fisher for connection and co-learning Read the newsletter on LinkedIn Subscribe to the newsletter on LinkedIn Join us for our monthly live call – find the latest sign up link at the website Contact me to share ideas & explore opportunities | email: helen@wearecarbon.earth ------------ Episode highlights for further listening from the podcast: Understanding Regenerative Agriculture with Caroline Grindrod https://www.wearecarbon.earth/podcast-episode/caroline-grindrod-regenerative-agriculture/ Holistic Management with Sheila Cooke https://www.wearecarbon.earth/podcast-episode/holistic-management-transition-mindset-farming/ Connecting with Textiles with Sharon Kallis https://www.wearecarbon.earth/sustainable-textiles-sharon-kallis
S3 E13 · Tue, July 09, 2024
A New Farm Begins - Exploring Profit and Regeneration for Smallholder Farmers. Jackson Buzingo
Jackson Buzingo is a multi-generational small holder farmer who grew up facing the challenges of a changing landscape in Tanzania, East Africa. As he witnessed rivers running dry and crops failing he set out to find a solution. In Season 1 of the podcast Jackson shared his journey of learning about regenerative practices in agriculture. He brought his passion to the communities around him, educating hundreds of small holder farmers and establishing small demonstration farms and food forests that have since inspired with their ability to produce when surrounding lands are dry and struggling. In this episode we catch up with Jackson over two years later. We speak at a turning point in his journey where he's taking the first steps to establish his own regenerative farm in Western Tanzania. This time to become an example of a profitable business model for small holder farmers rather than as purely a demonstration for regeneration. Jackson offers a wide range of insights into the steps that he plans to take with his farm along with exploring some of the barriers that are holding back a wider spread transition within the communities around him. Find a video version of this episode on the website: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/jackson-buzingo-farming-transition-in-east-africa/ For a further breakdown of this discussion see the timestamps below: 00:00 - Intro 02:57 - First steps on the new farm 05:23 - Why this farm differs from the demo farms 07:52 - Trees and layers in the new farm 09:18 - Climate struggles & barriers to transition 14:03 - Conventional farming struggles - tobacco dominance and deforestation 16:39 - Hope & inspiration from food forests 23:51 - Plan and progression for the new farm 31:23 - Access to seeds 36:25 - Access to food for local communities 37:36 - Building awareness & momentum for regeneration
S3 E12 · Tue, June 25, 2024
In Conversation with Peter Byck - Director & Wrangler of Scientists [Roots So Deep - You Can See The Devil Down There]
Join me for a conversation with Peter Byck exploring the incredible opportunity that land offers to us as a tool for re-balancing the climate. Peter is the director of the four part documentary series Roots So Deep (You Can See The Devil Down There) There's a huge contrast that we often talk about on this show; how regenerative farming can tip all the detriments of conventional practises on their head and actually turn agriculture into one of the biggest healing tools for the planet. And this is why I'm so incredibly excited about the work that Peter has been part of. He's been working with a team of pioneering scientists who have conducted research to compare the outcomes of regenerative cattle grazing directly with their conventional farming neighbours. It's an extensive multi-discipline project bringing a whole systems look and putting data behind the claims. And the results are in! Find a video version of this episode on the website: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/peter-byck-roots-so-deep/ For a further breakdown of this discussion see the timestamps below: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:04:42 - Climate solution discovery journey 00:12:36 - Break down of the science for Roots So Deep 00:19:23 - AMP Grazing; easier for the farmers? 00:27:22 - The far reaching connections from how we farm 00:29:33 - The game of knowledge sharing 00:36:00 - What's next? Expanding transition 00:41:06 - Comparing farming outcomes via dung 00:47:19 - Focusing on solutions 00:51:49 - Economies for farmers 00:54:00 - Funders for the research 01:07:24 - Inspiring change
S3 E11 · Tue, June 11, 2024
The Power of Food - Four Guests Working in Collaboration [Nick Weir, Kay Johnson, Flora Gathorne-Hardy, Miche Fabre Lewin]
Join us in this special episode that brings together a range of voices to explore their developing collaborative project; The Power of Food. Together these four guests bring a diverse range experiences and knowledge to unite around the common goal of building social cohesion by harnessing the connective power of food. Connecting with where our food comes from, and also with community, with health, with nature and with the world around us. Holistic and expansive. It was a delightful conversation to be engaged with and I'm so excited to announce that during our chat a decision was made to fast forward plans and move forward with a pilot right away! If you're serious about taking action to connect and enrich the local food system around you I'm sure the team here would love to hear from you. Here's Nick's email - do reach out: nick@openfoodnetwork.org.uk The Guests and links out: Nick Weir - Co-founder, Open Food Network UK https://openfoodnetwork.org.uk/ Kay Johnson - Director, The Larder https://larder.org.uk/ Flora Gathorne-Hardy & Miche Fabre Lewin - Founders, Living Justice https://livingjustice.earth/ With insights from Serenity Hill - Co-founder, Open Food Network [Full episode with Serenity: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/serenity-hill-open-food-network/ ] For a further breakdown of this discussion see the timestamps below. See the video version of this episode here: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/power-of-food-collaboration/ ------- More Formats from We Are Carbon: [Shorter Video Format with Animations] - Can All Food be Regenerative. With Patrick Holden: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/can-all-food-be-regenerative/ [Story Telling Audio Format] - Soil (My Common Sense Take) : https://www.wearecarbon.earth/soil-path-to-whole-systems-thinking/ Explore ways to support this content: <a href="https://www.wearecarbon.earth/your-support/" rel="noopener noreferrer" ta
S3 E10 · Mon, May 27, 2024
Welcome to the Food Forest! - My Own Small Project of Regeneration
Watch a short video from the food forest here: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/food-forest-small-project-of-regeneration In a change from our usual conversations this episode introduces my own small project of regeneration at my food forest in Lincolnshire, UK. Winglewood is both my home and place for imagination & I started the food forest before reaching out to start any of the conversations for this podcast. After learning so much from my time spent here co-creating with Nature I'd like to start sharing more of the journey with you. I've created a video to go alongside this episode so you can see a short intro to the food forest. You'll also find an invite to join for some growing space discussions on the same page. Find the video and invite here: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/food-forest-small-project-of-regeneration
S3 E9 · Tue, May 14, 2024
Connecting with Textiles - In Conversation with Sharon Kallis [EartHand Gleaners]
Join me for a conversation with Sharon Kallis who brings us thought provoking insights from her work exploring the place of textiles within our lives. Inspiring us to reconnect with ourselves, community and heal the world around us through rediscovering the materials which we wrap around ourselves and our homes. Sharon is the founding director of EartHand Gleaners Society Alongside her artistic and practical endeavours transforming fibres into clothing, Sharon's work also includes community projects that layer up the opportunities for people to reconnect with one another, with plants and with place. Combined with a personal challenge of 'growing her own clothing' this all comes through to bring us a story of re-finding what it means to be human; exploring a slower, more purposeful pace of life as an outcome of acting more sustainably in the creation of the stuff we use and depend upon. For a further breakdown of this discussion see the timestamps below. See the video version of this episode here: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/sustainable-textiles-sharon-kallis/ ------- More Formats from We Are Carbon: [Shorter Video Format with Animations] - Can All Food be Regenerative. With Patrick Holden: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/can-all-food-be-regenerative/ [Story Telling Audio Format] - Soil (My Common Sense Take) : https://www.wearecarbon.earth/soil-path-to-whole-systems-thinking/ Explore ways to support this content: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/your-support/ ---------------------- Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:07:00 - Sharon's work integrating textiles within community gardens 00:16:40 - Connectivity, well being & complexity 00:28:08 - Challenges of community land access 00:34:26 - Invasive plant species for textile use 00:37:52 - Modern disconnection & unsustainable textiles 00:48:08 - Growing your own clothes! Sharon's journey 01:02:27 - The steps we can all take towards more sustainable textiles
S3 E8 · Tue, April 30, 2024
Carbon Sink Homes - In Conversation with David Nicholson [Director Natural Building Systems]
It was a great pleasure to spend some time discussing a new paradigm for our built environment with David Nicholson ; considering how the construction of our buildings can actually support the drawing down of carbon. David is the director of Natural Building Systems His work not only explores how we can transform the impact of our buildings upon the climate, but how the use of natural materials is key to both creating and maintaining a healthy living environment for ourselves too. Natural Building Systems is working directly with farmers to develop a supply chain for the hemp fibre utilised within their unique prefabricated system. Combining the best of nature and technology to work towards an affordable, adaptable system of building for a more regenerative future. For a further breakdown of this discussion see the timestamps below. See the video version of this episode here: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/carbon-sink-homes-david-nicholson/ ------- More Formats from We Are Carbon: [Shorter Video Format with Animations] - Can All Food be Regenerative. With Patrick Holden: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/can-all-food-be-regenerative/ [Story Telling Audio Format] - Soil (My Common Sense Take) : https://www.wearecarbon.earth/soil-path-to-whole-systems-thinking/ Explore ways to support this content: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/your-support/ ---------------------- Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:06:10 - Embodied carbon in buildings - the size of today's problem 00:13:30 - The transition needed 00:17:30 - Synthetic insulation - look at the bigger picture 00:22:00 - The properties of hemp & short life cycle crops 00:29:00 - Utilising short life cycle crops as a more sustainable resource than timber? 00:34:30 - Working & developing with farmers 00:43:30 - The biobased modular system of Natural Building Systems 00:54:10 - The experience for a builder / developer to work with NBS & adaptability 01:00:00 - The experience to live within a NBS construction 01:05:00 - Collaborating / getting in touch / learning more
S3 E7 · Tue, April 16, 2024
In Conversation with Serenity Hill - Co-Founder: The Open Food Network
I had the wonderful opportunity to chat with Serenity Hill about building an alternative, fairer and more resilient path within our food systems. Serenity is the co-founder of The Open Food Network. She comes from a long line of farmers on both sides of her family and has grown up with a keen awareness of the challenges and contradictions of balancing the needs of nature and the needs of farmers within a centralised food system that does a poor job of supporting either. We talk about the motivations that led to the creation of The Open Food Network alongside the ongoing ambitions and evolution of this now expansive enterprise. For a further breakdown of this discussion see the timestamps below. See the video version of this episode here: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/serenity-hill-open-food-network/ ------- More Formats from We Are Carbon: [Shorter Video Format with Animations] - Can All Food be Regenerative. With Patrick Holden: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/can-all-food-be-regenerative/ [Story Telling Audio Format] - Soil (My Common Sense Take) : https://www.wearecarbon.earth/soil-path-to-whole-systems-thinking/ Explore ways to support this content: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/your-support/ ---------------------- Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 02:51 - Motivation & background to start the OFN 08:40 - Farming with nature - influences from both parents 13:42 - Challenges faced by farmers in current food system 17:07 - What is a social enterprise? 18:50 - What is the Open Food Network? 24:00 - Input from Nick Weir (Open Food Network UK) 27:54 - Shared learning, resource & investment 30:21 - OFN success stories and uses 36:00 - Evolving the investment and subsidy schemes for greater food access for all 39:39 - 'The Power of Food'- valuing food beyond a basic commodity 44:25 - Serenity and Kirsten's farm 46:11 - Learning more
S3 E6 · Tue, March 19, 2024
In Conversation with Daniel Deniaud-Powell - Co-owner: Des Heures Dehors
I was delighted to be joined by Daniel Deniaud-Powell for a conversation about the wonderful potential of our gardens for supporting both biodiversity and food production, and exploring the practical steps we might take to bring such enrichment into our own green spaces and lives. Daniel co-owns and runs 'Des Heures Dehors' with his wife Hélène. His passion and connection to nature is clear, and he has a wide range of experience producing food, designing gardens and food forests and running unique enterprises; such an edible flower farm, to make small scale growing profitable. We touch on all of this alongside gleaning some very practical guidance for anyone considering creating an edible, biodiversity garden. See the video version of this episode here: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/daniel-deniaud-powell-biodiversity-gardening/ For a further breakdown of this discussion see the timestamps below, and use the references section to find links out to Daniel's work and a range of further resources that he mentions. ------- More Formats from We Are Carbon: [Shorter Video Format with Animations] - Can All Food be Regenerative. With Patrick Holden: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/can-all-food-be-regenerative/ [Story Telling Audio Format] - Soil (My Common Sense Take) : https://www.wearecarbon.earth/soil-path-to-whole-systems-thinking/ Explore ways to support this content: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/your-support/ ---------------------- 00:00:00 - Intro 00:05:12 - What is an Edible biodiversity garden? 00:09:15 - Soil health & principles from regenerative farming 00:12:44 - Supporting diversity / creating an ecosystem 00:18:34 - Our bad relationship with creepy crawlies & creatures in our spaces 00:24:33 - Nature isn't fully functioning - rewilding through standing back OR taking action? 00:27:49 - Daniel's dream garden 00:31:58 - Daniel's favourite species to include in a garden design 00:35:50 - Including food in the biodiversity garden 00:41:19 - How to produce food with low maintenance - approach and plant suggestions 00:48:08 - Commercial business from a small growing space 00:55:39 - Gardens at restaurants / working with chefs 01:03:10 - Current focuses ------- References mentioned by
S3 E5 · Thu, March 07, 2024
In Conversation with Jason Freeman - Founder: Farmer Direct Organic
It was wonderful to be joined by Jason Freeman for a conversation that brings insights from his experience running a farmer owned co-op & organic retail brand which address the challenges of bringing fairer and more transparent connections between organic food producers and consumers. We discuss why our current large scale systems of agriculture and food supply create a barrier for transitioning to more sustainable farming approaches, along with the obstacles it causes for consumers who are seeking food choices that are healthy for themselves and nature. We also learn of Jason's journey in creating a farmer owned co-operative, the values and approaches that brought it success, and his later move to his current business 'Farmer Direct Organic'. You can find the Farmer Direct Organic website here: https://fdorganic.com/ See the video version of this episode here: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/jason-freeman-regenerative-food-supply/ ------- More Formats from We Are Carbon: [Shorter Video Format] - Can All Food be Regenerative. With Patrick Holden: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/can-all-food-be-regenerative/ [Story Telling Audio Format] - Soil (My Common Sense Take) : https://www.wearecarbon.earth/soil-path-to-whole-systems-thinking/ Explore ways to support this content: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/your-support/ ---------------------- Other We Are Carbon episodes focused on transforming food supply: Evolving the Local Food System - A compilation with 4 guests in my home county of Lincolnshire Local Food Ecosystems - in conversation with Duncan Catchpole, Founder of the Cambridge Food Hub --------- For a further breakdown of this discussion see the timestamps below: 00:00 - Jason Intro & importance of soil health 02:05 - Welcome to episode 04:17 - Soil health, nutrition and human health 07:18 - How our systems of agriculture can be a barrier to transitioning farming practices 14:11 - Systems change from
S3 E4 · Thu, February 22, 2024
When Farming Helps Nature [My Common Sense Take] - Exploring the Mindset of Regeneration
This episode brings my own personal dialogue exploring our farming system through a regenerative lens. A stark realisation of not only how bizarre it is, but of the potential we have as humans to step in, turn the tide and become a beneficial element from this place forward. This journey is given life and rooted down by the insights and experiences of three wonderful guests from the podcast. Learn more from our guests: Agroforestry producer Bernadette Millard helps us appreciate the potential of perennial foods. She shares experiences from her journey transforming her farm in the desert borderlands of Oman into a thriving oasis. The full We Are Carbon episode with Bernadette can be found here. --- Organic farmer Hannah Thorogood offers insights into why we should be imitating nature with our raising of livestock. She utilises permaculture and holistic grazing on her 130 acre farm, The InkPot Organic Farm in the UK. The original We Are Carbon episode with Hannah can be found here - as part of a compilation about building a local food system. --- And filmmaker Peter Byck brings observations from his extensive project with a wide range of scientists who have studied nature side by side on farms using regenerative grazing compared with farms grazing conventionally. Peter's full interview for We Are Carbon will be published in early summer. In the meantime you can learn more about his extensive research project and the corresponding film series 'Roots So Deep, You Can See The Devil Down There'. ---- Watch the first episode in this format: "So... What Even is Soil??" - Listen here: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/soil-path-to-whole-systems-thinking/
S3 E3 · Tue, February 06, 2024
In Conversation with Patrick Holden - Founder: The Sustainable Food Trust
It was a great pleasure to be joined by Patrick Holden for a conversation exploring the challenges and paths to creating food and farming systems that work in closer harmony with nature. Patrick is the founder and CEO of 'The Sustainable Food Trust' and he has a great range of insights to offer around this topic. We discuss what our diets would need to look like if we were to achieve a transition to sustainable and regenerative farming across the whole of the UK, along with the problem of dishonest pricing within our food system. We also touch on why Patrick is optimistic that change is possible due to a trend of more and more people taking an interest in the story of their food. Learn more about The Sustainable Food Trust here: https://sustainablefoodtrust.org/ See the video version of this episode along with additional references mentioned here: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/patrick-holden-sustainable-food-trust ---------------------- More Formats from We Are Carbon: [Shorter Video Format] - From Healthy Soil Comes Healthy Food. With Claire Mackenzie: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/soil-health-and-regenerative-farming/ [Story Telling Audio Format] - Soil (My Common Sense Take) : https://www.wearecarbon.earth/soil-path-to-whole-systems-thinking/ Explore ways to support this content: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/your-support/ ---------------------- For a further breakdown of this discussion see the timestamps below: 00:00 Intro 02:20 About Patrick 03:27 Why is cheap food not really so cheap?? 11:50 True Cost Accounting 15:16 The impact of food production on our energy & vitality 22:55 Would we have enough food if all farming became regenerative? 26:06 What does a sustainable diet look like? 34:46 Multiple Approaches of The Sustainable Food Trust 44:59 What steps can a farmer take if they'd like to transition? 48:07 Do you feel we're on track to move things forward?
S3 E2 · Tue, January 23, 2024
Soil - [My Common Sense Take] Paving a Path to Whole Systems Thinking
Welcome to this new additional format for the podcast! We'll still be having fresh interviews alongside but today's episode is a bit different; a personal dialogue that I've written and recorded to (hopefully) help birth an appreciation of soil through the lens of whole systems thinking. I'm joined throughout with guests from our other episodes - You'll hear from Tony Rinaudo and his struggles trying to reestablish life in the degraded soils of Africa, along with his development of F.M.N.R that completely turned things around. The full episode with Tony can be found here: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/podcast-episode/regenerating-hope-fmnr-tony-rinaudo/ Jason Freeman of Farmer Direct Organic joins us to help us understand the impacts that chemical agriculture has on our soils and food. The full interview with Jason will be published later this Spring so subscribe for notifications! Sheila Cooke of 3LM (The Savory Network Hub for UK and Ireland) shares her wisdom of holistic management to take our knowledge deeper when understanding the complexity and functions within a healthy ecosystem. The full interview with Sheila can be found here: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/podcast-episode/holistic-management-transition-mindset-farming/ It has been great fun to produce this episode - I'd love to know what you think! Here's a breakdown for reference: 00:00 - Awe for the Soil Microbiome & it's connection with all life 02:20 - Introducing the format 04:05 - Zooming out to see what's missing in the ecosystem 07:20 - How are we surrounded by so much bare ground?! 11:27 - Soil is a factory (ecosystem analogy) 18:18 - Tony Rinaudo - Degraded land in Africa 25:05 - Tony Rinaudo - Regenerating with F.M.N.R 29:06 - Impacts of agriculture in temperate climates 32:44 - Jason Freeman - Chemical farming and the detriment on soil and food 35:50 - Nature's complexity and abundance 38:18 - Sheila Cooke - Holistic thinking and ever evolving ecosystems
S3 E1 · Tue, January 09, 2024
In Conversation with Claire Mackenzie - Producer; Six Inches Of Soil
I'm delighted to be joined by Claire Mackenzie for a conversation focused on soil! Claire is the producer of the documentary 'Six Inches Of Soil' and she helps us to get a grasp of this significant topic. We discuss why the way that we farm impacts our soils, and why the health of those soils is so important to our futures. We also touch on some politics, the challenges and need for change and the joy and transformation that regenerative farming can bring to people alongside the land. For a further breakdown of this discussion see the timestamps below, and use the following links to explore this episode & season of We Are Carbon: Learn more about Six Inches of Soil here: https://www.sixinchesofsoil.org/ See the video version of this episode along with additional references here: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/claire-mackenzie-six-inches-of-soil/ Get Involved with the New Formats of We Are Carbon here: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/get-involved/ Support This Content: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/your-support/ Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 03:27 - About Claire 05:30 - Why a film about soil? 08:50 - Why how we farm is critical to soil health? 14:13 - Why is healthy soil important to our future? 19:40 - Are farmers leading the change? 26:45 - Does regenerative farming attrack a younger generation of farmers? 31:50 - Regenerating land = regenerating people 38:20 - The diversity of regenerative farming 45:04 - Screening the documentary & 'Digging Deeper' 52:09 - How does Claire feel about the future of soil?
S2 E18 · Tue, October 03, 2023
Agroforestry & Community in Costa Rica - with Joshua Hughes [Rewild Organics]
Connect with Joshua: Email: joshua(@)weareblacksheep.org (without the brackets) Joshua's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-hughes-68a338169/ Support the products: https://rewildorganics.org/ Spend time in Costa Rica! https://www.verdenergia.org/ ---- A recycler and activist from Oregon, Joshua arrived in Costa Rica almost two decades ago to begin an agroforestry project that has evolved in multiple directions. It's a location that just sounds like paridise but it hasn't always been that way, and with much of the primary rainforests cleared for intensive agriculture over the decades this is a conversation that's as much about restoring the population, community and livlihoods, as it is about restoring nature. And what an incredible place to be working with nature. Take 20' of rainfall per year and put it to good use, and instead of devastating errosion you have the most extroidinarily fast growth and abundance. This is a collaborative agroforestry project with several farms that are building community and self sufficiency alongside the ongoing development of supply chains for a range of value added products. Every step of the way Joshua has opened up to working with a wide range of people and continues to do so. His email address is in the description and he welcomes you to get in touch especially if you're regenerating in the tropics. You can also support this work in Costa Rica through their retail brand Rewild Organics. Watch this episode on the We Are Carbon website: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/podcast-episode/agroforestry-community-costa-rica/
S2 E17 · Tue, September 19, 2023
People, Planet, Profit - Weaving Benefits to Scale Regeneration & Nature Based Carbon Removals [1MTN]
Anete and Kristjan are combining a blend of legal and financial expertise to bring forward a for profit company that's large in both scale and in benefits for people and planet. One Million Tonne Nation (1MTN) is focused on land restoration across East Africa, where deforested sites are being planted with bamboo polycultures as a starting point to establish new growth for the local economy, habitat and community. It's an ambition that involves accelerating the development of carbon markets for nature based carbon removals and the team brings together experience from across the globe and across sectors to navigate what are ever evolving and pretty challenging areas of business. Large scale land restoration. And large lumps of money being brought into land restoration. Those two things may go hand in hand, but they tend to require very different mindsets as restoration can't simply be scaled up with a one size fits all Restoration needs to be contextual, adaptable. So I was very interested to learn about this project's approach and see how it offers unique insights and inspiration for others that aspire to scale up regeneration and really weave together benefits for people, planet, profit. It has huge potential and both Anete and Kristjan have a wealth of knowledge to share. I hope you enjoy having a listen! --------------------- Episode Links: 1MTN website - https://www.1mtn.com/ LinkedIn 1MTN - https://www.linkedin.com/company/1mtn/ This episode on the We Are Carbon Website - https://www.wearecarbon.earth/podcast-episode/people-planet-profit-1mtn/
S2 E16 · Mon, September 04, 2023
Multi Crises Solution - Regenerative Agriculture in Pakistan. With Taimur Malik [Drawdown Farm]
In this interview I'm joined by Taimur Malik to hear about the journey that brought him to founding Drawdown Farm in Pakistan, and the work they're doing there to produce foods regeneratively despite the challenges of desert soils and an arid climate. Taimur's background is not in farming. His move to develop regenerative agriculture in Pakistan is his response to having his eyes opened to the mix of crises surrounding him in the world; from climate to biodiversity loss, and even the roots of civil war. After much dedicated research the conclusion that he reached was that our most impactful solution is regenerative agriculture. I feel hugely inspired by the work that has been done here - not only in the successful regeneration of soils and cultivation of crops (including bananas which were thought impossible to grow in the Thal Desert) ; all of which you'll hear about towards the latter half of the discussion. But also by the range of research and influences that have guided Taimur in his learning, it's an incredibly varied set of wisdom that's been brought together and somehow provided clarity and focus rather than conflicting ideas. What a wonderful place we're in as a world to have so much information available to us, and I hope you'll feel as uplifted and motivated as I do by this story that demonstrates quite clearly that we have the knowledge we need to regenerate! And with the right approach, using many tools side by side Taimur concludes that a transition to regenerative agriculture can actually be really quick! He's very articulate at walking you through his journey so you'll hear very little from me with the questioning through this one. I hope you'll enjoy having a listen through. Episode Links: Learn more at Taimur's website: https://www.drawdownfarm.com/ Find this episode on the We Are Carbon website: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/podcast-episode/regenerative-agriculture-pakistan/
S2 E15 · Mon, August 21, 2023
Holistic Management - Transitioning Mindset & Farming. With Sheila Cooke [3LM Savory Network UK]
Episode Links: Sheila's work: https://www.3lm.network/ TED Talk by Allan Savory: https://www.ted.com/talks/allan_savory_how_to_fight_desertification_and_reverse_climate_change Video version of this episode: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/podcast-episode/holistic-management-transition-mindset-farming/ ----------------- In this interview I'm joined by Sheila Cooke to gain an overview of the concepts of holistic management, and learn how this whole systems thinking approach is supporting a transition to more regenerative methods of farming. As co-founder of 3LM (The Savory Network Hub for the UK & Ireland) Sheila's work involves assisting farmers in their transition to more regenerative practices. It's driven in many ways by the mindset shift that takes things away from prescriptive inputs, linear thinking and controlling things by treating isolated symptoms, and moves them instead towards an understanding and appreciation of the farm as a part of nature that is a whole interconnected living system. In the discussion we put a main focus on holistic grazing for pasture raised animals, and since it really can be quite a leap to take things from one approach to the other, we discuss some comparisons between the contrasting mindsets and Sheila offers many insights into the challenges and solutions that she's been through with farmer's on their journeys to adopting change. Among the experience shared here we touch upon what's unique to holistic grazing when it comes to the UK climate, the place of meat within land regeneration and human diet, and the role of the consumer as a driving force to push forward a regenerative transition.
S2 E14 · Tue, August 08, 2023
Local Food Ecosystems - With Duncan Catchpole [Cambridge Food Hub]
Episode Links: Find this episode and links through to additional mentioned resources on the We Are Carbon website: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/podcast-episode/local-sustainable-food-ecosystems/ Related episode: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/podcast-episode/localise-lincolnshire-food-system/ ------------------ In this interview I'm joined by Duncan Catchpole to learn of the work being done in Cambridge, England to build new sustainable networks for local food supply. There are so many incredible examples of people regenerating soil and ecosystems out there; people working in harmony with the land to bring benefits to the climate, food resilience and nutrition to name a few. But with agriculture being a cornerstone of our economic models, to be able to fully support those who are thinking sustainably in the field, we need to also think sustainably about the entire network that they tie in to. It's been a huge pleasure therefore to have this opportunity to speak with Duncan about the steps that they've been taking to join the dots within the food supply chain in an entirely new way, in and around this small hub within The East of England. Their vision is a better food system. One which supports people and planet and in particular is there to support a diversity of local food producers who's success is central to making the whole vision possible. It is a realisation of regenerative principles including circularity and interconnectivity being put in to practice to coordinate food supply in a far more forward thinking model. There's elements within this that I think could be of huge inspiration and relevance to other locations and sectors so I hope you'll pick up some ideas to mull over!
S2 E13 · Mon, July 24, 2023
Regenerative Architecture - Evolving Our Built Environment
Episode Links: Marcus's Work: https://www.livingbuildings.co/ The animation Marcus and I created together: https://youtu.be/p9HVmU6ZuNQ We Are Carbon - New 'Regen Snapshots' (developing animation templates for social media): https://www.wearecarbon.earth/regenerative-animation-templates-social-media/ This episode on the website: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/podcast-episode/regenerative-architecture-evolve-built-environment/ ------------------ In this interview I'm joined by Marcus Jones to explore the role that our built environments can have in moving us towards a more regenerative future. Our homes, our offices; every construction that is put up to protect us from the outdoor elements uses considerable resources to build, maintain and regulate for our comfort. The idea of being regenerative rather than just sustainable with our buildings is a complex one. Directly healing the soil and ecosystems rather than just reducing our impact and extraction needs adds multiple layers for consideration. Though the topics are different we can find many parallels between regenerative agriculture and regenerative architecture. Taking a holistic mindset, shaking up the ideas that we consider normal. Recognising the value of diversity, the context of place, connecting the wellbeing of people to the environment. And not forgetting the power of local community and collaboration. These are all topics that could thread in to any discussion on regeneration. Along with providing for our needs from today's sunlight. That last one is a huge focus in Marcus' work and through his varied career in the building industry, presently with his venture called 'Living Buildings' he's done plenty of out of the box thinking on running our homes on the present year's sun. Regenerative architecture is a relatively small niche, but it belongs to some very passionate people and impactful developments. It was a huge pleasure to have this opportunity to delve in to Marcus' work and thinking's and gain insights into this piece of the regenerative puzzle.
Bonus · Wed, July 12, 2023
Let's Create Together!
Episode Links: Find the webpage with more information here: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/regenerative-animation-templates-social-media/ And for the Compilation Episode on regenerative agriculture (mentioned at the end of this one) go here: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/podcast-episode/regenerative-agriculture-healing-planet-climate/ ------------------ This is a really short episode with no guest as I'd like to invite you to consider getting involved within my new 'Animation Snapshot' development, which I'm designing to offer regenerative organisations an accessible way to raise awareness about the value of their work. Find details through the link at the very top of this description. Thanks, Helen :)
S2 E12 · Tue, June 27, 2023
Bio-hydrogen. From Plant Waste to Hydrogen Gas - With Dong Xiao
Episode Links: Find the video version on the website - https://www.wearecarbon.earth/podcast-episode/bio-hydrogen-renewables-from-plants/ Connect with Dong via email: xd (@) cumt.edu.cn (without the brackets or spaces) --------------- In this interview I’m joined by Dong Xiao to explore his work within the research and development of a stable production method for obtaining purified hydrogen gas out of waste plant matter. It’s fairly well known that methane can be produced from the process of biodigestion; where the activity of microbes consuming organic matter has an output of gas that can be contained and then utilised. Prior to his focus on hydrogen Dong was researching the short comings of bio-methane. It’s a process that’s extremely inefficient due to the slow speed of digestion and the amount of material that just doesn’t get used up. So with a specialist understanding of microbial groups Dong and his team have worked on developing a process of digestion that is directed towards yielding hydrogen instead. The efficiency increase is astounding, obtaining gas from the entire volume of plant matter within hours rather than months! It’s offering huge potential as a source of renewable energy that also quite excitingly can play a role in a circular economy, as biproducts from the gas production can go on to be used as valuable materials. It is however a far more complex technology than producing methane and requires very fine tuned control and usage. Dong is sharing insights and an overview into his work here as he is very much up for open collaboration and partnership to ensure that this technology can be continually developed within a range of applications across the globe. Navigate Using the Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 03:28 – Background to the research 05:50 – The activity of microbes 08:36 – Optimising to output hydrogen instead of methane 15:36 – Speed comparison, hydrogen vs methane 17:30 – Cost comparison, hydrogen vs methane 19:41 – Complexity comparison, hydrogen vs methane 20:28 – Comparing bio-hydrogen to other hydrogen production methods 26:35 – The preferred types of plant matter to use 30:07 – Using fibre by-products within construction materials 33:09 – Reusing the captured CO2 35:14 – Feeding soils with the organic acid by-product 36:43 – What scale of production does this suit? 43:24 – And what about storing the hydrogen? 47:09 – Collaborating across the globe
S2 E11 · Tue, June 13, 2023
Evolving the Local Food System - With 4 Lincolnshire Guests!
Find this Episode and all related links on the We Are Carbon website: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/podcast-episode/localise-lincolnshire-food-system/ ------- A special episode exploring the potential routes and benefits of building deeper connections within the local food system. I have discussions with Laura Stratford, Martin Taylor, Hannah Thorogood and Adam O'Meara. They're all based in my home county of Lincolnshire, UK. As we learn about their individual roles within creating a more sustainable food system here we also explore the need to connect to dots between local efforts. There are obvious ways that becoming more localised with our food systems can be of benefit to looking after both the climate and economic resilience. There's the reduction in delivery miles and waste, and the perhaps more significant yet less understood aspects that come from nurturing the soil and ecosystems through the ways that we farm. Remember, it's not what we eat that determines its impact, but how it's produced. Building connections between local farmers and consumers may be our easiest path for making sustainable food choices. But how do we make that happen at any kind of scale and convenience? It's a solution that depends upon connection, communication and collaboration between people who may be close together physically, but have little awareness or involvement with one another besides. And that's why this episode brings together a number of guests all located in the same county. We're exploring not only how producers can support nature, but how they can support one another, and the requirement for community involvement. Wherever you are in the world, there's likely a similar level of dedication and passion somewhere close by, often it's just going under the radar. So this episode is really about highlighting the role of all of us, regardless of location, in making local food possible. As Laura will put it, it's about calling out to the curious! Use the timestamps below to identify who's speaking when. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:03:40 - Laura Stratford - The need and vision for a local, sustainable food system. 00:23:42 - Martin Taylor - Growing in local soil to look after nature & reduce delivery miles. 00:40:22 - Hannah Thorogood - Permaculture, rare breeds and regenerative grazing. 01:00:40 - Adam O'Meara - Sourdough, cheese & connecting with local community. 01:12:56 - Mixed guest - the vision for a good local food system. 01:17:30 - Laura Stratford - who has a role? 01:20:12 - Shout out to other local Lincolnshire food producers!
S2 E10 · Tue, May 30, 2023
Circular Emissions - A Promising Path to Net Zero. With Sophia Hamblin Wang [MCi Carbon]
Episode Links: Previous We Are Carbon episode with Kelly Erhart about accelerated mineral weathering: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/podcast-episode/coastal-carbon-capture-accelerating-mineral-weathering/ MCi Carbon Website: https://www.mineralcarbonation.com/ ------------- In this interview I'm joined by Sophia Hamblin Wang to discuss the work of MCi Carbon and how they're offering a path to net zero for some of the hardest to abate industries; by turning CO2 emissions from flue gases into a core ingredient within a range of valuable materials applications. It's a little different for us to turn our attention to industry but there's a beautiful parallel to regenerative agriculture here. We're shifting to see CO2 as an asset; that feeds our plants, or in this case could build our homes. We hear a lot of noise about the need to meet net zero targets in the near future, but for many industries there simply isn't a clear path to getting there. MCi are looking to change that with a particular focus on difficult to abate yet heavily depended upon sectors including steel, cement and mining. As a pathway to transition to a greener future they're utilising technology to speed up mineral carbonation. As a natural process CO2 becomes bound and locked into rocks over timeframes of hundreds of millions of years. You can learn more about it in this episode on accelerated mineral weathering with Kelly Erhart (the link is at the top of this description) But within their engineering plants MCi are speeding the process up to mere minutes! They can take flue gas emissions and bring that CO2 into a circular economy by utilising it as a significant ingredient within a wide range of materials, including high value plasterboards and cements and concrete. This is intentionally highly scalable and designed to work with industrial partners to build out localised, circular, industrial ecosystems. And it's all motivated by profitable models without the need to lean on carbon credits or subsidies. There's a huge amount of potential here and it was a great pleasure to dive into the details with Sophia! This episode on the We Are Carbon website: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/podcast-episode/circular-emissions-path-to-net-zero/
S2 E9 · Tue, May 16, 2023
Scaling Up Regeneration - Tipping the Balance in Favour of Grass Fed. With Richard Tufton
Episode Links: Previous We Are Carbon episodes that include the climate benefits of grazing animals: The Significance of Regenerative Agriculture – Special Compilation We Can Regenerate – with Finian Makepeace of Kiss the Ground What is Regenerative Agriculture – with Caroline Grindrod of Roots of Nature Recommendations from Richard- To Watch: King Corn documentary Kiss the Ground Movie (available on Netflix) Carbon Cowboys Temple Grandin Movie (Staring Claire Danes) Books: Saving Us: A Climate Scientist’s Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World by Katherine Heyhoe Steak by Mark Shatzker The Dorito Effect by Mark Shatzker This Episode of the website: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/podcast-episode/scaling-regenerative-agriculture-grass-fed-beef/ [Find all the above as clickable links on this page]. -------------- In this interview I’m jo
S2 E8 · Tue, May 02, 2023
Great Nutrition - Motivation for Regeneration! With Zuzanna Zielinska [HarvestCare]
Episode Links: HarvestCare website: https://www.harvestcare.eu/ Coalition of Health Professionals for Regenerative Agriculture: https://www.regenerativehealthcoalition.com/ This Episode on the We Are Carbon website: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/podcast-episode/nutrition-motivation-for-regeneration/ -------------- In this interview I'm joined by Zuzanna Zielinska, founder of HarvestCare to discuss the role of nutrition as a key link between the health of people and planet. It's difficult to talk about a regenerative future without bringing the focus on to soil, though a topic I feel gets vastly overlooked is the nutrition that that soil can output. What better motivation do we have for becoming engaged with the health of the world around us, than the impact that it has on our own personal wellbeing? If we could really get a grasp of the significance that quality nutrition has upon our health and happiness then valuing the biodiversity and food production methods that make it all possible may be a chain reaction. It's a pretty big topic, so I asked Zuzanna to take us back to basics and offer a break down of what nutrition is and its importance from her perspective as a nutritionist. Then we dig deeper as she shares her inspirational story and drive to create systems change through the seemingly simple yet powerful role of food access and education as a means to heal disease, communities and ecosystems. I hope you'll enjoy learning from her valuable knowledge! This Episode on the We Are Carbon website: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/podcast-episode/nutrition-motivation-for-regeneration/
S2 E7 · Tue, April 18, 2023
A Regenerative Future - Yesterday's Sunlight or Today's? With John Roulac [EP Kiss The Ground]
In this interview I’m joined by John Roulac to consider the big picture of what it means to move forward regeneratively and the challenges of bringing the needs of our financial and natural worlds on to the same page. There’s so many nuggets of wisdom in this one that it’s difficult to pick a highlight! From mob grazing to seaweed straws and a follow up to Kiss The Ground, this conversation is tied together through John’s active involvement in a vast range of regenerative initiatives around the globe. An investor and key player in highly successful companies, John has also been driven by an ecological awareness to discover practical solutions to our environmental challenges and as such has founded six non-profits through his career. This was a fantastic opportunity therefore to tap into a valuable point of view around why it can be such a challenge for large scale investment to be directed into regenerative solutions. Is a dying planet enough of a motivation to innovate our financial climate, and are so called green technologies always what they’re cracked up to be? We learn about some really impactful projects offering healing for people and the environment through the simplicity of allowing nature to take the lead. -------------- Episode Links: John's website: https://johnroulac.com/ John's Substack: https://johnroulac.substack.com/ Kiss The Ground Movie: https://kissthegroundmovie.com/ This Episode on the We Are Carbon Website: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/podcast-episode/regenerative-future-todays-sunlight/
S2 E6 · Tue, April 04, 2023
Natural Curriculum! Equipping Children To Live Regeneratively. Richard Dunne [The Harmony Project]
Episode Links: The Harmony Project: https://www.theharmonyproject.org.uk/ This Episode on the We Are Carbon Website: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/podcast-episode/natural-curriculum-harmony-education/ -------------------------- In this interview I’m joined by Richard Dunne to explore how evolving children’s education could not only offer them better engagement with their learning but also help them make better sense of the world that they’re a part of. Many of the solutions that we discuss on this show require a bit of unlearning or shifting of the mindset from what we’re used to. So I became really interested in the work of the Harmony Project from the basis of integrating a whole system way of seeing things into children’s education from a very early age. Perhaps our children could soon be showing us the way forward! As headteacher in a state primary school and inspired by the book titled ‘Harmony’ by the now King Charles third, Richard began developing and implementing a more Natural curriculum within the National Curriculum. He’s since founded the Harmony Project and is integrating this approach into a variety of school settings in the UK and across the globe. I’m delighted to have been able to discuss with him the principles of harmony and the inspirations and challenges of this ambitious project.
S2 E5 · Tue, March 21, 2023
Let Nature Guide Success - for Wellbeing & Business. With Sarah Spencer [Think Like A Tree]
Episode Links: Think Like A Tree: https://www.thinklikeatree.co.uk/ This Episode on the We Are Carbon Website: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/podcast-episode/nature-connection-wellbeing-success/ ----------------------------------- In this interview I’m joined by Sarah Spencer for a discussion that considers how our connection to nature can have a profound positive impact throughout all areas of our lives. It’s easy for us to romanticise the idea of listening to the birds or dipping our toes in a glistening stream, as though experiencing nature might be an infrequent luxury to try and carve time out for. But this talk helps us to recognise that the role of nature in our lives is far more encompassing, and despite our built up environments and scheduled routines, we all are part of nature. To such a degree that when we introduce aspects that are inspired by nature or even start to think like nature, then we can enjoy much greater success within everything from our health, our relationships and our businesses. ‘Think Like A Tree’ encompasses Sarah’s work as a trainer and author and draws upon the principles of nature to support people and organisations in a tangible way for meeting their unique needs. It’s ever evolving and adapting through a growing network of facilitators who are each paving their own path for incorporating a more nature connected approach to a diverse range of situations. It’s beautiful how these principles can have a place in each of our lives, and I hope you enjoy listening through to consider this all through your own personal lens!
S2 E4 · Tue, March 07, 2023
When Money Grows On Trees! Regenerative Currency - With Michael Twist
Episode Links: Global Climate Dollar: https://www.globalclimatedollar.com This Episode on the We Are Carbon Website: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/podcast-episode/when-money-grows-on-trees-regenerative-currency/ If you have questions or would like to explore Global Climate Dollar further with myself and Michael then please get in touch to join us on an upcoming group call: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/contact/ ----------------------------------- In this interview I'm joined by Michael Twist to discuss an intriguing concept for a new digital currency that would more or less allow money to be grown on trees! Global Climate Dollar uniquely sets out to make the generation of currency accessible and worthwhile for even the very smallest of sites. From just half an acre to vast expanses of land this currency is designed to reward land management that supports regeneration of soil, biodiversity and watersheds; all of those natural functions of the land that we each depend upon equally. From that place of inclusion it encompasses so much of what we've identified as necessary for a regenerative future. Moving towards equality for people alongside healing the planet. Like all ideas, especially one this encompassing, it remains as little more than an idea until people like you and me engage with it. Michael has spent many years doing the complicated stuff; figuring out and piecing together the legalities and technicalities and it's now time for him to reach out and ask for your help in bringing the idea to life. Our discussion here helps to give an overview of the motivation behind the currency and a general sense of what it's all about. If it leaves you with questions or you're intrigued to make your own regenerative project a part of the currency creation then do get in touch as I'll soon be facilitating a group call for Michael to offer a Q&A with you: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/contact/
S2 E3 · Tue, February 21, 2023
Permaculture - For People & Planet. With Charlotte Prud'Homme [Walkers Reserve]
Episode Links: Walkers Reserve: http://walkersreserve.com/vision/ The Episode Video: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/podcast-episode/permaculture-for-people-planet/ Call out to stakeholders in a local and / or 'regenerative' food system: Fill out my 'Know Your Food' survey!- https://forms.gle/h9uV841n8BgyCLjZ7 ----------------------- Through the restoration of a sand quarry in Barbados we learn about the principles of permaculture and how they support the regeneration of land, community and help build a local circular economy. Spanning over 300 acres Walkers Reserve stretches across low lying coastal land and gradually rises inland to provide opportunity to regenerate a range of habitats. The site is being transformed from a highly extractive process to a multifaceted project that offers huge potential for biodiversity and healing of both the land and community. From recontouring and rewilding to establishing food forests, apiaries, dune and wetland restoration, developing an education and research institute and tackling the concerns of food security through involvement with the local community. And they're addressing all of this on a site based on sand with the coastal challenges of salt and winds. Charlotte has experience from a range of different project across the globe and so she helps us to understand the general concepts of permaculture alongside some of the more specific learnings and approaches used at Walkers. Watch a video version of this episode at the website: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/podcast-episode/permaculture-for-people-planet/
S2 E2 · Tue, February 07, 2023
A Collaborative Web - Regenerating Societies with Daan Gorter (Gaianet)
Episode Links: Gaianet: https://www.gaianet.earth/ The Episode Video: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/podcast-episode/gaianet-collaborative-regenerative-economy/ Call out to stakeholders in a local and / or 'regenerative' food system: Fill out my 'Know Your Food' survey!- https://forms.gle/h9uV841n8BgyCLjZ7 ------------------------------------ In this episode Daan helps us move our focus out of the soil and our natural environments and put it instead on our societal ecosystems. What role does our relationship with ourselves and with one another have within moving towards a more regenerative planet? It seems likely that it's a huge factor. You don't go far within regenerative discussions without coming across themes of collaboration, community, a desire for a greater sense of transparency and an economic structure that's altogether more equitable. And those kind of changes can require us to look really deep. Daan's work is driven by a vision of a more beautiful society that's not only regenerative of the land but of the human spirit and connection too. Gaianet is a network designed to bring together likeminded organisations to unify and amplify each of their efforts in building this more harmonious society. We touch on the variety of transformational work that's happening around the world at this time. From new approaches to the internet and finances, to the work that Gaianet is doing itself to support organisations in changing their hierarchy for greater productivity and success. I hope you enjoy listening to Daan's insights and if you'd like to learn more about the work of Gaianet and their partners, see below: The following projects were mentioned within the interview: ThreeFold - Rethinking the internet Holacracy - Self organisation for business Encode - Self organising within legal forms Seeds - Regenerative digital currency Next Gen Village - Exploring new societal systems in Switzerland Golden City - Co-cretaing sustainable community La Tierra - Regenerative village in Costa Rica Auravana - A standard for operating community at planetary scale. Find them all and many more on the Gaianet website: www.gaianet.earth/projects
S2 E1 · Mon, January 23, 2023
Regenerating Hope - FMNR With Tony Rinaudo
Episode Links: Tony's Book: https://iscast.org/tfu/ FMNR Hub Website: https://fmnrhub.com.au/ The Episode Video: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/podcast-episode/regenerating-hope-fmnr-tony-rinaudo/ Call out to stakeholders in a local and / or 'regenerative' food system: Fill out my 'Know Your Food' survey!- https://forms.gle/h9uV841n8BgyCLjZ7 ------------------------------------ In this episode Tony brings us an inspirational story that underlines the role of human motivation and hope in bringing regeneration to the lands around us. At a young age Tony was inspired to uproots from his home land of Australia to carry out missionary work in Africa. His efforts to reforest vast areas despite repeated set backs demonstrated how strongly he believed that reversing the destruction of nature was the answer to turning the tide on the devastating struggles and poverty that surrounded him. The work was hugely challenging with many set backs but things took a complete U-turn when Tony made a discovery that a simple solution had been laying there the whole time. This discovery led to the development of a land management technique that nurtured the growth of old trees stumps which although chopped back still had life in them and an established root system underground. The method became known as Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR). It revolutionised land restoration in drylands and it's simplicity, low cost and high success rates assisted farmers in becoming self sufficient, transforming lives in poverty stricken communities. In the decades since Tony's work has contributed to the reforesting of over six million hectares of land and has attracted him numerous awards and wide spread recognition. I hope you'll enjoy listening to Tony's story as he shares his knowledge and incredible experience.
S1 E16 · Mon, September 12, 2022
The Significance of Regenerative Agriculture - A Path For Healing People & Climate
I'm hugely excited to share this special compilation episode, where the voices of many of our guests have been brought together to add clarity to their shared themes. Within the timestamps below you can identify each of the guests and find links to their individual interviews. -------------------------------- As mentioned within this episode I'm currently running a co-learning network event. We're focused on exploring steps to move us towards a regenerative economy - you can find more details and join us here. https://www.wearecarbon.earth/join-in-building-a-regenerative-economy/ ---------------------------------- In this episode we're looking at the marvel of nature, and not so much the beauty of a remote view or exotic creature, but the extraordinary system of creation that is born from the symbiosis of many parts working together. In particular we're discovering the role of nature within the health of the planet and balance of the climate, before considering how significantly human impact - through our methods of farming the land, has been destroying these very systems that we depend upon. It's a story that cycles back round. For as concerning and detrimental as things have become, there is huge hope brought though with the ever blossoming areas of regenerative agriculture. We gain understanding from many locations and situations across the globe and I hope that bringing things together in this way will offer a greater clarity that we do have the means to turn things around. If we jump into efforts that shift our human systems to work in harmony with the systems of nature, then the potential is to solve many problems side by side. And fairly quickly. Use the time stamps below to get a sense of how the episode is broken down & which guest you're listening to: 00:00:00 - Introduction - Helen Fisher 00:02:20 - [Section 1 - The Beautiful Balance of Natural Systems] Caroline Grindrod (Episode 1: Understanding Regenerative Agriculture) 00:05:18 - Colin Andrews (Episode 14: Simple Tech, Major Impact)<
Bonus · Thu, August 11, 2022
Join Me in Building a Regenerative Economy? - A Quick Episode & Invitation
A Regenerative Economy - Where Serving Our Needs Supports Nature's Needs Too. If this short episode gets you feeling inspired to learn more about my experiment in building regenerative links together then please head to the website where you can learn more about what we'll be up to and sign up to get involved! Our ambition is to identify how to build new links between various points along supply chains. With a heavy (but not exclusive) focus on the power of establishing local community relationships. Along with considering how the consumer (and buyers within businesses) can be further engaged with the journey of the items they purchase. This cohort took place towards the end of 2022. To learn of new opportunities like this you can sign up for updates at the website: https://www.wearecarbon.earth
S1 E15 · Thu, July 28, 2022
Coastal Carbon Capture - Accelerating Mineral Weathering. With Kelly Erhart
Working to safely speed up the long-term inorganic carbon cycle, from millions of years to mere decades! In this interview I'm joined by Kelly Erhart to discuss the possibilities of coastal carbon capture for safely yet dramatically speeding up the process of mineral weathering, which draws carbon down to Earth for very long term storage (thousands of years). This episode moves our focus to a natural yet permanent capturing of carbon as we learn about the work and research behind 'Project Vesta', who are utilising a mineral called olivine along with the power of the oceans, to both remove CO2 from the atmosphere and reduce ocean acidity. When we think about nature based solutions we're usually talking about carbon that cycles pretty quickly, through the growth and decay of organic life. It could be days, decades or hundreds of years, but the carbon will be relatively active in its continual journeys from the atmosphere to the earth and back round and round. When we take a holistic view we recognise of course that the mobility of this isn't in anyway a concern - so long as we're deepening soils and regenerating ecosystems and biodiversity then more carbon will be stored down here in any given moment and it'll be offering us all kinds of essential benefits besides. But with such an excess of emissions up in the atmosphere there are all manner of approaches being explored for drawing down large quantities of CO2 to be locked up and considered stored down here permanently. These methods are often very technical, industrial or expensive, but Kelly is here to introduce us to coastal carbon capture - a means to accelerate the earth's ancient natural process of rock weathering, utilising the power of the oceans. Now this natural process takes millions of years. And they're reducing it to just decades with an approach that's also surprisingly simple and cost effective! So it's easy to imagine how impactful this could be, and I was delighted for the opportunity to speak with Kelly to get an overview of this project; its science, its methods and ambitions. And like all nature based approaches the benefits can web outwards, so we also discuss how their carbon capture solution is countering ocean acidification and protecting vulnerable shorelines alongside. Watch this episode on the Website: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/podcast-episode/coastal-carbon-capture-accelerating-mineral-weathering/ Follow on Instagram: @wearecarbon.earth And for more details on Project Vesta & the research behind their work visit their website: <a href="https://www.ves
S1 E14 · Thu, July 14, 2022
Simple Tech, Major Impact - Alleviating Food Poverty - With Colin Andrews
Dramatically increasing crop yields & transforming lives for small holder farmers in south east Africa - In this interview I'm joined by Colin Andrews to discuss regenerative practices that are supporting farmers in Malawi, along with the wider implications for food security worldwide. Climate change can be a challenging topic for people to engage with. If we talk of atmospheric carbon dioxide or potential future problems it can seem very detached from our daily lives. And that's why I feel that nature based climate solutions should be given such a significant focus. The steps that move us towards regenerating soil and supporting biodiversity and ecosystems will also bring big improvements to issues associated with climate change. And alongside the transformation can be witnessed right at our feet and bring benefits that we can quickly appreciate. This episode is a wonderful example of the incredible speed and dramatic improvements that can come when we choose to understand and work in harmony with nature. Colin brings us first hand experience of the method known as 'deep bed farming' taught by The Tiyeni Fund to smallholder farmers in Malawi. The result from very low cost and simple approaches is dependably increased yields; from double to quadruple the norm. The impact upon lives when food poverty and malnourishment are shifted to an excess of crops that can be sold could never be overestimated. More time and money along with less uncertainty allow for greater education & comfort and all round quality of life. And I wondered what lessons the rest of the World could learn when it comes to the future of our food security. Colin offers some wonderful analogies to help visualise the necessity to farm in harmony with soil and it's natural systems & relationships with plants and the microscopic life that it houses. There's also some great insights into the history of land management in Malawi, along with the need to consider the collaborative and sociological angle in order to establish long term change. Use the time stamps below to get a sense of what's included: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:02:15 - Colin's Background 00:03:45 - Lessons from Tiyeni, for global food security 00:08:43 - Signs of degraded soil in Malawi 00:12:04 - Why the soils became so depleted 00:14:37 - It gets worse! Chemicals introduced to farming 00:16:48 - Chemical fertilisers lead to poor nutrition in food 00:19:04 - The problem with 'traditional agriculture' in Malawi 00:22:55 - Are less brittle climates still at risk? 00:25:51 - An analogy for why soil health is crucial 00:27:53 - The rapid results of Tiyeni's methods 00:30:37 - The main focuses for regenerating soil 00:31:37 - Crop yield increase 00:33:40 - Pig pass on programme for compost 00:36:32
S1 E13 · Thu, June 30, 2022
Food Systems - For Healthy People and Planet! - With Michelle Gilman
In this interview I'm joined by Michelle Gilman to discuss the connections between our farming practices, our food systems and our own personal health. We've been becoming well clued up on this podcast about the benefits of regenerative agriculture for the health of ecosystems and the climate, but for this to have an impact at scale we need to widen the conversation and consider also how the consumer fits into things. The norm today is for food to be both highly processed and highly travelled - arriving on a shop shelf where people will often give very little thought to how or where it was produced. It's a disconnection that's caused by the system itself, and it could also be seen to be reducing the understanding we have of the impact of our food choices upon our bodies. These are topics that Michelle has given a lot of thought, and she's set out to raise awareness about the role of diet in human, soil and ecosystem health, and generally reconnect people with their food. So I asked if she could share her considerations and help fill in some of this picture. Michelle's work has often focused upon ensuring that healthy food choices are also accessible to those with low incomes, and this has led her to the recent creation of Food Fluency - a nutrition programme that partners with non-profits working in the areas of community health and food security. She'll offer further info in the discussion but I'd like to mention quick that's she's just getting things kicked off with a crowd funder, so consider checking out the details for that at foodfluency.org Use the time stamps below to get a sense of what's included: Watch this episode on the Website: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/podcast-episode/food-systems-healthy-people-and-planet/ Follow on Instagram: @wearecarbon.earth
S1 E12 · Thu, June 16, 2022
Desert Borderland to Oasis - Abundant Agroforestry!
In this interview I'm joined by Bernadette Millard to discuss her journey of establishing an organic family farm in the desert borderlands of Oman. In previous discussions I've repeatedly been informed of the alarming rate that intensive agriculture is depleting soils across the globe. This means that the quantity of organic carbon within the soil is being reduced year on year, which dramatically impacts the land's ability to support plant growth and retain water. It's a devastating issue that can escalate to the point that farm land becomes more like a desert, and the effect this has on the climate is just as worrying as loosing all of that productive space. So this discussion is hugely inspirational. It's a case study in taking things in the other direction; from unproductive desert land, to a thriving, abundant oasis! It's proof that we can turn things around. And what's even more encouraging is it's a project that was set up without prior experience. Of course it's a journey of continued discovery and I'm delighted that Bernadette was able to share the steps that they've been on along the way. We discuss how they made a start at this challenging location, and learn about the variety and abundance of produce that's now being grown - all organically, and in methods that are building soil and increasing production every year. We also consider the potential to scale these traditional approaches to agriculture and the need to build better routes to market for small scale organic farmers. Use the time stamps below to get a sense of what's included: 00:00 - Intro 02:26 - Bernadette's background 03:50 - Site landscape and starting conditions 06.56 - Retreat to farm - why a change of plan? 09:15 - Basins for establishing trees 11:50 - A microclimate from trees 13:53 - The water catchment 16:40 - Deciding to grow organic food 20:58 - Layers of Oman's traditional oasis agriculture 24:09 - Observations on plant relationships? 26:50 - Establishing the planting zones 27:56 - The varied produce from the trees 32:00 - Can desert lands become self sufficient? 34:39 - Methods for the annual crops 37:12 - Farm grown pest control 37:48 - The potential & challenges of scaling 42:00 - Increased productivity every year? 43:00 - Products and distribution challenges 52:01 - Livestock on the farm 54:12 - Full circle to a beautiful retreat 55:38 - References and advice for new projects Watch this episode on the Website: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/podcast-episode/desert-to-farm-oman-agroforestry/ Follow on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wearecarbon.earth/" rel="noope
S1 E11 · Thu, June 02, 2022
Data for Transition - Decoding Soil Biology! With Adrian Ferrero
When we talk about regenerative agriculture we can often lean on words like 'traditional' and 'indigenous', which can give the sense that we're turning our back on modern developments in technology. But of course the very best value and progress comes when we can integrate multiple points of view together. In this interview I’m joined by Adrian Ferrero, co-founder of ‘Biome Makers’, a global AgTech company working to empower farmers through a greater understanding of the soil microbiome. Biome Makers brings our logical, data driven mind into the picture to work alongside the wisdom of working with nature. They've studied soil samples from numerous locations to build up the largest soil microbiome database in the world. Using computing technology and DNA sequencing they're continually deepening understanding of microbial communities and their relationships with plants. As fertiliser prices continue to rise, regenerative farming methods are becoming increasingly desirable. Other interviews have taught us that working in close harmony with the soil life is a big part of making the shift. And since that soil life is so tiny and so varied, this growing understanding of soil biology is an invaluable tool to farmers seeking to make the transition away from synthetic chemical inputs. Adrian shares a wonderful range of insights, from offering a broad understanding of why soil biology is so significant to farming, to details about the dimensions of plant growth and development that the microbiome can support. Some of my favourite take aways were learning how dynamic the communities are, and that they change to meet the needs of new crops that are sown, and that maximum diversity isn't necessarily best - it's more about having a range of microbes that are best suited to the job at hand! Use the time stamps below to get a sense of what's included: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:02:15 - About Adrian 00:04:27 - Soil carbon for a layman 00:16:30 - How soil biology supports the farm 00:25:18 - The role of microbes in pest control & plant disease 00:34:36 - Guided by the data 00:38:11 - Biological inputs 00:39:30 - Soil testing to profile microbes 00:41:41 - The largest soil microbiome database in the world! 00:42:30 - Using microbe profiles to turn desert to arable land 00:44:23 - How does the data guide action? 00:45:54 - Microbe communities are dynamic (the most diverse isn't necessarily the best) 00:49:58 - Plant dimensions that can be supported by microbes 00:51:26 - Biological inputs are more affordable for farmers 00:53:44 - How Biome Makers work with farmers 00:55:57 - Developments at Biome M
S1 E10 · Thu, May 19, 2022
How to Farm Regeneratively - In 12 Steps! With Peter Lundgard
In this interview I'm joined by Peter Lundgard, founder of 'Nature's Way Farm' in Alberta, Canada, to discuss the 12 step programme that he's developed for assisting farmers in taking up regenerative practices. Throughout the episodes on this podcast we've learnt of the incredible value of soil and it's ability to both sequester carbon and provide for our needs through supporting the growth of plants in a regenerative way. None of this is done in isolation and it's the integrated ecosystems that make it all possible - from the tiny microbial communities in the soil to the large ruminants on the land and everything in between. Modern agricultural practices are destructive to these functioning ecosystems, and depend instead upon inputs that are produced from fossil fuels. We now find ourselves at a time when the rising price of oil and the depletion of soils and eco-systems have merged at a point which can't be ignored. This issue didn't pop up overnight - farmers have been juggling with both for a very long time and fortunately there are many who have put their efforts into rethinking how agriculture can be carried out in more regenerative ways that are in harmony with nature. After studying at agricultural college Peter started a farm in 1978 using the modern methods that he'd been taught. The changing face of farming at this time and ever rising prices and interest rates saw the farm fail financially within 10 years. From this point forward Peter set on a journey to build a new farm using the traditional practices that he'd been around as a young boy. He brought in study and knowledge from a number of sources to create an approach to farming that was supportive rather than destructive to those functioning ecosystems that are so important. Now with a thriving farm and several decades of experience Peter consults with other budding regenerative farmers to guide them on their journey. In this discussion Peter generously shares the basis of his 12 Step Programme - which forms a 'how to guide' to regenerative agriculture. Use the time stamps below to get a sense of what's included: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:02:42 - Peter's Background 00:12:08 - Step 1 - Become Highly Effective 00:14:45 - Step 2 - Holistic Decision Making 00:22:20 - Step 3 - Mineral Balanced Soil 00:27:55 - Step 4 - Create Diverse Ecosystems 00:43:16 - Step 5 - Intensive Plant Cover Management 00:47:37 - Step 6 - Enhance the Rhizosphere 00:54:56 - Step 7 - Build and Maintain Ground Cover 00:57:04 - Step 8 - Minimal Soil Disturbance 01:00:06 - Step 9 - Sequester Carbon 01:06:12 - Step 10 - Monitor - Testing - Measuring 01:09:14 - Step 11 - Climate Rehabilitation 01:15:20 - Step 12 - Build Health & Vitality for the Agr
S1 E9 · Thu, May 05, 2022
Waste to Resource - The Power to Transform! With Lara Hussein
In a world of convenience with services that bring our food to the shops and take our waste from our doors, we've perhaps overlooked some simple yet very powerful solutions to our expanding climate issues. In this episode I'm discussing the potential positive and ever expanding impacts of becoming circular with organic resources by redesigning waste management. For Lara and 'The Waste Lab' in Dubai this is starting out by collecting and composting food scraps, then building up a web of collaborative partners that continue to find new value in food waste. Across the globe our soils are becoming depleted of organic matter; the impacts are severe and far reaching. But every day unthinkable volumes of food waste are dumped within landfills and taken entirely out of the loop. Within our previous discussions we've learnt the significance of shifting towards a more holistic mindset for our approach to agriculture . And I feel strongly that this shouldn't be limited to farming, as there are clear and accessible benefits that can be found when we continue it out through the whole of society. Nature of course does not believe in waste. And it's ability to compost, or break things back down ready to be reutilised over and over again is one of the most incredible and essential technologies here on earth. We could make a big dent on our problems by ensuring that all organic waste always stays within our growing cycles. However the larger and more 'developed' societies have become, the more challenging this seemingly simple task can be. In many locations the necessary waste management for this doesn't exist. But this absence actually became the inspiration for Lara and Ceylan who are establishing a new type of collection and repurposing business in their home of Dubai. In our discussion Lara explains how they are reconnecting people with the magic of composting. We also learn how shifting waste management from an industrial process to something much more local and intimate is enabling them to create benefits far beyond the composting. They're developing a web of collaborative partnerships that are not only keeping organic matter within the loop but are seeing much of it utilised as valuable resources within supply chains. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:06:16 - Reconnection Through Compost 00:11:48 - Landfills are Growing 00:14:29 - Rethinking Waste 00:17:29 - The Waste Lab Operations 00:22:32 - Technology from Nature 00:24:58 - The Composting Process 00:28:53 - Becoming a Closed Loop? 00:35:55 - The Unique Offerings of Dubai? 00:42:29 - What gets Composted? 00:45:15 - Segregating Scraps for Partner Supply Chains 00:51:15 - Getting Involv
S1 E8 · Thu, April 28, 2022
The Potential of Bioplastics - With Cade Frost of 'Source Bioplastic'
Do new plastic materials have the potential to shift this large and polluting industry towards a circular economy? In this interview I'm joined by Cade Frost, CEO of 'Source Bioplastic' for a discussion about the development of his non-toxic bioplastic material along with the bigger picture of making shifts towards a healthier future for the planet. It may seem like plastics and healthy can't really go hand in hand, but as one of the world's largest industries, it's something that we can't pretend is going to go away. And with such vast and destructive impact on the planet, that actually makes it one of the biggest opportunities for improvements. Moving from synthetic to bioplastics gives the immediate benefit of reducing dependency on fossil fuels but there is huge variation within these materials and if we are to move forward at scale there's a lot to consider and iron out. Cade had spent years anguished by the issue of plastic pollution and he recognised that it would take involvement from a full range of interests for real change to happen. He's made an incredible start by successfully developing a rapidly compostable plastic material made entirely from natural and non-toxic ingredients. I really appreciate the point of view that he brings with regards to understanding the needs of manufacturers, the current limits of disposal facilities and the expansive potential when we consider moving things to a truly circular economy. We discuss everything from the materials themselves, to the impact on society and even consider whether it's possible for plastics to have a positive impact on the environment. Use the time stamps below to get a sense of what's included: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:58 - Bioplastics vs Conventional Plastics? 00:03:20- Bioplastic Uses 00:06:37 - Can the Additives be Natural? 00:08:28 - The Issues with Plastics Disposal 00:15:30 - What are Microplastics? 00:19:12 - Disposal of Bioplastics? 00:22:08 - Can Bioplastics be Recycled? 00:26:29 - Do we have Space to Grow all of our Plastics? 00:32:03 - The Story of Source Bioplastics 00:39:03 - Are Bioplastics Competitively Priced? 00:44:55 - Are Toxins Still a Problem with Bioplastics? 00:48:58 - Can Fungi Assist with Breakdown? 00:53:17 - Disposal of Bioplastics 00:56:11 - Do Bioplastics have Potential to Help the Environment?? 01:01:16 - Potential for Local Circular Economies 01:01:08 - Source Bioplastic Specifics 01:01:17 - Manufacturing Bioplastics 10:06:57 - Applications for Source? Watch this episode's animation at the website: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/podcast-episode/bioplastics-potential-circular-econ
S1 E7 · Thu, April 21, 2022
Understanding Carbon Offsetting - With Brennan Spellacy of Patch
As a World we have some ambitious goals for reducing our carbon emissions but until businesses are able to cut things right back they can also implement carbon offsetting. At it's core the idea of offsetting carbon means that a business can take some accountability for the emissions that it sends into the atmosphere by putting finance into projects that are directly taking carbon out of the atmosphere (or preventing anticipated emissions) . It's a simple principle but there's a lot of factors that add to the complexity of putting this into action. To start with there's a huge variety within the type of project that can qualify for receiving payments for capturing carbon; some are nature based, some are technically advanced. And they're not all considered equal. The price per ton of captured carbon can vary to the extreme; starting as low as $5 or $10 and escalating up to over $600! And alongside this there's a whole host of schemes and marketplaces that are involved in some kind of offsetting programme, each with its own guidelines and procedures. Due to its broad reach I've found it a difficult subject to get a clear, crisp sense of who can get involved and how. I had the pleasure of interviewing Brennan Spellacy, cofounder & CEO of 'Patch'. 'Patch' is on online carbon marketplace that also develops software for readily integrating carbon offsetting within e-commerce transactions. The was a fantastic opportunity to get and insider understanding of what it looks like to put carbon offsetting into action. 'Patch' operates within the voluntary carbon market and we learn why at the foundation of this, it's consumers who are really driving things forward. Use the time stamps below to get a sense of what's included: 00:00 - Introduction 02:09 - Start of Interview 02:45 - What is Carbon Offsetting? 06:45 - How Technical is the Platform? 09:14 - Who is the Typical Buyer? 11:32 - Why do Companies Start Paying to Offset? 16:40 - Do You Need to Know Your Carbon Footprint? 19:40 - The Variety of Projects Selling on Patch 21:35 - Cost per Ton - Why is it so Varied? 24:02 - Purchasing Based on Data 25:20 - Considering the Value of Biodiversity? 27:20 - The Evaluation Process 29:25 - Becoming a Seller 30:38 - Who are the Sellers? 32:52 - Compliance vs Voluntary Carbon Markets 37:10 - Looking to the Future Watch the animations from 'We Are Carbon'. Follow on Instagram: @wearecarbon.earth
S1 E6 · Thu, April 14, 2022
Let's Value Biodiversity & Standing Carbon! With Nicola Peel
The world is taking a heavy focus on offsetting carbon emissions at this time and we see plenty of support for projects that involve the planting of new trees. However whilst new saplings are being planted, there are vast areas of the world with dense and established rainforests that are being cut down everyday. In this episode I'm joined by Nicola Peel, a 'solutionist' who has spent over twenty years working in the Ecuadorian Amazon initiating a number of social and environmental projects. Nicola has first hand experience seeing the rapid declines within the Amazon and I ask her to help us to understand the reasoning behind the extraordinary scale of deforestation that is occurring. We discuss the immeasurable value of biodiversity and what it means for both people and planet to ensure protection of dense and established forests. And we cover the agroforestry projects that are becoming part of the solution, along with the need for the carbon market to find a way to better support initiatives that are helping to prevent deforestation. If you have any insights that you would like to discuss with Nicola then you can find her contact details HERE . Use the time stamps below to get a sense of what's included: 00:00 - Intro 01:52 - Nicola's background 02:50 - Protect What We Have 08:06 - Support Where it Counts 15:56 - Biodiversity - It Doesn't Form Overnight! 17:37 - Directing Finance? 22:32 - Power in our Purchasing? 25:24 - Agroforestry is Helping 31:00 - Crop Benefits from Relationships 37:49 - Expanding the Agroforestry Projects? 40:08 - Redirecting Carbon Offsets? 45:06 - Learn More, Get Involved! Watch the animations from 'We Are Carbon'. Follow on Instagram: @wearecarbon.earth
S1 E5 · Thu, April 07, 2022
Soil - A Living Support For Plants & Climate! With Dr Christo Miliotis
Tiny microorganisms inhabit every place upon this planet and for much of human society we have at best dismissed them, and at worse waged war against them. In this interview I'm joined by Dr Christo Miliotis, scientist and & entrepreneur, for an insightful talk that sheds light on the significance of the microbes and multitude of organisms that live within the soil beneath our feet, and their incredible role in supporting life on this planet. We cover their role in feeding plants and their ability to transfer gases from the atmosphere. We learn why current practices of using chemicals in agriculture cause damage to this essential life. We understand the building and value of a 'soil carbon sponge' and its significance in being able to draw down not just carbon, but also water vapour from the atmosphere. And we gain a broad picture of the impact of how we to treat our soil connects to the health of everything from the climate, to the oceans, to the microbiome within our own guts. 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:38 - Start of Interview 00:03:55 - The Wrong Way To Feed Plants! 00:14:05 - Let Nature Feed The Plants! 00:17:32 - Greenhouse Gases as Plant Food! 00:21:45 - Plants & Microbes Work Together 00:27:04 - Build the Soil Carbon Sponge! 00:31:44 - Draw Down Water to Cool the Planet! 00:39:22 - Keep the Soil Covered! 00:41:37 - Big Leaps When We Work With Nature! 00:48:17 - Super Bugs & Super Weeds! 00:51:47 - Respecting the Life Within Soil! 00:52:53 - Healthy Soil / Healthy Gut! 00:57:57 - Motivation From Linked Benefits! 01:01:38 - Insights to Our Gut Health Find additional resources related to the information covered over on the website. Watch the animations from 'We Are Carbon'. Follow on Instagram: @wearecarbon.earth
S1 E4 · Thu, March 31, 2022
Fighting Poverty with Regenerative Agriculture. Determination From Devastation - With Jackson Buzingo
The link between soil health and food security is becoming undeniable. And in regions where the climate is brittle and people's livelihoods depend upon the land, declining soil health means increasing poverty. The connection between soil health and poverty becomes a vicious cycle. Chemical fertilisers are adopted to increase outputs in the short term but they damage the soil further and so more chemicals are needed every year. As the soil rapidly declines the cost of fertilisers rapidly increases. This is becoming an alarming and escalating concern in many parts of the world. I'm joined by Jackson Buzingo, an advocate for regenerative agriculture in Tanzania, East Africa. After experiencing first hand a rapid decline in the outputs of the land in his community, Jackson brought his attention to the soil health. He has taken numerous opportunities for study and learning about regenerative agriculture and practices including syntropic agroforestry & food forests. He has now taught over 800 small holder farmers about regenerative approaches to their land and is filled with hope at how these methods will be able to transform the entire outlook of his community's future due to their ability to produce an abundance of food without dependency on expensive chemical inputs. Find details of the organisations that Jackson has been involved with over on the website. 00:00 - Intro 02:33 - A Struggling Community 08:43 - Rapidly Degraded Land 11:13 - Declining Soil Equals Increasing Poverty 13:10 - How Has Water Been Affected? 16:30 - Learning A New Approach 20:36 - Principles Of Regenerating 22:57 - Will Farmers Adapt? 24:56 - Any Resistance From Big Companies? 28:05 - Working With Others? 29:26 - Dependency on the Land 32:22 - Variety & Abundance 36:23 - Connecting With Organisations 42:22 - A Prosperous Future? Watch the animations from 'We Are Carbon'. Follow on Instagram: @wearecarbon.earth
S1 E3 · Thu, March 24, 2022
Evolve Away From Fossil Fuels! - With Mandi Kerr of 'GHA'
In this interview I’m joined by Mandi Kerr of ‘The Global Hemp Association’ for a discussion about making big leaps towards a circular economy and less dependency on fossil fuels through establishing new uses for the hemp plant. Hemp is incredibly versatile and can be used within all manner of applications from insulation and construction materials, to textiles, food and even tyres! Mandi recognised a huge opportunity here and created her non-profit organisation, The Global Hemp Association to connect together all manner of people; from researchers, farmers, manufacturers, government, haulage, educators etc. to increase the pace of product development and new supply chains through discussions and collaboration. Note: Hemp is related to the marijuana plant however it doesn't contain enough THC to cause intoxication. Despite this the relation causes legal complications when growing or using the hemp plant, which has historically been utilised for its fibre rather than its intoxicating compounds. Use the time stamps below to get a sense of what’s included: 00:00 – Intro 02:44 – Start of Interview 04:14 – Why Hemp? 05:13 – The Varied Uses of Hemp 06:12 – The Parts of the Plant 07:04 – Moving Past Legal Barriers? 09:10 – A Great Crop For Carbon Storage 10:33 – Where Can It Grow? 11:53 – Bringing People Together 15:07 – Evolving Through Communication 21:27 – Progress Around Sustainability? 24:32 – ‘The We Are Carbon’ Project! 26:12 – Winning Through Collaborating 28:32 – Recurring Concerns 30:53 – Evolving Through Technology 36:37 – Benefits to Farm Land 37:43 – Get Involved! Find full details of the 'We Are Carbon' project over at the website: https://www.wearecarbon.earth Or follow on Instagram: @wearecarbon.earth
S1 E2 · Thu, March 17, 2022
We Can Regenerate! - With Finian Makepeace of 'Kiss The Ground'
In this interview I'm joined by Finian Makepeace of 'Kiss The Ground' for a discussion all about regenerating our lands by understanding the role of soil within the bigger picture. It really is a joyful topic focused on solutions that can be seen, over a short time, right at our feet! Use the time stamps below to get a sense of what's included: 00:00 - Intro 01:18 - Start of Interview 02:58 - Why Focus on the Ground? 06:30 - Can Soil Help Regulate The Climate? 13:50 - Controlling Microclimates 15:19 - How Humans Depleted the Soil 17:34 - So, How Do We Regenerate? 22:42 - Life Begets Life! 23:32 - How Far Does the Impact Reach? 26:20 - Can We Make the Shift? 30:00 - Learn More From Finian & 'Kiss The Ground' Find full details of the 'We Are Carbon' project over at the website: https://www.wearecarbon.earth Or follow on Instagram: @wearecarbon.earth
S1 E1 · Thu, March 10, 2022
What is Regenerative Agriculture? - With Caroline Grindrod
In this first interview for the 'We Are Carbon' project, I'm joined by Caroline Grindrod for a discussion all about regenerative agriculture. Our food buying choices are one of our biggest consumer powers, and they offer us all the means to make a difference to the world around us. So I was thrilled that Caroline was able to offer us such an insightful discussion to help us unravel the huge contrast between conventional farming (which is one of the most harmful activities towards the planet), and regenerative farming (which is one of the most healing). We cover a lot so please use the time stamps below to get a sense of what's included (and jump straight in with what best takes your interest if you're in a hurry!) 00:00:00 - Intro 00:02:13 - Start of Interview 00:07:17 - Integration Instead of Separation 00:14:11 - Exploring Relationships 00:25:05 - Don't Compare Apples With Apples! 00:27:34 - How Farming Can Heal The Planet! 00:34:27 - The Role of Animals 00:40:14 - Your Questions 00:41:32 - The Interests of Large Corporations?? 00:48:00 - Government Backing? 00:51:46 - Can Local Land Feed Local People? 00:56:34 - Food Resilience & Price Stability 01:01:01 - The Biggest Challenges 01:03:36 - Learn More From Caroline! Watch the accompanying animation here: https://www.wearecarbon.earth/animations And follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearecarbon.earth/ Learn more from Caroline here: https://rootsofnature.co.uk/
Trailer · Mon, February 28, 2022
Trailer - We Are Carbon, the Podcast. What it's All About!
Before we jump in with the interviews this quick intro will give you an idea of what to expect! Episodes will be added every Thursday, with an average length of 1 hr. We're exploring some important, and at times complex topics here. But the whole point is to make this info accessible and transparent to us all. Let me know if there's ever anything that you'd like breaking down or exploring further. Or if there's related topics that you feel should be discussed. Have your say, and let's keep this project expanding! Input your perspective and feedback at wearecarbon.earth/my-voice And if you're a visual learner, look out for the animations! I'm creating short digestible videos to illustrate some of the key concepts that we're exploring. Find them at wearecarbon.earth/animations
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