We Are Not Doomed podcast

We Are Not Doomed

Optimism in a changing climate. Interviews with industry leaders, authors, journalists, and real people who are making an impact on climate change everyday. We Are Not Doomed is hosted by Jonah Geil-Neufeld, the Executive Producer of Puddle Creative.

Optimism in a changing climate. Interviews with industry leaders, authors, journalists, and real people who are making an impact on climate change everyday. We Are Not Doomed is hosted by Jonah Geil-Neufeld, the Executive Producer of Puddle Creative.

 

#9

Making Every Job a Climate Job with Sanders Lazier

Sanders Lazier, CEO of Carbonhound, shares how businesses of all sizes can measure and reduce their carbon emissions while turning climate action into profit. Through practical examples and expert insights, Sanders breaks down complex topics like scope emissions and regulatory requirements into actionable steps for companies. Drawing from his personal journey and industry experience, he illustrates how climate reporting is rapidly becoming a crucial business differentiator rather than just a compliance requirement. His optimistic perspective shows how every role in every company can become a platform for meaningful climate action. ... Read more

24 Oct 2024

34 MINS

34:28

24 Oct 2024


#8

4 Critical Shifts to Incorporate Regenerative Thinking into Your Life and Work

In this thought-provoking episode of We Are Not Doomed, host Jonah Geil-Neufeld sits down with Daniel Lawse, co-founder and co-owner of the Verdis Group, a sustainability and regenerative consulting agency based in Omaha, Nebraska. Lawse shares his journey from studying theology to becoming a leader in environmental sustainability, and how his company is helping large organizations shift from traditional sustainability practices to a more holistic, regenerative approach. The conversation delves into the four critical shifts that Lawse believes are essential for creating a more resilient and thriving world: moving from short-term to long-term thinking, from separate to interconnected systems, from static to dynamic approaches, and from closed to open systems. Through engaging examples from his work with aquariums, zoos, and other complex organizations, Lawse illustrates how these principles can be applied to create meaningful change. He also discusses the importance of scope 3 emissions, the growing focus on climate adaptation and resilience, and how individuals can incorporate regenerative thinking into their daily lives. Topics Discussed: 1--Daniel Lawse's journey from theology to sustainability consulting 2--The shift from sustainability to regenerative thinking 3--Four critical shifts for creating a thriving world: a. Short-term to long-term thinking b. Separate to interconnected systems c. Static to dynamic approaches d. Closed to open systems 4--Examples of regenerative practices in zoos and aquariums 5--The importance of scope 3 emissions in organizational sustainability 6--Growing focus on climate adaptation and resilience 7--The Seventh Generation Principle and its potential impact on decision-making 8--How individuals can incorporate regenerative thinking into daily life 9--The role of compassion and repair in personal and organizational growth 10-Optimism for the future based on organizational progress in sustainability ... Read more

17 Oct 2024

44 MINS

44:10

17 Oct 2024


#7

What Behavioral Science Can Teach Us About Climate Action

What does it take to future-proof humanity in the face of climate change? In this episode of We Are Not Doomed, Brett Jenks, CEO of Rare, shares his journey from producing Dunkin' Donuts commercials to leading global conservation efforts that are helping to reshape our relationship with nature. From empowering coastal fishing communities to leveraging behavioral science for large-scale environmental change, Brett explains how Rare is building a global movement that combines conservation, innovation, and community-led action to fight climate change. Tune in to hear how these efforts are creating real change—and why Brett believes we are better at adapting than we think. ... Read more

10 Oct 2024

33 MINS

33:24

10 Oct 2024


#6

How Cotopaxi is Tackling Climate Change and Poverty

Sustainability is at the very core of Cotopaxi. The company's legal designation allows it to prioritize people and planet, alongside profit. In this episode of We Are Not Doomed, host Jonah Geil-Neufeld talks with Annie Agle, Vice President of Impact and Sustainability at Cotopaxi. Annie shares how the outdoor gear company is setting a new standard for sustainability, from their circular business model to their philanthropic efforts in global poverty alleviation. She dives into Cotopaxi’s unique approach to corporate responsibility and the environmental challenges facing the apparel industry, while offering insights into how businesses can be a force for good. ... Read more

24 Sep 2024

31 MINS

31:41

24 Sep 2024


#5

Powering AI with Clean Energy

Greg Robinson, co-founder and CEO of Aston, joins We Are Not Doomed to discuss how clean energy can meet the growing power demands of AI data centers. Greg shares his journey from working in solar energy to founding Aston, a company focused on providing firm power service through renewable sources like solar and geothermal. Greg is a wealth of knowledge on the future of clean energy, independent power networks, and how climate change is shaping the way we power technology. ... Read more

19 Sep 2024

48 MINS

48:13

19 Sep 2024


#4

The Impact of Forest Carbon Offsets

In this episode, Jonah Geil-Neufeld interviews Whitney Flanagan, Director of Marketing at Finite Carbon, to explore the powerful role of forest carbon offsets in climate change mitigation. Whitney shares how her upbringing in East Tennessee shaped her passion for conservation, and how Finite Carbon is helping landowners protect forests while generating revenue through carbon finance. Learn about the difference between voluntary and compliance markets, and hear inspiring stories, including one from the Pasamaquoddy tribe, about how forest conservation is improving communities. ... Read more

05 Sep 2024

31 MINS

31:54

05 Sep 2024


#3

From Fiction to Reality: Lessons from Stanford's Design Leaders

In this episode, Jonah sat down with Carissa Carter and Scott Doorley from Stanford's d.school to explore the intersection of design, technology, and future possibilities. Carissa, the Academic Director, and Scott, the Creative Director, share their perspectives on how emerging technologies like AI and synthetic biology are reshaping design education and practice. They discuss their book, "Assembling Tomorrow: A Guide to Designing a Thriving Future," and highlight the critical role of design in addressing global challenges such as climate change. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation about the power of design to inspire innovation and build a sustainable future. Chapters: --- 00:00:00 - Introduction --- 00:07:08 - Describing the Book: A Designer’s Perspective --- 00:07:52 - Histories of the Future: Speculative Fiction in Design --- 00:10:24 - Mammoth De-extinction: Exploring Future Ecosystems --- 00:14:59 - AI in Design Education: Tools and Implications --- 00:16:40 - Emerging Technologies: Beyond Traditional Mediums --- 00:24:34 - The Role of Designers: Healing Gaps in Systems --- 00:31:53 - Climate Change Impact on Food Systems --- 00:32:42 - Optimism in Technology and Human Ingenuity ... Read more

18 Jul 2024

35 MINS

35:48

18 Jul 2024


#2

CNN's Bill Weir on Climate Change, Fatherhood, and Hope

Jonah Geil-Neufeld sits down with Bill Weir, CNN's Chief Climate Correspondent, to discuss his new book, "Life as We Know It: Stories of People, Climate, and Hope in a Changing World." Bill shares heartfelt letters written to his son, River, born in 2020, amidst a world grappling with the dual crises of climate change and COVID-19. This conversation delves into personal reflections, the impact of climate change on future generations, and the inspiring stories of resilience and innovation that offer a glimpse of hope for our planet. ... Read more

21 Jun 2024

39 MINS

39:55

21 Jun 2024


#1

Saving Ourselves: Dana R. Fisher

In our first episode, Jonah talks with Dana R. Fisher, Director of the Center for Environment, Community, and Equity at American University. Dana shares insights from her book Saving Ourselves and her journey from environmental policy work to becoming a leading voice in environmental sociology. She emphasizes the power of individual and collective action in pushing against entrenched power structures and advocates for a massive systemic transformation to address the root causes of climate change. Their conversation explores the concept of 'apocalyptic optimism' and the idea that significant environmental disasters might be necessary to catalyze global societal shifts towards serious climate action. They also talk about personal stories of climate impact and the potential for societal change through what is termed 'Anthro-Shift'. ... Read more

23 May 2024

29 MINS

29:05

23 May 2024