Bionic Planet: Reversing Climate Change by Restoring Nature Steve Zwick

In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Robert Gilmore Pontius, Jr., a geography professor at Clark University specializing in geographic information science. Dr. Pontius shared his expertise in computer simulation models of deforestation and the impact of land change on humans.
Dr. Pontius discussed his journey into the field of geography, highlighting his passion for mathematics and maps. He emphasized the importance of simplicity in modeling and the need to eliminate distractions to focus on the essence of the problem.
The conversation delved into the complexities of land change modeling, addressing the challenges of uncertainty and the balance between simplicity and complexity in predictive models. Dr. Pontius emphasized the importance of transparency in modeling and the need to acknowledge and learn from mistakes in scientific research.
The discussion also touched on the evolution of methodologies in land change modeling, with Dr. Pontius advocating for a continuous learning process and adaptation based on new scientific insights. He highlighted the importance of open communication and collaboration in maximizing learning and addressing challenges in the field.
Overall, the episode provided valuable insights into the world of geographic information science, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement, transparency, and open dialogue in scientific research and modeling practices. Dr. Pontius's expertise and passion for the subject shone through, making for an engaging and enlightening conversation.
 
"I do this because I enjoy it. And I feel completely comfortable with saying that, because if you don't enjoy it, you're not going to dedicate time to it." - 00:04:52-00:05:02
"What good scientists do, they learn from their mistakes, and they admit them, and they say what their motivation was at the time, and then they clarify it and present something better." - 00:12:49-00:13:00
"I wanted to give an example to the research community because I see variation even among professors in their motivations." - 00:13:00-00:13:12
"We're not in the business of trying to say that we've solved all the problems. That's not what good scientists do." - 00:14:51-00:15:01
"I'm not willing to take on a student unless that student is willing to tell me when they think I'm wrong." - 00:29:23-00:29:33
"Mathematicians are always trying to eliminate distractions, get to the essence of something, and make it as simple and transparent as possible." - 00:48:07-00:48:17
"It's trivial to choose to look at something in such detail that it's impossible to predict accurately. Easy to do." - 00:50:07-00:50:18
"If we're doing the same thing we were doing 30 years ago, it means either 30 years ago we were so brilliant that we knew everything, or if we're doing the same thing we were doing 30 years ago, that means we haven't learned anything in 30 years." - 00:55:18-00:55:28
"Learning is not guaranteed. Just look around the world today. I mean, things can go backward." - 00:55:29-00:55:39
"Is capitalism or communism good or bad? It depends how it's implemented. Is religion good or bad? It depends how it's implemented." - 00:56:55-00:57:05

Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/bionicplanet
Two weeks ago, climate pioneer Interface Inc announced they would become carbon-negative across all their operations by 2040, enabling them to move beyond the use of carbon credits.
Some people heralded this as a sign that the days of offsetting emissions are over, but that’s not exactly true – at least not yet.
Most companies aren't as far along on their climate journeys as Interface is, and we still need offsets to accelerate reductions in the next decade. The fact is a company's decision to offset or not depends on its unique circumstances.
In this episode of Bionic Planet, we delve into the remarkable journey of Interface, Inc., a flooring tile manufacturer that has been at the forefront of climate action since CEO Ray Anderson (pictured) the 1990s.
The episode explores how Interface's early efforts to offset emissions paved the way for their groundbreaking carbon-negative carpet line, which absorbs more greenhouse gas than it emits over its lifecycle.
We replay a 2021 interview with Buddy Hay, the industrial engineer who played a pivotal role in quantifying Interface's emissions, and we detail the company's transition to offsetting, the challenges they faced in measuring and reducing their carbon footprint, and the evolution of the voluntary carbon market, the role of verification and validation in offsetting, and the importance of natural climate solutions -- as well as how the company used offsets the right way: to reduce emissions in the present while developing technologies that enabled it to move beyond offsetting in the future.
Related Link: https://www.ecosystemmarketplace.com/articles/interface-making-carpets-cool/

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In Episode 100 of Bionic Planet, part of the Tribes of the Climate Realm vertical, we delve into the origins of the voluntary carbon market -- a story that has never been told before.

Today's show is the first of many offering a truer, completer, and more accurate glimpse into the origins of the Voluntary Carbon Market than you've probably ever heard before.

The episode draws on a 2022 discussion with environmental economists Marc Stuart and Mark Kenber, who were instrumental in creating the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) in 2005 to meet two core objectives: first, to accelerate emission reductions in the wake of failed government policy and, second, to test new approaches to meeting the climate challenge.

We offer a brief history of climate negotiations leading up to 2005 and the exclusion of forest protection and sustainable farming from the Kyoto Protocol and the Marrakesh Accords. The discussion touches on the complexities of integrating these crucial elements into the market, emphasizing the importance of balancing environmental integrity with development-focused activities.
Join me, Steve Zwick, in this insightful journey through the history and evolution of the voluntary carbon market, as we strive to create a more sustainable future for our planet. Thank you for tuning in to Episode 100 of Bionic Planet.
Related Links
049 | Forests in the Paris Climate Agreement, Part 1: The Birth of Forest Carbon
https://bionic-planet.com/podcast-episode/049-forests-in-the-paris-climate-agreement-part-1-the-birth-of-forest-carbon/ 
064 | Race to Zero: Meet the Taskforce on Scaling Voluntary Carbon
https://bionic-planet.com/podcast-episode/064-race-to-zero-meet-the-taskforce-on-scaling-voluntary-carbon/ 
75 l Coverage of Climate Solutions Suffer the Same Fate as Coverage of Climate Science?
https://bionic-planet.com/podcast-episode/75-l-coverage-of-climate-solutions-suffer-the-same-fate-as-coverage-of-climate-science/
 
Timestamps
Introduction to the History of the Voluntary Carbon Market
The Origins of the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS)
The Role of Carbon Markets in Addressing Climate Change
The Failure of Governments to Address Climate Change
The Evolution of Voluntary Carbon Standards
The Importance of Ending Deforestation
The Emergence of Voluntary Carbon Markets in the 1980s
The Kyoto Protocol and the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)
The Exclusion of Forest Protection from the Kyoto Protocol
The Creation of the Voluntary Carbon Standard (VCS)
Challenges in Implementing Standards for Forest Protection
The Need for Unified Rules in Carbon Markets
The Involvement of NGOs, Businesses, and Organizations in Developing Standards
The Controversy Surrounding Inclusion of Forest Conservation
The Importance of Addressing Permanence and Fungibility
The Collaboration Between NGOs and Businesses in Developing Standards
The Importance of Including Forest Conservation in Carbon Markets
The Role of NGOs in Advocating for Inclusion of Forest Conservation
The Significance of Learning from Past Lessons
Call to Action for Support and Sponsorship

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In Episode 99 of Bionic Planet, recorded in Mombasa, Kenya, the focus is on the efforts to revive the coastal mangrove forests that protect the seaside city and support its fishing sector. The episode features guests from the community-based organization, Big Ship, who have been working on mangrove conservation for 15 years.
The episode delves into the challenges faced in persuading communities to understand the importance of conserving mangroves and the innovative financing mechanisms used by Big Ship to fund their restoration efforts. The guests discuss the crucial role mangroves play in carbon sequestration, coastal protection, and supporting marine life.
The conversation highlights the Adopt-a-Site model employed by Big Ship, where degraded mangrove areas are identified, restored, and monitored over time. The guests emphasize the importance of engaging with the community, government institutions, and partners to ensure the sustainability of mangrove restoration projects.
The episode also explores the impact of youth involvement in mangrove conservation and the promotion of ecotourism as a sustainable income source for coastal communities. The guests share their experiences with the VIM program, which focuses on career mentorship and skill development for the youth.
Overall, the episode showcases the multi-faceted approach taken by Big Ship to address the challenges of mangrove conservation, promote community engagement, and create alternative livelihoods for coastal residents. The guests' insights shed light on the importance of cultural preservation, environmental awareness, and long-term sustainability in mangrove restoration efforts.
Listeners are encouraged to support the podcast by leaving a five-star review and considering becoming a patron to help fund future episodes that aim to educate and inspire action in climate and biodiversity conservation finance.
Timestamps
In Episode 99 of Bionic Planet, recorded in Mombasa, Kenya, the focus is on the efforts to revive the coastal mangrove forests that protect the seaside city and support its fishing sector. The episode features guests from the community-based organization, Big Ship, who have been working on mangrove conservation for 15 years.
The episode delves into the challenges faced in persuading communities to understand the importance of conserving mangroves and the innovative financing mechanisms used by Big Ship to fund their restoration efforts. The guests discuss the crucial role mangroves play in carbon sequestration, coastal protection, and supporting marine life.
The conversation highlights the Adopt-a-Site model employed by Big Ship, where degraded mangrove areas are identified, restored, and monitored over time. The guests emphasize the importance of engaging with the community, government institutions, and partners to ensure the sustainability of mangrove restoration projects.
The episode also explores the impact of youth involvement in mangrove conservation and the promotion of ecotourism as a sustainable income source for coastal communities. The guests share their experiences with the VIM program, which focuses on career mentorship and skill development for the youth.
Overall, the episode showcases the multi-faceted approach taken by Big Ship to address the challenges of mangrove conservation, promote community engagement, and create alternative livelihoods for coastal residents. The guests' insights shed light on the importance of cultural preservation, environmental awareness, and long-term sustainability in mangrove restoration efforts.

Timestamps
00:00:00 - Introduction to Big Ship Organization in Mombasa, Kenya
00:05:30 - Overview of Big Ship's Thematic Areas and Programs
00:10:27 - The Adopt-a-Site Model for Mangrove Restoration
00:15:01 - The Impact of the VIM Program on Youth Participants
00:21:09 - Discussion on Carbon Finance and Alternative Financing Mecha

Today we’re going to try and help you understand one of the most vexing components of the climate challenge — namely, the overlapping, interlinking, and contradictory land titles that determine control of so many tropical forests — in this case, the Amazon, the lungs of the planet.
 With no clarity over control and no realistic way of enforcing it, there’s no way to sustainably manage and protect this massive bulwark against climate change.
Today’s episode centers around a few individuals, most notably a Japan-born physician named Jonas Morioka, who migrated to Brazil in the 1980s, purchased timberland in the 1990s, pivoted to conservation in the 2000s, and is now embroiled in a title fight over a transaction that may or may not have taken place a century ago.
His story is far from unique, and it shows how easy it is to chop the forest, how difficult it is to save it, and how tenure disputes make it even more difficult to leverage carbon finance for the common good.
My guests are Vinny Maffei and Olivier LeJune of Quantum Commodity Intelligence. We collaborated in a recent story they ran called “How a decree created a REDD old mess in Brazil, and the new effort to fix it,” which you can read here:
https://www.qcintel.com/carbon/article/long-read-how-a-decree-created-a-redd-old-mess-in-brazil-and-the-new-effort-to-fix-it-23409.html
Quotes
"To meet the climate challenge, we must save the Amazon." - 00:02:38-00:02:49
"Decades of research have shown that you reduce deforestation in part by reducing poverty, and you reduce poverty in part by giving people an incentive to manage land sustainably." - 00:04:23-00:04:34
"Brazil is very famous for having a lot of large properties owned by just a few people. It's a very unequal country." - 00:19:33-00:19:44
"Forest conservation starts with the people in and around the forest." - 00:28:16-00:28:26
"Deforestation isn't a puzzle book with answers in the back. It's a wicked problem with no simple solution." - 00:30:24-00:30:36
"There are groups out there that are devoted to going in and finding things wrong." - 00:45:01-00:45:12
"There's a lot of interest around REDD+, amongst the media and other actors." - 00:46:39-00:46:49
Timestamps
00:00:00 - Introduction to the Climate Challenge
00:05:30 - Introduction of Michael Greene and Initial Impressions
00:10:12 - Overview of Land Titles in Para, Brazil
00:14:06 - Discussion on Pará State and Porto Region
00:18:29 - Jonas Morioka's Land Purchases and Legal Issues
00:21:48 - Land Ownership and Settlements
00:25:52 - Legal Disputes and Involvement of Public Defender
00:30:03 - Discussion on Indigenous and Environmental Groups
00:32:27 - Arguments Regarding Land Rights and Conservation Efforts
00:37:00 - Negotiations with ITERPA and School Construction
00:41:21 - Financial Aspects and Legal Agreements
00:43:10 - Status of School Construction and Legal Challenges

Photo courtesey of  HH58 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=70303656  This episode of Bionic Planet is entitled "The Mosaic, the Minefield, and a Manifesto." 
The "Mosaic" reminds us that there is no single solution to the climate challenge. Instead, we have a mosaic of interlocking solutions that fit together like a clock. Carbon finance is just one part of it, and it's one of the few parts that have worked well, albeit imperfectly.
The "Minefield" reminds us that the mosaic of solutions sits in an ideological minefield, and you never know if you’re going to trigger an explosion.
The "Manifesto" is my promise to leverage my 20 years of experience in environmental finance to give you a truer, more nuanced, and complete understanding of the climate and biodiversity landscapes than you’ll get anyplace else.
The New Vertical
This episode is part of a new vertical called "the Tribes of the Climate Realm" to reflect the fact that the climate community is a disunited hodgepodge of tribes who occasionally unite against a common enemy, but who are divided by ideological and sectarian differences that sometimes erupt into something akin to civil war. Tragically, as often happens in these situations, the most combative, belligerent, and least civilized tribes are usually the most colorful, despite having the least to offer. That's led to a dangerous disconnect between the real debates taking place inside the climate realm and the public discourse unfolding outside of it.
I initially started to call this vertical "Unmasking the Anti-REDD Crusade," because there is a very high-profile anti-REDD crusade, but I felt that frame was too narrow and dismissive of legitimate challenges, philosophical disputes, and areas where reasonable people can disagree. 
It's part of a new vertical that I'm calling "The Tribes of the Climate Realm" to reflect the fact that the climate community is not a monolithic entity but is, instead, something like a disunified realm spread across thousands of contested miles of mountains, plains, and forests, with competing tribes and factions and all the different perspectives, agendas, and intrigue that come with it.
The Tribes of the Climate Realm may occasionally unite against a common enemy –- climate change –- but they're divided by ideological and sectarian differences that sometimes erupt into something akin to civil war.
Tragically, as often happens in these situations, the most combative, belligerent, and least civilized tribes usually have the least to offer but are also the most colorful, so they win the hearts and minds of outsiders drawn to bright, shiny objects –- which is to say, most of us who've ignored the Climate Realm and its internecine battles until recently -- despite the fact that the realm and its battles have been very public since the United Nations' First World Climate Conference in 1979.
Related Links
 Will Coverage of Climate Solutions Suffer the Same Fate as Coverage of Climate Science
Six Lessons from the History of Natural Climate Solutions
Where Does Healthy Critique End and Cynical Denial Begin?
Timestamps
00:00:00 - Introduction to the Tribes of the Climate Realm
00:04:10 - Introduction to Enhanced Weathering as a Solution
00:05:03 - Historical Background of Enhanced Weathering
00:06:29 - Debate Over Enhanced Weathering Methodologies
00:07:10 - Purpose of the Voluntary Carbon Market
00:08:03 - Mark Kenber's Perspective on Climate Efforts
00:09:21 - Marc Stewart's Contribution to Forest Carbon Protocol
00:09:55 - Media Misrepresentation of Carbon Markets
00:10:39 - Challenges Faced by the Verified Carbon Standard
00:12:14 - Importance of Accurate Storytelling in Climate Discourse
00:13:09 - Call for Sponsorship and Support for Bionic Planet
00:14:23 - Emphasizing the Complexity of Climate Solutions
00:16:30 - Contrasting Narratives in the Climate Realm
00:17:44 - Manifesto for Honest and Nuanced Cl