55 episodes

The Earthlings Podcast takes a look at the big issues facing humanity in the early 21st century and our relationship to our environment, technology, and each other. Each episode, award-winning journalist, and former NPR reporter Lisa Ann Pinkerton hosts experts, scientists, and leaders working to solve the world’s biggest challenges. Together, they cover wide-ranging topics including environmental solutions, emerging technologies, what the future might look like, and more.

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Earthlings 2.0 Podcast Lisa Ann Pinkerton

    • Technology
    • 4.7 • 15 Ratings

The Earthlings Podcast takes a look at the big issues facing humanity in the early 21st century and our relationship to our environment, technology, and each other. Each episode, award-winning journalist, and former NPR reporter Lisa Ann Pinkerton hosts experts, scientists, and leaders working to solve the world’s biggest challenges. Together, they cover wide-ranging topics including environmental solutions, emerging technologies, what the future might look like, and more.

Support us on Patreon and receive exclusive content and benefits.

    S4E18: Hyperspectral Satellite Data Putting Many Eyes on the Earth

    S4E18: Hyperspectral Satellite Data Putting Many Eyes on the Earth

    Hello Earthlings! On this week’s episode, we explore the transformative potential of hyperspectral imaging technology, a tool that was once exclusive to space agencies like NASA but has recently become accessible for commercial use. Join our host Lisa Ann, as she delves into the myriad applications of this advanced imaging technique that captures data across the electromagnetic spectrum to reveal the unseen details of our planet.
    Our expert guest, Max Joshua, provides a deep dive into how hyperspectral imaging helps monitor environmental changes, detect methane leaks, and even assess agricultural health from space. Discover how commercial hyperspectral satellites, like those operated by Planet Labs, are democratizing data access, allowing us to verify corporate emission reports and potentially hold polluters accountable. Learn about the challenges and future potential of this technology in various sectors, from agriculture to energy.
    Restoring Our Faith in Humanity this week is Australian research scientist Berin Mackenzie. He’s one of several scientists who are actively saving from the brink of extinction, a type of pine tree that evolved 91 million years ago. The Wollemi Pine was thought to have gone extinct 2 million years ago, but, in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney, a stand of 90 specimens were found high in the more remote peaks. Listen to the full episode to hear the full story! 
    Key Topics: 
    Hyperspectral Imaging 101: Max explains the fundamentals of hyperspectral imaging technology, discussing its development from a specialized tool used by NASA to its current commercial applications for monitoring Earth.Applications and Impacts: Hyperspectral imaging’s various applications, such as detecting methane leaks, assessing environmental health, and its potential for enhancing transparency in corporate environmental reporting.The Future of Accountability, ESG, and CSRD: Max and Lisa Ann discuss how hyperspectral imaging can be used to hold companies more accountable 
    Voices on The Show: Max Joshua, Hyperspectral Satellite Imaging Expert Linkedin: Max Joshua Lisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability LinkedIn: Lisa Ann PinkertonX - Lisa Ann Pinkerton Instagram - @LisiAnniTechnica Communications Women in Cleantech and Sustainability
    Web Resources:Planet’s Tanager Satellite Planet’s Forest CarbonHappy 15th Anniversary to Technica Communications! 
    Restoring our faith in humanity:a...

    • 37 min
    S4E17: Hydrogen Horizons: Pioneering Clean Energy Education

    S4E17: Hydrogen Horizons: Pioneering Clean Energy Education

    Hello, Earthlings! In today’s episode, we focus on the new technology set to redefine our energy landscape. We’re speaking about the potential energy of the future: Hydrogen! We met Max Accordino, Head of Business Development at Horizon Educational. We discuss the need to educate the younger generation about the value of hydrogen energy through educational play! 
    According to some scientific studies, learning a new skill or concept can take as many as 400 repetitions to create new neural synapses! But, interestingly enough, if you make it feel like play, which cuts that down to 10-20 repetitions making play 98.5% more times more effective when learning something new! To fix our climate issues we need a new perspective, one that only comes from the new generation. Horizon Educational has been hosting the Hydrogen Grand Prix where children build and race hydrogen fuel cell-powered RC cars to educate children on the benefits of hydrogen!
    In this week's "Restoring Our Faith in Humanity" segment, Indonesia welcomes its first sanctuary for farmed animals on Sumatra Island. Founded in 2017 by Loo Shih Loong and Sing Hui, Sehati Animal Sanctuary shelters 300+ animals saved from the meat industry. Sing's bond with five piglets sparked the sanctuary's creation. The couple's dedication, including pawning their gold, sustains the sanctuary. In 2020, Bali locals initiated crowdfunding to support Sehati, aiming for sustainability and growth. This tale of compassion reminds us of our interconnectedness on our marvelous planet Earth. 🌱🐷🌍
    Key Topics: 
    Innovative hydrogen fuel cell cars and student engineering projects: The program offers a unique platform for students to present their solutions to industry experts, receive feedback and mentorship, and gain a step ahead of their peers.Hands-on learning and its impact on future workforce: Lisa Ann Pinkerton and Max discuss the importance of hands-on learning and resilience in students.A hydrogen fuel cell racing program for high school students: The Grand Prix highlights the importance of the program in providing opportunities for students from low-income areas, to pursue careers in clean energy and mobility. 
    Voices on The Show: 
    Max Accordinio,  Head of Business Development at Horizon EducationalLinkedin: Max AccordinioHorizon EducationalLisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability LinkedIn: Lisa Ann PinkertonX - Lisa Ann Pinkerton Instagram - @LisiAnniTechnica Communications Women in Cleantech and Sustainability
    Web Resources 
    Watch the RE+ 2023 Hydrogen Grand Prix hereLearn more...

    • 33 min
    S4E16: Earth Day’s Mission to End Plastic Pollution

    S4E16: Earth Day’s Mission to End Plastic Pollution

    Hello Earthlings! This week we’re celebrating Earth Day by delving deep into the pervasive issue of plastic pollution, a subject that touches on the health of our planet and ourselves. Our guest, Aidan Charron, the Director of End Plastic Initiatives at Earthday.org, shares his journey from witnessing the impact of plastic on the beaches of North Carolina to spearheading efforts to combat plastic pollution globally. Aidan and our host, Lisa Ann, explore the daunting realities of microplastics and the chemicals they introduce into our ecosystems and bodies, highlighting the urgent need for action.
    The forecast might seem bleak but there’s hope: Aidan outlines Earthday.org's ambitious goal for a 60% reduction in plastic production by 2040, emphasizing the necessity of local and global policy changes to make this a reality. From the success and setbacks of local legislation to the intricacies of international treaty negotiations, Lisa Ann and Aiden take us for a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and strategies in the fight against plastic pollution.
    In this week's "Restoring Faith in Humanity" segment, we honor the enduring legacy of U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson, whose visionary leadership catalyzed the creation of Earth Day in 1970. Senator Nelson's commitment to environmental conservation galvanized twenty million Americans across the nation, uniting individuals from all walks of life in a powerful grassroots movement. This unprecedented mobilization of communities, educational institutions, and local governments across thousands of U.S. cities and schools underscored the collective determination to prioritize the planet's health and sustainability.
    Key Topics: 
    Impact of Plastic Pollution: Discussion on the widespread issue of plastic pollution, especially microplastics, and their detrimental effects on environmental and human health.End Plastic Pollution Initiative: Exploration of Earthday.org's mission to significantly reduce plastic production by 2040, focusing on the reduction of single-use plastics and the necessity for global and local policy interventions.Legislative Efforts and Barriers: Insights into the successes and challenges in passing laws to mitigate plastic pollution, highlighting the importance of local action and the obstacles posed by industry resistance and regulatory preemption.International Treaty Negotiations: Overview of the complex global efforts to forge an international treaty on plastic pollution, including the negotiation dynamics, challenges, and the hopeful path forward for substantial policy changes.
    Voices on The Show: Aidan Charron, Director of End Plastic Initiatives,  Earthday.orgLinkedin: Aidan CharronLisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability LinkedIn: Lisa Ann PinkertonX - Lisa Ann Pinkerton Instagram - @LisiAnniTechnica Communications Women in Cleantech and...

    • 43 min
    S4E15: Zeroing in on Hydrogen for Marine Transportation

    S4E15: Zeroing in on Hydrogen for Marine Transportation

    Hello Earthlings! In this week’s episode of "Earthlings 2.0," Lisa Ann talks to guest Joseph Pratt, CEO and CTO of Zero Emission Industries, on the potential of hydrogen fuel cells in decarbonizing the maritime industry. The episode delves into the groundbreaking work of Zero Emissions Industries and the positive findings that herald the viability of hydrogen as a sustainable power source for commercial vessels. Pratt shares insights into the challenges and opportunities of implementing hydrogen technology in the maritime sector, including the importance of infrastructure development and regulatory considerations. We also explore broader implications for the hydrogen industry, touching on ZeroEI’s innovative fueling system and its potential to address current infrastructure bottlenecks.
    Join us as we navigate the potential of hydrogen to revolutionize marine transport, from the science behind fuel cells to the launch of the groundbreaking Sea Change ferry.
    Restoring Our Faith in Humanity this week is Brent Hughes, a marine ecologist from Sonoma State University, Christine Angelini, a coastal ecologist from the University of Florida, and their team's significant research. Their work reveals how reintroducing sea otters to the California coast catalyzed the revival of dwindling coastal marshes, offering a hopeful narrative of ecological recovery. For a dose of cuteness and inspiration, don't miss the episode's video on YouTube, featuring delightful sea otter footage.
    Key Topics: 
    The Potential of Hydrogen Fuel Cells in Maritime Decarbonization: An exploration into how hydrogen fuel cells work and their application in decarbonizing the maritime industry, highlighting the environmental benefits and the technological breakthroughs that make this green alternative viable for commercial vessels.The Journey of the Sea Change Ferry: The story behind the world's first hydrogen-powered commercial vessel, the Sea Change ferry, including the challenges, innovations, and collaborative efforts that contributed to its development and the implications for the future of marine transport.Innovative Hydrogen Fueling Systems: Zero Emissions Industries’ innovative hydrogen fueling system that addresses the current infrastructure bottlenecks, showcasing its broader applicability beyond maritime uses to other industries like trucking and aviation.
    Voices on The Show: Joseph Pratt, CEO and CTO of Zero Emission IndustriesLinkedin: Joseph Pratt Lisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability LinkedIn: Lisa Ann PinkertonX - Lisa Ann Pinkerton Instagram - @LisiAnniTechnica Communications Women in Cleantech and Sustainability
    Web Resources:ZeroEI Linkedina...

    • 42 min
    S4E14: The Grass is Greener with Carbon-Negative Building Products

    S4E14: The Grass is Greener with Carbon-Negative Building Products

    Hello Earthlings! In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, Lisa Ann Pinkerton delves into an innovative solution addressing the global housing crisis without exacerbating our climate emergency with Plantd. With the collective future of 3 billion Earthlings at stake by 2030, the episode navigates the pressing need for sustainable construction methods that align with our carbon budget.
    In an era where traditional building materials contribute significantly to carbon emissions, this episode spotlights Plantd - a North Carolina-based startup led by Haude Tan and Nathan Silvernail, former NASA and SpaceX engineers. They've reimagined construction by creating carbon-negative structural boards from perennial grass, challenging the status quo of the timber industry and paving the way for environmentally sustainable building materials.
    Discover how Plantd's revolutionary non-tree based wood is not just an eco-friendly alternative but a practical solution offering the same, if not better, quality and convenience without altering traditional building practices. From their futuristic manufacturing processes that resemble a space station to their collaboration with local farmers, Plantd's journey represents a beacon of hope for a greener future in construction.
    Restoring Our Faith in Humanity this week are the extraordinary efforts of Erica Hart. Inspired by her father's suggestion, Erica used her drone to locate a missing local dog. Since then, she has harnessed the power of thermal imaging technology to reunite over 330 dogs with their guardians across the UK and Scotland. Erica's story is a testament to the impact one person can have, turning a simple act of kindness into a life-changing mission for hundreds of families and their beloved pets.
    Key Topics: 
    Sustainable Construction Solutions: Exploring innovative building methods to address the housing needs of a growing population without compromising environmental sustainability. The focus is on reducing the climate impact through eco-friendly materials and practices.Carbon-Negative Materials by Plantd: Highlighting Plantd’s breakthrough in creating structural boards from perennial grass, offering a carbon-negative alternative to conventional building materials. This approach could significantly reduce the construction industry’s carbon footprint.Environmental Impact of Traditional Building: Discussing the considerable carbon emissions from traditional construction materials like concrete and steel, and the need for sustainable alternatives.
    Voices on The Show: Huade Tan, Co-founder and Co-CEO of Plantd Linkedin: Huade TanNathan Silvernail, Co-founder and Co-CEO of Plantd Linkedin: Nathan SilvernailLisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability LinkedIn: Lisa Ann PinkertonX - Lisa Ann Pinkerton Instagram - @LisiAnniTechnica Communications a href="https://www.womenincleantechsustainability.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    • 36 min
    S4E13: The Real Future of Virtual Power Plants

    S4E13: The Real Future of Virtual Power Plants

    Hello Earthlings! In this electrifying episode of Earthlings 2.0, host Lisa Ann Pinkerton and expert guest, Sarah Minczeski Delisle, VP of Government Affairs and Communications at Swell Energy, dives deep into how Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) are becoming the unsung heroes in the transition to renewable energy.  These systems are not only changing the way we think about energy generation and distribution but are also empowering communities worldwide to contribute to a more reliable and environmentally friendly electric grid.
    Sarah explains how VPPs harness solar, battery storage, and other distributed energy resources to provide a cleaner, more resilient power supply and potentially reduce the need for traditional fossil fuel plants. By aggregating the energy from individual homes, VPPs offer a unique solution to the challenges of modern electricity demands and climate change, all while providing economic benefits to the participants.
    From discussing the 140-year-old electrical grid's evolution to exploring the potential of VPPs in the US and beyond, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of energy and environmental sustainability. Join us as we explore how leveraging technology and community can lead to innovative solutions that combat climate change, one virtual power plant at a time.
    Restoring Our Faith in Humanity this week is the inspiring story of 14-year-old Davis Marthin Damaledo from Indonesia, who discovered a new species of giant stick insect while taking a walk with his father. Thanks Davis for reminding us of the endless wonders our planet holds! 
    Key Topics: 
    Virtual Power Plants (VPPs): VPPs combine solar panels and battery storage from multiple locations via a central system, offering a greener, more efficient alternative to traditional energy generation, reducing fossil fuel dependence and emissions.Benefits for All: VPPs offer dual advantages; consumers enjoy lower bills and rewards for energy contributions, while utilities gain a more stable, greener grid that integrates renewables more effectively without expensive, polluting peaker plants.Addressing Energy Challenges: VPPs address the intermittency of renewable energy and rising demand by ensuring consistent power supply, thereby boosting grid reliability and efficiency.
    Voices on The Show: 
    Sarah Minczeski Delisle, VP of Government Affairs and Communications at Swell EnergyLinkedin: Sarah Minczeski DelisleLisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability LinkedIn: Lisa Ann PinkertonX - Lisa Ann Pinkerton Instagram - @LisiAnniTechnica Communications Women in Cleantech and Sustainability
    Web Resources 
    Swell Energya href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/swell-energy/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    • 32 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
15 Ratings

15 Ratings

AdamFlaherty ,

Great message and fascinating topics

I LOVE the notion that despite how insignificant we may feel, that every individual has the power to make (or contribute) to positive changes. Super fascinating episodes. I highly recommend subscribing!

Ads explicit ,

Informative and well thought out

Really enjoying this podcast! It’s well produced, informative and entertaining. Looking forward to more!

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