Pollinators are declining fast - here’s why it matters. This week, Matt speaks with Kelly Bills, Executive Director of Pollinator Partnership, who explains why pollinators are critical to global food systems and ecosystem health. She discusses declining bee and insect populations, the role of climate change in habitat loss and disrupted plant–pollinator timing, and how agriculture, communities, and corporations can help reverse these trends. Kelly also shares successful conservation initiatives, including Bee Friendly Farming and large-scale habitat restoration projects, along with practical steps individuals can take to support pollinators. To get involved with Kelly’s organization, visit https://www.pollinator.org Also check out some of their studies below: The Basics: Climate Change and Pollinators https://www.pollinator.org/pollinator.org/assets/generalFiles/Climate-Change-and-Pollinators-Flyer-2023.pdf Published study: Untangling the Complexity of Climate Change Effects on Plant Reproductive Traits and Pollinators: A Systematic Global Synthesis https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/gcb.70081 Executive Summary 2-pager (with the published study) https://www.pollinator.org/pollinator.org/assets/generalFiles/NAPPC-climate-change-overview_english.pdf Want to boast to your friends about trees named after you? Help us plant 30k trees? Only a few trees left! Visit aclimatechange.com/trees to learn more Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts. Kelly Bills Bio: Kelly Bills has been dedicated to pollinator conservation for over a decade. Her focus is on large-scale habitat projects, plant-pollinator interactions, and agricultural and industry engagement. Kelly holds an undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies and a minor in Anthropology from the University of California at Santa Cruz. She has also received a Master’s of Science in Environmental Management (Ecology Concentration) from the University of San Francisco. Her background in ecology, conservation, and culture has propelled her career in the non-profit sector. Kelly is Executive Director of the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign (NAPPC), is on the Board of Directors of Pollinator Partnership Canada, is a member of the USDA NAREEE Pollinator Subcommittee, and serves on the EPA Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee. Episode Resources Pollinator website: https://www.pollinator.org/ ACC on Apple: https://bit.ly/accapplepodcast ACC on Spotify: https://bit.ly/accspotifypodcast ACC on YouTube: https://bit.ly/ACCvids More About A Climate Change with Matt Matern A Climate Change with Matt Matern is a podcast dedicated to addressing the pressing issue of climate change while inspiring action and fostering a sustainable future. Each episode dives deep into the environmental challenges of our time, rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, and resource degradation, breaking down complex topics into digestible insights. The podcast goes beyond merely raising awareness. It serves as a trusted resource for practical, actionable solutions that empower listeners to reduce their carbon footprint and drive change in their communities. With a strong focus on environmental science and expert perspectives, host Matt Matern brings influential voices to the forefront, highlighting innovative ideas and collaborative efforts shaping global sustainability initiatives. More than just a source of information, A Climate Change is a movement. It builds a coalition of like-minded individuals committed to preserving the planet for future generations. Listeners are invited to participate actively in creating a legacy of positive environmental impact through informed decision-making and collective action. The podcast, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube, provides a platform for science-backed discussions, global perspectives, and community building. Whether you want to learn about renewable energy, sustainable living practices, or climate policy, A Climate Change with Matt Matern equips you with the tools and knowledge to make a tangible difference. Tune in, take action, and join the fight for a brighter, greener future. Curated List of Episodes If you enjoyed this episode of A Climate Change, here is a list of some recent episodes curated especially for you: Simulating the Future: How Climate Models Shape Policy Decisions with Andrew Jones [Link] How Personal Change Sparks Global Impact: Joshua Spodek's Sustainability Secrets [Link] Bill McKibben on Renewable Energy, Political Battles & Hope for the Planet [Link]
