189 episodes

The Sustainability Agenda is a weekly podcast exploring today’s biggest sustainability questions. Leading sustainability thinkers offer their views on the biggest sustainability challenges, share the latest thinking, identify what’s working --and what needs to change -- and think about the future of sustainability.

The Sustainability Agenda Fergal Byrne

    • Science
    • 4.5 • 30 Ratings

The Sustainability Agenda is a weekly podcast exploring today’s biggest sustainability questions. Leading sustainability thinkers offer their views on the biggest sustainability challenges, share the latest thinking, identify what’s working --and what needs to change -- and think about the future of sustainability.

    Episode 189: Interview with Irish rewilding pioneer Eoghan Daltun in the Beara peninsula of Co. Cork, Ireland.

    Episode 189: Interview with Irish rewilding pioneer Eoghan Daltun in the Beara peninsula of Co. Cork, Ireland.

    In this fascinating interview, conducted with my daughter, Catherine Byrne, we delve into the world of Eoghan Daltun, an Irish farmer and advocate for rewilding. Eoghan's journey is a testament to the power of nature and the importance of ecological balance. He shares his experiences running a farm and rewilding project on the Beara peninsula of Co. Cork, Ireland. His work is not just about farming, but about restoring and preserving the natural environment. His book, 'An Irish Atlantic Rainforest: A Personal Journey Into the Magic of Rewilding', is a testament to his commitment and passion for this cause. Eoghan's insights provide a unique perspective on the importance of rewilding and the role it plays in combating ecological and climate breakdown.
    Eoghan Daltun is an Irish farmer and outspoken advocate for rewilding --he runs a farm and rewilding project on the Beara peninsula of Co. Cork. He is the author of an acclaimed book on his personal rewilding work on the Beara peninsula, An Irish Atlantic Rainforest: A Personal Journey Into the Magic of Rewilding. By background and training a conservator of sculpture and a sculptor in stone. This extended interview took place on Eoghan’s farm in Eyeries on the Beara peninsula.
    Catherine Byrne is a forest researcher working with Evolving Forests in Devon, England and a Woodlab Fellow at Hooke Park in Dorset; Catherine is also host of a radio show on Balamii Radio, "Biorhythms" based around her nature based field recordings--some of which are included in this episode. 

    • 1 hr 17 min
    Episode 188: Interview with Bhutanese lama Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche...offering a distinctive Buddhist outlook on current environmental crises.

    Episode 188: Interview with Bhutanese lama Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche...offering a distinctive Buddhist outlook on current environmental crises.

    In this compelling interview, Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, a revered Bhutanese lama and educator, offers a distinctive Buddhist outlook on the critical environmental crises we are currently facing. Rinpoche stresses the necessity of immediate action and illustrates how a Buddhist viewpoint can foster a deep comprehension of humanity’s interconnectedness with the environment. He delves into essential Buddhist metaphysical concepts—such as interdependence and the illusion of self—demonstrating how an understanding of these principles can aid in addressing our environmental predicaments. Rinpoche highlights the significance of reconnecting with ancient wisdom and the vital role of educating the younger generation about environmental stewardship.
    Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche, also known as Khyentse Norbu and Thubten Chökyi Gyamtso, is a widely respected Buddhist scholar and teacher from the Rimé (nonsectarian) lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. Also an acclaimed filmmaker and author of several books, Rinpoche is known for his modern, progressive, and sometimes provocative approach to teaching the dharma.
    Rinpoche is responsible for the care and education of approximately 3,000 monks at several monastic institutions in Asia: Dzongsar Monastery and Dzongsar College in Derge, Sichuan, China; Dzongsar Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö Institute in Chauntra, Himachal Pradesh, India; and the Chökyi Gyatso Institute for Buddhist Studies in Dewathang, Bhutan.
     In addition to the monastic community, Rinpoche guides hundreds of thousands of students in about 40 countries around the world. As an author, filmmaker, and benefactor, his many creative and philanthropic endeavors extend beyond traditional efforts through an ever-growing mandala of activities.

    • 51 min
    Episode 187: Interview with indigenous Australian academic and human and earth rights activist, Dr. Anne Poelina.

    Episode 187: Interview with indigenous Australian academic and human and earth rights activist, Dr. Anne Poelina.

    In this episode, we speak to Dr. Anne Poelina an indigenous Australian academic and human and earth rights activist. Dr. Poelina explains her role as a “Yimardoowarra marnin,” which, translated from the Nyikina language, means “a woman who belongs to the Martuwarra River,” in Western Australia. Dr. Poelina discusses what she calls “first law,” the Aboriginal peoples’ customary law covering the rules for living in coexistence with nature, the rules of conduct that hold together and bond a civil society, the principles of an ethics of care. She talks about the indigenous cultural approach to collaborative water governance underlying the legal work that she is spearheading to make sure that the development of the Fitzroy River does not lead to the mistakes made in the development of the Murray-Darling river.Please see the Matuwarra Fitzroy River Council website to learn more about the Council and its work.Dr. Anne Poelina is a Nyikina Warrwa (Indigenous Australian) woman who belongs to the Mardoowarra, the lower Fitzroy River in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. She is an active Indigenous community leader, human and earth rights advocate, filmmaker and a respected academic researcher. Anne is currently an Adjunct Senior Research Fellow with Notre Dame University and a Research Fellow with Northern Australia Institute Charles Darwin University. She is also Managing Director of Madjulla Incorporated, an indigenous not-for-profit non-government community development organisation working with remote Aboriginal communities.The post Episode 100: Interview with Anne Poelina, Indigenous Australian and Nyikina Traditional Custodian appeared first on The Sustainability Agenda. This episode was first aired in August 2020.

    • 57 min
    Episode 186: Interview with Steve Trent, founder of the Environmental Justice Foundation

    Episode 186: Interview with Steve Trent, founder of the Environmental Justice Foundation

    In this revealing interview, Steve Trent, the founder of the Environmental Justice Foundation, delves into the Foundation’s pivotal work at the intersection of environmental security and human rights. He underscores the Foundation’s vital role in actively probing and witnessing environmental abuses, and the importance of presenting evidence and information to decision-makers in corporate boardrooms and governments worldwide.
    Steve highlights the importance of empowering local communities and giving a voice to the marginalized--at the core of the Environmental Justice Foundation’s work --and their potential to drive significant change. And he discusses ithe Foundation’s ongoing campaign against deep-sea mining, a practice which it vehemently opposes. He compares its destructive nature to the clear-cutting of forests and advocates for increased transparency in decision-making about deep-sea mining, which is too often conducted behind closed doors.
    Steve also discusses the Environmental Justice Foundation’s distinct approach to funding, emphasizing their commitment to self-reliance, independence, and transparency, with a focus on delivering tangible benefits. 
    Despite facing numerous challenges, Steve maintains an optimistic outlook for the future, drawing inspiration from the engagement and perspective of younger generations. And he encourages listeners to get involved, educate themselves, and support organizations that align with their values.
    An eloquent call for environmental justice, transparency, and empowerment of local communities: this interview is essential listening for anyone interested in environmental justice and the long-term wellbeing of our planet.
    Steve Trent is the CEO and founder of the Environmental Justice Foundation, a non-governmental organisation that works to secure a world where natural habitats and environments can sustain, and be sustained by, the communities that depend upon them for their basic needs and livelihoods.  
     
    Steve has more than 30 years' experience in environmental and human rights, campaigning for the protection of natural resources, the environment and human rights, taking action to bring about tangible positive change and implementing solutions to ensure genuine long-term sustainability. He has conducted investigations and trained environmental and human rights advocates in more than 25 countries and managed media campaigns in over 15 countries around the world. 
     
    Steve also cofounded WildAid, serving as president for over a decade and leading WildAid’s work in China and India.
     

    • 58 min
    Episode 185: Interview with leading French anthropologist Professor Philippe Descola on man's relationship with nature.

    Episode 185: Interview with leading French anthropologist Professor Philippe Descola on man's relationship with nature.

    Fascinating interview with leading French anthropologist Professor Philippe Descola, first posted in 2021, exploring man's relationship with nature. Professor Descola argues that we can, and must today, learn from other ways of connecting to nature--and move beyond the strict separation between the cultural worlds of human beings and the non-human things of nature.

    • 1 hr 4 min
    Episode 184: Interview with Dr. Matthew J. Bell, EY Global Climate Change and Sustainability Services Leader

    Episode 184: Interview with Dr. Matthew J. Bell, EY Global Climate Change and Sustainability Services Leader

    Matthew is Global Climate Change and Sustainability Services Leader Leader at EY, the professional services company.  He has a background in government climate and energy policy, and science. Matt has more than 20 years' experience supporting organizational transformation toward a more sustainable path. Working across the public and private sectors, Matt leads teams of specialists across environment, health and safety; sustainability strategy and advice; non-financial reporting and assurance; impact investment and outcome measurement; human rights; and climate change and energy.

    • 52 min

Customer Reviews

4.5 out of 5
30 Ratings

30 Ratings

Andieo1997 ,

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

The Sustainability Agenda is an enlightening and engaging podcast that brilliantly tackles the complexities of sustainability! Each episode is a treasure trove of insights, offering deep dives into environmental topics that matter. Fergal’s passion is infectious, making even the most intricate subjects accessible and interesting. This show is a must-listen for anyone looking to make a positive impact on our planet!

malfoxley ,

Great show!

Fergal, host of the Sustainability Agenda podcast, highlights all aspects of sustainability and more in this can’t miss podcast! The host and expert guests offer insightful advice and information that is helpful to anyone that listens!

nuppal07171987 ,

Latest episode is terrible

Paula talks in circles. She doesn’t seem smart

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