World Ocean Radio

The Green New Deal has received much attention in the United States recently as one possible response to the challenging circumstances we face worldwide. In this episode of World Ocean Radio we outline a recent paper published by The Ocean Foundation which addresses the question, "How does the Green New Deal integrate with the best desired practices and changes for the ocean?" Their report outlines three ocean areas that must be considered as part of a vision and strategy for developing a more sustainable economy: shipping, energy production and food security.

Solar energy has emerged worldwide as a serious and viable alternative to fossil fuels, and can now be found in many places around the world. In this episode of World Ocean Radio we argue that solar power must be recognized as the most powerful energy technology available to us today as a means to mitigate changing climate and the deterioration of public health and security worldwide.

There has never been a better time to be a citizen scientist--those individuals interested in the collection of data toward solutions, the expansion of public awareness, to satisfy curiosity, and to help development concrete actions for the protection of the ocean. In this episode of World Ocean Radio we provide a number of examples of ocean science initiatives for the curious at heart, whether your interest is penguins, birds, clouds, phytoplankton or any other feature of the ocean world.

This week marks the 500th episode of World Ocean Radio! For more than 10 years, World Ocean Radio has been engaging in dialogue about ocean issues, suggesting solutions to today's problems, and championing for the change required to conserve and sustain all natural resources for the benefit of all mankind. Originally broadcast through WERU-FM in Blue Hill, Maine, World Ocean Radio is now heard via college and community radio stations, podcast and Internet radio on five continents around the world.

A recent report from the Yale Program on Climate Change, measuring public awareness and political views on issues related to climate, shows that opinions are changing. Survey results show that in the last year alone there has been a significant upward shift by registered voters in terms of understanding and concern of human-caused climate change. In this episode of World Ocean Radio we break down the report and the proposed national policies impacting public opinion.

The word 'indigenous' is used a lot these days, especially in terms of territorial rights to land and of invasive species of flora and fauna. In this episode of World Ocean Radio we discuss the origins of nature, especially in terms of the interaction between humans and the natural world, the rights of nature, and the most invasive species and biggest threat to biodiversity: homo sapiens.

Antarctica, terra nullius--nobody's land, has long been a place apart, once explored only by intrepid and resourceful individuals willing to risk failure and death. Peter Neill, host of World Ocean Radio, will be in Antarctica next week aboard MS Island Sky with scientists from Woods Hole and a film crew from BBC-ONE, sharing insights and knowledge with other citizen scientists aboard, all wanting to experience and document the world's last wilderness. This upcoming trip has him thinking about the changing landscape and asking, "What are the real threats to the Antarctic?" and "Are changes to the planet hurtling us and these last wild places toward accelerated, irreversible change?"

We wrap up our seven-part thematic overview of the ocean edge this week by discussing the cultural edge: the place alongshore where we interact with nature, with our spiritual selves, and with each other. We assert that the ocean is the ecosystem that connects us all, bringing us together as one population of humanity and civilization, capable of discovering solutions that will benefit all living things. The Cultural Edge is part 7 of a 7-part series dedicated to the ocean edge, exploring what takes place there, from the real to the symbolic.

We continue our thematic overview of the ocean edge this week with a conversation centered around coastal and offshore zones and the politics that define them. The Political Edge is part 6 of a 7-part series dedicated to the ocean edge, exploring what takes place there, from the real to the symbolic.

In this episode of World Ocean Radio we discuss the natural security provided by the ocean edge: the barrier effect of mangroves, beaches, cliffs, bluffs atolls and more, and the ways that these places became and remain military and defense installations for protection of national interests. The Security Edge is part 5 of a 7-part series dedicated to the ocean edge, exploring what takes place there, from the real to the symbolic.

We have long enjoyed the ocean edge for leisurely ends: as a place to gather with family and friends to enjoy surf and sand, and to relax in the freedom and solace that being near the ocean provides. In this episode of World Ocean Radio we argue that we must reclaim the spaces near the ocean edge for recreation, for coastal protection and for authentic connection to the sea. The Leisure Edge is part 4 of a 7-part series dedicated to the ocean edge, exploring what takes place there, from the real to the symbolic.

This week we begin to present the ocean edge in thematic ways with The Working Edge, outlining the various social structures, industries, exchange, trade, globalization and more that were shaped by early settlement near the sea. The Working Edge is part 3 of a 7-part series dedicated to the ocean edge, exploring what takes place there, from the real to the symbolic.

How do we protect ourselves and our properties from storm surge and sea level rise? Last week we discussed the hard edge strategy of dikes, dams, gates and walls as barriers to the ocean. This week we continue our series with Soft Edges, offering examples of more flexible ways to absorb the oceans powerful force. Soft Edges is part 2 of a 7-part series dedicated to the ocean edge, exploring what takes place there, from the real to the symbolic.

This week with "Hard Edges" we kick off a 7-part series dedicated to the ocean edge, exploring what takes place there, from the real to the symbolic. In this episode we'll take listeners through the history of the industrial development and management of ports, wetlands and watersheds. And we'll share some modern examples of hard-edge engineering and the challenges for existing structures in the face of projected sea level rise, storm surge and coastal flooding.

The ocean, in its constant motion, offers solace and support for the human spirit and provides an immersion in nature for renewal and regeneration. In this episode of World Ocean Radio we offer thoughts on the dynamic character of the ocean as a celebration of vitality, recreation, and renewal. World Ocean Radio offers you, our listeners, very best wishes for a healthy and happy new year.