ESRAG Podcast: Climate conversations

ESRAG Podcast - With Lamech Opiyo

Lamech Opiyo
Introduction:
00:10 Intro Admiral & Felix and our guest Lamech Opiyo
Interesting news:
01:00 Felix about Zebrafish in Kenya - https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Zebrafish 
01:45 Admiral on failed plastic treaty that didn’t get adapted in South Korea
https://www.euronews.com/green/2024/12/02/we-should-be-outraged-plastics-treaty-talks-collapse-as-countries-disagree-on-chemicals-an 
 
05:14 Introduction Guest Lamech Opiyo
In this episode, we welcome Lamech Opiyo, a multi-award-winning environmental conservation champion, youth leader, and climate activist from Kenya. A passionate changemaker, Lamech’s journey spans impactful work in environmental advocacy, humanitarian efforts, and leadership within Rotaract and Rotary.
As a recent graduate in Environmental Science and Community Development, Lamech currently serves as Programs Assistant with UNESCO HEDGES, contributing to sustainability and green economy initiatives. He has held numerous leadership roles in Rotaract, including as President of the Rotaract Club of Kenyatta University, where he grew the club into the largest in District 9212.
Lamech’s achievements include leading the Green Rotaract Concept, driving impactful environmental projects across East Africa, and representing Rotary International at COP 28 in Dubai. His work embodies a relentless commitment to tackling global challenges and empowering others to take action.
Join us as we explore Lamech’s inspiring journey, his dedication to environmental conservation, and his vision for a better, more sustainable future.
 
05:50 Background of Lamech Opiyo journey into Rotaract.
13:10 During your time as president of the Rotaract Club of Kenyatta University, you grew the club to over 200 members. What key strategies or principles contributed to this success? Environmental Projects: Out of all the environmental projects you’ve worked on, which one do you consider the most impactful, and what made it stand out?
21:51 Which positions were the most challenging to handle? 
26:22 Lamech reviewed COP28 as attendee and COP29 as spectator from outside.
32:10 Out of all the environmental projects you’ve worked on, which one do you consider the most impactful, and what made it stand out?
35:00  What drives your passion for environmental conservation, and how do you encourage others to join the cause and make a difference?
38:25  ​​With everything you’ve already achieved, what are your next goals in environmental leadership and youth engagement?
39:00 Positive comments of Lamech Opiya for the future.
 
Good news & Positive ending
44:49 Felix: Kenya Innovation week - Reviewing various awards.
https://kenyainnovationweek.com/
47:49 Admiral: In November 2024 there were handing out Prototype awards for 2024. Some of the winners include:
FormaCyte: A life-changing implant for Type 1 diabetes from Singapore that delivers insulin without risky drugs.
AkoFresh: A solar-powered cold storage unit from Ghana, cutting food waste and boosting farmers’ income.
Aerostat: A helium balloon from Turkey that spots forest fires early to prevent spread.
Carbon-capture battery: A UK invention that stores energy while making carbon capture affordable. Link: https://www.prototypesforhumanity.com/ and award winners for 2024 are:https://www.prototypesforhumanity.com/winners-of-the-2024-awards/ 
 
More about ESRAG:
https://esrag.org/​​ 

ESRAG Podcast - With Mary Beth Growney-Selene

Mary Beth Growney Selene
Introduction:
00:10 Intro Admiral & Felix and our guest Mary Beth Growney-Selene
Interesting news:
01:00 Felix: There has been mealworms discovered which eat plastic and process it:
⁠https://www.livescience.com/animals/insects/plastic-eating-mealworms-native-to-africa-discovered#:~:text=The%20researchers%20found%20that%20the,the%20complex%20polymers%20in%20plastic⁠.
03:27 Admiral: Microplastics and PFAS combined together, making health impact worse
⁠https://phys.org/news/2024-10-microplastics-pfas-daphnia-combined-impact.html⁠
05:23 Introduction Guest ⁠Mary Beth Growney-Selene⁠
Mary Beth Growney Selene is a dedicated and inspiring Rotarian with a remarkable history of service and leadership. A member of the Rotary Club of Madison West Middleton since 1987, Mary Beth has held key roles at club, district, and international levels. She served as District Governor for District 6250, a Rotary International Director from 2013-2015, and a Trustee of The Rotary Foundation from 2016-2019.
Her contributions to Rotary’s mission are vast. She has been a champion for membership growth, a steward of Rotary Foundation initiatives, and a driving force behind impactful global programs. Mary Beth is an active member of the Rotary-USAID Partnership Steering Committee, where she helps implement sustainable, life-changing projects worldwide. As the immediate past Chair of the WASH Rotary Action Group, she has been a leading advocate for clean water and sanitation solutions.
A recipient of Rotary’s highest honors, including the Service Above Self Award and the Foundation’s Meritorious and Distinguished Service Awards, Mary Beth’s commitment to Rotary is unwavering. She is also a Major Donor, Bequest Society member, and part of the Paul Harris Society, underscoring her belief in the power of The Rotary Foundation to transform lives.
Mary Beth’s legacy is one of service, dedication, and a relentless drive to empower others to create positive change through Rotary.
06:24 Background of Mary Beth journey into Rotary.
10:32 2.0 billion have lack of access to clean water, how is it the WASHRAG that has been working with Rotary to help solve this problem?
15:07  With climate change accelerating and water becoming increasingly scarce, what do you see as the critical role of WASHRAG in the years ahead? How can Rotary respond to these growing challenges?.
22:10 How to work WASHRAG:
https://www.wash-rag.org/membership/
26:23:WASHRAG and ESRAG share many overlapping goals, especially in addressing climate issues. How do you envision the cooperation between these two action groups evolving? Are there particular synergies you’d like to see developed?
31:10 Last word for future by Mary Beth Growney-Selene.
 
Good news & Positive ending
33:22 Felix: There have been spotless golden cheetah spotted.
https://arunachalobserver.org/2024/11/12/photographed-first-time-in-a-century-rare-spotless-golden-cheetah-spotted-in-athi-kapiti-conservancy-of-kenya-2/
34:25 Admiral: 10 mins of daily mindfulness and meditation can help you and your mental state
https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/10-minutes-of-daily-mindfulness-may-help-change-your-outlook-about-health-improvements
 
More about ESRAG:
https://esrag.org/​​
 

ESRAG Podcast - With Salvador Rico

Salvador Rico
 
Introduction:
00:10 Intro Admiral & Felix and our guest Salvador Rico
01:16 Admiral future of dams in the world and how climate change will affect them
https://www.un-ihe.org/news/dams-increasing-danger-collapse-due-climate-change-and-conflict
04:06 Interesting news Felix about shrimps from fellow ESRAG members. 
07:13 Introduction Guest Salvador Rico
Salvador Rico joined the Rotary Club of South Ukiah, California (D5130) in 2007, motivated by Rotary International's efforts to eradicate polio—a cause close to his heart after losing his older sister to the disease in the late 1960s.
Salvador currently serves as the District International Service Chair for District 5130 (2022-2028) and is a member of the Rotary Foundation Cadre team (2021-2027). Passionate about environmental conservation, he founded the Cleaning the Rivers of the World initiative in 2009, promoting it internationally since 2013 and leading the WASRAG River Cleaning Challenge from 2016 to 2018. Since 2018, he has been an active ESRAG member and advocate for the environment as Rotary’s seventh area of focus.
In 2023, Salvador was selected as a Rotary delegate to the COP-28 climate summit in Dubai. He played a crucial role in organizing the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative (MRCTI) and India’s Mission to Clean River Ganga at the Rotary Pavilion during COP-28.
Salvador also serves as an advisor for the Community Action for Fresh Water initiative—a partnership between Rotary International and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). As District International Services Director, he leads monthly meetings with club directors across D5130 to explore international project opportunities, consistently supporting reforestation and environmental projects through Rotary clubs worldwide.
07:54 Background of Salvador Rico journey into Rotary.
14:02 Pollution of Rivers worldwide
18:07 What has it been like working with Rotary and UNEP on the Adopt a River project? Are there any particular challenges you'd like to highlight?
More information about it all, you can find it here:
https://www.rotary.org/en/rotary-unep-partnership
20:20 What has been progress with the Motagua river clean up in Guatemala and the restoration of the watershed. 
28:55 Find out more information about adopting the river Rotary action.
30:00 Passion for Rotaract.
32:50 Talking to other officials in the environmental sphere.
39:00 Positive comments of Salvador for the future of the Clean Rivers project.
 
Positive ending
41:09 Admiral: In October 2024, the Azores established Europe's largest Marine Protected Area (MPA) network, covering 287,000 square kilometers. This initiative safeguards the region's unique underwater ecosystems, including deep-sea corals, whales, dolphins, sharks, manta rays, and fish, from harmful activities like fishing. The network designates 15% of the Azores' waters as fully protected and another 15% as highly protected. Link:
https://www.euronews.com/green/2024/10/22/an-achievement-for-the-azoreans-eu-makes-leap-towards-30x30-with-massive-ocean-protection-
42:58 Felix: Earthshot prize, submit your solution.
https://earthshotprize.org/get-involved/
More about ESRAG:
https://esrag.org/​​

ESRAG Podcast - With Dr Liz Henke

Dr Liz Hanke
 
Introduction:
00:10 Intro Admiral & Felix and our guest Liz Henke
 
01:16 Admiral due to hail size set to increase 
https://www.nbcnews.com/science/environment/hail-bigger-climate-change-higher-insurance-costs-rcna168526
04:06 Interesting news Felix about river in Zambia - Zambezi dry river: 
https://bulawayo24.com/index-id-news-sc-national-byo-245794.html
07:13 Introduction Guest Dr. Liz Henke
Dr. Elizabeth Hanke is the guest in this episode, a retired cardiologist, Liz now calls Chapel Hill, North Carolina, her home. Beyond her professional career, Liz is passionate about an active lifestyle—enjoying squash, bicycling, walking, and gardening. Most of all, she treasures time with her family, especially her 5-year-old grandson, James, who brings so much joy to her life.
Liz is deeply committed to giving back to her community through Rotary service projects. Her passion for sustainability is evident in her active role within ESRAG, where she serves as a member of the Renewable Energy Taskforce (RETF), leads the Habitat Solar project, and co-leads the MSPC initiative. She’s a strong advocate for encouraging the transition to renewable energy, striving to make a lasting impact both locally and globally.
08:23 Background of Liz Henke journey into Rotary and Taskforce
16:23 How Liz joined ESRAG and Renewable Taskforce, story how Liz joined taskforce
21:30 The million solar panel challenge 
https://esrag.org/million-solar-panel/
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf1xviBIuYQwylUWRcHVlfIDWChGXeSbC_7psQx6CZ5bN4U8A/viewform
28:50 Rotary projects with solar panels.
34:00 Solar energy in driving the global transition to renewable energy sources.
37:10 Beyond the Million Solar Panels Challenge, what other exciting projects is the Renewable Energy Taskforce working on? How can people get involved?
https://esrag.org/renewable-energy-taskforce/
40:01 Collaborations between task forces and synergy.
Positive ending
44:55 Felix: This conversation was positive with Liz Henke.
45:45 Admiral: The Los Cedros forest, one of the world’s most biodiverse places, was saved from mining by a landmark court ruling that recognized nature’s legal rights.
https://www.yesmagazine.org/environment/2024/09/11/forest-rights-nature-ecuador
More about ESRAG:
https://esrag.org/​​

ESRAG Podcast - With Tijana Ristic

Tijana
 
Introduction:
00:10 Intro Admiral & Felix and our guest
02:50 Interesting news Felix about weather in Kenya, culling of animals in Namibia amids drought:
https://www.dw.com/en/trophy-hunting-and-animal-conservation-does-that-go-together/a-70213343
06:11 Interesting news Admiral - 100 hot days - https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/sep/06/hottest-summer-record.
09:03 Introduction Guest Tijana Ristic
Today’s guest is Tijana Ristic, an Architect, Naval Architect, and Marine Engineer based in Belgrade, Serbia, where she manages one of the largest inland fleets in the lower Danube region. As a dedicated member of the Rotaract club of Belgrade Metropolitan, District 2483, Tijana has held numerous leadership roles, including being the first Rotaractor to be appointed Assistant District Governor and the future Chair of the Rotary Action Group for Peace (2025-26).
Her passion for peace and positive change has driven her to break barriers in the Rotary world, serving as a Positive Peace Activator with the Rotary-Institute for Economics and Peace. Tune in as we discuss Tijana's journey, her contributions to peacebuilding, and her vision for the future of environmental and social impact through Rotary.
10:23 Background of Tijana Ristic journey into Rotaract
12:49 How Tijana joined PeaceRAG & into Peace
18:30 Role of environment sustainability in action group of Peace 
22:50 Positive peace pillars 
https://www.rotary.org/en/rotarys-positive-peace-academy-teaches-sustainable-peacebuilding
27:50 Environment sustainability working together with peace towards ensuring peace in community
37:50 Organisation initiatives contributing to peace building on a global level with Rotary.
45:45 Role of positive peace activator and how others can follow to create lasting sustainable peace
48:34 What steps Rotactors and Rotarians can do globally for peace?
Fun things we see
53:38 Admiral: Royal title for a Goat.
https://www.euronews.com/green/2024/07/17/king-charles-iii-bestows-royal-title-on-at-risk-goats
54:45 Felix: Boat cleanup of Oceans and Rivers
End
More about ESRAG:
https://esrag.org/​​

ESRAG Podcast - With Mina Venkataraman

Introduction:
00:10 Intro Admiral & Felix
Interesting news 
01:22 Felix about innovations in Senegal, electricity from pavements.
03:20 Interesting news Admiral - Mangroves - https://news.mongabay.com/2024/09/wildlife-rich-mangroves-suffer-as-indonesia-ramps-up-construction-of-new-capital/
Guest of the Episode
07:10 Guest Mina Venkataraman
Our guest today is Rtn. Dr. Meenakshi Venkataraman also known as Dr Mina, Chair of Projects at ESRAG and an esteemed ecologist from India. Dr. Venkataraman has a rich academic background in predator-prey interactions and infectious disease research. After transitioning from academia, she became deeply involved in community engagement, training marginal farmers in sustainable practices. She has also been a strong advocate for citizen science and environmental education, serving as Secretary of the Nilgiri Natural History Society. A published author and Rotary leader, she is currently focused on enhancing project impact reporting within Rotary’s environmental initiatives to showcase the collective impact of Rotarians in safeguarding our planet.
08:58 How Dr Mina found her way to Rotary. 
12:15 Journey into joining ESRAG
17:55 Explanation of role chair of projects within ESRAG
See for more information here: https://esrag.org/projects/
26:14 Dr. Venkataraman emphasizes why Rotary should prioritize mangrove projects, noting their dual impact on environmental sustainability and community resilience.
34:28 How does the background of Dr Mina in these fields influence her work with Rotary and ESRAG today.
39:40 Dr Mina answers. How to stay positive in the face of the Climate Crisis? 
41:35 Admiral: Self-medicating Gorilla’s
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c23lj94mk93o
42:59 Felix: Drought in Namibia
https://www.dw.com/en/namibia-to-cull-wild-animals-amid-drought/a-70097693
43:44 Felix: Using plastic in roads
https://climateaction.africa/can-plastic-bricks-pave-a-road-out-of-kenyas/
More about ESRAG:
https://esrag.org/​​

ESRAG Podcast - With Deniz Vural

ESRAG Podcast explores Rotary community initiatives combating global climate change. With 1.2 million members, discover impactful projects. Join us as Deniz Vural unveils the inspiring efforts within the organization.
 
Introduction:
00:10 Intro Admiral & Felix
01:01 Interesting news Felix about first human bones, and ESRAG members visiting Felix
07:47 Interesting news Admiral - Wildfire management in Alaska - https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/article/smokejumpers-parachute-to-fight-wildfires-in-alaska-backcountry
10:12: Introduction Guest Deniz Vural
Deniz has long been captivated by frozen environments, leading her to focus on the poles during her Marine Engineering studies. Her Bachelor’s thesis on polar code requirements highlighted the Arctic's vulnerability to climate change, sparking her desire to contribute to global environmental solutions. Unsatisfied with the shipping industry's environmental impact, she shifted to Geological Engineering for her Master’s, specializing in permafrost research. Professionally, she works at Türkiye’s Polar Research Institute, developing educational programs on climate change. Deniz is also active in NGOs, particularly through Rotary International, promoting environmental sustainability and individual engagement globally.
11:55 Background of Deniz Vural into climate
17:39 Journey of Interact into Rotaract and into Rotary
25:01 Journey into ESRAG and key initiatives that Deniz joined.
33:08 Why permafrost is crucial to our ecosystem. 
41:02 How did the Conservation Glacier Resource Taskforce come to be
48:55 How do you have time to do so many things? High level commitment.
Positive ending
58:28 Felix: Kenyan space center
58:58 Admiral: Million of mosquitoes released in Hawaii.
https://www.npr.org/2024/06/12/nx-s1-4906582/mosquito-hawaii-birds-endangered-species-extinct
 
More about ESRAG:
https://esrag.org/​​

ESRAG Podcast - With Clari Nolet

Clari Nolet pioneered ESRAG’s Freon initiative, organizing drives to collect and destroy old Freon stocks, generating carbon offset credits. She also led a lithium-ion recycling collaboration with Redwood Industries, involving over 50 clubs. With an MBA in finance, Clari served as President of the Los Altos Rotary Club Endowment and marketing director of its largest fundraiser. She aims to encourage Rotary investments in the environment. Clari discusses her journey and future projects.

ESRAG Podcast - With Ludwig Kalthoff

The ESRAG Podcast highlights Rotary's initiatives to combat global climate change. With 1.2 million members, impactful projects are explored. Ludwig Kalthoff, a leader in both healthcare and Rotary, shares his journey and optimism. He discusses his roles, the drive for climate-friendly clubs, and book recommendations. The episode concludes with inspiring stories about preserving biodiversity, including saving butterflies in San Francisco.
 

ESRAG Podcast - With Yasar Atacik

Explore the ESRAG Podcast as Felix discusses state of Baltic Sea and how funding of projects goes in Africa. Special guest Yasar Atacik shares his Rotary journey, including the future developments, future of ESRAG, and his climate action roadmap. Concluding with intriguing facts on solar panels and el nino in Kenya. Learn more about Yasar’s role in leading ESRAG and other fascinating topics through links at https://esrag.org/about-esrag/ and additional resources online.