ESRAG Podcast: Climate conversations

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.
 

ESRAG Podcast - With Karen Kendrick-Hands

Explore the ESRAG Podcast as Felix discusses building with plastic waste and Admiral explores clean energy solutions. Special guest Karen Kendrick Hands shares her journey and insights into ESRAG’s focus areas, including the future developments. Concluding with intriguing facts on holograms and diesel from plastic. Learn more about Karen’s role in founding ESRAG and other fascinating topics through links at https://esrag.org/about-esrag/ and additional resources online.
 

ESRAG Podcast - With Laurie Zuckermann

Join the ESRAG Podcast premiere! Explore Rotary's initiatives against global climate change with 1.2 million members. Discover impactful projects as Laurie Zuckermann, Director of Communications, unveils inspiring efforts.
ESRAG envisions a sustainable future, uniting to protect the environment. Learn how Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation address the triple planetary crisis of climate, biodiversity, and pollution through global grants.
More at https://esrag.org/