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Episode 15 - The Ocean Conference and the danger of plastic pollution

Duration: 0:25:35.294694

This podcast episode, hosted by Beatriz Matos and Maria Clara, features Lara, a campaign manager focused on marine plastic pollution. The discussion revolves around the recent United Nations Ocean Conference held from June 7 to July 1, which gathered representatives from 159 countries to address ocean protection, resulting in over 2000 voluntary commitments from governments, businesses, and civil society. These commitments aim to enhance marine conservation, including efforts to combat plastic pollution, with Brazil represented by its Ministry of the Environment through a national coastal conservation program. The conversation highlights the severe impacts of plastic waste on marine life and humans, with Brazil recognized as the largest producer of single-use plastics in Latin America. Lara explains how these plastics not only harm marine ecosystems—where marine animals mistake plastic for food—but also pose health risks to humans through microplastics found in air, water, and food. The podcast stresses that relying solely on recycling is insufficient to address the plastic pollution crisis, as the scale of plastic production and disposal far exceeds recycling efforts. Ultimately, the episode underscores the urgency of addressing plastic pollution and promoting more comprehensive solutions for ocean health.

Language: Brazilian Portuguese
Topics: UN Ocean Conference and marine plastic pollutionBrazil's role in ocean conservation and plastic waste issues

Is there metal in the water?

Duration: 0:41:45.430204

The podcast episode discusses concerns about contaminants, specifically metallic pollutants, potentially present in treated drinking water, which exceed permissible limits. The host, Letícia Sarturi, a scientist with expertise in immunology and biochemistry, introduces Professor Derval dos Santos Rosa, who leads a research project focused on ecological solutions to decontaminate water. Professor Rosa shares his background in chemistry and engineering and emphasizes his long-standing commitment to environmental issues, particularly regarding plastic waste and its impact. His current research aims to address the presence of soluble metallic particles in the environment, which can cause various health problems. He describes a collaborative research project involving approximately 20 experts from various universities, including those in Brazil and abroad. The team's work encompasses understanding the phenomena related to metal contamination and developing practical filtration devices to remove harmful ions from drinking water. The discussion highlights the importance of science in tackling societal problems and emphasizes that researchers are driven by a passion for their work and commitment to finding solutions to environmental challenges.

Language: Brazilian Portuguese
Topics: EnvironmentEnvironmental Solutions for Water Contamination

Environment is the Means #18: Fragmented climate agenda could bring even more impacts to the environment

Duration: 0:28:16.156735

The radio program "Ambiente" aired by Rádio USP features a conversation with Olivia Ainbinder, a lawyer specializing in climate change and environmental law. Olivia discusses her journey into politics, her experience working with the Instituto Talanoa, and their project "Política por Inteiro," which monitors environmental policies and climate change using artificial intelligence to analyze government actions. She mentions her previous roles in various organizations and her founding of an initiative focused on climate change law. The conversation shifts to the challenges in Brazilian environmental policy, highlighting the fragmented nature of climate change agendas among legislators. Olivia points out that although there are groups like the Parliamentary Front for Environmentalists, a cohesive "climate caucus" is lacking. She notes that climate issues are often overshadowed by competing priorities in Congress, such as health and education, which complicates the legislative process. Olivia emphasizes the urgency of addressing climate change, referencing a recent report from the IPCC warning that the world is approaching unacceptable warming levels. The discussion wraps up with Olivia advocating for increased awareness and action in the legislative sphere, stressing the importance of monitoring both executive and legislative actions to safeguard environmental policies.

Language: Brazilian Portuguese
Topics: AI in Climate Change Monitoring: "Política por Inteiro" ProjectChallenges in Brazilian Environmental Policy and Legislative Action

Environment is the Means #159: Groundwater supplies 75% of cities in São Paulo and generates billions of reais annually

Duration: 0:28:38.282449

The radio program "Ambiente ao Ar" discusses daily environmental issues, and in this episode, host Marcelo welcomes Professor Ricardo Hirata to talk about groundwater. Professor Hirata, a renowned expert in geosciences with a long career in research and academia, shares insights on the importance of managing groundwater recharge amid climate change. He explains that groundwater is a crucial yet often overlooked resource in São Paulo, where 75% of municipalities rely partially or fully on it. Despite its invisibility, groundwater supplies drinking water, agricultural irrigation, and industrial needs, contributing significantly to public and private water resources. Hirata highlights the challenges of over-extraction and contamination of groundwater, noting that about 70% of wells in São Paulo are illegal, contributing to unsustainable water use. This situation is part of the "tragedy of the commons," where individual solutions (like private wells) lead to collective harm due to overuse and lack of regulation. The conversation also prompts a shift towards managed aquifer recharge (MAR), a practice that could enhance groundwater replenishment and ensure a sustainable water supply. Hirata is optimistic about implementing MAR to address the challenges posed by climate change and mismanagement of water resources. The episode serves to educate the public and policymakers about the critical role of groundwater and the need for better management practices.

Language: Brazilian Portuguese
Topics: The Importance of Groundwater Management in São PauloA Key Strategy for Sustainable Water Resources

#242 | COP29 and G20: THE FUTURE IS NOW

Duration: 0:25:31.354708

In this commentary, Rita Lisauskas discusses two significant events taking place in November: the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, and the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The G20 countries, which account for 80% of the global economy and greenhouse gas emissions, will focus on climate change and energy transition during their discussions. The urgency of addressing climate change is emphasized as the impacts are becoming increasingly apparent worldwide. Key speakers in the discussion include Annelise Vendramini, a researcher and professor at the FGV Center for Sustainability Studies, and Mario Mantovani, an environmentalist from the National Association of Municipalities and Environment. They highlight the critical role of financing in combating climate change, particularly for developing countries that lack the resources to address this urgent issue. Mantovani stresses that without funding, it is impossible for these nations, especially those historically categorized as Annex II (developing countries), to deal with the climate crisis effectively. The conversation also covers the need for new financial mechanisms to support climate initiatives, with a significant emphasis on public and private funding. Currently, there is approximately $1.3 trillion earmarked for climate issues, but experts estimate that $11-12 trillion will be needed by 2030. The speakers discuss various funding sources, including banks, private sector investments, and public budgets, which must adopt a climate lens to ensure adequate allocation of resources. The Brazilian government's efforts and challenges are also under scrutiny, particularly regarding its commitments to reducing deforestation and transitioning to sustainable practices. Despite having ambitious environmental targets, Brazil faces difficulties in attracting necessary funding due to a lack of concrete actions and governance issues. The commentary stresses the importance of accountability and stable political conditions to secure climate finance effectively. Overall, the discussion emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts and substantial financial resources to combat climate change and adapt to its effects, particularly in vulnerable regions.

Language: Brazilian Portuguese
Topics: Climate changeClimate Action at COP 29 and G20Financing Challenges for Climate Solutions