CSUSM’s own Dr. Elizabeth Ridder joins us to talk about what first drew her to geography and conservation work and why the Mediterranean basin is such a vital—and vulnerable—hotspot for biodiversity and climate resilience. We explore what makes this region unique, the climate pressures it’s facing, and how her fieldwork connects to the bigger picture of global environmental change.

From U.S. national parks to protected areas around the world, Dr. Ridder breaks down what funding cuts really mean on the ground and how conservation can support communities.

CREDITS 

Guests: Dr. Elizabeth Ridder

Host: Molly Saruwatari

Producers: Elden Cadena and Saturn Salama 

Editor: Elden Cadena 

Research: Molly Saruwatari and Saturn Salama

Script: Molly Saruwatari

Social Media: Molly Saruwatari

Music: Marios Panousos 

Faculty Advisor: Anne Dabb