Environmentally Speaking

Welcome to this week's episode of Environmentally Speaking! In today's episode, our hosts Marisa and Clarice dive into a fascinating topic - beavers! Prepare to be amazed as our hosts uncover how beavers are being recruited to fight drought and wildfires. These furry engineers are proving to be essential in restoring ecosystems and replenishing water sources. Join us as we explore the innovative ways that researchers and wildlife organizations are harnessing the power of these industrious animals. From analog dams to habitat relocation projects, we'll uncover the remarkable impact that beavers are having on combating climate change. So grab your headphones and get ready to learn about these furry friends on another exciting episode of Environmentally Speaking!

Welcome to this week's episode of Environmentally Speaking! In today's episode, Marisa and Clarice dive into the topic of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the recent reforms that have taken place. They discuss the intention behind these reforms, the changes that have been made to streamline the NEPA process, and the potential implications of these modifications. Join Marisa and Clarice as they unravel the complexities of NEPA and shed light on the impact of these reforms on environmental regulations.

On this week’s episode of Environmentally Speaking our hosts Marisa and Clarice dive into the topic of tree planting and the opportunity for homeowners in Rhode Island to receive free trees. They discuss the benefits of smartly planted trees, including managing storm runoff and improving air quality. However, the conversation takes an interesting turn as Marisa shares her passionate opinion about cutting down trees and the importance of preserving their habitat. The controversy deepens when they discover that the free trees being offered are actually non-native species, leading to a discussion on the balance between biodiversity and ease of planting. Tune in as they explore the details of this program and the challenge of finding more information about how to obtain these free trees. Don't miss this thought-provoking episode of Environmentally Speaking.

Coming up on this week's episode of Environmentally Speaking, Marisa and Clarice dive into the world of climate change and its impact on the growing seasons. They discuss how the erratic weather patterns are affecting farmers in Rhode Island and the challenges they face in adapting to these changes. From extended growing seasons to disrupted planting schedules, the hosts explore the various ways in which climate change is turning the agricultural world upside down. So grab a cup of coffee and join Marisa and Clarice as they take you on a journey through the highs and lows of the evolving landscape of farming in the face of climate change. You won't want to miss this eye-opening episode of Environmentally Speaking!

In today's episode, we dive into a very local topic: the ongoing construction of a solar project in Tiverton, Rhode Island. Join hosts Marisa and Clarice as they discuss their thoughts, concerns, and questions surrounding this solar farm. From the size of the project to the impact on the surrounding environment, they explore various aspects of this development. Tune in as they examine the zoning issues, changes in net metering laws, and the potential alternatives that could have been considered. Get ready for an insightful discussion on the challenges and benefits of solar energy projects in local communities. 

This week hosts Marisa and Clarice dive into the concerning state of Rhode Island's beaches. From the closure of beloved childhood camps to the presence of bacteria-contaminated shellfish, the situation in Rhode Island is dire. But what exactly is causing these closures, and why are some beaches affected while others remain open? Join us as we unravel the complexities of water pollution, dilution, and the impact of stormwater. Get ready to make an informed decision as we navigate the murky waters together. Let's jump in!

Notes: https://health.ri.gov/data/beaches/

Welcome to another episode of Environmentally Speaking podcast! In today's episode, Marisa and Clarice dive into the fascinating world of floating offshore wind farms. They discuss the unique design of these floating structures and how they differ from traditional wind turbine infrastructure. They explore the advantages of floating platforms, such as their ability to be installed in deeper waters, allowing for larger and taller wind turbines. However, as the conversation deepens, doubts arise. They raise concerns about the transmission of electricity back to land and the extensive cable burial required. They question the environmental impact of burying large cables, particularly with the use of jet plows. Tune in to this thought-provoking episode as Marisa and Clarice navigate the complex world of floating wind turbines, delving into their advantages, challenges, and the implications they have on the future of renewable energy. So, grab your headphones and get ready for another enlightening show.

In this episode, hosts Marisa and Clarice dive into the world of environmental decision-making and the controversies surrounding renewable energy and climate change. They start by exploring an intriguing question-and-answer session that sheds light on the debate over permitting reform and its impact on fossil fuel production. They discuss the clash between traditional environmentalists and the renewable energy movement. Together, they unpack the complex issues surrounding tree planting, water conservation, and the rush to implement renewable energy projects. To top it off, they discuss recent initiatives to protect Americans from extreme heat and the polarization within the climate movement. So get ready for an enlightening and thought-provoking episode of Environmentally Speaking 

In today's episode, we tackle the pressing issue of flooding in Vermont and its connection to climate change. Vermont has recently experienced its rainiest season in the past century, resulting in devastating floods and an increased risk of landslides. We shed some light on the alarming fact that the flooding in Vermont is a clear consequence of climate change, a sign of the extreme bursts of rainfall predicted by climate scientists. It is an urgent wake-up call, highlighting the need for immediate action to address the underlying issues. In addition, we explore the unique challenge Vermont faces with its over 400 dams, many of which are privately owned. The ownership dynamics surrounding these dams present challenges during emergencies, as enforcement actions to mitigate flooding may not be as effective.

On this episode of Environmentally Speaking, hosts Marisa and Clarice dive into the legislative changes happening in Rhode Island regarding the conversion of vacant commercial properties into residential units. They discuss Senate Bill 1037 Sub A, its multiple drafts, and the removal of environmental harm references. The hosts express their concerns about the impact on the environment and the lack of information about the thought process behind these changes. They stress the importance of affordable housing and explore the balance between housing needs and environmental protection Overall, this thought-provoking episode raises important questions about the intersection of housing and environmental concerns, while also seeking guidance from the listeners.