We're back, and checking in on how our oceans are doing with our good friend Gage Clawson, a data scientist at the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) who almost literally quantifies the health of our oceans. This time, we're diving deep into some technical terms and even some dreaded math, as Gage explains the 2021 Global Ocean Health Index (OHI) and how one would even go about grading countries on the health of their coastlines. We also discuss marine aquaculture (mariculture) and the increasingly important role it will play in feeding the world's population despite potential sustainability pitfalls. Finally, Gage shares some hot takes on what species he believes is the true ruler of the Earth.

*We recorded this episode earlier in 2021, but waited to release it until Gage's paper (linked below) was published. We were still a little new to podcasting at the time, and as such you may hear some background noise, like some loud cars and a local dog who apparently had a lot to say.

Check out Gage's work here:

Ocean Health Index 

Clawson, G., et. al. (2022). Mapping the Spatial Distribution of Global Mariculture Production. Journal of Aquaculture. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2022.738066

Original music by Karan Shetty.

At long last - some actual good news! Last week, President Biden signed the (confusingly-named) Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, the largest investment into fighting climate change the U.S. has ever made. Although that's not a particularly high bar, considering we haven't really done anything to fight climate change before this. Nevertheless, the bill is a game-changer - it retains most of the climate provisions from the original Build Back Better plan, and sets the U.S. on track to slash greenhouse gas emissions 40% below 2005 levels in the next 8 years. In this episode, we kick back and discuss what's in this bill and what it means for our society moving forward.

Original music by Karan Shetty

Some more of Karan's thoughts on the Inflation Reduction Act and equity, based on his research: https://www.psehealthyenergy.org/news/blog/inflation-reduction-act-includes-key-strategies-to-align-climate-action-and-energy-equity/

Is the price of gas gouging your wallet? Well us too. We have some answers but they may not be the ones you're looking for. In this episode, we navigate the messy world of oil and gas, how we got to $6.00/gallon at the pump, and the environmental implications these volatile oil prices could have.

Original music by Karan Shetty

We hear so much about climate impacts on the coasts, from wildfires and droughts in the west to hurricanes in the south and east. This episode, we veer out of our West Coast comfort zone and talk about things that are going wrong over in the Midwest. We're joined by our friend and Chicago native Tara Jagadeesh, who works with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. She talks to us about the threats facing Lake Michigan, including fluctuating lake levels, coastal erosion, and the extreme lengths Chicago has gone to rid itself of its sewage. Sit back, crack a beer, and enjoy as we explore a topic you've probably never thought about (we definitely haven't). 

Original music by Karan Shetty

On this episode of Greenhouse Sass, we sit down with PhD researcher, performing artist, and expert science communicator Xochitl Clare from the Marine Science Institute at UCSB. Xochitl studies how warming ocean waters affect a species of mollusk called the Kellet's Whelk, and draws upon her background as a theater artist to communicate her findings to everyone from schoolchildren to fishermen. We talk extensively about how scientists can be less nerdy and learn to integrate the arts and history in order to become more compelling, Anthony Bourdain-esque communicators (it's about building relationships!). Xochitl also gets deep into the science and discusses how the Kellet's Whelk (and potentially other creatures?) may be coping with climate change, and the economic and cultural implications this could have on human livelihoods from Santa Barbara to the Caribbean. Finally, a PG-rated, happy episode!

To learn more about Xochitl and to stay updated on her upcoming aquatic and nautical adventures, check out her Instagram here: @xochitlclare

Original music composed and recorded by Karan Shetty

In a rare display of not-horrible news, scientists have discovered bacteria have now expanded their list of delicacies to include plastics. Sandro, James, and Karan discuss how these bacteria do it and the implications these findings have on humanity's broader plastic waste issue. Spoiler alert - we're (probably) not saved.

Works Cited:

Zrimec, J., et.al. (2021). Plastic-Degrading Potential across the Global Microbiome Correlates with Recent Pollution Trends. American Society for Microbiology. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1128/mBio.02155-21

Kaushal, J., et.al. (2021). Recent Insight into Enzymatic Degradation of Plastics Prevalent in the Environment: A Mini-Review. Cleaner Engineering and Technology. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clet.2021.100083

Rader, D. (2018). Are Plastic-Eating Bacteria the Solution to Ocean Pollution? It's Not that Simple, Science Shows. Environmental Defense Fund. https://www.edf.org/blog/2018/07/13/are-plastic-eating-bacteria-solution-ocean-pollution-its-not-simple-science-shows

Original music written and performed by Karan Shetty.

Ya boys are back and are discussing cryptocurrency – from things they are qualified to speak on, like the energy use and sustainability of crypto, and the things they are definitely not qualified to speak on, like the financial implications of crypto or whatever a Bitcoin even is.

In this episode, we chat with marine spatial planner Maddie Berger from the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) on how her work with island nation communities contributes to better ocean management. She also debuts her manifesto against cruise ships.