land. water. wildlife.

On this episode, SCCF Environmental Policy Staff Matt DePaolis and Allie Pecenka discuss recent federal actions taken to move toward mining for materials from the deep sea floor. They discuss what these materials are, what drives the interest in their collection, and the widespread potential impacts from this type of mining to the oceans and systems above the surface.

SCCF's policy team discusses the environmental threats of global business models centered around the practices of fast fashion and "fast tech," and how to be a more conscious consumer in response. They also consider the massive, often undiscussed environmental impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) as its prevalence continues to grow in society.

SCCF Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis talks with SCCF Wildlife Biologist Mike Mills about invasive species. Their conversation explores what invasive species are, the threats associated with them, why Sanibel Island and Florida are so prone to invasives, and the many ethical and societal considerations inherent in different management approaches.

Heading into the 2025 hurricane season, it's more important than ever to understand the value of adaptation and mitigation, as well as how to effectively navigate data sources for accurate forecasts.

SCCF's Environmental Policy team discusses how federal funding cuts may impact hurricane data and forecasting, the dangers of misinformation related to hurricane season, and how to identify credible sources for accurate forecasting. 

SCCF's Environmental Policy team discusses the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) proposed hunt on Florida black bears. Learn about the driving factors behind the proposition for a bear hunt, how the passage of Amendment 2 in Florida last year may be impacting it, and how a hunt would affect the current population of Florida black bears. 

Click here to comment on the FWC's proposed rules for a December 2025 black bear hunt that will be discussed at their May 21 meeting. Comments are due by 5 p.m. on May 16.

The SCCF Environmental Policy team discusses the history behind the creation of Earth Day, how it influenced the modern environmental movement, and some of the most powerful legislation born out of that movement that continues to protect the Earth today.

SCCF's environmental policy team reflects on their trip to Tallahassee for Everglades Action Day, where they met with local legislators to advocate for Everglades restoration. They also discuss updates on recent Everglades-related lawsuits.

SCCF's Environmental Policy team discusses the current Florida legislative session and why you should join them for Everglades Action Day, April 7-8, in Tallahassee.

Complementing our previous episode on the Everglades, this podcast focuses on the concept of coastal resilience and its importance in Florida in the face of changing natural and human-driven conditions. The discussion evolves to explore how the Everglades can be viewed through a resilience lens, and why the vast wetland ecosystem is a key component to the future environmental health of the state.

Guests include SCCF Coastal Resilience Manager Carrie Schuman, PhD, and SCCF Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis.

SCCF Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis and Policy Intern Katie Gretter explore the connection between Everglades restoration and water quality. Hosted by SCCF Communications & Marketing Manager Denise Blough, the conversation delves deeply into how vital restoring the River of Grass is to the health of our waters.