90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast

S2E14: Obi Kaufmann and The Deserts of California


Listen Later

About The Guest(s): Obi Kaufmann is an artist, author, and naturalist known for his California Field Atlas series. His latest book, "The Deserts of California," explores the biodiversity and ecological systems of California's deserts.

Summary: Obi Kaufmann joins hosts Chris Clarke and Alicia Pike on the "90 Miles from Needles" podcast to discuss his latest book, "The Deserts of California." The book is part of his California Field Atlas series, which aims to explore the how of ecological systems rather than the what or where. Kaufmann shares his fascination with the complexity and diversity of California's deserts and the importance of celebrating and understanding their biodiversity. He also discusses the challenges of conservation and preservation in the face of development and exploitation. Kaufmann emphasizes the need for a democratic approach to finding solutions and the power of combining data and love in stewardship efforts. The conversation touches on the changing nature of the deserts, the importance of oral tradition and sharing knowledge, and the role of beauty and art in inspiring curiosity and hope.

Key Takeaways:

  • The California Field Atlas series aims to explore the how of ecological systems rather than the what or where.
  • The deserts of California are full of biodiversity and ecological complexity, challenging the perception of them as empty spaces.
  • Conservation efforts require a combination of data, love, and understanding to address the challenges of development and exploitation.
  • The deserts are a moving target, constantly changing and adapting to new conditions.
  • The power of beauty and art lies in its ability to inspire curiosity and hope.

Obi Kaufmann's podcast with Greg Sarris, Place and Purpose, can be found here: https://www.placeandpurpose.live/

Order The Deserts of California here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-deserts-of-california-a-california-field-atlas/19407146?ean=9781597146180

Quotes:

  • "The complexity is where the truth is. When things get too simple, too generalized, we miss so much." - Obi Kaufmann
  • "The desert is doing so much heavy lifting for both of those goals [conservation and carbon zero]." - Obi Kaufmann
  • "Democracy is having this conversation right now here." - Obi Kaufmann
  • "The desert itself is an indicator landscape, if you will. It's a litmus test of our stewardship." - Obi Kaufmann
  • "Acceptance of the natural cycles and patterns in nature brings peace and understanding." - Alicia Pike
  • "The combination of data and love is a powerful force for conservation and preservation." - Obi Kaufmann

Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection PodcastBy Chris Clarke

  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9

4.9

48 ratings


More shows like 90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast

View all
Science Friday by Science Friday and WNYC Studios

Science Friday

6,133 Listeners

On the Media by WNYC Studios

On the Media

9,166 Listeners

Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! by NPR

Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!

38,689 Listeners

Radiolab by WNYC Studios

Radiolab

43,969 Listeners

This American Life by This American Life

This American Life

90,949 Listeners

Fresh Air by NPR

Fresh Air

38,189 Listeners

Invisibilia by NPR

Invisibilia

21,657 Listeners

The New Yorker Radio Hour by WNYC Studios and The New Yorker

The New Yorker Radio Hour

6,670 Listeners

Outside/In by NHPR

Outside/In

1,459 Listeners

In Defense of Plants Podcast by In Defense of Plants

In Defense of Plants Podcast

1,217 Listeners

Desert Oracle Radio by Ken Layne

Desert Oracle Radio

794 Listeners

This is Love by Vox Media Podcast Network

This is Love

9,322 Listeners

Throughline by NPR

Throughline

16,043 Listeners

Crime Pays But Botany Doesn't by Tony Santore

Crime Pays But Botany Doesn't

515 Listeners

The Science of Birds by Ivan Phillipsen

The Science of Birds

784 Listeners