SDG Talks

SDG Talks

By Kevin Sofen & James ArmourEducation
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SDG Talks episodes

  • SDG 6 | Depicting Environmental Research Through Art | Natalie Ford

    What potential do student research projects have?

    Thanks for joining us for another episode of highlighting change makers and their inspirational work towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    In this episode:

    • How does Natalie’s art depict crucial environmental research projects, from microplastic pollution to biodegradable plastics?
    • Using art to communicate the importance of student research and its environmental impact.
    • How is Wisconsin Water Week a platform for connecting and sharing innovative environmental research through art?
    • Learn from Natalie Ford - an Environmental Science student from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Manitowoc.

      Natalie dives into her artwork, which showcases various environmental research projects. Her five pieces represent studies on fog contaminants in sewer systems, uranium contamination in Wyoming, microplastic pollution, pesticide contamination of groundwater, and the creation of biodegradable plastic.

      Natalie highlights the importance of student research and the potential positive impact these projects can have on the environment. She also discusses the power of art in conveying important messages and the significance of events like Wisconsin Water Week.

      Click play now to soak up what she has to share!

      To learn more and get involved with ongoing efforts in Wisconsin, visit the partner websites:

      • ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wisconsin Water Week⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
      • ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wisconsin Lakes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
      • ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wisconsin DNR⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
      • ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Extension Lakes | UWSP⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
      • Let’s get SDG Talking!!

        Do you have a good story or want to collaborate? Send us an email at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

        And don’t forget to check out our Virtual Roundtables on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

        ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn

        12 min
      • SDG 6 | The Resilience of Water & the Water Cycle | Laila Smith

        How are water springs an integral part of the water cycle?

        Thanks for joining us for another episode of highlighting change makers and their inspirational work towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

        In this episode:

        • How Laila’s art captures the beauty and resilience of Wisconsin Springs and the water cycle
        • Using art to interpret and highlight the importance of springs in ecosystems
        • How is Wisconsin Water Week a platform for unique perspectives on water-related topics through art?
        • Hear from Laila Smith - a Life Sciences Communications and Graphic Design student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

          Laila shares her artwork inspired by Wisconsin Springs and the water cycle. She explains how each painting represents different types of springs, using references from the Wisconsin spring data website.

          Laila emphasizes the interconnectedness of water and the continuous flow of the water cycle. She also touches on the beauty and resilience of water, the importance of springs in ecosystems, and her inspiration for creating the artwork.

          Given her background, Laila aspires to work for National Geographic. Wisconsin Water Week is praised for showcasing unique perspectives and interpretations of water-related topics through art.

          Click play now to soak up what she has to share!

          To learn more and get involved with ongoing efforts in Wisconsin, visit the partner websites:

          • ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wisconsin Water Week⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
          • ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wisconsin Lakes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
          • ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wisconsin DNR⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
          • ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Extension Lakes | UWSP⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
          • Let’s get SDG Talking!!

            Do you have a good story or want to collaborate? Send us an email at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

            And don’t forget to check out our Virtual Roundtables on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

            ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn

            9 min
          • SDG 6 | The Significance of Deep Roots | Becca Statz

            Why are deep roots essential for growth?

            Thanks for joining us for another episode of highlighting change makers and their inspirational work towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

            In this episode:

            • How Becca’s art highlights the importance of biodiversity and deep roots for ecosystem health
            • Using art to express the need for water conservation and environmental sustainability
            • How Wisconsin Water Week is promoting water conservation through artistic inspiration
            • Find out from Becca Statz - an Art and Art History student at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.

              Becca dives into her painting that captures the essence of biodiversity and the importance of deep roots. She explains the different layers and elements, emphasizing the need for biodiversity and the significance of roots.

              Becca shares her artistic process, the symbolism behind her artwork, and discusses her journey as an artist. The conversation wraps up with insights on the importance of water conservation and the Wisconsin Water Week event.

              Click play now to soak up what she has to share!

              To learn more and get involved with ongoing efforts in Wisconsin, visit the partner websites:

              • ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wisconsin Water Week⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
              • ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wisconsin Lakes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
              • ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wisconsin DNR⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
              • ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Extension Lakes | UWSP⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
              • Let’s get SDG Talking!!

                Do you have a good story or want to collaborate? Send us an email at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

                And don’t forget to check out our Virtual Roundtables on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

                ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn

                9 min
              • SDG 6 | Exploring the Interconnection of Soil and Water Quality | Megan Strautmann

                How can we share sustainable practices with farmers and consumers?

                Thanks for joining us for another episode of highlighting change makers and their inspirational work towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

                In this episode:

                • How does Megan’s art highlight the interconnection of soil quality, water quality, and sustainable agriculture?
                • Exploring sustainable practices through art
                • How art can communicate the importance of sustainable agriculture to farmers and consumers
                • Hear from Megan Strautmann - an Art student at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside.

                  Megan dives into her artwork, which explores the interconnection of soil quality, water quality, and sustainable agriculture.

                  She describes three paintings: 'In the Soil,' which shows a cross-section of soil with diverse plant life and water flow; 'Communication,' which depicts figures in a planted field to highlight the importance of spreading sustainable practices; and 'On the Farm,' which illustrates cows grazing and a tractor ready for seeding, emphasizing the role of livestock and soil management.

                  Megan stresses the importance of considering various factors affecting soil and water quality in farming and the need to communicate these practices to farmers and consumers.

                  Click play now to soak up what she has to share!

                  To learn more and get involved with ongoing efforts in Wisconsin, visit the partner websites:

                  • ⁠⁠⁠⁠Wisconsin Water Week⁠⁠⁠⁠
                  • ⁠⁠⁠⁠Wisconsin Lakes⁠⁠⁠⁠
                  • ⁠⁠⁠⁠Wisconsin DNR⁠⁠⁠⁠
                  • ⁠⁠⁠⁠Extension Lakes | UWSP⁠⁠⁠⁠
                  • Let’s get SDG Talking!!

                    Do you have a good story or want to collaborate? Send us an email at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

                    And don’t forget to check out our Virtual Roundtables on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

                    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn

                    7 min
                  • SDG 6 | The Hidden Beauty of Freshwater Lakes | El Ovall

                    What aspects of water are often overlooked?

                    Thanks for joining us for another episode of highlighting change makers and their inspirational work towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

                    In this episode:

                    • How does El’s art take viewers on an immersive journey through the tiers of a lake?
                    • What’s El’s inspiration and connection to water?
                    • Exploring the layers of a lake through art
                    • Find out from El Ovall - an Animation student at the University of Wisconsin-Stout!

                      El shares the inspiration behind her painting that beautifully captures the different tiers of a lake. From the world above the water to the invasive species below and the grassy aquatic plant life at the bottom, El wanted to showcase the often-overlooked aspects of freshwater.

                      She also talks about her personal connection to water as a symbol of refuge and peace, and how she hopes to expand the narrative quality of her art in her future work as a sophomore in animation.

                      Click play now to soak up what she has to share!

                      To learn more and get involved with ongoing efforts in Wisconsin, visit the partner websites:

                      • ⁠⁠⁠Wisconsin Water Week⁠⁠⁠
                      • ⁠⁠⁠Wisconsin Lakes⁠⁠⁠
                      • ⁠⁠⁠Wisconsin DNR⁠⁠⁠
                      • ⁠⁠⁠Extension Lakes | UWSP⁠⁠⁠
                      • Let’s get SDG Talking!!

                        Do you have a good story or want to collaborate? Send us an email at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

                        And don’t forget to check out our Virtual Roundtables on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

                        ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn

                        8 min
                      • SDG 6 | The Yin & Yang of Invasive & Native Habitats | Peyton Schilt

                        How does Wisconsin Water Week provide opportunities for artists?

                        Thanks for joining us for another episode of highlighting change makers and their inspirational work towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

                        In this episode:

                        • How Peyton’s art highlights the environmental impact of invasive species at Wisconsin Water Week
                        • Why combining invasive and native species is a yin and yang approach to environmental art
                        • The importance of biodiversity and environmental conservation
                        • Hear from Peyton Schilt - an Arts student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison!

                          Peyton shares her passion for art and the environment at Wisconsin Water Week. Her latest piece focuses on the yellow iris, an invasive species, showcasing its impact on biodiversity by contrasting its presence in both invasive and native habitats through a yin and yang design.

                          Peyton talks about her research, her love for traditional art, and her excitement about meeting other artists and water professionals at the event.

                          Click play now to soak up what she has to share!

                          To learn more and get involved with ongoing efforts in Wisconsin, visit the partner websites:

                          • ⁠⁠Wisconsin Water Week⁠⁠
                          • ⁠⁠Wisconsin Lakes⁠⁠
                          • ⁠⁠Wisconsin DNR⁠⁠
                          • ⁠⁠Extension Lakes | UWSP⁠⁠
                          • Let’s get SDG Talking!!

                            Do you have a good story or want to collaborate? Send us an email at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

                            And don’t forget to check out our Virtual Roundtables on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

                            ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn

                            8 min
                          • SDG 6 | Preserving Cultural Identity Through Art | Pachoua Yang

                            What does Pachoua Yang's artwork teach you about cyanobacteria?

                            Thanks for joining us for another episode of highlighting change makers and their inspirational work towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

                            In this episode:

                            • Pachoua’s art captures the beauty and complexity of cyanobacteria at the microscopic level
                            • Pachoua’s journey from cultural identity projects to environmental awareness
                            • A glimpse into Pachoua’s unique artistic techniques
                            • Find out from Pachoua Yang - a Fine Arts student at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point!

                              Pachuoa talks about her art project focused on cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, which can be beneficial by producing nitrogen but also toxic if ingested or touched. Her artwork captures the vibrant colors and microscopic details of cyanobacteria.

                              Puchua aims to educate others through her art and explores different artistic mediums. She shares her background as a Hmong artist and her previous work on cultural identity and refugee stories, showcasing pieces that combine embroidery with painting.

                              Click play now to soak up what she has to share!

                              To learn more and get involved with ongoing efforts in Wisconsin, visit the partner websites:

                              • ⁠Wisconsin Water Week⁠
                              • ⁠Wisconsin Lakes⁠
                              • ⁠Wisconsin DNR⁠
                              • ⁠Extension Lakes | UWSP⁠
                              • Let’s get SDG Talking!!

                                Do you have a good story or want to collaborate? Send us an email at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

                                And don’t forget to check out our Virtual Roundtables on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

                                ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn

                                9 min
                              • SDG 6 | The Environmental Impact of Road Salt on Lakes | Jillian Patterson

                                How does art effectively raise awareness about environmental issues?

                                Thanks for joining us for another episode of highlighting change makers and their inspirational work towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

                                In this episode:

                                • How Jillian uses art to highlight the negative impacts of road salt on lakes at Wisconsin Water Week
                                • How Wisconsin Water Week offers an opportunity to appreciate artwork that highlights water-related issues
                                • The importance of cautious road salt use to protect our lakes and rivers
                                • Hear from Jillian Patterson - a student at the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point.

                                  Jillian talks about her artwork at the Wisconsin Water Week exhibit, focusing on the negative impacts of road salt on lakes. Her crocheted piece depicts a semi-truck with salt buttons creeping onto an expanding ice sheet, symbolizing the effects of road salt on nearby lakes.

                                  She also illustrates the increasing tide levels, decreased clarity, lower lake temperatures, declining purity of drinking water, and increased algae on plant life caused by road salt. Jillian hopes her artwork raises awareness and encourages cautious use of road salt.

                                  Click play now to soak up what she has to share!

                                  To learn more and get involved with ongoing efforts in Wisconsin, visit the partner websites:

                                  • Wisconsin Water Week
                                  • Wisconsin Lakes
                                  • Wisconsin DNR
                                  • Extension Lakes | UWSP
                                  • Let’s get SDG Talking!!

                                    Do you have a good story or want to collaborate? Send us an email at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

                                    And don’t forget to check out our Virtual Roundtables on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

                                    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn

                                    8 min
                                  • SDG 6 | Wisconsin Water Week: Networking for Conservation and Change | Grace Hasse, Ally Spang, and Kirsten James

                                    Why attend Wisconsin Water Week?

                                    Thanks for joining us for another episode of highlighting change makers and their inspirational work towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

                                    In this episode:

                                    • How does Wisconsin Water Week provide an opportunity for collaboration, learning, and networking?
                                      • What workshops and hands-on opportunities help attendees learn about various topics related to water management?
                                      • Why is it important to take a holistic approach and share best practices to address climate change and invasive species?
                                      • Click play now to soak up what Grace Hasse, Ally Spang, and Kirsten James have to share about Wisconsin Water Week!

                                        Let’s get SDG Talking!!

                                        Do you have a good story or want to collaborate? Send us an email at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

                                        And don’t forget to check out our Virtual Roundtables on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠.

                                        ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn

                                        34 min
                                      • SDG 6 | Navigating Wisconsin's Waters: Collaborative Strategies for Lake Conservation | Eric Olson

                                        The innovative strategies behind Wisconsin Water Week:

                                        Thanks for joining us for another episode of highlighting change makers and their inspirational work towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

                                        In this episode:

                                        • How can communities balance self-interest with collective environmental responsibility to effectively manage natural resources like lakes and rivers?
                                        • In what ways can personal experiences and stories, like those shared at Wisconsin Water Week, influence and enhance our approach to environmental conservation and mental health?
                                        • What role can and should farmer-led initiatives play in watershed management, and how can different stakeholders collaborate to address challenges like nonpoint source pollution?
                                        • Dive in with Eric Olson - the Director and Lakes Specialist at Extinction Lakes at the University of Wisconsin's College of Natural Resources.

                                          Eric assists communities and non-governmental organizations in their natural resource stewardship efforts by developing leadership and community capacity to address challenges and problems related to sustainable natural resource use. Interpreting research related to ecological and community resiliency and conveying significant results to relevant publics.

                                          He delves into the history and significance of Wisconsin Water Week, emphasizing the state's unique approach to lake management and conservation through community involvement and local governance, and much more...

                                          So hit play now to hear what he has to share!

                                          Let’s get SDG Talking!!

                                          Do you have a good story or want to collaborate? Send us an email at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

                                          And don’t forget to check out our Virtual Roundtables on our ⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠.

                                          ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn

                                          36 min

                                        About SDG Talks

                                        From the publisher's feed

                                        SDG Talks Podcast highlights Change Makers and their work around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our passion is to highlight people and organizations that work towards the 17 goals that will transform the world into a more equitable place for everyone.