Sustain AI Planet

Sustain AI Planet

By Dylan SinglaTechnology
Download on the App Store

Sustain AI Planet episodes

  • Ep 07: Conservation at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago with Edward Warden

    "One of the biggest hurdles that led to an organization like ours, which is really trying to be sustainable across its operations, is that just that it's across our operations. We're trying as hard as we can to make sure that there are no cut corners, that every area where potentially as an institution like ours, we can be wasteful, we're trying to address that and reel that in." said Edward Warden, Conservation Action Coordinator at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago.

     

    Welcome to the Sustain AI Planet Podcast, where passion meets purpose. Join us as we delve into the world of sustainability, climate action, artificial intelligence, and their transformative impact on our planet. Today's episode features an enlightening conversation with Edward Warden, the head of conservation action programs at Shedd Aquarium. Learn how Edward and his team are on a mission to protect aquatic ecosystems, engage the community, and foster a sustainable future.


    As we conclude our conversation with Edward Warden, we are left with a profound appreciation for the tireless efforts of the sustainability department at Shedd Aquarium. Their dedication to making a positive impact on the environment, from beach cleanups to embracing AI-driven tools for conservation, serves as an inspiring model for others to follow. We are reminded that even the smallest actions, like picking up nurdles on the beach or collecting native plant seeds, can have a significant impact on the well-being of our planet. As Edward says, "Personal actions really do make a significant impact on the world around us."

    Quotes

    • "My job is working with volunteers to do everything from cleanup beaches to taking folks kayaking on the Chicago River to helping remove invasive species from really high priority habitats all across Chicago." (01:58 | Edward Warden)
  • "We're trying as hard as we can to make sure that there are no cut corners, that every area where potentially as an institution like ours, we can be wasteful, we're trying to address that and reel that in." (02:58 | Edward Warden)
  • "Right now, all of the kind of conservation programs and the action day programs are based in the Greater Chicago area. So we will do events in sort of Chicago suburbs or farther-flung areas. Currently, we're restricted to Chicagoland in Illinois right now, but a lot of our advocacy work and larger conservation work across different teams does extend beyond Chicagoland and into other areas in the Great Lakes as well." (06:18 | Edward Warden)
  • "One of the biggest offenders is actually diapers. Diapers are a very essential thing, right? People are bringing their kids to the aquarium all the time. And sometimes they need... But the problem with the way that diapers are produced today is they're not recyclable. They're not compostable, and they don't degrade." (11:42 | Edward Warden)
  • "We don't use AI directly, but one of the couple of the tools that we use actually does utilize AI. The app is incredibly powerful because what it does is it basically crowd sources citizen science or community science." (14:04 | Edward Warden)

    •  

    #SustainAIPlanetPodcast #ConservationAction #SustainableFuture #AIforGood #ProtectOurPlanet

     

    Links

    Connect with Edward Warden:

    https://www.sheddaquarium.org/

    https://www.sheddaquarium.org/care-and-conservation



    Connect with Dylan:

    Website: https://www.sustainaiplanet.com




    Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

    28 min
  • Ep 06: Eco-Conscious Practices in Education with Dr. Stephen Laubach, Director of Sustainability at The Lawrenceville School in New Jersey

    "Just this past April, the schools signed a contract to do a top to bottom review of our energy use, and map out what it would take over the next 5, 10, 20 years for us to reduce our carbon emissions 50% by 2035, and carbon neutral by 2045," said Dr. Stephen Laubach, Director of Sustainability at The Lawrenceville School in New Jersey.

     

    Welcome to the world of sustainable solutions and artificial intelligence at The Lawrenceville School! In this episode of the Sustain AI Planet podcast, hosted by Dylan Singla, we explore the fascinating intersection of sustainability and cutting-edge technology. Join us as we dive into the insights of Dr. Stephen Laubach, the visionary Director of Sustainability at Lawrenceville School.

     

    Dr. Stephen Laubach's insights into sustainable practices and initiatives at Lawrenceville School are truly inspiring. From tackling carbon emissions to running a successful farm, the school demonstrates how educational institutions can lead in environmental stewardship. Join us for this enlightening conversation as we explore sustainability and the impact of artificial intelligence in making a difference.

     

    Quotes

    • "For students, the biggest issue and I think a lot of people would agree is the issue of climate change and our emissions, thinking more deeply about what activities we do that generate emissions and how we as a school can address them." (1:30 | Dr. Stephen Laubach)
  • "So we have several projects, we're looking at how we affect the air with emissions, how we affect wildlife habitat on land, and also how we affect water quality, where our food comes." (5:20 | Dr. Stephen Laubach)
  • "We have a number of classes that touch on sustainability from several different angles. And I would say that's the case that most schools have at least an environmental science class, if not more than that." (15:11| Dr. Stephen Laubach)
  • "Just this past April, the schools signed a contract to do a top to bottom review of our energy use, and map out what it would take over the next 5, 10, 20 years for us to reduce our carbon emissions 50% by 2035, and carbon neutral by 2045."  (16:09 | Dr. Stephen Laubach)



    • #Sustainability #ClimateAction #RenewableEnergy #EnvironmentalEducation #GreenInitiatives



    Links

    Connect with Dr. Stephen Laubach: 

    https://www.lawrenceville.org/academics/experiential-learning/sustainability

    https://www.lawrenceville.org/academics/experiential-learning/big-red-farm



    Connect with Dylan:

    Website: https://www.sustainaiplanet.com




    Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

    29 min
  • Ep 05: Transforming Universities through Sustainability and AI: A Conversation with UVA’s Andrea Trimble

    "The role of higher education in addressing climate challenges and making a difference through research and collective environmental impact has been a driving force for sustainability advocates.” says Andrea Trimble, the Director of Sustainability at the University of Virginia. 

     

    In this enlightening episode of "Sustain AI Planet," host Dylan Singla engages in a thought-provoking conversation where we learn how higher education institutions like UVA are at the forefront of the sustainability movement, addressing climate challenges and driving positive change through research, curriculum, and collective environmental impact. 

     

    Andrea's journey from architecture to sustainability leadership provides a unique perspective on the intersection of sustainability and artificial intelligence. Tune in to explore how UVA achieved its carbon reduction goals, the importance of individual actions, and the limitless potential of AI in shaping a greener future.

     

    Join us in this inspiring episode as Andrea Trimble shares her expertise and passion for sustainability, shedding light on how universities, through strategic planning, engagement, and individual actions, are playing a crucial role in creating a greener future. From reducing carbon emissions to embracing artificial intelligence, the path to sustainability is paved with innovation and collective efforts.

     

    Quotes:

     

    • "The role of higher education in addressing climate challenges and making a difference through research and collective environmental impact has been a driving force for sustainability advocates." (01:58 | Andrea Trimble)
  • "With strategic planning, engagement initiatives, and support from top administrators and stakeholders, UVA achieved its 25% carbon reduction goal six years ahead of schedule." (05:00 | Andrea Trimble)
  • "The rapid advancements in technology, including artificial intelligence, present enormous opportunities in various sectors to drive sustainability and create a greener tomorrow." (18:14 | Andrea Trimble)
  • "By optimizing district energy systems, transitioning to renewable fuels, and implementing green building standards, UVA has made significant strides in reducing carbon emissions while keeping individual comfort and experiences unchanged." (11:32 | Andrea Trimble)
  • "Every individual can make a difference by being mindful of daily decisions, from purchasing choices, to waste disposal, and by actively engaging with sustainability initiatives on campus." (15:51 | Andrea Trimble)
  • "We have a decarbonization Academy in the summer where students are paid for the summer to work with faculty or staff on something that aligns with the sustainability goals." (08:49 | Andrea Trimble)
  • "The challenge is what decisions do we make now? What do we implement now? Versus what do we wait a couple more years for better technology?" (18:49 | Andrea Trimble)

    •  

    #Sustainability #ClimateAction #AIforGood #GreenerFuture #SustainAIPlanet

     

    Links

    Connect with Andrea Trimble:

    https://sustainability.virginia.edu/people/andrea-trimble

    https://sustainability.virginia.edu/




    Connect with Dylan:

    Website: https://www.sustainaiplanet.com




    Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

    20 min
  • Ep 04: The Broad Potential of AI With Kia Javanmardian, Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company

    In this episode of the Sustain AI Planet podcast, we dive into the high-stakes world of climate change, insurance, and analytics with Kia Javanmardian, a senior partner at McKinsey & Company. Kia sheds light on the role of AI in addressing the challenges of climate risk and sustainability, emphasizing the need for data-driven decision-making and collective action. We also discuss ways that we already interact with artificial intelligence in real life, from social media to our hobbies and sports.  It’s a great conversation about how deeply analytics are a part of our lives today and how they can be used to help us find and harness opportunity and avoid threats.

     

    In this episode we discuss several concepts including:

    • Climate Change and Insurance: Kia explains how climate change impacts the insurance industry, with more frequent and severe events like wildfires and flooding. He highlights the exponential increase in climate risks and the importance of understanding their implications through analytics and AI.
  • AI and McKinsey: As a consulting firm, McKinsey helps clients harness the power of AI to drive their missions, improve customer service, and create innovative solutions. Kia discusses the role of analytics in solving complex problems and making informed business decisions.
  • Climate Challenges: Kia emphasizes the immense challenge posed by climate change and its potential consequences. He shares the example of the wet bulb effect, where extreme temperature and humidity can be fatal. Understanding and addressing climate risks requires collective action and leveraging AI and analytics to protect millions of lives.
  • AI in Different Contexts: The conversation touches on the versatility of AI and how it can be applied across various industries. Kia illustrates this with examples ranging from Formula One racing to insurance and climate risk analysis, showcasing the transferability of AI principles.
  • Analytics as a Service: Kia delves into the concept of analytics as a service, where companies provide tools, algorithms, and intellectual property to clients. By utilizing these services, organizations can make data-driven decisions without building everything from scratch, accelerating progress and maximizing resources.

    •  

    #Sustainability #ArtificialIntelligence #ClimateChange #DataAnalytics #CollectiveAction

     

    Quotes

     

    • "Increasingly frequent and severe climate events pose significant risks to our world. Understanding the implications and taking collective action to address climate and sustainability will be the biggest challenge of our time." (00:05:46 | Kia Javanmardian) 
  • "It's always cool to see where some of the innovation takes place and then what the application can be throughout different contexts." (00:07:21 | Kia Javanmardian)
  • "When you build (tech) as a service, what you're doing is you're giving smaller companies, typically, or companies that can't build it on their own, kind of the machinery to pump their stuff through so they can understand what's going on." (00:07:45 | Kia Javanmardian) 




    • Links

    Connect with Kia Javanmardian:

    Website: https://www.mckinsey.com/our-people/kia-javanmardian

     

    Connect with Dylan:

    Website: https://www.sustainaiplanet.com



    Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

    25 min
  • Ep 03: Energy, Sustainability and our Congress with Mariannette Miller-Meeks

    Prepare for an engaging and enlightening episode of Sustain AI Planet, where we delve into the extraordinary experiences of Congresswoman Marinette Miller-Meeks. With an illustrious 24-year career in the US Army, a thriving private practice as an esteemed ophthalmologist, and her current role as an Iowa Congresswoman, she exemplifies the qualities of adaptability and open-mindedness essential for thriving in an ever-changing landscape.

     

    Congresswoman Meeks graciously shares her compelling narrative, shaped by her upbringing in a military family, her profound dedication to the medical field, and the transformative power of education. But beyond personal inspiration, this episode ventures into critical topics such as sustainability, artificial intelligence, and energy generation. Congresswoman Meeks emphasizes the imperative of collaboration between Republicans and Democrats to meet the world's growing demand for abundant, affordable, sustainable, and secure energy. With a nuanced understanding of the complexities, she delves into the significance of domestic sourcing for rare earth elements and other essential resources, reducing our reliance on potentially adversarial nations. Additionally, she sheds light on the vast potential of renewable energy sources, extending beyond wind and solar, and explores the fascinating realm of biofuels and their transformative impact on water purity, soil quality, and the reduction of fertilizers and pesticides.

     

    Join us for an episode bursting with hope, innovation, and collaborative spirit. Together, let's unlock the limitless possibilities that lie ahead in our quest for a sustainable and prosperous future.

     

    Quotes

    • “We all want a cleaner, healthier planet for ourselves, our children and our grandchildren. But we need to do so in a way that allows us to compete economically around the world. (11:40 | Marinette Miller-Meeks)
  • “It's just support and acknowledgement that we need increased energy. How do we do that in a pragmatic way and utilize all the resources we have in the United States and especially not be dependent on adversarial countries for rare earth elements, cobalt, lithium, the rare earth, copper, when we can source those in the United States.” (19:26 | Marinette Miller Meeks)
  • “I would just like to let people know that the world is dynamic, that knowledge increases, that our world and our globe is much more resilient, sort of like human beings are much more resilient than we give them credit for.”  (25:34 | Marinette Miller-Meeks)

    • #SustainAIPlanet #Sustainability #ArtificialIntelligence #ClimateAction #Resilience #GenerationalImpact #sustainableenergy #rareearthminerals #biochar #EvolvingWorld #FutureForward

     

    Links

    Connect with Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks:

    https://millermeeks.house.gov/

    https://millermeeks.house.gov/issues/energy



    Connect with Dylan:

    Website: https://www.sustainaiplanet.com




    Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

    27 min
  • Ep 02: Developing Sustainability Leaders: Brian Cohen, Assistant Director of Sustainable Engagement at Wake Forest University

    "Pro humanitate," the cherished motto of Wake Forest University, serves as a guiding principle for its students, fostering a vibrant culture of active student engagement. And Brian Cohen, the Assistant Director of Sustainability at Wake Forest University, is deeply committed to nurturing and empowering future leaders within this esteemed institution. In this episode, Brian shares illuminating insights into the university's pioneering sustainability initiatives and programs, shedding light on the remarkable sustainability leadership group tailored specifically for first-year students. 

     

    Wake Forest University has set forth an audacious objective of attaining carbon neutrality by 2040, accompanied by a commendable 50% reduction target by 2030. Cohen adeptly expounds upon the interplay between people and technology, emphasizing that the true effectiveness of optimizing building and facility sustainability ultimately hinges upon the individuals who inhabit these spaces.

     

    For those ardent about sustainability and eager to witness the transformative potential of student-led initiatives, this episode of Sustainable AI is an absolute must-listen. Prepare to be inspired by Wake Forest University's unwavering dedication to sustainability, where the convergence of passion, innovation, and proactive engagement paves the way for a cleaner future.

     

    Quotes

    • "The impact of an individual...really does make a difference." (05:45-05:58 | Brian)
  • "Understanding if you want to have an impact, a big impact, what are the behaviors that are going to have the biggest impact?" (13:53-14:00 | Brian)
  • "Wake Forest students are just known for being engaged, being involved...people want to make a difference...the size of the school...it's large enough that you feel like you have the support, you have the resources, but not too large where you feel like you're getting lost...social norms are a powerful thing." (17:03-18:17 | Brian)

    •  

    Links

    Connect with Brian Cohen:

    https://sustainability.wfu.edu/

    https://sustainability.wfu.edu/people-2/people/

     

    Connect with Dylan:

    https://www.sustainaiplanet.com




    Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

    19 min
  • Ep 01: Conservation On Campus: Ellen Dux, Associate Director of Sustainability at the University of Southern California (USC)

    Sustainability truly encompasses the responsibility of each individual within the campus community, shares Ellen Dux, the esteemed Associate Director of Sustainability at the University of Southern California.

     

    In this enlightening episode, Ellen and Dylan embark on an exploration of the prevailing culture of conservation and sustainability that pervades the USC Campus. They highlight the paramount significance of fostering unity among individuals with regards to this pressing subject. Delving into USC's sustainability initiatives, the discussion showcases their commendable efforts in curbing energy and water consumption, augmenting renewable energy sources, procuring carbon offsets, and even touches on their remarkable accomplishment of achieving zero waste at the Coliseum. 

     

    Sustainability is a responsibility that we all must agree to implement into our daily lives as individuals and as communities. And USC’s efforts are a thrilling testament to the power of sustainability and its undeniable significance in shaping a brighter future for our planet.

     

    Quotes

    • "It's all due to those first two guys at the Coliseum who just looked at a problem and said, ‘I know there's a way we can solve this and we can make a difference.’" (08:58-11:22 | Dylan)
  • "USC will no longer be using USC funds to purchase single use plastic beverage bottles...we encourage everybody to...bring your water bottle, bring your refillables and use something…to get your water from a hydration station." (13:56-16:38 | Ellen)
  • "We would most likely be buying some carbon offsets in 2025 to get us across the finish line for whatever we weren't able to do operationally... Nobody gets there without a real plan." (21:17-23:49 | Ellen)
  • "We should be graduating sustainable Trojans who go forth to be sustainable citizens." (28:41-30:10 | Ellen)
  • "We often call it sort of building the sustainability muscle, making sure that people can find community in common cause around this work." (30:00-30:10 | Ellen)

    •  

    Links

    Connect with Ellen Dux:

    https://green.usc.edu/about/staff/

    https://green.usc.edu/

     

    Connect with Dylan:

    https://www.sustainaiplanet.com





    Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

    31 min

About Sustain AI Planet

From the publisher's feed

Connecting the dots between Sustainability, Marine Conservation, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) through an inspiring podcast. From a college professor to a U.S. Congresswoman to the former CEO of a…