This Green Earth

Geoscientist and author Marcia Bjornerud talks about her new book "Turning to Stone," which reveals how rocks shape our lives and sustain the planet. From aquifers that purify drinking water to basalt that regulates climate, she shows how rocks are the hidden infrastructure of Earth. Then, biologist and author Karen Lloyd shares a firsthand account of the hunt for life beneath Earth’s surface in her newest book, "Intraterrestrials: Discovering the Strangest Life on Earth."

Chris and Claire begin the show with Award-winning science journalist Judith Schwartz who walks us through her latest book, "The Reindeer Chronicles." Then, investigative journalist Nadia Hadman joins the program to discuss the uncertain future of researchers who study wildlife, air, land and water across our national parks system.

Faculty lecturer for the University of Utah and award-winning photojournalist, Jonathan Duncan joins the show to discuss the Great Salt Lake.

Tom Mills of Alpenglow Energy discusses the recent bill passed by Congress regarding the expiration of the solar tax credit. Then, Matthew Boyer, researcher at the University of Helsinki, shares a recent study of the foul-smelling fumes of penguin waste, which could help mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Marine biologist and author Helen Scales shares more about how shells are shaped with her new book, "What the Wild Sea Can Be." Then, Sam Bloch comes on to shed light on his book, "Shade: The Promise of a Forgotten Natural Resource."

Chris and Claire revisit a conversation with award-winning, best-selling author John Vaillant who penned a highly lauded account of a colossal fire in his book "Fire Weather, A True Story from a Hotter World." Then, Sara Jo Dickens from Ecology Bridge and local mountain bike enthusiast Mike Sczcesny come on to talk about an opportunity to properly help clear out noxious weeds overtaking some of our more popular mountain biking trails on Park City Mountain.

Chris Perkins, Vice President of Programs at Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, shares more about the recently released Trail Map for Rural Development in America, a resource designed to guide federal, state, local, tribal, and philanthropic leaders in harnessing the power of outdoor recreation. (01:54)Then, climate justice and clean air advocate Meisei Gonzalez of GreenLatinos talks about the work being done by that organization. (48:01)

Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance Stewardship Director Jeremy Lynch and Stewardship Coordinator Talitha McGuire highlight the successes of their 2025 Stewardship Programs to date, what is still to come this year and how you can get involved. Then, the Nature Conservancy’s Director of Youth Engagement, Kate Ireland and Extern Marie Taylor who talk about about their externship programs on protecting the California sea otter.

Recycle Utah’s Jim Bedell and Troy Holding, along with senior manager at AMP Robotics, Sarah Daschbach, talk about the future of recycling. Then, author Katherine Palmer Gordon talks about her new book, "This Place Is Who We Are: Stories of Indigenous Leadership, Resilience, and Connection to Homelands."

Naturalist and author Jeremy Mynott discusses his new book, "The Story of Nature," which explores humanity’s evolving relationship with the natural world and asks whether we are its observers, managers or caretakers. Then, local Parkite and longtime arborist, Keith Clapier comes on the show to discuss what factors to consider when choosing a tree species to plant.