ESRAG Podcast: Climate conversations

ESRAG Podcast - With Dr Angela Benson

Angela Benson   Introduction: 00:08 Intro Admiral & Felix and cooperation to another RAG within Rotary - Rotarian Action Group for Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health. Interesting news: 00:43 Admiral chocolate and cocoa trees being affected by climate crisis. https://theecologist.org/2025/may/12/all-cocoa-trees-will-be-destroyed#:~:text=Cocoa%20yields%20will%20be%20%E2%80%9Cdestroyed,global%20markets%2C%20including%20the%20UK [https://theecologist.org/2025/may/12/all-cocoa-trees-will-be-destroyed#:~:text=Cocoa%20yields%20will%20be%20%E2%80%9Cdestroyed,global%20markets%2C%20including%20the%20UK] https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/may/21/eu-chocolate-climate-breakdown-crisis-report [https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/may/21/eu-chocolate-climate-breakdown-crisis-report] https://www.wur.nl/en/research-results/research-institutes/plant-research/show-wpr/climate-change-puts-african-cocoa-production-under-pressure.htm [https://www.wur.nl/en/research-results/research-institutes/plant-research/show-wpr/climate-change-puts-african-cocoa-production-under-pressure.htm] 02:50 Introduction Guest Angela Benson. Dr. Angela Benson is a medical doctor and public health specialist with decades of experience in child, maternal, and family health. She currently serves as Chair of the Rotarian Action Group for Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health. A graduate of the A.M. Dogliotti College of Medicine at the University of Liberia, Dr. Benson also holds a Diploma in Child Health from the National University of Ireland and a Master’s in Public Health from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, with a specialization in maternal and child health. Throughout her career, she has held senior technical and leadership roles with UNICEF and WHO, working across more than 40 countries in the African region. From immunization and gender-sensitive programming to emergency health response and systems strengthening, her work has helped shape critical public health strategies at national and regional levels. Dr. Benson has published in areas ranging from pediatric oncology to health system reform post-Ebola, and continues to teach community medicine in Liberia. She is also the founder of the Global Health Innovations and Action Foundation and Benson Hospital in Monrovia, both focused on delivering equitable and compassionate healthcare for women and children. 03:09 Angela, let’s start with your story. What first brought you into Rotary, and what led you to focus on health, especially for women and children? 05:45 Maternal and child health risks? 07:05 You now lead the Rotarian Action Group for Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health. What does this work mean to you, and why is it so important for the future of communities? 11:24 How to support women in need in places where it is very hard to support them? 15:05 We’re hearing more and more about how the environment and health are connected. From your perspective, how do things like climate change or pollution affect the health of mothers and children? 21:10 Have you worked on or seen a project where improving environmental conditions, like clean water, safe energy, or better sanitation, made a real difference for maternal and child health? 25:50 These are complex challenges. How can Rotary, Rotaract, and everyday people be part of the solution, even if they aren’t doctors or climate experts? 31:35  What have you seen as the most effective ways to support mothers and newborns, especially when resources are limited? 36:25  If you could leave us with one message, especially for young people who care about health and the planet, what would it be? Good news & Positive ending 41:21 Felix: There has been sightseeing of new animal  https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czx0kn124w0o [https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czx0kn124w0o] 43:10 Admiral: Discussing the release of movie named Ocean, talks about health of our oceans and the role of Sir David Attenborough  https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn0wjxg0ex1o [https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn0wjxg0ex1o] 45:59 To end on a humorous note, during an event saw King Charles attending the premiere of Sir David Attenborough's Ocean. During the event, the King humorously remarked to Sir David, "I can't believe your 99th birthday is on Thursday," highlighting the broadcaster's remarkable longevity and continued dedication to environmental causes. More about ESRAG: https://esrag.org/ [https://esrag.org/%E2%80%8B%E2%80%8B]

ESRAG Podcast - With Kris Cameron & Dawn Byford

Kris Cameron and Dawn Byford #17   Introduction: 00:10 Intro Admiral & Felix Interesting news: 01:03 Kris has been reading a new book by Will Potter about factory farming and how there are more and more laws against reporting on how the food is being made. More on the book here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/216425370-little-red-barns [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/216425370-little-red-barns] 02:05 Dawn Byford has been reading on about global warming in arab peninsula https://www.technologynetworks.com/applied-sciences/news/middle-east-and-north-africa-warming-faster-than-other-regions-393567 [https://www.technologynetworks.com/applied-sciences/news/middle-east-and-north-africa-warming-faster-than-other-regions-393567] 03:24 Admiral on bird species in decline https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/oct/10/biodiversity-conservation-world-bird-species-declining-arctic-seals-green-turtles-iucn-uae-aoe [https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/oct/10/biodiversity-conservation-world-bird-species-declining-arctic-seals-green-turtles-iucn-uae-aoe] 07:55 Felix: new animal has been spotted in Congo forest. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czx0kn124w0o [https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czx0kn124w0o]    09:10 Introduction of our guests Kris and Dawn from TASKFORCE Rich plant diet Dawn Byford is Co-Chair of the Task Force and a member of the Rotary Club of Canmore in Alberta, Canada. After a life-altering auto accident, Dawn found healing through whole food plant-based eating, and now teaches others how to nourish their bodies and protect the planet. She’s an honor graduate in Holistic Nutrition from the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition and a trained educator with the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies. She regularly leads cooking demos, writes articles, and collaborates with communities across the Bow Valley region to make sustainable living deliciously accessible. Kris Cameron, Co-Chair and member of the Wenatchee Confluence Rotary Club in Washington, USA, brings decades of experience in public education, human resources, and community organizing to her role. A passionate advocate for animal welfare and environmental health, Kris works to end factory farming and promote the benefits of plant-rich diets across the Rotary world. She holds degrees in business and education, as well as a plant-based nutrition certificate from the Center for Nutrition Studies. Kris has held multiple leadership roles in Rotary and helped launch impactful ESRAG-aligned projects at both club and district levels. 10:50 Why has the Plant-Rich Diet become a focus for ESRAG, what makes what’s on our plate such a powerful climate lever? 17:02 With food systems now estimated to contribute up to 60% of global emissions, how should we rethink our assumptions about agriculture, land use, and sustainability? 22:03 What role does seafood and aquaculture play in the plant-rich conversation, and are there ethical or environmental red flags we’re not talking about enough? 31:55 At RICON Calgary, ESRAG has launched the Pledge to Veg, how do you envision this pledge growing within the global Rotary network, and what impact could it have? - link to pledge to veg: https://esrag.org/blog/2025/06/09/lower-your-carbon-footprint-for-ricon/ [https://esrag.org/blog/2025/06/09/lower-your-carbon-footprint-for-ricon/] 36:32 For those who want to experience change personally, the 15-Day Plant-Rich Diet Challenge offers a chance to experiment and reflect, what have been the most surprising or inspiring outcomes from past participants? 42:03  Looking ahead, what gives you hope? What would the world look like if Rotary embraced plant-rich living at scale, from kitchens to conventions?   Good news & Positive ending 48:32 Felix: A new golden toad https://www.natureandculture.org/directory/new-frogs-call-echoes-need-for-protection-in-the-amazon/ [https://www.natureandculture.org/directory/new-frogs-call-echoes-need-for-protection-in-the-amazon/]   49:45 Kris: Removal of dams helps nature make a return: https://www.rotary.org/en/healing-water-the-klamath-river-restoration [https://www.rotary.org/en/healing-water-the-klamath-river-restoration] 50:41 Dawn: High seas treaty ratified https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/19/climate/high-seas-treaty-ocean-biodiversity-ratified.html 51:10 Admiral: Green turtles making a comeback! https://tinyurl.com/3ej5pjra [https://tinyurl.com/3ej5pjra] More information: https://www.greenerbydefault.com/ [https://www.greenerbydefault.com/] Join the pledge to VEG! https://esrag.org/blog/2025/06/09/lower-your-carbon-footprint-for-ricon/ [https://esrag.org/blog/2025/06/09/lower-your-carbon-footprint-for-ricon/]

ESRAG Podcast - With Richard Kirundi

ESRAG Podcast Episode #16   Richard Kirundi   Introduction: 00:10 Intro Admiral & Felix Short talk about Felix birthday Interesting news: 01:43 Felix talking about all types of snakes that he hasn’t seen before  02:21 Admiral on climate change to affect blood transfusions https://www.euronews.com/health/2025/04/19/bleeding-the-planet-dry-climate-change-could-unlock-new-threat-to-the-worlds-blood-supply [https://www.euronews.com/health/2025/04/19/bleeding-the-planet-dry-climate-change-could-unlock-new-threat-to-the-worlds-blood-supply]   05:01 Introduction Guest Richard Kirundi We welcome Richard Kirundi—a seasoned National Security Consultant and Institutional Reform Expert with over 30 years of government service, including his pivotal role in the Presidential Task Force on reforms in the National Police Service, Correctional Services, and the National Youth Service, known as the Maraga Task Force. Beyond his extensive experience in national reform, Richard is a passionate environmentalist. He currently serves as the District Environment Chair for Rotary District 9212, encompassing Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and South Sudan. Richard has been instrumental in chartering Africa's first Eco Rotary Club, as well as environmental Rotaract and Interact Clubs. He's the Co-Chair of ESRAG's Africa Chapter, Chair of Kipepeo Green Heritage, and a driving force behind river restoration projects that have garnered international attention, including a visit from the UN Deputy Secretary-General. 06:40 Let’s start with your Rotary journey, what inspired you to join Rotary, and what keeps you committed to Rotary? 08:25 How did Felix join Rotary? 11:33 Are Rotary clubs doing enough in environment space? 16:32 Why the interest in Interact and Rotaract? What is the message by creating these 2 forms of clubs? 20:21 Rotaractors being active for Environment, and how  22:10 You recently received the Presidential Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya for your work in transforming national systems - congratulations. What opportunities do you see for stronger collaboration between governments and Rotary, especially in tackling climate and environmental crises? 28:30  Dashboard for the environment 33:50  Positive words from Richard Kirundi for all. Good news & Positive ending 36:45 Felix: A lovely memory about late pope Franciscus  https://unfccc.int/news/pope-francis-releases-encyclical-on-climate-and-environment [https://unfccc.int/news/pope-francis-releases-encyclical-on-climate-and-environment] 38:25 Admiral: Positive ending - Elk migration TV show in Sweden is a hit! https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cewgn0v5j9po [https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cewgn0v5j9po] More about ESRAG: https://esrag.org/ [https://esrag.org/%E2%80%8B%E2%80%8B]

ESRAG Podcast - With Pat Merryweather-Arges

ESRAG Podcast with Pat Merryweather-Arges Introduction: 00:01 Intro Admiral & Felix and our guest Pat Interesting news: 00:59  Catch up with Felix, Felix wants to feed animals more fruits to combat food loss. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0377840120304752 [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0377840120304752] 05:21 Admiral hay fever and other allergies, how climate change will affect people with allergies. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/10/pollen-peril-how-heat-thunder-and-smog-are-creating-deadly-hay-fever-seasons-aoe [https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/10/pollen-peril-how-heat-thunder-and-smog-are-creating-deadly-hay-fever-seasons-aoe]    09:14 Introduction guest Pat Merryweather-Arges We're honored to be joined by Pat Merryweather-Arges, Immediate Past Rotary International Board Vice President and a passionate leader in global health, sustainability, peacebuilding, and service. Pat’s Rotary journey spans decades of impact — from leading healthcare initiatives to championing clean water, mental health, and patient-centered care. She’s Chair of the WASH Rotary Action Group, part of ESRAG and the Peace Rotary Action Group, and a driving force behind the International Rotary Fellowship of Healthcare Professionals. Outside Rotary, she serves as Executive Director of Project Patient Care and works closely with national and international coalitions focused on dementia care and health outcomes. Pat brings not only a wealth of experience, but also a deep compassion for people and the planet. Today, we’ll talk about healthcare, climate change, water and hygiene, and how we can all make a difference through Rotary. Let’s dive into the conversation. 10:00 Pat’s journey into Rotary, and how has her journey evolved over the years 14:20 As a leader in the International Rotary Fellowship of Healthcare Professionals, how do healthcare professionals contribute to global health and sustainability efforts? 17:11 The growing concern of antibiotic resistance 23:04 How to join the International Rotary Fellowship of Healthcare Professionals 26:45 How does climate change, especially extreme heat, affect mental health, and what can we do about it? 29:50 Flood impacts on youth, especially mental health of young people. 35:20 You served as Rotary International Board Vice President and Director, what was that experience like, and what insights did you gain? What will stay with you? 39:35 And to close on a positive note: what advice do you have for Rotarians and Rotaractors around the world who want to make a meaningful impact?   Good news & Positive ending 42:17 Felix: Climb of Mikayi  https://www.paukwa.or.ke/story-series/onlyinkenya/the-tales-of-kit-mikayi/ [https://www.paukwa.or.ke/story-series/onlyinkenya/the-tales-of-kit-mikayi/] 45:44 Trip of Pat to Kenya 50:20 Admiral: India doubles it’s tiger population in a decade https://www.euronews.com/green/2025/02/03/india-doubles-tiger-population-in-a-decade-can-other-countries-learn-from-its-conservation [https://www.euronews.com/green/2025/02/03/india-doubles-tiger-population-in-a-decade-can-other-countries-learn-from-its-conservation]   More about ESRAG: https://esrag.org/ [https://esrag.org/%E2%80%8B%E2%80%8B]

ESRAG Podcast - With Gert-Jan van Dommelen

ESRAG Podcast with Gert-Jan van Dommelen. Introduction: 00:01 Intro Admiral & Felix and our guest Gert-Jan Interesting news: 00:44 Felix about longest hug of a tree https://www.euronews.com/green/2025/02/10/i-found-peace-activist-hopes-48-hours-of-non-stop-tree-hugging-will-inspire-others-to-love#:~:text=A%20young%20Kenyan%20woman%20may,Kenya%20for%20almost%2048%20hours [https://www.euronews.com/green/2025/02/10/i-found-peace-activist-hopes-48-hours-of-non-stop-tree-hugging-will-inspire-others-to-love#:~:text=A%20young%20Kenyan%20woman%20may,Kenya%20for%20almost%2048%20hours]  02:31 Admiral on coffee prices set to increase due to climate change and climate issues that farmers are facing https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/mar/15/price-of-instant-coffee-rises-by-up-to-40-in-a-year-for-some-brands-which [https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/mar/15/price-of-instant-coffee-rises-by-up-to-40-in-a-year-for-some-brands-which]  04:14 Introduction guest Gert-Jan van Dommelen In this episode, we have a special guest who has dedicated his Rotary journey to tackling one of the world’s biggest environmental challenges: plastic pollution. Gert-Jan van Dommelen is the co-founder of EndPlasticSoup, a global Rotary initiative committed to ending plastic waste. He’s also an experienced international program manager and consulting leader at IBM Benelux, past president of Rotary Club Huizen Gooimeer, and co-leader of ESRAG’s Plastic Solutions Taskforce. Gert-Jan, welcome to the podcast! 08:00 Background of Gert-Jan van Dommelen journey into Rotary. 10:10 The Birth of EndPlasticSoup – How did EndPlasticSoup start, and what were the biggest challenges in turning it into a global movement? 12:10 Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental challenges. What are the biggest dangers people often overlook? 15:45 Dangers of plastic and plastic pollutants 19:33 How EndPlasticSoup Makes a Difference – How does EndPlasticSoup tackle plastic pollution, and what are some of the initiative’s biggest successes so far? 24:45 Collaboration & Advocacy – EndPlasticSoup works closely with ESRAG’s Plastic Solutions Taskforce and other organizations. What role do these partnerships play, and how can Rotary collaborate even more effectively? 33:15 Navigating Resistance to Climate Action – With global setbacks like the failure to sign the plastic treaty last year, how can we push for more action and keep momentum going? 36:21 Why does individual action still matter? Plastic pollution can feel overwhelming. How can Rotarians, Rotaractors, and individuals contribute effectively, and why do individual actions still matter?  If someone wants to make a difference starting tomorrow, what’s the most impactful thing they can do? 39:15 Last remarks of Gert-Jan van Dommelen. Make a change!   Good news & Positive ending 41:05 Felix: Hemp for the future. https://tinyurl.com/4apwz4h6 [https://tinyurl.com/4apwz4h6] 43:30 Admiral: Beavers saved Czechia government a lot of money by building a dam. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/beaver-dam-czech-republic [https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/beaver-dam-czech-republic] More about ESRAG: https://esrag.org/ [https://esrag.org/%E2%80%8B%E2%80%8B]