Welcome to the Green Shoots & Big Shifts Podcast

Can Climate Education Transform Communities? Insights from Abby Jordan

In this enlightening episode of **Green Shoots & Big Shifts**, host Reetu Gupta welcomes Abby Jordan, the Climate Education Program Manager at the National Wildlife Federation (NWF). Abby shares her inspiring journey from a volunteer in community climate initiatives to a leader in climate education, emphasizing the importance of hands-on experience in fostering a deeper understanding of environmental issues among youth. Through her work at NWF, Abby is not only educating students about climate resilience but also empowering them to take meaningful action in their communities. Abby discusses two pivotal programs she manages: the Climate and Resilience Education Task Force Youth Steering Committee, which engages high school students in climate education and civic engagement, and the Resilient Schools and Communities program, which provides a standardized curriculum for educators. Abby highlights the impactful Beach Grass Plantings project in New York City, where students participate in ecological restoration efforts, gaining firsthand experience in climate solutions. This episode not only sheds light on the significance of grassroots climate action but also emphasizes the role of education in nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards. Resources * Explore the RISC Website [https://www.riscnyc.org/] for resources on how you and your community can get involved! [https://www.riscnyc.org/curriculum-1] * Follow NWF on Instagram  [https://www.instagram.com/riscnyc1/](@riscnyc1 * Access the standardized version of the RiSC Curriculum for a national audience focused on four climate impacts: coastal flooding, inland flooding, wildfires, and extreme heat, here: https://www.riscnyc.org/curriculum-1 [https://www.riscnyc.org/curriculum-1] * New York Amsterdam News highlighted the RISC program in their featured climate solutions front page editorial: “NYC High Schools Work to Protect Brooklyn’s Shoreline.” [https://amsterdamnews.com/news/2025/05/22/nyc-high-schoolers-work-to-protect-brooklyns-shoreline/] https://amsterdamnews.com/news/2025/05/22/nyc-high-schoolers-work-to-protect-brooklyns-shoreline/ [https://amsterdamnews.com/news/2025/05/22/nyc-high-schoolers-work-to-protect-brooklyns-shoreline/] * CBS News TV produced a piece about the RiSC beach grass plantings reaching millions of viewers, watch: "Students helping to restore sand dunes in Coney Island.” [https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/video/students-helping-to-restore-sand-dunes-in-coney-island/] https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/video/students-helping-to-restore-sand-dunes-in-coney-island/ [https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/video/students-helping-to-restore-sand-dunes-in-coney-island/] * To see NWF students and volunteers in action, watch and share our documentary: Where it Floods: Planting Hope in Coney Island  [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxNMYorttQQ] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxNMYorttQQ [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxNMYorttQQ] * State of the Planet: Can Coney Island’s Dunes Protect Against Another Sandy? May 2026,https://news.climate.columbia.edu/2026/05/21/can-coney-islands-dunes-protect-against-another-sandy...

Is Sustainability the New Business Imperative in the age of AI? ft. Stacy Cline

In this enlightening episode of *Green Shoots & Big Shifts*, host Reetu Gupta welcomes Stacy Cline, the Senior Director of Sustainability at GitLab, to discuss the intersection of sustainability and corporate responsibility within the tech industry. Stacy shares her inspiring journey from the nonprofit sector to her pivotal role in shaping GitLab's sustainability initiatives. With a focus on environmental, social, and governance regulations, Stacy elaborates on how GitLab is not only ensuring compliance but also helping its customers meet their own sustainability goals. Stacy highlights the crucial role of intentionality in integrating sustainability into business practices. She discusses GitLab's Green DevOps Committee, which focuses on sustainable software development and innovative practices that address customer needs for lower emissions. The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities of balancing AI innovation with sustainable practices, emphasizing that sustainability should be woven into the fabric of business objectives rather than treated as a separate initiative. This episode is packed with practical insights for organizations looking to embrace sustainability as a core component of their operations.  You can access Gitlab's library here: AI catalog: https://gitlab.com/explore/ai-catalog/agents/ [https://gitlab.com/explore/ai-catalog/agents/].  This link [https://gitlab.com/explore/ai-catalog/agents/?search=green]will pull up the 'green' agents and flows.   * (00:00) - - Introduction to the Podcast * (01:20) - - Guest Introduction: Stacy Cline * (02:10) - - Stacy's Career Journey * (05:00) - - Overview of GitLab's Sustainability Goals * (07:45) - - Customer Expectations on Sustainability * (10:30) - - Connecting Sustainability to Business Goals * (13:20) - - Sustainability in a Software Company * (16:50) - - GitLab's Green DevOps Committee * (19:40) - - Balancing AI Innovation and Sustainability * (23:10) - - Responsible Use of AI at GitLab * (26:30) - - Vendor Collaboration on Sustainability * (29:15) - - Best Practices for Smaller Companies * (32:00) - - Importance of Cross-Functional Support * (34:20) - - GitLab's Open Source Community Engagement * (37:00) - - Conclusion and Final Thoughts * (38:40) - - Closing Word: Intentionality in Actions

How Local Stewardship Drives Ocean Conservation: Insights from Zach Plopper

In this episode, host Reetu Gupta welcomes Zach Plopper, Senior Environmental Director at the Surfrider Foundation, who shares his inspiring journey of merging a passion for surfing with environmental activism. Growing up near the ocean in Solana Beach, California, Zach has dedicated his life to protecting the coastlines and ocean ecosystems that he cherishes. His experiences, from competitive surfing to his extensive work with various conservation organizations, highlight the profound connection between personal passion and professional purpose. Zach elaborates on the mission of the Surfrider Foundation, which aims to protect the world’s oceans, waves, and beaches through grassroots activism. He discusses the organization's initiatives focused on reducing plastic pollution, combating climate change, and ensuring clean water for beachgoers. Through local chapters and community engagement, Surfrider empowers individuals to advocate for their coastal environments, showcasing how local stewardship can lead to systemic changes. This episode is a call to action for all ocean lovers to engage in conservation efforts, emphasizing that every individual can make a difference in protecting our natural resources. * (00:00) - - Introduction to the Podcast * (00:40) - - Guest Introduction: Zach Plopper * (01:10) - - Zach's Background and Early Life * (05:00) - - Journey into Environmental Work * (10:15) - - Overview of Surfrider Foundation * (12:45) - - Surfrider's Mission and Goals * (15:30) - - Importance of Local Stewardship * (20:00) - - Notable Projects in Conservation * (25:00) - - Effective Conservation Strategies * (30:15) - - Community Engagement in Conservation * (35:00) - - Stakeholder Involvement and Challenges * (40:30) - - Keeping Teams Motivated * (45:00) - - Hopeful Future for Coastal Conservation * (50:00) - - Final Thoughts on Engagement * (52:30) - - Closing Remarks and Goodbye

Can Students Lead the Way in Sustainability? Tom Twist Weighs In

In this episode of Green Shoots & Big Shifts, host Reetu Gupta sits down with Thomas Twist, a sustainability innovator from Bates College. Thomas shares his unique journey into the field of sustainability, which includes an unexpected detour through a Buddhist monastery. He emphasizes the importance of resilience and mindfulness in tackling the often overwhelming challenges posed by climate change. Through his roles at the Chewonki Foundation and Bates College, Tom has pioneered hands-on, project-based learning experiences that empower students to engage meaningfully in sustainability efforts. The conversation dives deep into several pivotal projects that Tom has spearheaded, illustrating how experiential learning can bridge the gap between theory and practice in education. Tom discusses the transformative power of involving students in real-world sustainability projects, such as transitioning Bates College to a carbon-neutral campus and implementing large-scale renewable energy solutions. He shares key insights on building trust with students, the importance of quick wins in sustainability initiatives, and how to foster a culture of sustainability on college campuses. Listeners will walk away with practical strategies for implementing sustainability practices in their own organizations, as well as inspiration from the optimism and initiative of the next generation of leaders. * (00:03) - - Introduction to Green Shoots & Big Shifts * (00:28) - - Welcome and Introduction of Guest * (00:56) - - Thomas Twist's Background in Sustainability * (01:57) - - Journey to Sustainability Role * (02:58) - - Insights from Monastery Experience * (04:47) - - Pivotal Projects in Sustainability * (05:31) - - Hands-On Learning in Renewable Projects * (08:00) - - Transitioning Projects from Foundation to Bates * (09:43) - - Learning from Project Failures * (10:26) - - Large Scale Solar Project at Bates * (12:14) - - Establishing Trust with Students * (13:40) - - Eco Reps Program at Bates College * (15:29) - - Collaboration Among Colleges in Sustainability * (15:44) - - Unique Challenges on College Campuses * (17:29) - - Incentives for Student Engagement * (18:39) - - Strategies for Decarbonization and Sustainability * (20:48) - - Motivation and Inspiration in Sustainability Work * (22:35) - - Final Thoughts on Trust in Sustainability * (24:03) - - Closing Remarks and Thanks

The Financial Upside of Sustainability: Alka Bhide Explains How

In this enlightening episode of *Green Shoots & Big Shifts*, host Reetu Gupta welcomes Alka Bhide, the head of climate research at Glass Lewis & Co. Alka shares her extensive background in sustainable finance and climate research, shedding light on the vital intersection of business performance and environmental responsibility. She discusses how companies can effectively integrate sustainability into their operations, moving beyond the pitfalls of greenwashing to achieve genuine progress.  Alka emphasizes that sustainability should not be viewed as a separate initiative but rather as an integral component of business strategy. She explains how aligning climate strategies with financial performance can unlock significant value, allowing companies to thrive in a changing regulatory landscape. The conversation explores the importance of transparency, data-driven decision-making, and the role of leadership in driving successful climate initiatives. Listeners will walk away with actionable insights and a renewed sense of optimism about the future of sustainable business practices. * (00:03) - - Introduction to Green Shoots & Big Shifts * (00:41) - - Welcoming Alka Bhide * (01:06) - - Alka's Background and Current Work * (02:18) - - Overview of Glass Lewis * (03:27) - - Climate Research and Financial Viability * (05:28) - - Financial Materiality and Sustainability * (07:58) - - The Risks of Greenwashing * (08:44) - - Typical Clients of Glass Lewis * (10:24) - - Good and Bad Investment Models * (14:19) - - Integration of Climate Strategies * (16:42) - - The Importance of Executive Buy-In * (18:58) - - Regulatory Trends in ESG * (22:20) - - Simplifying Reporting Requirements * (25:05) - - Importance of Data Collection * (27:39) - - Championing Sustainability Strategies * (29:46) - - Innovations in Climate Solutions * (32:54) - - Positive Externalities of Sustainable Practices * (34:59) - - Final Thoughts: The Importance of Integration