Combining science and entertainment and the role of insects in sustainability

Jan 9

How can we better convey the science behind sustainability to the general public so that people will be more interested and motivated to take action? How do insects tie into this picture of sustainability, and why is their presence so vital to our sustainable future?

Sharing his wisdom here is Phil Torres, a biologist with an appetite for adventure. Known for his fieldwork in the Amazon rainforest, he documents his research on his YouTube channel, The Jungle Diaries, and is also the host of United Airlines' Big Metal Bird and the CW's Ready Set Pet. He's also appeared on Animal Planet and Discovery Channel and published in Wired, BBC, National Geographic, Wall Street Journal, and more. Let's dive in.

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This is a conversation on Green Dreamer Podcast with Kaméa Chayne, a show exploring environmental and intersectional sustainability from ideas to life. Subscribe to Green Dreamer on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, or any podcast app and let’s learn what it takes to thrive in every sense of the word!

Highlights

[2:17] What first inspired Phil's passion for nature.

[4:48] Phil: "People do have needs... But conservation is saying, Let's find this middle ground, where we can maximize the benefit to the local environment and make sure that humans are getting what they need."

[7:44] Phil: "When it comes to developed countries, I think the way we can lead now is through the way we buy and the rules we have on the things we import."

[8:40] Phil explains how the decisions we make locally can have global effects. [12:58] What led Phil to become a science communicator.

[19:14] Why it's important to take the time to notice and acknowledge the nature around us.

[20:26] Kaméa: "What do you think is the most challenging part of getting people to care?"

[24:42] Phil shares an experience that really shocked him from his work as a TV host.

[28:42] Kaméa: "How do insects tie into the sustainability equation?"

[31:27] Phil talks about eating insects and the future of sustainable food.

[33:40] How the health of insect populations can implicate the health of our planet.

[35:41] What we can do as individuals to support healthy insect populations.

References

Keep in Touch

Phil Torres

Tips

Inspiration: @biologistimogene

Note to self: “It's okay to have your down days. While we hear about all the bad stories, there are still beautiful things happening around the world all the time."

Health practice: "I take walks." Sustainability practice: Reducing plastics and eating less meat.

Element of hope: "I've had some really great conversations with people who are movers and shakers out there who see the light."

Closing words: "Say hello to your neighborhood bee or spider."