Global Yaadie

CEO and Co-Founder of Kee Farms, Nicholas Kee discusses his transition from running a tech non-profit to diving into  seaweed farming in Jamaica. From sea moss to sargassum, explore the diverse uses of seaweed in food, beverages, biotech and its larger role in the Caribbean blue economy. Nicholas shares how Kee Farms  navigates challenges in scaling production, engaging fisherfolk while addressing the crucial need for local support and funding. Learn how data and policy considerations shape the future of the blue economy and the potential of carbon credits. With insights on government backing and public perception, this episode highlights local efforts to boost  sustainable mariculture and a thriving Caribbean blue ecosystem. Discover Kee Farms Visit Global Yaadie website Listen Global Yaadie on: Spotify, Apple , Google , Pocket Cast , Cast Box Follow Global Yaadie on : Instagram , Facebook , Twitter , LinkedIN

In this 3-peat pod to pod, Derval Barzey, founder of The Climate Conscious Podcast, joins Global Yaadie to discuss her journey and pivotal work in sustainability. They explore the evolution of The Climate Conscious Podcast and the advocacy campaigns launched through the platform.Derval delves into the Caribbean Women for Climate Justice Series and the Truth Be Told campaign which tackled the intersection of climate, gender justice and other social issues. The climate podcast hosts discuss the growth and impact of the Caribbean podcasting sector and the power of partnerships in building a resilient and sustainable future. Highlighting growth, connection, and gratitude, this episode is a testament to the  limitless potential of podcasting to inspire action and drive change. Connect with The Climate Conscious Visit ⁠Global Yaadie website ⁠ Listen Global Yaadie on: ⁠Spotify⁠, ⁠Apple⁠ , ⁠Google , ⁠⁠Pocket Cast⁠ , ⁠Cast Box⁠ Follow Global Yaadie on : ⁠Instagram⁠ , ⁠Facebook⁠ , ⁠Twitter ,⁠ ⁠LinkedIN⁠

In Global Yaadie's first in-person recording, we sit down with Esirom Foundation's Sustainability Coordinator, Khalia Hall inside Esirom Studios, Jamaica. We explore how Esirom is redefining sustainability efforts making environment action sexy, do-able and impactful for all Jamaicans. Khalia shares some of the exciting initiatives and campaigns such as the Kingston Harbour Project, National Park Week and Bring You Owna Tings (Bring Your Own Things) - endeavors aimed at inspiring sustainable lifestyle choices across Jamaica.Special thanks to Esirom for the making Global Yaadie "guest on set"!

Indigenous peoples are the world’s first eco-warriors, through their way of life, they are  protectors and preservers of our natural environment. In the Caribbean, indigenous groups are fighting for land rights, the protection of natural resources, the continuity of their culture and resilience to climate change. In this two-part episode we connect with indigenous communities in Suriname and Belize. In part one, Sirito Yana Aloema, shares the experiences of his Kaliña tribe and how traditional knowledge, practices and livelihood are affected by climate change. Through the lens of the Galibi native, we explore the connection with climate change, culture and community life. We learn firsthand the threats to community development due to loss of culture and how the economic ambitions of outsiders are depleting natural resources. Yet in the face of economic, political and social challenges, the Kaliña remain resilient. The respect for nature, the caution for the overuse of resources and their desire for intergenerational equity proves conversations on climate justice should always centre indigenous people.

In the second part of our conversation with Ayesha Constable, co-founder GirlsCARE, Young People for Climate Action and our partner in this climate justice series, we continue to explore the powerful link between gender justice and climate justice in the Caribbean. In this thought provoking episode, Ayesha uncovers how women's empowerment and equality play a vital role in combating climate change impacts.

In our season finale we end with the one who started it. Ayesha Constable, founder of GirlsCARE, Young People for Climate Action and our partner in this climate justice series tackles issues of gender justice. In this hard hitting two-part series, we peel back the layers and intersectionalities between climate change and gender.  Ayesha provides scholarly and cultural insights into the barriers for gender justice for Caribbean women, the power dynamics in relation to climate leadership and decision making. There is a rising wave of women in the Caribbean climate space, yet the decisions are docked in the male domain. Using her regional and international experience, the scholar activist, feminist and gender expert shares needed approaches to drive transformative change and greater empowerment for Caribbean women and girls.

Being blind doesn’t mean you should be left behind, in conversations on climate justice and certainly not in cases of natural disasters. In this stirring interview, Radio station Manager, Patrick Layafette and Executive Director for Jamaica Society for the Blind, Conrad Harris challenge how we see the visually impaired community in relation to disaster risk reduction and social engagement. We discuss social and economic factors that affect the blind community that filter into exclusion from climate action. The dynamic duo shows us how communities can also enhance resilience by identifying and including people with disabilities before an emergency or natural disaster. The visually impaired community is often cut off from critical information. We explore the platforms and inclusive communication approaches that can drive awareness and facilitate greater participation from the differently abled group.

Malene Alleyene, Human Rights Lawyer and Founder of Freedom Imaginaries, enlightens us about human rights law as a tool for transformation. Through a social imaginary lens, she advocates that the protection and preservation of communities are connected to opportunities for marginalized people to create their own concept of harmonious living. In this episode, we explore a “rights based and earth centered approach” linked to the eradication of systems that are colonially rooted. We also discuss considerations for the creation of equitable systems to reduce disproportionate impacts of climate change. We learn through Malene, to consider and contribute to the needs of Caribbean people that are not often reflected in the  “mainstream human rights field”. It’s a conversation that reinforces the notion that climate justice is about confronting structural issues and forms of oppression.  A stimulating episode, we learn about pathways and tools to seek justice, how communities can be empowered to claim rights through advocacy. We also discuss the creation of safe spaces, justice networks and the leveraging of legal skills as some of the ways we can harness human rights to advocate for systemic change or as Malene puts it “a shared vision for living together”.

Dr. Ainka Granderson from the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI) introduces the Caribbean Climate Justice Alliance (CCJA) which aims to transform policy and practice for climate action. This episode makes us appreciate that: 1) Governments are important but the groundwork even more so. 2) The roots of climate resilience are tied to local communities. 3) Civil society groups, academia, community-based organizations and youth groups are the indispensable heroes in the climate justice league. Ainka outlines CANARI’s climate justice agenda which is to bring together organizations fighting for climate justice to achieve greater regional impact. The episode also gives insight into the practical approaches used by CANARI including the implementation of a monitoring and evaluation framework  to track the progress of climate justice projects. Using advocacy, action, learning and partnerships, CANARI aims to amplify the voices of vulnerable communities to champion climate justice in all forms.

“We are all facing the same seas but we aren’t in the same boat”. Climate justice concerns face us all but look differently beyond the surface. In this episode, climate change expert Steve Maximay breaks down the concept of climate justice and more importantly, stimulates a deep and different way of thinking about climate justice concerns and the just transition the Caribbean region needs to build sustainable communities. Having worked across all CARICOM countries, Steve has a regional vantage point of the climate impacts experienced as well as the regionally relevant considerations for just transition. Though mitigation (curbing greenhouse gas emissions) is the big ticket item on the international stage - COP 27 and is also important for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), adaptation (responding to climate impacts) is at the apex of the Caribbean’s climate concerns. The Caribbean region has undergone several transitions in previous decades. However in the face of the climate crisis, more inclusive policies and processes that tackle social justice concerns and address inequalities will help us surmount intersectional challenges. By aligning the  policies and programmes with the needs and interests of all people, the region can just transition.

LGBTQ+ and climate change is no side panel conversation. If we are exploring historically marginalized groups, this community among others needs to be front and centre. Traditionally, Caribbean-based mobilizations for LGBTQ+ support are limited in scope for climate action – that is an imbalance of justice…climate justice. Climate change/Human Rights research advocates like Emme Christie are sharing experiences and important perspectives grounded in research that stimulate deeper thought on the representations of the queer community. Pull up a chair for the ‘other’ group that is seated at the table but often silenced. The Maroon Community occupies a prominent place in Jamaican history as freedom fighters against European enslavement. However, our conversation with Emme, extracts important contexts not often considered as it relates to these ecowarriors and their role in protecting our natural environment. It's time to answer the call to elevate different voices in the climate conversation. How are we making resources available for different vulnerable groups? From a Caribbean viewpoint, this pod talk ponders primarily justice, equity access and inclusion for sustainable environmental action. Check out some of Emme's work here.

Young People for Climate Action Jamaica - YPACC in collaboration with the Global Yaadie podcast and funded by Open Society Foundations is happy to announce our #climatejustice podcast series where regional voices address the meaning of climate justice in the Caribbean context and give recommendations for inclusive and just #climateaction.

As Tropical Storm Elsa rages across the Caribbean we revisit a conversation with climate change and disaster risk expert Kelli Armstrong. Start with the global pandemic, throw in a volcanic eruption and then add the Atlantic hurricane season – It’s near impossible to depart from the Caribbean’s vulnerability in any conversation of this nature. Natural disasters are not giving us space to recover so planning and preparation must be the order of the day. What goes into that planning? Lot’s of data, so we are grateful that people like Kelli are up to this task. Kelli regales us with her early childhood experiences and love for the environment, her pursuit of environmental sciences and the academic determination and support which led to her current career. Disaster risk management is a community level effort as much as a national effort. We talk the importance of local practices for disaster-based preparedness as well as the critical importance of data collection to forecast based disaster planning. We get insights into regional approaches like the Caribbean Outlook Forum (CariCOF) which prepares forecasts for the region’s wet and dry seasons. Adapting to climate change, preparing and responding to natural and non-natural disasters is an overwhelming effort. However the resilience of the region’s people is a refreshing reminder to keep moving forward.

It’s our second pod to pod who knew it would be this fun when 2 Nerds Start a Podcast? Science podcasters and Molecular Biology PhD students, Eleanor Terrelonge and Derrick Horsham inject us with the truth about vaccines. Science class is in full session as we understand the process behind the COVID- 19 vaccines and how they reduce risk of transmission. We explore vaccine skepticism, the categories of vaccines, novel vs. normal issues with vaccine manufacture eg. cases of bloodclots and more. Surf above deep fakes on the internet. We debunk the ridiculous myths associated with the vaccination process and what vaccines actually do to our bodies. We skim a little over socio-political issues like the statistical representation of ethnic minorities in vaccine trials. Seek clarity through the science and not the next chain message on your social media. Get the facts then get the vax. Join Eleanor and Derrick in tackling conspiracy theories, science "news" and controversial topics at 2 Nerds Start a Podcast

We are travelling back in time to December 2019 in Madrid, Spain. It was COP 25 Climate Change Conference and Global Yaadie’s first recording debut. The whole world knows Greta Thunberg. However, let’s introduce you to youth from the Americas who are changemakers in their own countries. Following a youth engagement forum hosted by the Inter-American Development Bank at COP 25 Climate Change Conference, these young Latin American Caribbean climate activists share their experience and efforts in fighting the global challenge of climate change. They have huge expectations of world leaders but listen however they are taking charge on their own.

He was cruising through his chemical engineering career until some serious water worries dried up his interest. Be the change you want to see defines Ajani Jacobs’ experience. He swapped engineering titles for the sake for his country’s water woes.  The land of wood and water like many other places across the globe has severe challenges with this precious resource. Ajani shares with us his desire for Jamaica to give the green light on grey water and other innovations like his artificial farm wetland. Read more

International Women’s Day calls for the acknowledgment of the glitz as well as the glum of being a woman. Here’s an adventurous conversation with one unapologetic attorney/ wax aesthetician who came into an early awareness of the power of being female. Tatiana Answer champions women’s rights and empowerment socially, politically, legally and aesthetically. Underneath all the reflections and risqué rundowns is the reminder that through each day and every encounter, women break barriers when we #ChooseToChallenge.

Climate change impacts are felt all across the world but it’s not just an environment challenge.  It’s no secret that the global threat isn’t always black and white. How does climate change become an issue of racial and social justice? Environment activist Simmone Ahiaku helps us to see through the kaleidoscope. This conversation distills climate impacts, communities, colour and colonialism all connected to the Global North and the Global South.

How far would you go to be financially free? Learning comes with a price and these girls are paying it forward with the same route they took to their destination – education. The determination to be debt free led Cristine and Orsha from the sunny isle of Jamaica to the most populous place on the planet – China. They found themselves in store for much more than a cultural experience. In part one of this interview both ladies share their experience of assimilating into Chinese classroom and culture. Like the rest of the world they were caught off guard in the unprecedented pandemic. Listen as they take us through their early experiences in the pandemic, fending off discrimination and managing their mental health.

In this Season Two Premiere and first ever pod to pod episode, island girls with identical passions reflect on their role in the climate change space. Podcast hosts from separate platforms Dainalyn and Derval, exchange experiences and offload the challenges in promoting climate action and sustainability. There is no escaping the climate reality for Caribbean people whose paradise needs protecting from natural disasters, constant climate threats and old models of development. What is it we aren’t saying in convincing people to switch to sustainable living? The truth is, it is an uphill battle and its quite the oxymoron tabling issues that are so important yet blindsided by more pressing, personal needs. Climate change is a current threat that seems so far away in our minds at times. Hence, the importance of individuals and entities who continue to hold the frame, so we are reminded of the bigger picture. No (wo)man is an island. This episode exemplifies the importance of community and the coming together of like-minded individuals, placing collaboration over competition to achieve the same goal. Here are some points from our conversation: It can feel isolated in the spaces you occupy but there is always a network within your niche.  Finding your tribe gives you courage to push through. Representation Matters. Caribbean people are living the climate experience therefore climate leadership and action is also the responsibility of Small Island Developing States as much as the Global North. There is no one fix to climate change and taking climate action. The most important  focus is exploring ways to convert awareness into action. Climate change affects every citizen of the Caribbean. It is important to be  engaged in the climate conversation at every level as sustainabilty is not limited to policy makers and technocrats, it affects business owners,  farmers and more. Sustainability must be an important consideration. It is important to push against the narrative that championing climate action is an “international norm”. It must be seen as part of local culture. There  needs to be a wider framework or enabling environment to facilitate  sustainability actions. eg. Waste management and recycling systems to  promote possible environment practices. Solutions  to local development challenges do not always reside in external parties. The creativity and innovation to solve challenges must come from local knowledge. There is a need to reclaim culturally relevant principles and practices that have served Caribbean people well in the past. eg invention of the steel pan in Trinidad and Tobago made from oil drums. Connect with Derval at the climateconscious.com or The Climate Conscious Podcast In this episode: Interlude: 'Don't You Know' by Chavez Illmatiq Outro: 'Country Breeze by Chavez Illmatiq