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This Green Earth

This Green Earth
Author: Chris Cherniak, Claire Wiley
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This Green Earth is a weekly, hour-long program that focuses on the environment and environmentalism. Co-hosts Christopher Cherniak and Claire Wiley explore the science, politics, economics and ethics behind the environment, natural resources and sustainability.
210 Episodes
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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.
Kahea Pacheco of the Women’s Earth Alliance discusses how the organization empowers women leaders on the frontlines of the climate crisis through people-first, regionally-led programs that promote environmental, social and economic justice. Then, Trish Kenlon, founder of Sustainable Career Pathways and president of the Utah Sustainable Business Network, helps professionals transition into climate and sustainability careers while supporting hundreds of Utah organizations in advancing sustainable business practices.
The Nature Conservancy’s Director of Youth Engagement, Kate Ireland and Marie Taylor, a young extern leader, talk about the National Geographic Society externship program. Then, Ryan Elman Langendorf, a professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, speaks about the importance of sea otters and the health of kelp forests.
Kyle and Trevor Ritland share how they turned their father’s bedtime stories into an extensive investigation into Costa Rica’s golden toad after it was presumed extinct. They dive into a deeper story about ecological grief, overlooked local wisdom, and the possibility that hope still lingers in the cloud forest. Then, renowned writer and journalist John Vailliant talks about his most recent book, "Fire Weather: A True Story from a Hotter World," in which he describes the science of fire and forest heath, the fascinating relationships between humans and fire, and the future of fire-related disasters.
Naturalist and writer Eric Eaton talks about one of the most misunderstood insects — the wasp. Wasps are incredibly diverse and can thrive in nearly every habitat on Earth, and their influence on our lives is overwhelmingly beneficial. Then, award-winning environmental journalist Erica Gies shares her book, "Water Always Wins: Thriving in an Age of Drought and Deluge," which centers around the question of what does water actually want?
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." Then, wildlife photographer Will Burrard-Lucas discusses his experiences photographing some of the planet’s most elusive and endangered species from Ethiopia to the Congo.
Celebrate World Bee Day with Daniel Raichel, the acting director of the Pollinator Initiative at the Natural Resources Defense Council, who talks about the current state of bees and what these pollinators mean to biodiversity and human livelihoods. Then, journalist Chris Berdik shares his new book, "Clamor: How Noise Took Over the World and How We Can Take it Back." In it, he brings attention to a pollutant that may not be getting the attention it deserves.
Scientists Fay Wei Li and Jacob Suissa discuss their new book, "Ferns: Lessons in Survival From Earth’s Most Adaptable Plants." It explores the incredible world of these fascinating creatures which have survived for nearly 400 million years and continue to find ways to adapt to an ever changing planet. Then, Cara Giaimo takes readers on epic journeys around the globe from Antarctic deserts to lush jungles into the deepest fathoms of the oceans in her book, "Atlas Obscura: Wildlife."
Renowned climate scientist Dr. Jagadish Shukla discusses his new book, "A Billion Butterflies: A Life in Climate and Chaos Theory." Widely praised as an inspiring and informative memoir, the book shares Dr. Shukla's groundbreaking work, which revolutionized weather forecasting. Then naturalist and photographer Charles Hood captures his nocturnal adventures all over the world in his new book, "Nature at Night." While most tales may warn us about the dangers that lie waiting in the dark, there is actually an abundance of thriving, colorful and even adorable creatures that live their best lives at night.
Nick Mucha, the environmental capacity building director at Patagonia and the editor of the recently published book, "Tools to Save Our Home Planet," talks about the contributions from 56 environmental leaders and the inspiration it provides to environmental justice movements. Then, Sara Jo Dickens discusses best practices for gardening and lawn maintenance as we head into the spring season.
National Campaign Manager Evan Raskin of earthday.org talks about the past, present and projected future of Earth Day — and how you can get involved. Then, Park City Community Foundation's Andy Hecht talks about the progress of their Zero Food Waste Initiative and shares a freshly launched partnership that will provide even more efficient food waste composting.
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