In this episode, host Cassandra Thiel interviews OB-GYN Dr. Noe Woods, discussing her journey into medicine, her passion for planetary health, and the challenges of balancing a demanding career with motherhood. Dr. Woods shares her experiences of advocating for sustainability in healthcare and emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility and systemic change in addressing climate change. The conversation also touches on the ethical dilemmas surrounding reproductive healthcare and the need for greater awareness and action in the face of the climate crisis.

Guest Bios:

• Dr. Noe Woods is an OB-GYN at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. She's a passionate advocate for sustainability in healthcare and has been instrumental in driving initiatives to reduce environmental impact within her hospital system. Dr. Woods is also a dedicated mother who openly discusses the challenges and joys of raising children while balancing a demanding career.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of connecting with nature: Dr. Woods emphasizes the profound impact that nature has had on her life, from sparking her interest in medicine to providing solace and grounding during difficult times.

• Balancing parenthood with a demanding career: Dr. Woods shares her personal experiences of balancing motherhood with her work as an OB-GYN, highlighting the importance of prioritizing family and finding ways to integrate her passion for sustainability into her practice.

• The challenges and rewards of working in healthcare: Dr. Woods discusses the challenges faced by healthcare providers, particularly in the context of restrictive regulations and the emotional toll of dealing with difficult situations. She also emphasizes the deep satisfaction and joy that comes from helping women feel empowered and in control of their health.

• The importance of systemic change in healthcare: Dr. Woods highlights the need for systemic change in healthcare to address the environmental impact of medical practices. She advocates for learning from other healthcare systems that prioritize sustainability and efficiency without compromising patient care.

• The power of community and collaboration: Dr. Woods emphasizes the importance of working together to create change, both within healthcare institutions and in the broader community. She shares her experiences of collaborating with colleagues and advocating for sustainable practices.

• Finding joy and hope in the midst of challenges: Dr. Woods shares her personal reflections on finding joy and hope in her children and in her passion for rock climbing, emphasizing the importance of staying grounded and connected to what brings meaning and purpose to life.

Relevant Links:

• Resources: The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG): A professional organization for obstetrician-gynecologists that provides guidelines and recommendations on women's health issues.

• Organization: The Heinz Foundation: A philanthropic organization that supports various causes, including environmental conservation and sustainability.

• Organization: The Global Consortium on Climate and Health Education (GCCHE): A collaborative initiative focused on integrating climate change and health education into medical curricula.

• Movie: The Climate Baby Dilemma: A Canadian documentary film that explores the complex emotions and considerations surrounding having children in the context of climate change.

• Organization: Aravind Eye Care System: A non-profit eye care system in India known for its high-quality, low-cost services and sustainable practices.

In this episode of So Climatic, Cassandra talks with Hannah Greene, a recent graduate with extensive international experience, about her views on climate change and the decision to have children. Hannah shares her experiences living and working in various countries, including Malaysia, the UAE, and Ivory Coast, and how these experiences have shaped her understanding of consumption, privilege, and the complexities of climate action. They discuss the challenges of overconsumption in the US, the importance of cultural sensitivity in global health initiatives, and the need for a more equitable and sustainable approach to resource management.

Guest Bios:

• Hannah Greene is a recent graduate with a background in social research and public policy. She has lived and worked in various countries, giving her a unique global perspective on climate change and the decision to have children.

Key Takeaways:

• The Responsibility of Privilege: Hannah emphasizes the responsibility that comes with being an American, acknowledging the disproportionate impact of US consumption on the global environment.

• The Value of International Experience: She shares how living in different countries has broadened her understanding of consumption patterns, resource management, and the challenges faced by communities around the world.

• Rethinking Consumption: The conversation highlights the need to re-evaluate consumption habits and move towards a more circular economy that values resource conservation and reuse.

• The Complexity of Climate Action: They discuss the complexities of addressing climate change, including the need for systemic change, cultural sensitivity, and individual responsibility.

• The Ethics of Population Control: Hannah shares her experience working on a reproductive health project in South Africa and raises ethical concerns about interventions that aim to control populations.

• Empowering Women: She emphasizes the importance of empowering women through education and access to healthcare, recognizing that this is crucial for addressing both social justice and environmental sustainability.

Relevant Links:

• Organization: Vegetarian Resource Group

• Book: "Factfulness" by Hans Rosling

In this episode of So Climatic, Cassandra talks with Cristina Richie, an ethicist and professor at the University of Edinburgh, about the ethical considerations surrounding having children in the era of climate change. Professor Richie shares her perspective on overpopulation, the carbon footprint of individuals in different countries, and the potential impacts of climate change on future generations. They also discuss the feminist implications of reproduction and the importance of individual action in creating a more just and sustainable world.

Guest Bios:

• Professor Cristina Richie is an ethicist at the University of Edinburgh with expertise in feminist ethics, environmental ethics, and biomedical ethics. She brings a unique and challenging perspective to the conversation, advocating for an ethical framework when considering having children in the context of climate change and social justice.

Key Takeaways:

• Overpopulation vs. Overcarbonation: Professor Richie differentiates between overpopulation and overcarbonation, emphasizing the disproportionate carbon footprint of individuals in developed countries.

• Ethical Considerations: The conversation explores the ethical implications of having children in a world facing climate change, social injustice, and potential future instability.

• The Carbon Footprint of Children: Professor Richie highlights the significant environmental impact of raising a child in a high-carbon country like the United States.

• Alternative Paths to Parenthood: She discusses alternative ways to experience parenthood, such as mentoring, adoption, or co-parenting.

• Feminist Perspectives: Professor Richie addresses the feminist concerns surrounding reproduction, including the physical burdens, societal pressures, and risks faced by women.

• Individual Action and Responsibility: The episode emphasizes the importance of individual action in addressing climate change and creating a more just world, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Relevant Links:

• Book: "Too Many People" by Lindsey Grant

• Book: "Principles of Green Bioethics" by Cristina Richie

• Book: "Environmental Ethics and Medical Reproduction" by Cristina Richie

• Article: 2009 article from Oregon State University about the carbon footprint of children in different countries (you may need to search for this using keywords like "carbon footprint child US China")

• Book: "Reproductive Rights and Wrongs" by Betsy Hartman

Cassandra Thiel talks with author and new mom Emi Nietfeld about the anxieties and hopes of raising children in the age of climate change. They discuss the challenges of balancing personal choices with systemic issues, the importance of community, and the power of reframing the narrative around climate change from one of despair to one of opportunity.

Guest Bios:

Emi Nietfeld is the author of the memoir "Acceptance," which chronicles her journey of overcoming a turbulent childhood to find success and stability. As a freelance journalist, she writes about mental health, inequality, and social justice. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, and Slate. Emi is also a new mom!

Key Takeaways:

Climate change is a significant source of anxiety for many parents, raising complex ethical questions about bringing children into an uncertain future: Cassandra and Emi discuss their own anxieties and grapple with the moral implications of having children in this era.

Individual actions, while important, are insufficient to address the climate crisis; systemic change is necessary: Emi highlights the limitations of individual actions like composting and being vegan, emphasizing the need for broader policy changes and cultural shifts that Cassandra echoes.

Economic inequality exacerbates both climate change and mental health challenges, highlighting the interconnectedness of these issues: Emi, drawing from her research for an upcoming article, explains the link between economic inequality and mental health, while Cassandra connects this to environmental injustice and the unequal impacts of climate change.

Finding hope and resilience is crucial for navigating parenthood and creating a better future for our children: Both Cassandra and Emi share how becoming mothers has anchored them to the future and fueled their desire to create positive change. They discuss strategies for building resilience in themselves and their children.

Reframing the climate change narrative from one of despair to one of opportunity can empower individuals and communities to take action: Cassandra discusses the importance of seeing the climate crisis as a chance to rebuild systems and create a more equitable and sustainable world.

Relevant Links:

Website: Emi Nietfeld's Website

Book: Emi Nietfeld's Book "Acceptance"

Book: "Braiding Sweetgrass" by Robin Wall Kimmerer

Book: Lightning Flowers by Katherine Standefer

Resource: Project Drawdown: [https://www.drawdown.org/]

In this episode of So Climatic, Cassandra speaks with Emily Wafler, a sustainability consultant, about her perspective on climate change and the decision to have children. Emily shares her journey from studying environmental science to working with corporations on their carbon reduction plans. They discuss the importance of balancing individual action with systemic change, the challenges of navigating overwhelming information, and the role of realistic optimism in creating a sustainable future.

Guest Bios:

• Emily Wafler is a sustainability consultant with a background in environmental science and engineering. She works with corporations to develop and implement carbon reduction plans and brings a realistic and optimistic perspective to the conversation about climate change and parenthood.

Key Takeaways:

• The Importance of Place: Emily emphasizes the role of location in deciding where to raise a child, considering the potential impacts of climate change on different regions.

• Mental Health and Climate Anxiety: She highlights the importance of navigating the overwhelming information about climate change in a way that promotes mental well-being, especially for children.

• Balancing Individual and Systemic Action: The conversation explores the balance between individual choices and the need for systemic change in addressing climate change.

• The Role of Companies: Emily discusses the responsibility of companies in driving sustainability initiatives and the challenges they face in balancing profit with long-term environmental goals.

• Realistic Optimism: She emphasizes the importance of maintaining a hopeful outlook while acknowledging the challenges of climate change, advocating for a balanced approach that combines action with optimism.

• The Power of Early Experiences: Emily shares her belief that early childhood experiences in nature can shape values and inspire future action on climate change.

Relevant Links:

• Book: "Braiding Sweetgrass" by Robin Wall Kimmerer

• Organization: Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)

• Index: Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI)

• TV Show: The Good Place

• Person: Katharine Hayhoe