In this powerful episode of Climate Conversations, we’re joined by Dr. Angela Benson, Chair of the Rotarian Action Group for Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health (RMCH). With decades of experience in public health across Africa, Dr. Benson shares her story — from practicing medicine in Liberia to leading health initiatives for UNICEF, WHO, and Rotary. We discuss the intersection between climate, pollution, and maternal health, how to support vulnerable women in crisis zones, and the everyday actions Rotary and Rotaract members can take — whether or not they’re health professionals.

Guests: Kris Cameron & Dawn Byford Theme: The Plant-Rich Diet Task Force | Hosted by Ilya (Admiral) & Felix In this inspiring episode of Climate Conversations, we sit down with Kris Cameron and Dawn Byford, co-chairs of ESRAG’s Plant-Rich Diet Task Force, to explore how shifting what’s on our plates can shift the climate conversation. We talk about factory farming, seafood sustainability, green events, and the newly launched Pledge to Veg at RICON Calgary, and we invite listeners to take part in the 15-Day Plant-Rich Diet Challenge. The episode opens with a round of global news, including: 🐥 Bird species in decline 🌡️ Warming in the Middle East 📕 A new exposé on factory farming 🦎 A newly discovered golden toad in the Amazon 🐢 And green sea turtles making a comeback! Kris and Dawn also reflect on what gives them hope, and what Rotary can become if we embrace plant-rich living on a global scale.

Summary: In this episode, Admiral and Felix are joined by the remarkable Richard Kirundi — a seasoned National Security Consultant, Institutional Reform Expert, and passionate environmentalist. With over 30 years of government service and a Presidential award under his belt, Richard shares his unique journey from national reform to environmental leadership in Rotary. But first, the episode opens with some lighthearted birthday reflections from Felix, and a surprising chat about snakes — followed by a sobering look at how climate change is threatening blood transfusion services worldwide (Euronews article). Highlights include: 🔹 Richard’s inspiration for joining Rotary and why he founded Africa’s first Eco Rotary, Rotaract, and Interact Clubs 🔹 A candid conversation on whether Rotary is doing enough in the environmental space 🔹 His call for deeper collaboration between governments and Rotary International 🔹 The power of engaging youth and technology in climate action 🔹 His award-winning “Adopt a River” initiative and dashboard for environmental tracking

ESRAG Podcast with Pat Merryweather-Arges Introduction: 00:01 Intro Admiral & Felix and our guest Pat Interesting news: 00:59  Catch up with Felix, Felix wants to feed animals more fruits to combat food loss. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0377840120304752 05:21 Admiral hay fever and other allergies, how climate change will affect people with allergies. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/10/pollen-peril-how-heat-thunder-and-smog-are-creating-deadly-hay-fever-seasons-aoe    09:14 Introduction guest Pat Merryweather-Arges We're honored to be joined by Pat Merryweather-Arges, Immediate Past Rotary International Board Vice President and a passionate leader in global health, sustainability, peacebuilding, and service. Pat’s Rotary journey spans decades of impact — from leading healthcare initiatives to championing clean water, mental health, and patient-centered care. She’s Chair of the WASH Rotary Action Group, part of ESRAG and the Peace Rotary Action Group, and a driving force behind the International Rotary Fellowship of Healthcare Professionals. Outside Rotary, she serves as Executive Director of Project Patient Care and works closely with national and international coalitions focused on dementia care and health outcomes. Pat brings not only a wealth of experience, but also a deep compassion for people and the planet. Today, we’ll talk about healthcare, climate change, water and hygiene, and how we can all make a difference through Rotary. Let’s dive into the conversation. 10:00 Pat’s journey into Rotary, and how has her journey evolved over the years 14:20 As a leader in the International Rotary Fellowship of Healthcare Professionals, how do healthcare professionals contribute to global health and sustainability efforts? 17:11 The growing concern of antibiotic resistance 23:04 How to join the International Rotary Fellowship of Healthcare Professionals 26:45 How does climate change, especially extreme heat, affect mental health, and what can we do about it? 29:50 Flood impacts on youth, especially mental health of young people. 35:20 You served as Rotary International Board Vice President and Director, what was that experience like, and what insights did you gain? What will stay with you? 39:35 And to close on a positive note: what advice do you have for Rotarians and Rotaractors around the world who want to make a meaningful impact?   Good news & Positive ending 42:17 Felix: Climb of Mikayi  https://www.paukwa.or.ke/story-series/onlyinkenya/the-tales-of-kit-mikayi/ 45:44 Trip of Pat to Kenya 50:20 Admiral: India doubles it’s tiger population in a decade https://www.euronews.com/green/2025/02/03/india-doubles-tiger-population-in-a-decade-can-other-countries-learn-from-its-conservation   More about ESRAG: https://esrag.org/​​ 

ESRAG Podcast with Gert-Jan van Dommelen. Introduction: 00:01 Intro Admiral & Felix and our guest Gert-Jan Interesting news: 00:44 Felix about longest hug of a tree https://www.euronews.com/green/2025/02/10/i-found-peace-activist-hopes-48-hours-of-non-stop-tree-hugging-will-inspire-others-to-love#:~:text=A%20young%20Kenyan%20woman%20may,Kenya%20for%20almost%2048%20hours  02:31 Admiral on coffee prices set to increase due to climate change and climate issues that farmers are facing https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/mar/15/price-of-instant-coffee-rises-by-up-to-40-in-a-year-for-some-brands-which  04:14 Introduction guest Gert-Jan van Dommelen In this episode, we have a special guest who has dedicated his Rotary journey to tackling one of the world’s biggest environmental challenges: plastic pollution. Gert-Jan van Dommelen is the co-founder of EndPlasticSoup, a global Rotary initiative committed to ending plastic waste. He’s also an experienced international program manager and consulting leader at IBM Benelux, past president of Rotary Club Huizen Gooimeer, and co-leader of ESRAG’s Plastic Solutions Taskforce. Gert-Jan, welcome to the podcast! 08:00 Background of Gert-Jan van Dommelen journey into Rotary. 10:10 The Birth of EndPlasticSoup – How did EndPlasticSoup start, and what were the biggest challenges in turning it into a global movement? 12:10 Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental challenges. What are the biggest dangers people often overlook? 15:45 Dangers of plastic and plastic pollutants 19:33 How EndPlasticSoup Makes a Difference – How does EndPlasticSoup tackle plastic pollution, and what are some of the initiative’s biggest successes so far? 24:45 Collaboration & Advocacy – EndPlasticSoup works closely with ESRAG’s Plastic Solutions Taskforce and other organizations. What role do these partnerships play, and how can Rotary collaborate even more effectively? 33:15 Navigating Resistance to Climate Action – With global setbacks like the failure to sign the plastic treaty last year, how can we push for more action and keep momentum going? 36:21 Why does individual action still matter? Plastic pollution can feel overwhelming. How can Rotarians, Rotaractors, and individuals contribute effectively, and why do individual actions still matter?  If someone wants to make a difference starting tomorrow, what’s the most impactful thing they can do? 39:15 Last remarks of Gert-Jan van Dommelen. Make a change!   Good news & Positive ending 41:05 Felix: Hemp for the future. https://tinyurl.com/4apwz4h6 43:30 Admiral: Beavers saved Czechia government a lot of money by building a dam. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/beaver-dam-czech-republic More about ESRAG: https://esrag.org/​​ 

In this episode, Admiral and Felix kick off with New Year traditions and reflect on the holidays. They highlight the inspiring victory of Swiss grandmothers who sued their government over climate inaction. Felix shares news from the Hemp Conference in Kenya, while Admiral reviews key climate events to watch in 2025. Special guest Pablo Palacios joins to discuss his work as a filmmaker, environmental activist, and founder of Fundación Arcandina. He talks about the power of storytelling, Rotary’s impact on his journey, and the community-driven Minga projects. The episode wraps up with good news: La Niña’s return, beehive fences protecting elephants, Pablo’s reforestation initiative, and sugarcane’s carbon capture potential. A hopeful and inspiring start to the year!

Introduction: Admiral and Felix welcome environmental conservation champion and Rotaract leader Lamech Opiyo to the podcast. Interesting News Highlights: Felix: Zebrafish genetics research in Kenya highlights exciting discoveries. Admiral: Breakdown of the failed plastics treaty talks in South Korea. Guest Spotlight: Lamech Opiyo, a multi-award-winning climate activist and youth leader from Kenya, shares his inspiring journey in environmental advocacy and leadership. From growing the Rotaract Club of Kenyatta University into the largest in District 9212 to representing Rotary International at COP28, Lamech’s impact spans East Africa and beyond. Key Discussions: Strategies for growing and leading impactful Rotaract clubs. The most meaningful environmental projects and the lessons learned from them. Challenges faced in leadership roles and reflections on COP28. The future of environmental conservation and youth engagement in a changing world. Closing Thoughts: Lamech discusses his goals for the future, emphasizing the power of youth leadership and collaboration to create a sustainable planet. Good News & Positive Ending: Felix: Highlights from Kenya Innovation Week and its groundbreaking awards. Admiral: Innovations celebrated at the 2024 Prototype Awards, including life-changing solutions like solar-powered cold storage, carbon-capture batteries, and insulin implants. Discover more about environmental leadership and innovation through the shared links!

Introduction: Admiral and Felix welcome esteemed Rotarian Mary Beth Growney Selene to the podcast. Interesting News Highlights: Felix: Mealworms that eat and process plastic have been discovered. Admiral: Combined effects of microplastics and PFAS exacerbate health impacts. Guest Spotlight: Mary Beth Growney Selene, a trailblazing Rotarian with decades of impactful service, discusses her journey, leadership roles, and passion for Rotary’s mission. She highlights her work with WASHRAG, Rotary-USAID Partnership, and her dedication to clean water, sanitation, and sustainable development. Key Discussions: The global water crisis and WASHRAG’s efforts to address it. Rotary’s role in combating climate change and ensuring water access. The evolving cooperation between WASHRAG and ESRAG in tackling climate issues. Closing Thoughts: Mary Beth shares her vision for the future of Rotary and how members can contribute to meaningful change. Good News & Positive Ending: Felix: A rare spotless golden cheetah has been spotted in Kenya. Admiral: 10 minutes of daily mindfulness can improve mental health and overall outlook. Learn more about ESRAG and Rotary’s impactful initiatives through the links shared.

Join us as we sit down with Salvador Rico, a dedicated environmental advocate and member of the Rotary Club of South Ukiah, California. Inspired by Rotary International’s mission to eradicate polio, Salvador has been passionately involved in Rotary since 2007, driven by a personal connection to the cause. Currently serving as District 5130’s International Service Chair and a Rotary Foundation Cadre team member, Salvador is a strong advocate for environmental conservation. He founded the Cleaning the Rivers of the World initiative, led the WASRAG River Cleaning Challenge, and, since 2018, has been an active member of the Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG). In this episode, Salvador discusses his journey as a Rotary delegate to the COP-28 climate summit and the groundbreaking agreement he helped organize between the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative and India’s Mission to Clean River Ganga. As a Community Action for Fresh Water advisor, he shares insights on Rotary’s collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme on the Adopt a River project. Tune in to learn about the challenges and successes Salvador has faced, his vision for clean rivers, and how Rotarians can join and secure grants for the Adopt a River initiative. This episode offers a glimpse into the impactful work of a leader committed to sustainable change.

In this episode, retired cardiologist Dr. Liz Hanke, who resides in Chapel Hill, NC, shares her journey into Rotary and her dedication to sustainability. Passionate about an active lifestyle, Liz enjoys squash, cycling, and gardening, and values time with her family, especially her young grandson, James. Through Rotary, Liz contributes to community projects and serves actively in ESRAG as a member of the Renewable Energy Taskforce (RETF), leading the Habitat Solar project and co-leading the Million Solar Panel Challenge (MSPC). Liz discusses her entry into Rotary, her role in ESRAG, and the significance of the Million Solar Panel Challenge, aimed at accelerating solar panel installations worldwide. She also explores how solar energy supports the global shift to renewables and highlights other RETF initiatives. The episode concludes with insights on collaborative efforts within task forces and ways for individuals to get involved in these impactful projects.

Tijana   Introduction: 00:10 Intro Admiral & Felix and our guest 02:50 Interesting news Felix about weather in Kenya, culling of animals in Namibia amids drought: https://www.dw.com/en/trophy-hunting-and-animal-conservation-does-that-go-together/a-70213343 06:11 Interesting news Admiral - 100 hot days - https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/sep/06/hottest-summer-record. 09:03 Introduction Guest Tijana Ristic Today’s guest is Tijana Ristic, an Architect, Naval Architect, and Marine Engineer based in Belgrade, Serbia, where she manages one of the largest inland fleets in the lower Danube region. As a dedicated member of the Rotaract club of Belgrade Metropolitan, District 2483, Tijana has held numerous leadership roles, including being the first Rotaractor to be appointed Assistant District Governor and the future Chair of the Rotary Action Group for Peace (2025-26). Her passion for peace and positive change has driven her to break barriers in the Rotary world, serving as a Positive Peace Activator with the Rotary-Institute for Economics and Peace. Tune in as we discuss Tijana's journey, her contributions to peacebuilding, and her vision for the future of environmental and social impact through Rotary. 10:23 Background of Tijana Ristic journey into Rotaract 12:49 How Tijana joined PeaceRAG & into Peace 18:30 Role of environment sustainability in action group of Peace  22:50 Positive peace pillars  https://www.rotary.org/en/rotarys-positive-peace-academy-teaches-sustainable-peacebuilding 27:50 Environment sustainability working together with peace towards ensuring peace in community 37:50 Organisation initiatives contributing to peace building on a global level with Rotary. 45:45 Role of positive peace activator and how others can follow to create lasting sustainable peace 48:34 What steps Rotactors and Rotarians can do globally for peace? Fun things we see 53:38 Admiral: Royal title for a Goat. https://www.euronews.com/green/2024/07/17/king-charles-iii-bestows-royal-title-on-at-risk-goats 54:45 Felix: Boat cleanup of Oceans and Rivers End More about ESRAG: https://esrag.org/​​

Introduction: 00:10 Intro Admiral & Felix Interesting news  01:22 Felix about innovations in Senegal, electricity from pavements. 03:20 Interesting news Admiral - Mangroves - https://news.mongabay.com/2024/09/wildlife-rich-mangroves-suffer-as-indonesia-ramps-up-construction-of-new-capital/ Guest of the Episode 07:10 Guest Mina Venkataraman Our guest today is Rtn. Dr. Meenakshi Venkataraman also known as Dr Mina, Chair of Projects at ESRAG and an esteemed ecologist from India. Dr. Venkataraman has a rich academic background in predator-prey interactions and infectious disease research. After transitioning from academia, she became deeply involved in community engagement, training marginal farmers in sustainable practices. She has also been a strong advocate for citizen science and environmental education, serving as Secretary of the Nilgiri Natural History Society. A published author and Rotary leader, she is currently focused on enhancing project impact reporting within Rotary’s environmental initiatives to showcase the collective impact of Rotarians in safeguarding our planet. 08:58 How Dr Mina found her way to Rotary.  12:15 Journey into joining ESRAG 17:55 Explanation of role chair of projects within ESRAG See for more information here: https://esrag.org/projects/ 26:14 Dr. Venkataraman emphasizes why Rotary should prioritize mangrove projects, noting their dual impact on environmental sustainability and community resilience. 34:28 How does the background of Dr Mina in these fields influence her work with Rotary and ESRAG today. 39:40 Dr Mina answers. How to stay positive in the face of the Climate Crisis?  41:35 Admiral: Self-medicating Gorilla’s https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c23lj94mk93o 42:59 Felix: Drought in Namibia https://www.dw.com/en/namibia-to-cull-wild-animals-amid-drought/a-70097693 43:44 Felix: Using plastic in roads https://climateaction.africa/can-plastic-bricks-pave-a-road-out-of-kenyas/ More about ESRAG: https://esrag.org/​​

ESRAG Podcast explores Rotary community initiatives combating global climate change. With 1.2 million members, discover impactful projects. Join us as Deniz Vural unveils the inspiring efforts within the organization.   Introduction: 00:10 Intro Admiral & Felix 01:01 Interesting news Felix about first human bones, and ESRAG members visiting Felix 07:47 Interesting news Admiral - Wildfire management in Alaska - https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/article/smokejumpers-parachute-to-fight-wildfires-in-alaska-backcountry 10:12: Introduction Guest Deniz Vural Deniz has long been captivated by frozen environments, leading her to focus on the poles during her Marine Engineering studies. Her Bachelor’s thesis on polar code requirements highlighted the Arctic's vulnerability to climate change, sparking her desire to contribute to global environmental solutions. Unsatisfied with the shipping industry's environmental impact, she shifted to Geological Engineering for her Master’s, specializing in permafrost research. Professionally, she works at Türkiye’s Polar Research Institute, developing educational programs on climate change. Deniz is also active in NGOs, particularly through Rotary International, promoting environmental sustainability and individual engagement globally. 11:55 Background of Deniz Vural into climate 17:39 Journey of Interact into Rotaract and into Rotary 25:01 Journey into ESRAG and key initiatives that Deniz joined. 33:08 Why permafrost is crucial to our ecosystem.  41:02 How did the Conservation Glacier Resource Taskforce come to be 48:55 How do you have time to do so many things? High level commitment. Positive ending 58:28 Felix: Kenyan space center 58:58 Admiral: Million of mosquitoes released in Hawaii. https://www.npr.org/2024/06/12/nx-s1-4906582/mosquito-hawaii-birds-endangered-species-extinct   More about ESRAG: https://esrag.org/​​

Clari Introduction: 00:10 Intro Admiral & Felix 02:20 Interesting news Felix about Public holiday to plant a tree 04:24 Interesting news Admiral - Microplastic and plankton depressing news. 06:52: Introduction Guest Clari Nolet Clari Nolet (United States) pioneered ESRAG’s two major circular economy projects, both involving partnerships beyond Rotary. The first is the Freon initiative through which clubs organized community drives to collect old stocks of Freon to deliver it to a facility where it could be permanently destroyed and generate carbon offset credits. The second partnership is the lithium-ion recycling collaboration with Redwood Industries which now involves over 50 clubs. With an MBA in finance, she has served as President of the Board of the Los Altos Rotary Club Endowment in California and as marketing director of the Club’s largest fundraiser for three years. She will work to encourage the Rotary Foundation and clubs to their investments to benefit the environment. 07:52 How Clari joined Rotary & ESRAG 11:22 How Clari became ESRAG Director 12:55 Lithium battery project explained by Clari Nolet 26:12 Lithium project vs Freon project difference in project 28:44 The future of lithium projects outside of USA. 31:52 Electronic waste conference invite 33:44 How to scale recycling about Lithium-ion batteries. Positive ending 40:02 Community Plants ​​1.4 million trees https://ecologi.com/projects/restoring-kenyas-tropical-rainforest 43:32 Dog rescues a cat

ESRAG Podcast, Ludwig Kalthoff Date 06-06-2024 ESRAG Podcast explores Rotary community initiatives combating global climate change. With 1.2 million members, discover impactful projects. Join us as Ludwig Kalthoff unveils the inspiring efforts within the organization. Link to Podcast Podcast Timeline (helpful when commenting different sections of the podcast) Ludwig Introduction: 00:11 Intro Admiral & Felix 00:52 Interesting news Felix about El Nino 03:19 Interesting news Admiral - Eco-Sewage heat for Housing warming 06:22: Introduction Guest Ludwig Kalthoff Ludwig Kalthoff, MD, Membership Director (Germany), has served as Chair of the Professional Association of German Rheumatologists and a leader in strategic management of the health care industry. His lifelong participation in Rotary includes a year as a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar at the Mayo Clinic, working on a multi-district water project in Kenya, founding and advising environmental eClubs, and spearheading the 2021 I Fix the Planet global video challenge for ESRAG. 07:22 How Ludwig joined Rotary & ESRAG 15:20 Every club Climate friendly from Ludwig 19:56 Ludwig Optimism in these times 23:12 How to inspire others Ludwig? 24:45 What triggers Ludwig to have a greater impact? 26:22 Ludwig thoughts about - Book: Hands up, climate change! Why can’t we stop global warming with wooden brush by Gabriel Baunach 28:20 Book recommendation by Ludwig 30:01 Ifixtheplanet by Ludwig 31:45 Two more things by Ludwig Positive ending 35:12 How one guy saved butterflies in San Francisco. https://www.vox.com/2016/7/6/12098122/california-pipevine-swallowtail-butterfly-population 36:35 Inspiring women story named Josephine More about ESRAG: https://esrag.org/

Yasar Introduction: 00:13 Intro Admiral & Felix 01:00 Interesting news Felix actualization Africa summit of projects 02:42 Interesting news Admiral The state of Baltic Sea 04:42: Introduction Guest Yasar Atacik Yaşar is a Rotarian since 2014. One of the reasons why he joined Rotary was to bring awareness about environmental and sustainability issues to the attention of an influential group of people, the Rotarians. Since then, he helped establish a Carbon Footprint Committee, which later was called Environmental Sustainability Committee at the District level and has supported clubs cultivating projects on sustainability. 06:12 How Yasar joined Rotary 07:42 Story of Yasar joining ESRAG. 09:47 Detail of Climate action roadmap 17:42 How Yasar as Chairman sees ESRAG Future in contex of Climate action roadmap 20:52 Vision of ESRAG 25:12 Participation of ESRAG in COP 36:08 Anything Interesting? El Niño in Kenya 37:55 Arctic community installs solar panels

Explore the ESRAG Podcast as Felix discusses building with plastic waste and Admiral explores clean energy solutions. Special guest Karen Kendrick Hands shares her journey and insights into ESRAG’s focus areas, including the future developments. Concluding with intriguing facts on holograms and diesel from plastic. Learn more about Karen’s role in founding ESRAG and other fascinating topics through links at https://esrag.org/about-esrag/ and additional resources online.  

Podcast Timeline (helpful when commenting different sections of the podcast) 00:00 Introduction, Introduction of Podcast 00:44 Introduction, Introduction of Felix 01:08 Introduction, Felix talks about Masiah community, floodings and other events. 04:11 Introduction, Admiral story on mental health 07:00 Guest, Laurie Zuckermann on ESRAG, 10:00 Guest. Laurie on how she got involved in ESRAG 15:00 Guest. Laurie on Climate Action Policy and Roadmap 17:55 Conclusion: Interesting animals, interesting nature. (White zebra)