Many countries and companies annually share news with their constituents and stakeholders about how they are performing. These State of the Union or State of the Corporation meetings project how that entity is doing, and what lies ahead.​ But we rarely have a State of the Earth, in which we collectively focus on the planet: how robust it is, how vulnerable it is, and what is happening to address those strengths and weaknesses. We will address thoughts from four different sectors (the four Ps): People, Planet, Policy, and Purpose. ​Guests will report on their own activities in these sectors and discuss their attempts to improve sustainable measures in their corners, and then we’ll have a wider discussion on what we all can do to create a more resilient and equitable Earth. Kristy Drutman Brown Girl Green, Founder Mayte Gonzalaez IUCN, Head of Human Rights in Conservation John Holm PYXERA Global, Sr. VP, Circular Economy Patricia Sims World Elephant Day, Founder Watch the video on Youtube: https://youtu.be/TnhRrmah-UQ?si=-bSIA89tV1rV1us6 Website: https://www.brooklynstorylab.net/ 0:03 The Challenge of Renewable Energy Transition 2:15 Addressing Critical Mineral Control 4:37 Panel Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast 18:32 The Power of the International Union for Conservation 23:17 Importance of Diversity in Environmental Matters 27:13 Connecting Climate Justice and Racial Justice 29:38 Embracing Systems Change for Policy Impact 30:27 Policy Developments in the United States 31:30 Legal Accountability for Environmental Harm 32:49 Concerns about Greenpeace Lawsuit in North Dakota 44:16 Special World Elephant Day Plans in Kenya 45:36 The Importance of Forests for the Planet 53:24 Interconnectedness of Planet, People, Purpose, and Policy For more information, resources and videos visit www.samuellawrencefoundation.org Connect on Social Media Instagram Facebook Twitter YouTube LinkedIn

What does it mean for a nuclear plant to be decommissioned? What’s the status of the nuclear waste currently stored on site at San Onofre? What concerns does the public need to be aware of? Is San Onofre safe? As advocates for a safe and sustainable future for Southern California, SLF is thrilled to present, "The San Onofre Briefing: The Latest on SoCal's Shut Down Nuclear Power Plant." This is a comprehensive exploration of the recent developments surrounding the decommissioning of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. Our expert panel – including a retired Admiral of the U.S. Navy and the Former Chair of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission – delve into the current status, environmental impact, and public health implications of the shut down nuclear site. Watch the video on Youtube: https://youtu.be/OGDwkokX1NA?si=rPfyB_gzskE00B7S&t=78 Website: https://www.brooklynstorylab.net/ For more information, resources and videos visit www.samuellawrencefoundation.org Connect on Social Media Instagram Facebook Twitter YouTube LinkedIn

With “climate change” a hot-button phrase that brings backlash and even death threats, how can reporters and meteorologists do their job — ensure that the public is engaged and informed? Meteorologist and climate scientist Chris Gloninger didn't just want to warn people about the latest record-breaking storms. He wanted to talk about the science behind the changing weather. As scientists draw ever-clearer connections between climate change and extreme weather, Gloninger believes meteorologists should present this science to viewers. Award-winning meteorologists Lauren Casey of Climate Central and John Morales of NBC Miami agree. Listen to this conversation with The Samuel Lawrence Foundation and moderator Lance Gould of Brooklyn Story Lab as these meteorologists and climate defenders come together to describe the challenges the media faces when reporting on climate change, and envision how the media can bridge the gap between scientists and the public to drive climate literacy. Watch the Youtube Video: https://www.youtube.com/live/ingfWpflHss?si=lvHpnCCckSpl5hPp&t=421 0:03:35 The Climate Conversation: Media's Impact on Civic Action 0:14:04 Positive Response to Climate Change Awareness in Miami 0:17:46 The Importance of Speaking Truth About Climate Change 0:24:32 Positive feedback on climate change work 0:28:08 Record-breaking temperatures and heat-related health risks 0:34:49 The role of media in informing the public 0:40:25 Collaboration and Regulation for Climate Crisis Solution 0:50:34 Exploring Safe Forms of Renewable Energy 0:57:47 The potential of nuclear power if properly implemented. 1:01:32 The importance of credible sources and debunking false information. 1:01:58 Knowing Your Audience: A Key Challenge for Presenters 1:04:17 Moving from Individual to Collective Action on Climate Change 1:08:38 The Power of Conversation in Addressing Climate Change 1:10:48 Conclusion and Thank You to Participants Website: https://www.brooklynstorylab.net/ For more information, resources and videos visit www.samuellawrencefoundation.org Connect on Social Media Instagram Facebook Twitter YouTube LinkedIn

This discussion provides a unique opportunity to hear directly from participants at the forefront of the United Nations (UN) annual climate conference, COP28, hosted by the United Arab Emirates in Dubai. COP28 marks the UN’s 28th Conference of the Parties (COP). This world-wide annual conference is rooted in the legacy of the 1992 UN Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 30+ years later, it still brings together global leaders, experts, and activists to address critical challenges of climate change. This conference holds unprecedented significance because global temperatures are projected to rise 1.5 Celsius degrees and severe consequences for sustainable living on our planet. The President of this year’s conference is also the CEO of the UAE’s largest oil company, which raises fundamental environmental concerns. The oil industry’s increased presence at COP28 complicates the discussions. The Live from Dubai webinar features distinguished guests actively working on impactful solutions: Deirdre White, CEO of the international development nonprofit Pyxera Global; Kneyone Murray, young entrepreneur and CEO of Kneyzeus Energy in Trinidad and Tobago; Noa Gafni, Professor at Columbia University’s Climate School; Francois Rogers, Executive Director of the nonprofit Blue Planet Alliance, partner of the Samuel Lawrence Foundation. Participants discuss the controversy around hosting the conference in a petrostate, the global stocktake, the challenges among island nations, the digital divide, the role of youth and much more. 0:00:00 Intro 0:03:44 Why COP28 is Critial and the 1.5 degree limit 0:04:57 Introduction of Panelists and their COP work 0:08:40 Colonization of Information and the Digital Divide 0:10:12 Preserving Wisdom and the Role of AI 0:13:21 The Challenge of Sargassum Seaweed in Island Nations 0:20:27 Hawaii's Landmark Mandate to Transition to Renewable Energy (Blue Planet Alliance) 0:23:55 Overcoming Challenges with Utility Companies 0:27:45 Tonga's Vulnerability to Climate Change and Response 0:32:43 The Cost of Adaptation to Climate Change vs. Mitigation 0:38:31 The Global “Stocktake” https://unfccc.int/topics/global-stocktake in Accountability & Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC). 0:43:23 Skepticism & Hope at COP26. Participation from the Oil Industry, The Loss & Damage Fund. 0:49:12 Politics should not distract from limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees 1:00:39 How Hawaii worked with utility regulations and legislators.  1:04:19 Youth engagement and political will for a sustainable future 1:05:36 Youth and the Driver's Seat at COP 1:08:34 Youth perspectives and the Blue Zone (all access) Vs the Green Zone (public) passes. Website: https://www.brooklynstorylab.net/ Robert Richmond, PhD: https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/projects/marine-fellows/fellows-directory/2006/robert-h--richmond Timothy Mousseau, PhD: https://www.sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/artsandsciences/biological_sciences/our_people/directory/mousseau_timothy.php For more information, resources and videos visit www.samuellawrencefoundation.org Connect on Social Media Instagram Facebook Twitter YouTube LinkedIn

We know that we need to wean ourselves off fossil fuels — almost immediately — to slow rising global temperatures. The implications if we don’t are potentially irreversible negative consequences, of which we’re already seeing evidence in the form of floods, wildfires, extreme weather, and dangerous heat waves that threaten to make the planet unsustainable — and parts of it uninhabitable. But HOW do we do it? Is there a model to which we can look to show others how it is done? In fact, there is.  Hawaii started deliberating over whether and how to transition to 100% renewable energy in 2009 and then, in 2015, passed the first U.S law mandating the state to make such a 100% renewable-energy transition. ​For more information, resources and videos visit www.samuellawrencefoundation.org Connect on Social Media Instagram Facebook Twitter YouTube LinkedIn

Nuclear wastewater dumping into the ocean is a pressing issue that has gained significant attention in recent years. Today, we discuss the process of nuclear emergencies, the reasons behind the accumulation of water at the Fukushima nuclear power plant, and the potential impact of radioactive wastewater on the environment. In this episode, we had the privilege of hosting Bob H. Richmond, Ph.D., director of the University of Hawaii’s Kewalo Marine Laboratory and Marine Biology Professor at the University of Hawaii, and Timothy Mousseau, Ph.D., Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of South Carolina, who are at the forefront of this critical field and conducting groundbreaking research on the environment and its impact on our future. They shared their expertise and insights on the consequences of our actions on the environment, shedding light on how it can shape our lives and the health of our planet. Throughout the episode, our guests presented the scientific case for why this research is so important. They discussed the need for funding and evidence-based studies, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Their objective approach and dedication to presenting the facts made for an eye-opening and thought-provoking conversation that sheds light on the alarming realities of nuclear energy. Key Takeaways: [00:00:54] Radioactive wastewater dumping into the ocean. [00:05:14] Contaminated water storage tanks. [00:07:19] Tuna with radioactive cesium. [00:08:25] Alternative solutions to dumping. [00:11:21] Radiation impact on concrete. [00:15:07] Impact of tritium contamination. [00:17:27] Poorly designed and performed science. [00:20:39] Filter-feeding organisms. [00:22:13] Toxic reactions and stress indicators. [00:25:57] Effects of radionuclides in nature. [00:29:02] Importance of studying nuclear accidents. [00:31:55] Lessons from nuclear disasters. [00:36:51] Confidence in science. [00:39:21] Concerns about tritiated water. [00:44:43] Funding for evidence-based research. [00:46:55] Scientific research exposes nuclear dangers. [00:49:03] Science employed to obfuscate. [00:51:21] Lack of scientific rigor concerning Fukushima. [00:55:51] Legal challenges and ocean water quality. [00:56:13] Japan violating ocean water quality. [00:59:27] Feral dogs of Chernobyl. [01:01:50] Opportunity for improvement in the nuclear industry. Website: https://www.brooklynstorylab.net/ Robert Richmond, PhD: https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/projects/marine-fellows/fellows-directory/2006/robert-h--richmond Timothy Mousseau, PhD: https://www.sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/artsandsciences/biological_sciences/our_people/directory/mousseau_timothy.php For more information, resources and videos visit www.samuellawrencefoundation.org Connect on Social Media Instagram Facebook Twitter YouTube LinkedIn

Watch on Youtube We’re living in a precarious era, one defined in the last half-decade by a polycrisis of three Cs: COVID, climate, and conflict. And much of the worst elements of these crises have been exacerbated by poor leadership. As the global climate gets increasingly worse, it’s worth noting that international climate conferences are dominated by men, like the UN COP conferences, where the heads of state of almost 200 countries are signatories to consequential treaties — and the number of them that are women are in the single digits. And, as noted by Margot Wallström, Sweden’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs, 130 international peace agreements were signed between 1990 and 2014, and women were signatories to just 13. Meanwhile, the most compelling leadership in the handling of all of these crises has come from women: New Zealand’s Jacinda Ardern won much praise throughout the world for her handling of the COVID emergency in her country. And women leadership in the climate space has been led by Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley and former President of Ireland Mary Robinson. In honor of Women's History Month and International Women's Day, this episode of the Samuel Lawrence Foundation’s “First Fridays” highlights a panel of women leaders who have answers on how to move forward in a new way, with an emphasis on empowering, sensible solutions. Watch now to hear from panelists who have a focus on educating the next generation of women and finding sustainable solutions for our economy, society, environment, and planet. Anne Wadsworth, Founder and Executive Director of Girls Education Collaborative Janna Salokangas was one of two women from Finland who co-founded Mission Impact Academy Melissa Simms, a lawyer in Illinois who is using the legal system to hold the fossil fuel industries worst offenders accountable Nyaradzo Hoto, one of the officers leading Akashinga, Zimbabwe's all woman ranger unit and Akashinga biodiversity officer. Website: https://www.brooklynstorylab.net/ For more information, resources and videos visit www.samuellawrencefoundation.org Connect on Social Media Instagram Facebook Twitter YouTube LinkedIn

We’re in a new year, which means we’re one year closer to 2030. That’s the deadline suggested by scientists and other experts as the date by which we need to make substantive changes to our way of life, or face potentially irreversible negative consequences. Experts have been clamoring for solutions for this massive challenge. This “First Fridays” we have assembled a panel of experts with ideas that will play a role in discovering and nurturing solutions that will have a positive impact on all of us:  Last month, 1,000 next-gen talents from 150 countries gathered in Rwanda, formed 200 teams, and then each came up with a new entrepreneurial solution to address some of the planet’s biggest challenges. In October in the Netherlands, a similar gathering was taking place with the best college-based ideas from 35 countries, representing the best planet-saving solutions from a pool of 72,000 people. Soon in 2024, another organization will award $500,000 to 10 ideas that are actively mitigating our warming climate. Jacquelyn Francis, Founder and Executive Director, Global Warming Mitigation Project Patricia McLoughlin, General Manager, Anthem Awards Nina Soraa, UNLEASH Innovation Lab, Program and Partnerships Terry Torok, Executive Producer at Live from Earth Entertainment & Co-Founder of the Creative Intelligence Agency Verneda Adele White, Founder, anti-racism lifestyle brand America's Hot Sauce (That’s the kind of warming we can live with!) Watch the video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/live/TrGxQOQd9ZI?si=WqHp67noBKRPIN-I Website: https://www.brooklynstorylab.net/ For more information, resources and videos visit www.samuellawrencefoundation.org Connect on Social Media Instagram Facebook Twitter YouTube LinkedIn