In the first episode of the Sustain UW Podcast's new miniseries, Sustainability Conversations across the Big Ten, the team meets with Morgan Hartman and Madeline Yeatts from the University of Nebraska—Lincoln Office of Sustainability to discuss Carnegie's Elective Classification for Sustainability that UNL is currently piloting. They also sit down with Alex Frank and Kyle Schmitz from the UW—Madison Office of Sustainability to understand UW's approach to ESG reporting.
Join Brynne, Audrey, and Clean Wisconsin Communications Director Amy Barrilleaux for a conversation about the environmental, ethical, and social considerations related to the growth of artificial intelligence and its supporting infrastructure in Wisconsin. Their discussion challenges us to think critically about AI, the ways in which has become integrated into our daily lives, and whether it's possible for this emergent and disruptive technology to mature into a just and sustainable system.
Enjoy an inspiring, illuminating, and at times emotional conversation with legendary activist and UW—Madison alumnus Dr. John Francis. SustainUW hosts Audrey, Brynne, and Jordyn sat down with Dr. Francis during his visit to Madison for Earth Fest to discuss his life, legacy, and his recent critically-acclaimed eponymous documentary entitled Planetwalker.
In this special episode, SustainUW and Edge Effects collaborate to discuss the history of Earth Day in the United States, bring a glimpse of Earth Fest celebrations on the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus, and underline the importance of embracing environmental protection beyond just April 22. The episode includes an interview with Jim Feldman, director of the Environmental Studies program at the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh.
This episode was created and recorded in collaboration with Edge Effects digital magazine at the UW–Madison Center for Culture, History, and Environment. Special thanks to the Edge Effects team including Managing Editor Brianna Meyer for their work in making this episode possible.
What does climate change look like in Madison, and how do the impacts alter our shared experience of this place we call home? Perhaps the best venue to answer this question is on the (less frequently these days) frozen shores of Lake Mendota, which by some metrics is the most researched lake on the planet. Join Office of Sustainability interns Giann Abang, Audrey Davies, and Jordyn Czyzewski as they interview Professor Emeritus and renowned limnologist John J. Magnuson about ice records on Lake Mendota. Later, the interns venture out onto the ice to speak with winter recreation enthusiasts attending the annual Winter Carnival in Madison.
Related resources:
John J. Magnuson profile -- UW—Madison Center for Limnology
Lake Mendota ice records -- Wisconsin State Climatology Office
A lot has been happening to sustainability initiatives in the U.S. these past few months, and you probably have plenty of questions, concerns, and ideas. Join Office of Sustainability interns Aiden, Audrey, Brynne, and Giann as they parse through some of the current events happening in sustainability at the national level and provide a student's perspective.
References discussed and related resources:
Trump rescinded a half-century of environmental rules. Here’s what that could mean. -- Vox
Trump’s Return Gives China a Second Chance at Climate Leadership -- Bloomberg
Big Oil in no rush to 'drill baby drill' this year despite Trump agenda -- Reuters
Trump’s "Drill, Baby, Drill" Pledge Will Not Save Oil -- Forbes
Trump targets Alaska’s oil and other resources as environmentalists gear up for a fight -- AP
5 surprising facts about renewable energy growth in Texas -- Environment Texas
Climate Stories From The Times: 13 Must-Reads -- New York Times
Trump’s First Two Weeks Have Thrown U.S. Climate Spending Into Chaos -- New York Times
E.P.A. Tells More Than 1,000 They Could Be Fired ‘Immediately’ -- New York Times
Trump’s Halt on Climate Spending Freezes Jobs and Stalls Projects -- New York Times
Office of Sustainability interns Aiden Culver, Audrey Davies, and Giann Abang are excited to bring you an episode in which they learn about the growing interest in agrivoltaics at UW–Madison. Aiden and Giann leave the podcast studio to visit the new solar installation site at the UW–Madison Kegonsa Research Campus. After that, Aiden and Audrey have conversations with two local experts: Will Fulwider, a UW Extension employee, and Victoria Salerno, a graduate student and Office of Sustainability employee.
Join us as we sit down with the EPA Chief of Staff, Dan Utech, to discuss climate optimism as it relates to the past, present, and future of environmental policy in the United States. Hosted by Brynne Hill, Audrey Davies, and Aiden Culver, this Q&A conversation will leave you with a deeper understanding of the Environmental Protection Agency as well as recent climate action by the federal government.
Dive into conservation stewardship in Wisconsin with hosts Kylie Schedler and Rory Tevlin, as they sit down with John Sinclair, a dedicated Conservation Warden for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. In this episode, we explore the profound connection between humans and wildlife through John's experiences of protection and preservation. Tune in for an inspiring discussion that celebrates the beauty of nature and the tireless efforts of those who defend it.
For more information about the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, please click here.
Join host Kylie Schedler as she talks with UW–Madison professor and Grassland 2.0 member Randy Jackson, and graduate student Jessica Mehre, to break down the intricacies of grassland ecology and Wisconsin’s history of raising cattle. Grassland 2.0 is “a collaborative group of producers, researchers, and public and private sector folks working to develop pathways for producers to achieve increased profitability, production stability, and nutrient and water efficiency, while improving water quality, soil health, biodiversity, and climate resiliency through grassland-based agriculture.”
Students, if this episode piqued your interest, consider taking Dr. Jackson’s class, Agronomy 370: Grassland Ecology.
In the face of climate change, the future for our planet can look bleak. But Project Drawdown Executive Director Jon Foley stays hopeful by focusing on tangible, science-backed solutions that will actually work. Join hosts Britta Wellenstein and Brynne Hill as they talk to Foley about Project Drawdown, the climate solutions roadmap, and the bright future that might just be within reach.
Foley visited Madison as a part of Earth Fest. You can learn more about Project Drawdown here.
The 2008 film Wall-E explores the connection between technology, artificial intelligence, and sustainability. With the continued rise of AI, we wanted to understand the intersections between sustainability and technology--and whether we are heading to a Wall-E future.
Hosts Britta Wellenstein and Rory Tevlin talk to Data Science Institute Director Kyle Cramner about how AI can be used to enhance the UW–Madison sustainability goals. We then turn to Kaiping Chen, assistant professor in the department of Life Sciences Communications, to discuss humans' relationship with technology and her recent research into chat bots.
Learn more about the RISE-AI.
Learn more about Dr. Chen’s research paper.
Curious about what defines organic food and how it impacts our planet, nutrition, and well-being? In this episode of the SustainUW Podcast, host Rory Tevlin and her classmates, Tess Wadsworth and Maya Herzog, explore the intricacies of organic agriculture. From health benefits and access to equity and sustainability, tune in to discover compelling reasons why organic produce should grace your plate and how to get involved with organic agriculture on the UW–Madison campus!
To learn more about the organizations mentioned in this episode, click the links below:
Today, sandhill cranes are a common sight–and sound!–in Madison and throughout the state of Wisconsin. This wasn’t always the case: by the 1930s, they had nearly disappeared from the state, and their return since is a famous conservation success story. In November 2023, hosts Britta Wellenstein and Brynne Hill headed to the Great Midwest Crane Festival to learn about cranes’ journey–both their migration and how their populations have rebounded so spectacularly. The Great Midwest Crane Festival is hosted by the Aldo Leopold Foundation and the International Crane Foundation. Listen in as we explore the festival, talk to experts about crane conservation, and see some cranes ourselves.
In this episode of the SustainUW Podcast, host Kylie Schedler speaks with the three winners of the second annual UW–Madison Sustainability Writing Awards: Hailey Sewell, who reflected on a memorable snowfall as a child and pondered the future of our climate; Scott Hershberger, who painted the scene of a conversation between himself, an Eastern Wood-Pewee, and a honey locust tree; and Madelyn Anderson, who celebrated the discovery of a Rusty Patched Bumble Bee hive and highlighted the importance of recognizing small wins.
The UW–Madison Sustainability Writing Awards are intended to inspire conversations about how writing can bring together people with different experiences to reflect and act within the context of the global climate crisis. Thanks to the generosity of donors, the Office of Sustainability offered three scholarships in the fall of 2023 to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students who submitted essays on the topic of resolution. The topic encouraged writers to ponder the past, analyze the present, and imagine the future of our planet.
The Wisconsin Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy (OSCE) was founded in 2019 by Executive Order 38. The OSCE focuses on implementing and promoting renewable energy projects in Wisconsin as well as allocating federal and state funds dedicated to solving various environmental issues. In this episode, Kylie Schedler and Thomas Hadcock are joined by Technical Coordinator and Analyst Caity Carmody, and Outreach and Engagement Specialist Katelynn Samuelson. We discuss the applicability of the Inflation Reduction Act in Wisconsin, their State Lead by Example program and Clean Energy Plan, the EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants, Focus on Energy, and their outlook for the future of renewable energy in Wisconsin. Note: this episode was recorded shortly before Thanksgiving of 2023, so the dates referenced will reflect this timing.
RENEW Wisconsin is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering a resilient, thriving Wisconsin by championing the progress of renewable energy through impactful policy and program work. In this episode of the SustainUW Podcast, hosts Rory Tevlin and Bailey Tomsich chat with RENEW Wisconsin’s Communications Manager, Alex Beld, and Emerging Technology Director, Francisco Sayu. Join them as they discuss the EPA Clean Bus Program, an exciting initiative that allows school districts in all 50 states to replace old diesel buses with new electric buses, often at no cost. From reducing emissions to cultivating cleaner and more efficient transportation, tune in to discover how RENEW is driving change and creating a more sustainable future for all Wisconsinites!
To learn more about the application process of the EPA Clean Bus Program, click here.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, better known as PFAS, are a growing area of concern for waterways in Madison and across the nation. These chemicals, which are used to make everyday products like nonstick pans and water resistant materials, have been found in drinking water and are linked to serious health effects. In this episode of the SustainUW Podcast, host Britta Wellenstein talks to PFAS researcher Onur Apul about the impact of PFAS on the environment and what technologies might allow us to remove it from our drinking water. Dr. Apul, who is an assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Maine, presented his research at UW–Madison’s Weston Roundtable this fall.
Industrial engineering, sustainable food, and social equity: these may sound like unrelated topics, but Dr. Weslynne Ashton of the Illinois Institute of Technology has brought them together through her research on sustainable systems. Dr. Ashton was in Madison to give the keynote for the second annual Sustainability Symposium on October 25, 2023, and joined hosts Kylie Schedler and Britta Wellenstein for a wide-ranging conversation. Join us as we dive into Dr. Ashton's research, food equity in rural and urban settings, and the transition to a circular economy.
This summer, the weather dominated: wildfires, hazardous air quality, and extreme heat affected people across the country. In this episode, we try to figure out what happened and what the wild weather means for Wisconsin. Listen in as Britta Wellenstein and Rory Tevlin speak to Tracey Holloway, an air quality researcher at UW-Madison and the Leader of the NASA Health and Air Quality Applied Sciences Team. We explore the Canadian wildfires, ozone and smoke in Madison, and steps for moving forward.