BEYOND THE CHANGE PODCAST
Beyond The Change is a podcast dedicated to exploring contemporary environmental challenges . Through in-depth discussions with experts and thought leaders. The podcast covers a broad range of topics, including climate change, marine conservation, biodiversity loss, sustainable development, and the socio-economic impacts of environmental degradation. It also shines a spotlight on innovative solutions, from renewable energy transitions and environmental justice to the fight against illegal fishing and ocean pollution. Beyond The Change invites listeners to not only grasp the magnitude of these challenges but also to explore actionable paths forward.
Episode 03 : Africa's Green Energy Future: Myth or Reality
Africa’s energy future is at a critical crossroads, and renewable energy could be the game-changer. With only 43% of the population currently having access to electricity, Africa is looking toward renewables as a way forward. But the challenges are real—energy poverty, lack of infrastructure, and questions about how to fund and sustain these projects.
In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Daniel M. Kammen, a renowned energy expert from UC Berkeley, to talk about the future of green energy in Africa. Dr. Kammen shares his thoughts on Africa’s current energy landscape, the projects he’s worked on across the continent, opportunities, challenges and the paper he recently authored with Oluwagbemisola D Akinsipe "The African fulcrum to bend the curve of the climate crisis to a just transition".
We’ll also discuss the delicate balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability, and what needs to happen to ensure that everyone benefits from the energy transition, especially the most vulnerable communities.
Guest:
Dr. Daniel M. Kammen, Professor of Energy at UC Berkeley and Director of RAEL
Links:
Research paper: https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/2515-7620/ad61c3#ercad61c3s4
Renewable and Appropriate Energy Laboratory (RAEL): rael.berkeley.edu
Episode 02 : Navigating The Seas of Desperation: Somalia's Piracy Resurgence
Episode Description:
In this gripping episode of Beyond The Change, we delve into the resurgence of piracy off the coast of Somalia after years of relative calm. Our guest, Omar Mahmood, Senior Analyst for the International Crisis Group, unpacks the complex drivers behind the recent uptick in pirate activity. Drawing from his article, "The Roots of Somalia’s Slow Piracy Resurgence" Omar explores the local grievances fueling this return to the high seas—particularly the role of illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing, where fishermen’s livelihoods are once again under threat from foreign fishing vessels .
Join us as we navigate the intertwined issues of economic despair, and international exploitation. This episode offers a deep dive into the socio-political realities along Somalia’s coast, shedding light on the broader environmental and security implications for the Horn of Africa.
Episode Notes
Links
1. https://www.blueocare.org/beyond-the-change
2. https://www.crisisgroup.org/africa/horn-africa/somalia/roots-somalias-slow-piracy-resurgence