Ep. 004: Biodiversity: The Silent Crisis with Prof Tom Crowther

In this episode we interview Professor Tom Crowther, renowned ecologist at the forefront of biodiversity research. Tom paints a vivid picture of biodiversity loss, aptly termed the 'silent crisis,' and sheds light on its intrinsic link to human existence and the human activities that are contributing to its depletion. The discussion then moves into the fantastic work of the Crowther Labs, including their innovative digital platform: Restor.

A highlight of our conversation is the celebration of a restoration effort in Kenya, where communities are working together to shield clusters of trees vital for water retention in drought-affected areas. We then go on to address global and national initiatives including 30 x 30 and biodiversity net gain credits. Finally, Professor Crowther gives us all suggestions about tangible steps we could take to champion biodiversity preservation.

Your Hosts

• Tom Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/
• Chloe Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-constable-24155821b/

Our Guest

Professor Tom Crowther is an internationally acclaimed ecologist known for his pioneering work in understanding the intricate relationships within ecosystems and their broader impact on global climate. As the driving force behind Crowther Labs, his research explores the complexities of biodiversity loss and its repercussions on our planet. With a keen focus on combining big data with localised environmental solutions, Professor Crowther's insights have significantly influenced the global discourse on sustainability and climate change. His unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and innovative approaches to conservation make him a leading voice in the field and an inspiration to both peers and the next generation of ecologists. https://crowtherlab.com

Grange Project Contact & Social Media

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grange.project/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/grangeproject
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrangeProject
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/

Listen out for:

[00:00:00] News from the Grange Project including: update on podcast statistics, exciting developments in the appointment of our ecology consultancy and Tom shares the love for his spinach seeds!

[00:04:00] Chloe introduces Professor Tom Crowther, an ecologist specialising in 

[00:07:02] Tom describes what is meant by biodiversity loss as the ‘silent crisis’ and talks about how fundamental biodiversity is to our existence.

[00:11:49] We discuss the primary human activities that have contributed to biodiversity loss, including agricultural land use, climate and change. Plus what might happen if this biodiversity loss continues unchecked.

[00:14:36] Tom describes the work of the Crowther Labs in addressing this crisis, including the importance of local solutions, big data and their digital platform: Restor.

[00:18:16] Celebration of a restoration project in Kenya where the local community is protecting clusters of trees that help to trap water in a drought stricken area. 

[00:23:00] Discussion about the global commitment to halt biodiversity loss decided at the biodiversity COP in 2023: 30 x 30.

[00:24:59] Interesting chat about biodiversity net gain credits and some of the problems and possibilities of this approach to financing nature recovery.

[00:31:46] Tom shares ideas about what individual listeners can do to help halt biodiversity loss, where they can find out more about these topics and what we could consider here at the Grange Project.

[00:38:04] Chloe and Tom reflect together on the episode, including what they’ve learnt from registering the Grange Project on Restor.

Keen for more?  

Websites:

https://www.restor.eco/ Restor brings transparency, connectivity, and ecological insights to restoration and conservation efforts around the world. The Restor platform is easy to use and insights are based on the best available science and technology.

https://www.decadeonrestoration.org The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration aims to prevent, halt and reverse the degradation of ecosystems on every continent and in every ocean. It can help to end poverty, combat climate change and prevent a mass extinction. 

Tom's "No-Dig" Veg Patch YouTube Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xen3sfC3rOM Join, Co-Founder of the Grange Project, Tom on his first attempt at creating a 'No-Dig' veg patch. Embracing a new adventure, Tom explores the simplicity and benefits of a no-dig vegetable patch, demonstrating the process step-by-step, from laying out the ground to applying compost.

Sam’s Linked In Profile (Work Experience Graduate):

‘I utilised my background in environmental sciences to support the project on a variety of tasks including: creating online content; carrying out research; and editing educational blog articles.

Along the way, I gained a valuable insight into the inner workings of a rewilding project, met with industry professionals, and developed a number of skills - in particular those relating to the outreach phase of a newly-launched conservation project’. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-halling-43ba0522a/

Mentioned in this episode:

Visit & Stay at the Grange Project

Would you like to escape the trappings of the modern world and wake-up in the morning to one of the best views in South Wales, where only the birds are noisy? We have two beautiful and sustainably built ‘tiny homes’, carefully located in secluded locations across our 80 acre rewilding project.

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