Tag Archives: costa rica

Rhett Butler on the Palm Oil Industry (re-broadcast)

RhettButlerpalmoilThe global expansion of the palm oil industry is one of the largest upheavals in modern agricultural history – and one that many Americans know nothing about. And yet palm oil is now everywhere in this country – in our food, our cosmetics and someday soon maybe even in our gas tanks.

This week on Sea Change Radio, we learn about the palm oil explosion over the past two decades from Rhett A. Butler, the founder of the popular environmental news website, Mongabay. Butler talks with host Alex Wise about the social, economic and environmental impact of this rapidly expanding crop in the tropical countries where it’s grown – and what measures are being taken to mitigate the damage that a monoculture like palm oil can inflict.

Rhett Butler on the Palm Oil Industry

RhettButlerpalmoilThe global expansion of the palm oil industry is one of the largest upheavals in modern agricultural history – and one that many Americans know nothing about. And yet palm oil is now everywhere in this country – in our food, our cosmetics and someday soon maybe even in our gas tanks.

This week on Sea Change Radio, we learn about the palm oil explosion over the past two decades from Rhett A. Butler, the founder of the popular environmental news website, Mongabay. Butler talks with host Alex Wise about the social, economic and environmental impact of this rapidly expanding crop in the tropical countries where it’s grown – and what measures are being taken to mitigate the damage that a monoculture like palm oil can inflict.

Progress Along the 85th Meridian

What do the Great Lakes of Michigan and the rainforests of Costa Rica share besides a common longitude? We answer that question this week on Sea Change Radio. Each of these places is home to an environmental evangelist who is helping to connect his community to a sustainable future. Sea Change Radio host, Alex Wise, first talks to Ryan King, a biologist, independent journalist, and “eco-preneur” in Costa Rica who has brought biodiesel, biochar and environmental projects to remote parts of the country. Next, Alex speaks to Norman Christopher, Grand Valley State University’s Sustainability Director who’s helping to transform the industrial city of Grand Rapids, Michigan into a cutting-edge, environmentally progressive urban center in the face of tough economic times.

Read the show transcript