Biodiversity in Our Urban Spaces

The Manny's Podcast

Do you ever find yourself reading or talking about the worldwide climate crisis – coral reef devastation, melting glaciers, catastrophic weather – and wondering “But what can I do?” For those of us who live in urban environments, climate change may sometimes feel like a concept far removed from our daily lives. And yet, the biodiversity and nature right under our noses – and integrated into our cities – are an essential piece of a healthy planet, and a critical baseline for understanding the global climate crisis.

Join some of the Bay Area’s leading scientists, researchers, and educators for an engaging discussion about urban biodiversity that highlights just how interconnected humans, plants, and animals are even in (especially in) urban spaces. Plus, learn how to channel your love of nature into action by participating in City Nature Challenge, an annual international bioblitz that mobilizes people to document urban biodiversity, April 26-29.

Panelists:

Jesus Lozano, Urban Forestry Coordinator at the San Francisco Environment Department. Jesus coordinates the San Francisco Urban Forestry Council, facilitating collaboration among key city agencies and local organizations to provide expert advice to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors on tree-related topics. Jesus previously served as the Community Engagement Manager at Friends of the Urban Forest, where they focused on connecting with communities that historically have had fewer trees. Committed to the creation of an equitably distributed urban forest, they strive to ensure its role as essential public infrastructure, habitat for local wildlife, and a connection to nature for all of San Francisco's residents.

Olivia VanDamme, Community Science Coordinator, Center for Biodiversity and Community Science at the California Academy of Sciences. Olivia helps support and organize community science campaigns including City Nature Challenge, Snapshot Cal Coast and California Biodiversity Day, expanding partnerships and communications. She is dedicated to increasing access to nature for all Californians, and has focused on environmental justice, Indigenous solidarity and equity in her roles for environmental non-profits. She is an avid geographer, educator, poet, singer, environmentalist, and surfer.

Cesar O. Estien, Ph.D. candidate in UC Berkeley’s Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management in Dr. Christopher Schell's lab, investigating the extent to which societal inequity and environmental injustice shape biodiversity and wildlife ecology. He is currently investigating how historical redlining, income disparities, and unequal pollution burdens influence wildlife biodiversity, carnivore behavior, and human-wildlife interactions through an environmental justice lens.

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