90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast

Chris Clarke
  • 4.9 (48)
  • 自然
  • 两周一更
90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast
90 MILES FROM NEEDLES SUB

Get exclusive episodes, early access, and more

试用结束后 $5.99/月或 $59.99/年

Join Chris Clarke and a variety of guests as they explore the challenges and opportunities of the American Southwest's fragile ecosystems. Engaging interviews with experts, activists, and advocates on conservation, land management, and environmental justice. Science and sentiment, politics and philosophy, hiking and history, culture and creativity all go into defending the desert. Be forewarned: We are out to recruit you to the cause.

  1. S4E21: Give us a Desert Without Borders

    1小时前

    S4E21: Give us a Desert Without Borders

    Episode Summary: Chris Clarke unravels the intertwined issues of border politics and desert protection. This episode highlights the human cost of migration through some of the harshest terrains on earth, the Sonoran Desert, while advocating for more humane approaches to immigration and border policies. With a deep dive into recent statistics and personal stories, Clarke paints a moving picture of the realities faced by migrants at the US-Mexico border. The episode also emphasizes the significance of community support in environmental advocacy, underscoring the ongoing efforts to bring the podcast's message to broader audiences, such as the upcoming event at the Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta in El Paso, Texas.  Key Takeaways: The Sonoran Desert continues to serve as a perilous pathway for migrants, with numerous deaths highlighting the risks involved in such journeys. Initiatives like the Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta are crucial for raising awareness about desert ecosystems and border politics. Community support is vital for the advocacy and dissemination of knowledge concerning environmental and social issues affecting the desert. The podcast episode is a call to consider humane border policies and recognize the humanity of those who make the treacherous crossing. Chris Clarke emphasizes the need for American society to embrace migrant neighbors, asserting that they bring resilience and the potential for community enrichment. Notable Quotes: "The border is itself an atrocity, a meaningless abstract flag waved to stoke hate by people who had never been within a thousand miles of the border place." – Chris Clarke "Let people escaping tyranny come here as they will, and let us rid this place of tyranny as well as part of our usual obligation as hosts." – Chris Clarke  "These are the kinds of people I want as neighbors. They have shown they can persevere." – Chris Clarke  "Let Antares gaze down once more on a landscape of joy and peace." – Chris Clarke  "We regard graveyards as sacred land. Sites of slaughter and battle are hallowed ground. This Sonoran Desert has been sanctified by too many sacrifices." – Chris Clarke  Resources:  Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition: Hosts of the Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta event. https://chihuahuandesert.org/ 90 Miles from Needles Website: https://90milesfromneedles.com Humane Borders Migrant Death Map: Statistics mentioning over 4,000 migrant deaths, used to highlight the narrative on border-related fatalities. https://www.humaneborders.org/migrant-death-mapping The Border Chronicle: Melissa Del Bosque and Todd Miller provide top-notch reporting on the human rights issues involved with the border-industrial complex. https://www.theborderchronicle.com/   Explore the full episode for a deeper understanding of the impacts of border politics on desert ecosystems and human lives. Stay connected with "90 Miles from Needles" for more stories and advocacy on these crucial issues. Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    31 分钟
  2. 90 Miles from Needles' Schedule update!

    第 4 季预告片

    90 Miles from Needles' Schedule update!

    Notable Quotes: • "Mark your calendars. Fridays are now Desert Protection Days." • "We could not do this without you." • "Desert advocacy is important, but so is work-life balance." • "The goal is to give me my weekends back so that I can spend time with my family." • "Thanks again for listening and for being part of this journey." Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    2 分钟
  3. S4E20: You Can Help Save Public Lands from Privatization

    6月24日

    S4E20: You Can Help Save Public Lands from Privatization

    Episode Summary: In this riveting episode, host Chris Clarke covers the urgent issue threatening millions of acres of public land in the United States. Buried in what Chris calls the "Bloated Billionaire Bailout," a budget rider proposed by Senator Mike Lee targets up to 3 million acres of public lands for sale. These lands, managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service, span 11 western states. Chris urges listeners to take action by calling their senators to stop this dangerous rider that undermines public access to these vital natural resources. Throughout the episode, a comprehensive discussion highlights the broader impacts of this potential land sale. Chris articulates how the rider threatens essential services, cultural survival, and the ecological balance of these desert lands. The discussion touches on contrasting visions for the use of public lands, with Mike Lee's push for privatization and development versus the preservation and conservation ethos championed by many environmentalists. Chris also outlines the economic dimensions of this conflict, emphasizing the potential loss of public use areas that provide significant recreational and environmental benefits to local communities. Key Takeaways: Legislative Threat: A budget rider by Mike Lee threatens to privatize millions of acres of public lands in western US states, including critical desert ecosystems. Conservation vs. Development:The episode explores the tension between conserving public lands for ecological, cultural, and recreational purposes versus commercial development and privatization. Call to Action: Chris Clarke urges listeners to contact their senators to oppose the rider and protect these invaluable public lands. Impactful Example: Tucson's Sabino Canyon serves as a hypothetical example of the possible negative outcomes from land privatization, jeopardizing local public access. Political Dynamics:There is bipartisan opposition to the rider, with some Republican senators indicating they cannot support a bill that includes this provision. Public pressure has led to some revisions of the original rider, but significant threats remain. Notable Quotes: 1. "We're talking about a public lands fire sale, and commercial interests are first in line." 2. "Mike Lee doesn't consider non-consumptive use as a real use of public lands. If it doesn't turn a profit, it doesn't count in his worldview." 3. "This would not be affordable housing... it's far more likely that housing built in Sabino Canyon would be extremely expensive." 4. "Our common heritage is threatened, and we've got to stop this rider from moving forward." Resources: Senate Switchboard: 202-224-3121 https://www.senate.gov Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta information: https://chihuahuandesert.org/fiesta-information/ Map of eligible lands and data from the Wilderness Society: https://www.wilderness.org/articles/media-resources/250-million-acres-public-lands-eligible-sale-senr-bill Fundraising link for El Paso trip: https://90milesfromneedles.com/elpaso Jonathan Thompson's Substack The Land Desk: https://www.landdesk.org/ Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    29 分钟
  4. S4E19: Finding Nature's Refuge in Salt Lake Sprawl

    6月17日

    S4E19: Finding Nature's Refuge in Salt Lake Sprawl

    Episode Summary: Immerse yourself in the world of desert city conservation with Chris Clarke and Parker Lloyd as they explore the compelling intersection of urban planning, environmental justice, and community engagement at the Nature Center at Pia Okwai. This episode takes you to the unassuming yet transformative space in South Salt Lake, offering a vision for greener cities through restoration projects that welcome both nature and people. In this episode, explore the heart of Salt Lake City's urban sprawl as Chris and Parker discuss the intricate design and purpose of the Nature Center at Pia Okwai, a site developed by the Tracy Aviary. Brought to life within a cityscape of warehouses and industrial zones, the center is an embodiment of innovative urban planning that prioritizes native habitat restoration and community outreach. Parker Lloyd shares his journey from college dropout to a conservation leader, underlining the center’s aim to foster environmental justice and provide accessible green spaces to historically underserved communities. As the conversation unfolds, the unique demographics of the neighborhood are explored, revealing a tapestry of cultural diversity and its role in enriching the center's mission. Parker provides an inspiring vision for the future of the Nature Center at Pia Okwai, emphasizing the importance of community participation and interconnection with nature. Discussion of the Tracy Aviary's Liberty Park campus broadens the discussion, highlighting global conservation efforts, while also prompting listeners to rethink urban nature spaces. This episode encapsulates the transformative potential of urban conservation efforts and the crucial role of community participation. Key Takeaways: • The Nature Center at Pia Okwai exemplifies innovative urban planning and conservation by restoring 12 acres of industrial land into a habitat for local wildlife and community recreation. • The ecological and communal facet of the nature center seeks to foster a strong sense of environmental justice by integrating underserved local communities. • Parker Lloyd’s career path highlights the possibility of contributing to conservation without a traditional background, emphasizing passion and community engagement. • The Tracy Aviary's involvement in global conservation projects, such as the Guam Sihek recovery, illustrates the center’s broader commitment to ecological diversity. • Engaging local communities and incorporating their cultural heritage into environmental initiatives can yield richly rewarding conservation outcomes. Notable Quotes: • "We want an oasis of mature trees, native plants, not your typical manicured lawns, but instead interactive environments like wildflower meadows..." • "It's a brand of environmental justice that I hope more people can recreate across not just Salt Lake, but across the west." • "Being able to not just bring these cottonwoods to them, but to also learn from these communities about their native plants and their relationship with the land." • "You really need enthusiasm and luck and not much else in order to work in conservation." • "Having these conversations is the first step to make those connections." Resources:  Tracy Aviary: https://tracyaviary.org Nature Center at Pia Okwai: https://tracyaviary.org/nature-center/ 3310 South 1000 WestSouth Salt Lake, Utah 84119 Explore the transformative power of urban conservation and community engagement captured in this enriching episode of "90 Miles from Needles." Tune in to grasp the intricacies behind creating urban oases that are not just resilient but also inclusive. Stay connected for more insightful discussions on our shared journey towards protecting our natural world. Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    31 分钟
  5. S4E18: Resilience & Resistance in Navajo Country

    6月11日

    S4E18: Resilience & Resistance in Navajo Country

    Episode Summary: In this episode of 90 Miles from Needles, host Chris Clarke looks into the intricate issues surrounding Bears Ears National Monument with guest Davina Smith, a Diné activist and Co-Chair of the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition. The episode's introduction grapples with the political turmoil surrounding federal land designations and their impact on indigenous rights and environmental conservation. Clarke and Smith navigate through the consequences of political maneuvers by successive U.S. administrations, especially concerning the Bears Ears National Monument's existence and preservation. Throughout the episode, Smith discusses the historical and cultural significance of Bears Ears for the Dine people and other Native American tribes, underscoring its critical importance beyond mere land but as a living museum and spiritual sanctuary. Smith passionately depicts current threats from mining interests and unauthorized land use and calls for more robust public understanding and participation in protecting these sacred lands. As listeners are taken through Smith's perspective as an advocate and a former state political candidate, they are encouraged to engage actively in desert protection initiatives. Key Takeaways: Historical Significance of Bears Ears: Bears Ears is regarded by the Diné as a sacred cultural landscape with deep historical ties dating back to their ancestors, serving as a refuge and resource area. Current Threats to Bears Ears: The ongoing risk from mining activities and political opposition threatens the preservation efforts, reflecting past attempts to reduce and undermine land protections. Advocacy and Public Education: Emphasizing the importance of educating oneself about Bears Ears and its management plan as a means to participate proactively in conservation efforts. Political Dynamics: The Trump administration’s rollback of national monument protections is a recurring theme, revealing the broader political attacks on federal lands. Community Collaboration: Exploring avenues for economic growth respecting cultural lands, including tourism as a potential path, highlighting the complexity of local collaboration efforts. Notable Quotes: "It's about educating yourself, hearing from those that have worked in this work of protecting Bears Ears."  "Bears Ears is a living environment, and that's why I go there…it's still communicating with Mother Earth." "I'm here to be a part of that voice because I was shared from my mother, my grandmother, and the grandmothers before them." "Educating people in these areas of Bears Ears…it's about educating these areas, but educating yourself as an individual."  Resources: Bears Ears Intertribal Coalition: To explore the coalition's work and understand the management plans. https://www.bearsearscoalition.org/ Katherine Smith on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katherine_Smith_(Navajo_activist)Chris article on the Navajo-Hopi Land Dispute: https://www.earthisland.org/journal/index.php/magazine/entry/clear_skies_in_the_desert To truly grasp the depth of these issues and support meaningful action, listen to the full episode. Stay up-to-date with 90 Miles from Needles for further insights into the ongoing challenges faced by desert ecosystems and indigenous communities. Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    43 分钟
  6. S4E17: The War Against The Greens, Updated

    5月27日

    S4E17: The War Against The Greens, Updated

    Chris discusses the intersection of environmental activism and political challenges with activist and investigative journalist David Helvarg. The discussion revisits Helvarg's prescient 1994 book, "The War Against the Greens," exploring the evolution of anti-environmental movements from the Wise Use agenda to current political dynamics. They examine threats to democracy, public lands, and global environmental activism amid escalating misinformation and violence. Listeners are given a break mid-episode with serene sounds recorded in Grapevine Canyon, Nevada.Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    54 分钟
  7. S4E16: Ezra Klein's New Book Has an Abundance of Problems

    5月20日

    S4E16: Ezra Klein's New Book Has an Abundance of Problems

    About the Host: Chris Clarke is the host of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast." With an extensive background in environmental journalism, Clarke has covered renewable energy developments in California's deserts for KCET, a public television station in Los Angeles. His work is driven by a passionate commitment to environmental conservation and protection, bringing to light the complexities and challenges of implementing renewable energy projects in sensitive desert habitats. Clarke's expertise and dedication continue to inform and inspire as he navigates the intricacies of desert ecosystems and environmental policies. Episode Summary: In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke offers a critical analysis of "Abundance," the new book by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson. The episode unpacks the book's treatment of environmental regulations and sustainable development, particularly questioning the authors' thesis of liberal states allegedly hindering renewable projects due to stringent regulations. Clarke, drawing on his years of experience as a renewable energy reporter, counters this narrative with on-ground insights, advocating for the significance of environmental laws. Clarke critiques Klein and Thompson's perspective that liberal regulations are obstacles to progress, especially in solar energy projects. With examples from California's renewable energy history, he underscores how the actual challenges often stem from corporate dynamics rather than regulatory frameworks. Clarke highlights the pitfalls of Klein and Thompson's book, arguing that it oversimplifies complex issues by selectively presenting data, ultimately asserting the need for a grounded understanding of environmental policies.  Key Takeaways: Environmental Regulations' Role: Clarke challenges the notion that environmental regulations, like CEQA, are the main barriers to renewable energy progress, presenting evidence from California's solar energy projects. Corporate Influence: The episode points out the critical role of corporate influence, particularly from utility companies, in shaping the renewable energy landscape, rather than blaming public regulations. Complexity in Policy Discussions: Emphasizes the need for detailed and nuanced discussions about housing and energy development, contrasting with the book's broad brush critiques. Grounded Evidence: Advocates for the significance of ground truthing and environmental laws in preventing unforeseen project impacts, contrary to the book's implications. Desert Habitat Challenges: Explores the environmental and cultural challenges of renewable projects in the California desert, highlighting systemic issues outside mere regulatory concerns. Notable Quotes: "In Klein and Thompson's telling of how liberal regulation is getting in the way of renewable energy development, the actual history of renewable energy development in the desert never showed up." "The function of these laws is to ground truth projects, to reduce the number of unanticipated consequences." "[Rooftop solar in California] is having some issues because the utilities don't like it." "This book is a testament to the power of selective cherry picking of data in order to bolster an ideological argument." "Abundance is essentially a polemic, an extended OP-ed, and in this climate, it's just not helpful." Resources: 90 Miles from Needles Website: http://90milesfromneedles.com California Distributed Generation Stats: https://www.californiadgstats.ca.gov/ "Rooftop Solar Reduces Costs for All Ratepayers" report by the California Solar and Storage Association: https://mcubedecon.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/calssa_rooftop-solar-reduces-costs-for-all-ratepayers-2025.pdf Mehdi Hasan and Derek Thompson discussing "Abundance": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTC5jKpYYNU Zeteo (Mehdi Hasan's new news network): https://zeteo.com/ Rose Foundation report on CEQA and housing: https://rosefdn.org/wp-content/uploads/CEQA-California_s-Living-Environmental-Law-10-25-21.pdf CEQA and Housing Production: https://www.califaep.org/docs/CEQA_and_Housing_Report_1-30-19.pdf Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    39 分钟
  8. S4E15: The Fight to Save Lives on the U.S.-Mexico Border

    5月13日

    S4E15: The Fight to Save Lives on the U.S.-Mexico Border

    Episode Summary: Join host Chris Clarke in this thought-provoking episode of "90 Miles from Needles" as he delves into the crucial humanitarian efforts of Laurie Cantillo and Humane Borders. As the border challenges unfold, Laurie discusses her organization's mission to provide life-saving water stations in the desert for migrants facing extreme peril during their journey to the United States. This episode sheds light on the often-misunderstood realities of border crossings and the humanitarian responses necessary to combat these challenges. Through vibrant storytelling, Laurie Cantillo and Chris Clarke engage in a candid discussion about the evolving landscape of the U.S.-Mexico border, addressing widespread misconceptions and the dire need for compassion and accurate representation of migrants. The conversation highlights the devastating impact of border policies and the unyielding resolve of those risking their lives for a chance at a better future. With insights into borderland human rights, as well as environmental concerns caused by border militarization, this episode offers an in-depth exploration of the human and ecological costs associated with the border crisis. Key Takeaways: Humane Borders provides life-saving water stations across the Sonoran Desert to support migrants, hikers, and even wildlife, confronting the severe drought conditions and inhumane border policies.  Contrary to this administration's narrative, migrants crossing the desert to seek asylum are not an "invasion," but rather families and individuals fleeing violence and economic instability.  The concept of "prevention through deterrence" initiated by the U.S. government did not deter crossings but instead caused thousands of migrant deaths since its implementation.  Laurie emphasizes the stark reality that many Americans are misinformed about migrant communities, which are less prone to crime and more likely to contribute positively to society.  Initiatives like Humane Borders represent nonpartisan, humanitarian efforts focused on human dignity and environmental responsibility amidst geopolitical complexities at the border.  Notable Quotes: “We're all human. We all need water.” - Laurie Cantillo “The government knew at the time that people would die, but did not expect it to occur at the scale that's happening.” - Laurie Cantillo “I would much rather have as my neighbor someone who would cross the desert to become a U.S. citizen than someone who just wants to slam the door shut on people in need.” - Laurie Cantillo  “The only fear I ever have at the border is from far right militia and vigilante groups.” - Laurie Cantillo “The wall will fall down of its own accord. Probably before I do.” - Chris Clarke Resources: Humane Borders Website: humaneborders.orgHumane Borders' mortality map: https://humaneborders.info/app/map.asp Border Angels: Organization mentioned that helps families find missing loved ones. Website: https://www.borderangels.org/ Comparing crime rates between undocumented immigrants, legal immigrants, and native-born US citizens in Texas; Light et al, PNAS.org, https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2014704117 Dive deeper into this episode to discover the revealing insights Laurie Cantillo shares about border issues, humanitarian crisis, and the heightened militarization impacting both human lives and biodiversity at the U.S.-Mexico border. Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    37 分钟
查看全部 100 集

预告片

4.9
共 5 分
48 个评分

关于

Join Chris Clarke and a variety of guests as they explore the challenges and opportunities of the American Southwest's fragile ecosystems. Engaging interviews with experts, activists, and advocates on conservation, land management, and environmental justice. Science and sentiment, politics and philosophy, hiking and history, culture and creativity all go into defending the desert. Be forewarned: We are out to recruit you to the cause.

信息

你可能还喜欢

若要收听包含儿童不宜内容的单集，请登录。

关注此节目的最新内容

登录或注册，以关注节目、存储单集，并获取最新更新。
选择国家或地区

非洲、中东和印度

亚太地区

欧洲

拉丁美洲和加勒比海地区

美国和加拿大
OSZAR »