In this episode of "So Climatic," Cassandra talks with her father, Dick Thiel, a retired wildlife biologist, about his lifelong passion for nature and his perspective on the changing environment. Dick shares his experiences growing up in the 1950s and 1960s, witnessing the rise of environmental awareness and the impact of pollution and habitat destruction. He discusses his fascination with wolves and his dedication to their conservation, highlighting the importance of individual action and community engagement in creating positive change. The conversation also explores the challenges of balancing ecological concerns with the decision to have children and the importance of maintaining hope and curiosity in the face of an uncertain future.
Guest Bio:
Dick Thiel is a retired wildlife biologist from the WI DNR with a deep passion for nature and a wealth of knowledge about the environment and conservation. He’s also my dad.
Key Takeaways:
The importance of curiosity: Dick emphasizes the role of curiosity in driving his lifelong passion for wildlife and his dedication to understanding the natural world.
The evolution of environmental awareness: He shares his experiences of witnessing the rise of environmentalism and the impact of pollution and habitat destruction on wildlife populations.
The challenges of balancing ecological concerns with parenthood: Dick discusses his personal decision to have children in light of environmental concerns, highlighting the importance of responsible family planning and individual contributions to conservation.
The impact of human actions on wildlife: He shares his observations of the devastating effects of DDT on bird populations and the importance of advocating for change through community engagement and political action.
The interconnectedness of social and environmental issues: The conversation explores the link between social and environmental challenges, emphasizing the importance of addressing inequality and promoting sustainability to create a more just and resilient society.
The power of hope and individual action: Dick encourages listeners to maintain hope and take action to make a difference in the face of environmental challenges, highlighting the importance of individual contributions and collective efforts in creating a better future.
Relevant Links:
Book: The Population Bomb by Paul R. Ehrlich.
YouTube Video: Last man living in an iron lung.
Book: Banning DDT: How Citizen Activists in Wisconsin Led the Way by Bill Berry.
Organization: International Crane Foundation.
Organization: Mid-Continental Railroad Museum.
