Shows
Dear ForestsEpisode 9: COP30 is in the Amazon ForestIn this special episode of the Dear Forests podcast, the host has an insightful and thought provoking conversation with Carlos, a Brazilian climate justice advocate and sustainability professional. The significance of COP30 being held in Brazil (specifically in the Amazon Basin) is monumental, especially given the rate of deforestation in one of the world's largest remaining natural forests. Discussions in this episode will be centred around how indigenous and local populations will be affected by the event; who might show up and why; the ways in which current geopolitical shifts may affect the outcomes; and how the relationship between...2025-05-2145 min
Dear ForestsEpisode 8: AI, Technology and DeforestationAfter a little break the Dear Forests podcast is back with a new episode on the impact of AI (Artificial Intelligence) and Technology on Deforestation. Together with Keng, we discuss how long AI has really been in our world; its capacity for both good and bad for forests; the impact of technology (hardware) on forests and the people that rely on them; and how we can move into living harmoniously with forests, people and the technological advancements made thus far.Some good-to-know definitions:Algorithm — A detailed instruction manual that tells a computer or...2025-05-0150 min
Dear ForestsEpisode 7: Ecolabels and GreenwashingWhen you walk into any shop today, whether it's the grocery store or a clothing store, you are confronted with so many labels on the products, some of which are supposed to be 'eco-labels'. In this episode we discuss what eco-labels are and aren't; how certain companies can get an eco-label and the challenges they face; tips for how you as a consumer can be a more responsible spender; and GREENWASHING!Some concepts of interest for you from this episode:Normative (by the government) — Relating to or dealing with certain standards.Proactive greenwashing — A fo...2025-04-0936 min
Dear ForestsEpisode 6: European Union (EU) Deforestation LawsFollowing last week's episode on international law, we thought it might be a good idea to introduce you to the idea of binding (compulsory) laws on deforestation. The European Union, better known as the 'EU', is a great case study for how laws can be imposed on a multi-state level in a more effective way. Of course the concept of the EU is very complex so the episode starts off with some of the basics about how it works and then we get into the current EU deforestation law that has been making waves in the media across the 27...2025-04-0233 min
Dear ForestsEpisode 5: International Laws on DeforestationLaws as we know them are used primarily to protect people and property, in this episode of the podcast we delve into how law is being used to protect forests on an international level. Professor Dr An Cliquet and Evi join the host to discuss what laws exist, whether or not they are effective, the trickle down effects into national law and EU law, as well as the role that indigenous people groups and other stakeholders have to play in the enforcement and implementation of laws.A few interesting terms for you:...2025-03-2723 min
Dear ForestsEpisode 4: Your Climate Anxiety is Ours TooThe first solo episode on this podcast will delve into 'climate anxiety' by exploring how the host became more climate conscious, what climate anxiety looks like in her personal life, the other emotions attached to this feeling, and how we can move forward from this as a global collective/community. Our aim is to give you a reflective experience on your own emotions surrounding the current climate crisis and how you experience it through the lens of your own lived experiences.**Sponsored by the WWF Belgium in collaboration with DGD (Direction...2025-03-2029 min
Dear ForestsEpisode 3: Fashion and DeforestationTogether with Sharifa Jamaldin from Fashion Revolution Belgium (FRB) we will discuss the impacts of the textile industry on the natural environment and garment workers in the Global South as well as how the production, use, and disposal of our clothing can have a devastating impact on our forests. We will also touch on how consumer behaviour is influenced by big marketing machines and debate potential solutions for our current dilemma.A few interesting terms for you to look over once again:Incinerate — Burn something beyond recognition (There is a new EU la...2025-03-1443 min
Dear ForestsEpisode 2: Food and DeforestationIn this second episode we start our deep dive into the specifics of things that impact deforestation, starting with our food. Marion Meyvis, the Head of Sustainable Sourcing and Product Marketing at Oxfam Fair Trade, will share more about how the coffee and cocoa industry influence levels of deforestation as well as what her and her company do to promote an alternative form of relationships with Global South farmers that make our coffee and chocolate products possible.The discussion does have a few slightly complex terms so I thought it best to share their...2025-03-0642 min
Dear ForestsEpisode 1: What is deforestation?This first episode of Dear Forests will cover all that you need to know about deforestation, the 'basics' if you will. Together with Tropical Forests Policy Officer Pieter Van de Sype from BOS+, we will define deforestation, explore its impacts on our climate and our daily lives, discuss important geolocations, and get to know different actors in the fight against deforestation.Pieter's overall focus is on the importance of forests for the wellbeing of local communities and a resilient global society in Climate, Cocoa, and Wood. His main work focus however is lobby and...2025-02-2828 min
Dear ForestsIntroduction: Welcome to Dear ForestsIn this episode of Dear Forests you will get a chance to hear more about the host and what motivated them to start this podcast as well as the background of the show and what will be covered in the next few months.Sponsored by the WWF (World Wildlife Fund for nature) Belgium in collaboration with DGD (Direction générale Coopération au développement et Aide humanitaire.**Since the publishing of this episode, there have been 9 confirmed as having passed on as a result of recent floods in B...2025-02-2707 min