No Economies Without Biodiversity: Why Our Markets Rely on the Complexity of Nature with Thomas Crowther

No Economies Without Biodiversity: Why Our Markets Rely on the Complexity of Nature with Thomas Crowther

There is only one known planet in the universe capable of meeting humanity's needs – Earth. And yet, our understanding and appreciation of the underlying complexity that makes it function remains limited. If we were able to grasp the transformative potential of biodiversity – specifically how it relates to biocomplexity – how might we change our behavior?

In this episode, Nate is joined by ecologist Thomas Crowther to discuss the critical importance of biodiversity as an intricate web of life that supports all other living beings, not just through the sheer number of species, but because of the complexity of interactions within ecosystems. Thomas highlights the power of data in empowering individuals to make informed choices that positively impact nature, and the critical need to address inequality in order to foster ecological recovery.

Could the power of data and knowledge catalyze humanity into valuing biodiversity for the sake of preserving ecological stability? How do local communities and initiatives play a key role in revitalizing productive ecosystems, and how can we change our patterns of consumption to better support them? And perhaps most importantly, if we come to understand the critical interconnectedness of the biosphere, might we finally rediscover our place within it, as one species among millions fostering life on this Blue-Green Earth?

(Conversation recorded on April 15th, 2025)

About Thomas Crowther:

Thomas Crowther is an ecologist studying the connections between biodiversity and climate change. He is chair of the advisory council for the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, as well as the founder of Restor: an online, open-data platform for the global restoration movement. He was also a professor in the Department of Environmental Systems Science at ETH Zurich, where he started Crowther Lab, an interdisciplinary group of scientists exploring how global-scale ecological systems interact to regulate the climate. In 2021, the World Economic Forum named Thomas a Young Global Leader for his work on the protection and restoration of biodiversity.

Show Notes and More

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Arthur Berman: "Oil: It Was The Best of Fuels, It Was The Worst of Fuels"

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Dr. Shanna Swan: "Sperm and Our Future"

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On this episode we meet with one of the world's leading environmental and reproductive epidemiologists, Dr. Shanna Swan. Dr. Swan discusses how chemicals in our environment threaten human hormones, male sperm count, and ultimately, human reproduction. How do endocrine-disrupting hormones disrupt pregnancy? Further, she explains "The 1% Effect," which accounts for the 1 percent annual decrease in human fertility and related functions. To combat the urgent threats facing human reproduction, Dr. Swan offers recommendations about how we can avoid harmful chemicals — and live healthier lives. About Shanna Swan Shanna H. Swan, Ph.D., is one of the world's leading environmental and reproductive epidemiologists. She is Professor of Environmental Medicine and Public Health at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City where is also a member of the Transdisciplinary Center on Early Environmental Exposures and the Mindich Child Health and Development Institute. For Show Notes and Transcript visit: https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/episode/02-shannaswan

12 Jan 202243min

Richard Gephardt: "Democracy: Old School vs New Reality"

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On this episode we welcome the Honorable Richard A. Gephardt to explore the challenges and opportunities present in our modern democracy. In his first-ever podcast appearance, Leader Gephardt details what he believes to be the primary challenges facing the United States today. He explains the conflict of interest between the business plans of social media platforms, civil society, and functioning democracy. He contrasts 9/11 and the Iraq war to current polarization and Jan 6 episode, as well as discusses what he's doing to help work toward solutions. Gephardt additionally explains the importance of civic engagement, the importance of public service, and why he feels encouraged by the care that younger generations display for climate change and democracy. About Richard Gephardt Richard Gephardt is an attorney, author, lobbyist, and politician who served served 28 years in the United States House of Representatives. He is the President and CEO of the Gephardt Group, where he works to inspire a new understanding of citizenship based on activism to bring about economic, social, and political change. Gephardt previously served as the United States House Majority Leader (1989-95) and House Minority Leader (1995-2003). He is the author of three books, including An Even Better Place and The American Immigrant: The Outsiders. For Show Notes and Transcript visit: https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/episode/01-dickgephardt

12 Jan 20221h 5min

Trailer

Trailer

The Great Simplification with Nate Hagens is a podcast that explores money, energy, economy, and the environment with world experts and leaders to understand how everything fits together, and where we go from here. As we reach peak fossil fuel use, we'll need to adapt new, simpler ways of living. The Great Simplification with Nate Hagens explores the problems facing humans, helps us understand how we got here, and looks ahead to where we go. Featuring conversations with world-class experts including doctors, economists, and scientists. Find out more: http://thegreatsimplification.com

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