In this episode, hosts Dr. John Izzo and Alain Gauthier engage in a conversation with youth climate activists Tony Passino and Sarah Hill from the organization Change the Chamber. The discussion revolves around the resurgence of youth activism on college campuses, particularly in relation to the climate emergency. Tony and Sarah share their personal journeys into activism and discuss the work their organization does in fighting the fossil fuel lobby by targeting the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and advocating for climate-friendly policies.

The conversation delves into the growing anxiety among younger generations about the future of the planet and the importance of finding hope and determination in the face of the climate crisis. The guests and hosts explore the power of intergenerational collaboration in addressing these issues, emphasizing the need for both younger and older generations to work together and hold each other accountable. They also discuss the upcoming collaborative events between Change the Chamber and Elders Climate Action, highlighting the significance of intergenerational solidarity in the fight against climate change.(June 11 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm EDT and June 25 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm EDT)

Tony is a passionate environmental activist currently working on his PhD. His journey into activism began after the passing of his grandfather, whose impact on the community inspired Tony to get involved. Initially focusing on tobacco control and vaping prevention, Tony eventually shifted his focus to environmental activism, which led him to work with Change the Chamber.

Sarah's activism journey started in middle school when they became concerned about the environmental impact of Styrofoam lunch trays used in the school they attended. Sara is a nonbinary climate activist who is a current Climate Fellow and the Outreach and Response Coordinator for Change the Chamber Lobby for Climate. They earned their Masters of Energy and Environmental Management this past May.

We would like to thank our newest sponsor, Elders Climate Action. They are dedicated to mobilizing elders to address climate change through education, advocacy, and action, ensuring a sustainable and just future for all generations. We would also like to thank Elders Action Network for co-sponsoring this podcast and supporting the voices we bring to these important conversations.

Welcome to this episode of The Way Forward Regenerative Conversations podcast, where we delve into transformative ideas and pressing issues that shape the future of humanity and our planet. Today, we explore the profound impact of nature on leadership and personal transformation. As we navigate through unprecedented global challenges, it is crucial to find new ways to lead and live, particularly for those of us in midlife and beyond.

Dana Carman, our esteemed guest, is at the forefront of integrating nature into leadership development. With over two decades of experience, Dana has guided countless leaders and their teams through transformative journeys, utilizing nature as a powerful tool for introspection and growth. His deep connection with nature and his 30-year friendship with our co-host Alain Gauthier enrich this conversation with unique insights and personal anecdotes.

Dana's journey in human and organizational transformation began in 1984. Since then, he has worked with leaders from more than 200 visionary organizations across five continents, including healthcare systems, multi-nationals, governments, and NGOs. Co-founding consulting firms like Clarion Consulting, Action Inquiry Associates, and Pacific Integral, Dana has pioneered development programs. Dana's company, Integral Consulting, specializes in guiding complex organizational change through an Integral Whole Systems Approach, helping clients achieve breakthrough results and cultivate cultures of agility, resilience, and trust. Dana and Joel Yanowitz run Wayfinding Leadership, a consulting firm dedicated to guiding leaders and teams through transformative experiences in nature, fostering greater alignment, authenticity, and effectiveness in facing contemporary challenges. His passions for telemark skiing, hiking, backpacking, and stand-up paddleboarding reflect his deep connection with the natural world, which he seamlessly integrates into his work.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsor, Elders Action Network, which is dedicated to building a movement of elders addressing social, governance, and environmental justice. Their missions align perfectly with our podcast's vision of empowering elders to make a meaningful impact.

Thank you for joining us today. Before we dive into this enriching conversation with Dana Carman, we will hear a few words from host Dr. John Izzo

How can we harness the power of activism to transform the environmental landscape and policy worldwide? Today we address this pressing question with Tzeporah Berman, whose life's work exemplifies the profound impact that dedicated activism can have on our planet's future. With a unique blend of direct action and policy advocacy, Tzeporah has navigated the complex interplay between grassroots movements and governmental strategies to spearhead sustainable change. Join us as we uncover the layers of her transformative journey and delve into the significant roles that activists play in shaping environmental policy.

We will explore Tzeporah's early encounters with activism and how these experiences set the stage for her later work influencing national and international environmental strategies. From standing in a logging blockade to sitting at negotiation tables, her story is one of passion, resilience, and an unyielding commitment to the environment. We'll also discuss the critical changes needed in global climate policy today and how each of us, especially our elders, can contribute to a legacy of a regenerative future for humanity and our planet.

Tzeporah Berman, is a celebrated Canadian environmental activist, author, and educator, whose influence has shaped both policy and activism across the globe. Known for her dynamic role in the 1992–93 logging blockades in Clayoquot Sound, British Columbia, Tzeporah has been a formidable force in environmental circles. She holds a BA with Honors from the University of Toronto and a master’s in environmental studies from York University, and she has been recognized with an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of British Columbia for her environmental advocacy.

She has served on British Columbia's Green Energy Task Force and Alberta's Oil Sands Advisory Group, providing strategic recommendations on sustainable energy practices. Currently, she teaches at York University, and is the International Director of STAND.earth and leads the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, focusing on global strategies to combat climate change. Tzeporah's work has earned her numerous accolades, positioning her as a leader and visionary in the environmental movement. Her Ted Talk “Quitting Fossil Fuels” has had over 2 million views.

We would like to thank our sponsor Elders Action Network and Elders Climate Action for their support.