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AMPLIFY
Environmental Videos
Similar to the issue of climate change itself, our videos featuring a range of environmental issues span the entire globe, from investigating the damaging effects of sea level rise on small island nations like Kiribati to exploring the systemic disparities of the District's tree canopy.
Kiribati - Fighting To Stay Afloat
Kiribati is one of the first countries that will go under water because of climate change. Although New Zealand has attempted to grant visas to the so-called “climate refugees”, the people of Kiribati believe that only through international action against global warming can their nation be saved.
Dry Spell: The Water Crises in the U.S.
Across the U.S., minority communities are facing water crises amidst a global pandemic. In this episode, Hannah Sturgis details how lack of access to clean water and environmental racism go hand in hand. Along the way she speaks to activists from Navajo Nation and Flint, Michigan on how this crisis happened and whether it is an easy fix. Currently, President Biden has promised to focus on communities like Flint in the new infrastructure bill but help for Navajo Nation may take a more direct action.
CSOs and the Potomac River
The Potomac River is the source of drinking water for millions of people in the DMV area, but it's highly polluted. One main cause of pollution in the river comes from CSOs, or combined sewer overflows. During heavy periods of rainfall the pipes can become overwhelmed, causing a mix of sewage and storm water runoff to deposit into the Potomac. Who is being affected most by this? What can we do as residents to help this problem?
Producing Plastic Problems
America produces plastic without regard for the consequences. The health effects of plastics and their production endangers all American citizens. However, some Americans are more at risk than others.
Undercovered: Beneath the Capital’s Tree Canopy
Trees are immensely important to the well-being of humans living in cities, and yet not all residents have equal coverage under their city's canopy. In Washington D.C., like so many American cities, the city's trees shade whiter and wealthier residents disproportionately, depriving many of the benefits that trees provide. This is due to an intersection of factors, including history, environmental racism, and prejudiced government procedures.
Equity for All: Diversity in Sustainability
Unpack the myth that diverse youth are simply uninterested when it comes to pursuing sustainability. Speak with executives of the Greening Youth Foundation, an Atlanta-based nonprofit focused on connecting underrepresented youth and young adults to careers in conservation and Dr. Tara Scully, Director of GW’s Sustainability Minor.
Closer Look: The New England Clean Energy Connect
Central Maine Power has partnered with Hydro-Quebec in order to bring hydropower to Maine and New England. The project promises to bring clean energy, cheaper energy costs, and new jobs to Maine, yet many Mainers have their reservations. In this episode of Closer Look, we explore the controversies surrounding the NECEC.
The Cannabis Carbon Footprint
A recent study out of Colorado State University found that growing cannabis indoors can have a severe environmental impact. With marijuana legalization on the rise in the United States and the Biden Administration emphasizing climate-forward policies, there is an opportunity to introduce regulations which can support a legal marijuana industry while ensuring environmental accountability. Special thanks to Hailey Summers and Evan Mills for their insights on the cannabis industry and its carbon footprint.
It’s a Green-ish World
In this episode of “It’s a Green-ish World,” Samantha Ross discusses all things Corporate Social Responsibility and Starbucks’ commitment to sustainability at-large. Listen more to hear stories from past baristas as well as the history of how Starbucks became one of the most successful, environmentally conscious brands around the world.
The SpaceX Dilemma
In May 2020, SpaceX launched its first rocket to the International Space Station in partnership with NASA. It marked the first time that a privatised company - headed by CEO Elon Musk - launched a commercially manned spacecraft from the US, and spearheaded a new age of space exploration. But as we reach further towards the stars, what have been the sustainability efforts into place to ensure these recent launches are safe for the people and land on Earth? I speak with Dr. Andrew Geller, Director of National Programs at the EPA and look closer at the environmental impact of space exploration and what is being done to combat this.
Recycling and Environmental Justice
We explore why recycling is important to environmental justice through the lens of the Appeal Solid Waste Facility in Calvert County Maryland.
NFTs and the Environment
NFTs are the latest tech craze reaching the art world, with thousands of transactions taking place every day. But while buying and selling these NFTs may seem innocuous, these transactions take a huge toll on our environment. In this video, we explain the basics of how an NFT works and why they burn so much energy.
Unpacking the Truth of the Meatpacking Industry
In this news video, I explore the detrimental environmental impact of the meatpacking industry by looking at one small town woman's story of the way pollution from the improper disposal of animal waste ruined her family's land, drinking well, and peace of mind.
American Bodies: Mental Health Concerns Due to California Wildfires
On this episode of American Bodies, we take a look at how the California wildfires has lasting effects on not only the environment, but on the residents. Due to the uncertainty around the fires, many Californians live in fear for their homes, family, and livelihood. Professionals and longtime residents explain how these fires have an impact on mental health.
Cleaning Algeria
Algeria. 44 million people call Africa’s largest country home, with 2 million square kilometres nestled in the North of the continent, but with just 1% of its territory being covered by water. With so little water resources for so many people, the problem is obvious: Rivers and coastal waters are being submerged with trash. But that challenge is being met with force, and Adel Ayadi is leading the way with his organisation “Make Algeria Clean Again”. Make Algeria Clean Again, a team of 15 volunteers with Ayadi as their founder, was created in 2014. Their initial goal? Organize plastic cleanups. But they soon realised that their vision for Algeria is much greater.
Nuclear Power Plants: Risk and Reward
In 1979, the biggest nuclear incident in U.S. history occurred at Three Mile Island, a nuclear power plant near Middletown, Pennsylvania. Now more than four decades later, Three Mile Island is being decommissioned, following the recent trend of U.S. nuclear plant shut-downs. On this episode of Tech-splained, I talk to Scott Sklar of the GWU Environmental and Energy Management Institute and Linda Gunter from Beyond Nuclear to understand the risks and rewards of using nuclear power as a carbon-free energy alternative. Is nuclear energy a viable solution to climate change, or is it another environmental disaster waiting to happen?
Eye to Isla
Just off the coast of Cancun, Isla Mujeres is a beautiful island. However, only 4 miles long and ½ a mile wide, the island is very small and as a result is struggling to contain all the trash it produces. In this video, Isabelle explores the trash issue on Isla Mujeres and interviews local resident, Pia Fernandez, about her thoughts on the problem.
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