Animals affected by climate change are showing us how fragile our ecosystems have become. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, host Andrew Lewin speaks with Dr. Helen Killeen, a marine ecologist whose research connects seabird reproduction to shifting ocean temperatures, prey diversity, and climate pressures across the northern hemisphere.

Animals affected by climate change, from seabirds in the Arctic to those in the Pacific, serve as living indicators of ocean health. Helen explains how changes in prey diversity and warming oceans disrupt seabird breeding success, what this means for food webs, and why protecting biodiversity can help stabilize marine ecosystems. She also shares her journey from high-school science teacher to marine researcher, revealing how curiosity and adaptability are essential traits for anyone working to protect our planet.

Link to study: https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-025-02717-z

Link to Farallone Institute: https://www.faralloninstitute.org/

Link to seabird page: https://seabirds.faralloninstitute.org/

Marine Conservation Projects are driving real wins: green sea turtles downgraded to least concern in many regions, North Atlantic right whales showing a small but meaningful uptick, and a new vaquita calf sighting offering hope. In this episode I explain the common thread behind these stories, targeted local projects, science monitoring, and laws that actually get enforced, and I share practical ways you can support the people doing the work.

From night patrols that protect turtle nests to whale disentanglement teams and community programs in Mexico that replace gillnets, you will hear how volunteers, NGOs, scientists, and agencies are collaborating. I also share simple options for listeners, micro-donations, monthly support for field teams and students, and amplifying calls to action, so your contribution compounds over time.

Bill Gates and Climate Change have become a trending topic after the billionaire philanthropist argued that the world is too focused on cutting carbon emissions and not focused enough on improving human welfare. In this episode, I unpack what Gates said, why it caused such a reaction, and how his argument connects to decades of work in climate justice and climate equity.

Many climate justice organizations have long emphasized that people struggling with hunger, illness, or poverty cannot prioritize environmental action until their basic needs are met. Gates's claim—that people fighting to survive won't care about climate change—has reignited a long-standing debate: should the global focus be on saving people now or saving the planet long-term? I explore what this means for climate policy, philanthropy, and how we communicate solutions for ocean and human health together.

You'll also hear how these conversations tie back to ocean conservation, coastal communities, and the delicate balance between adaptation, mitigation, and justice.