Today, Matt is joined by Brett Jenks, CEO of Rare, a global conservation nonprofit that helps coastal fishing communities, smallholder farmers, and local leaders in 60+ countries build climate resilience through behavioral science and community-led solutions. Brett shares how Rare's Fish Forever program grew from three pilot communities in the Philippines to more than 2,000 communities across Indonesia, Brazil, Mozambique, the Bahamas, and beyond - putting 4 million hectares of the world's most biodiverse coastal ocean under sustainable management.
They discuss why climate adaptation has been underfunded for decades, why Bill Gates got it wrong in his recent climate memo, and why the real cost of inaction is a coming wave of climate migration that will dwarf anything we've seen. Brett also breaks down the three pillars of resilience Rare focuses on - financial, ecological, and social - and explains why helping a fisher get a bank account or a micro-insurance policy is as much a conservation tool as protecting the reef.
Check out Rare's work at rare.org
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GUEST BIO
Brett Jenks is the CEO of Rare, a global conservation nonprofit that uses behavioral science and community-led approaches to protect nature and build climate resilience. For over 30 years, he has led Rare's work across 60+ countries - including Fish Forever, the world's largest coastal fishery recovery effort - and co-chairs the Climate Migration Council, pushing for global policy solutions to climate displacement. He holds an MBA from Georgetown University.
EPISODE RESOURCES
ABOUT A CLIMATE CHANGE WITH MATT MATERN
A Climate Change with Matt Matern is a podcast dedicated to addressing the pressing issue of climate change while inspiring action and fostering a sustainable future. Each episode dives deep into the environmental challenges of our time, rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, and resource degradation, breaking down complex topics into digestible insights.
The podcast goes beyond merely raising awareness. It serves as a trusted resource for practical, actionable solutions that empower listeners to reduce their carbon footprint and drive change in their communities. With a strong focus on environmental science and expert perspectives, host Matt Matern brings influential voices to the forefront, highlighting innovative ideas and collaborative efforts shaping global sustainability initiatives.
More than just a source of information, A Climate Change is a movement. It builds a coalition of like-minded individuals committed to preserving the planet for future generations. Listeners are invited to participate actively in creating a legacy of positive environmental impact through informed decision-making and collective action.
The podcast, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube, provides a platform for science-backed discussions, global perspectives, and community building. Whether you want to learn about renewable energy, sustainable living practices, or climate policy, A Climate Change with Matt Matern equips you with the tools and knowledge to make a tangible difference. Tune in, take action, and join the fight for a brighter, greener future.
CURATED LIST OF EPISODES
If you enjoyed this episode of A Climate Change, here is a list of some recent episodes curated especially for you:
- Simulating the Future: How Climate Models Shape Policy Decisions with Andrew Jones [Link]
- How Personal Change Sparks Global Impact: Joshua Spodek's Sustainability Secrets [Link]
- Bill McKibben on Renewable Energy, Political Battles & Hope for the Planet [Link]
