Laurie Zuckerman

About Laurie Zuckerman

Posts by Laurie Zuckerman:

April 16 2026

From Bees to Forests: Growing Solutions for People and Planet with Mario Figus and Rajendrakumar V Saraf

As pollinators decline and cities heat up, two grassroots projects show how restoring nature can also restore lives—inside prisons and beyond.

Introduction

Across the world, pollinators are disappearing, cities are overheating, and biodiversity is shrinking. Yet in two very different corners of the globe—an Italian prison in Sardinia and an open correctional facility in India—solutions are quietly taking root.

In this Earth Talk, environmental engineers Mario Figus and Rajendrakumar V. Saraf share how beekeeping and dense micro-forests can revive ecosystems while offering something equally powerful: purpose and opportunity for people often left behind. Their message is simple but compelling—when we rebuild nature, we can also rebuild lives.

Key Insights

Pollinators as a Gateway to Restoration

Pollinators like bees are essential to food systems and biodiversity, yet their populations are declining due to habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change. Figus’s project tackles this crisis by creating pollinator gardens and beekeeping programs—starting in an unexpected place: prison grounds.

Inside a correctional facility near Cagliari, Italy, a once-unused strip of land has been transformed into a thriving pollinator habitat. Carefully selected for sunlight, wind protection, and biodiversity potential, the site now supports flowering plants and future beehives.

“Don’t be scared—bees can transform both ecosystems and lives.” Mario Figus

The project goes beyond conservation. It reconnects people with natural systems.
As Figus explains, “Don’t be scared”—a phrase that became the project’s name—captures both the fear of bees and the broader hesitation people feel toward change.

By reframing bees as allies rather than threats, the initiative opens the door to ecological awareness and hands-on learning.

Beekeeping Behind Bars: Skills That Matter

The beekeeping program is as much about people as it is about pollinators. Inmates participate in a structured training course combining theory and practice—learning bee biology, hive management, and honey production.

Participants are carefully selected, often based on their proximity to release or their vulnerability. The goal is clear: equip them with skills they can use to reintegrate into society.

“Many times these courses… keep their mind busy and give them freedom within prison life,” Figus notes.

Key Takeaways

Pollinator gardens and beekeeping restore biodiversity while teaching valuable life skills.
Prison-based programs can support rehabilitation through environmental stewardship.
Miyawaki forests grow 10× faster and are 30× denser than traditional planting.
Dense urban forests improve air quality, cool cities, and capture carbon.
Community partnerships make small-scale projects scalable and sustainable.

The program also builds confidence and responsibility. Inmates help construct hives in prison workshops, manage colonies, and eventually process honey in a purpose-built lab. Even small-scale production—starting with just five hives—creates a sense of ownership and achievement.

Today, over 300 inmates are involved in beekeeping projects across twelve prisons in Italy with three Rotary Clubs. Figus hopes that projects like this are replicated on a large scale.

The Eco Club Network and District 2080 are planning an in-person Rotary networking event to strengthen Rotary networks focused on environmental sustainability and connections, fostering broader collaboration among clubs and developing environmental projects on a larger scale, including major projects exceeding $2,000,000.

This is rehabilitation through nature: practical, dignified, and forward-looking. Figus adds, “I believe that if we combine our dreams and our ability to engage our fellow Rotarians, no challenge is insurmountable.”

From Concrete to Canopy: The Power of Miyawaki Forests

While bees restore ecosystems at a micro level, Saraf’s work focuses on transforming entire landscapes using the Miyawaki method—a technique for growing dense, native forests in small urban spaces.

In a large prison complex in Maharashtra, India, a two-acre plot is being converted into a “mini forest” with remarkable characteristics:

Up to 30 times denser than conventional plantations
Growth rates up to 10 times faster
Multiple vegetation layers, from ground cover to tall canopy

Dense forest project is being implemented on the land provided by Mr. Suhas Warke (IPS) Additional Director General of Police and Inspector General of Prisons and Correctional Services, Pune, Maharashtra. Rotary Club of Pune Tilak Road is executing the project handed over by Environment Avenue of RID 3131.

Unlike traditional tree planting, Miyawaki forests mimic natural ecosystems. Diverse species grow together, forming symbiotic relationships that strengthen resilience and reduce disease.

“The trees… have a symbiotic relationship. Their roots talk with each other,” Saraf explains.

This approach turns degraded or unused land into self-sustaining ecosystems within just a few years.

Cooling Cities and Capturing Carbon

Urban areas are increasingly affected by the “heat island” effect, where concrete and asphalt trap heat, raising temperatures and worsening air quality.

“The trees have a symbiotic relationship. Their roots talk with each other.” Rtn Rajendrakumar V. Saraf

Dense micro-forests offer a powerful countermeasure. They:

Absorb carbon dioxide more efficiently than sparse plantings
Improve air quality by filtering pollutants
Cool surrounding areas through shade and natural evaporation
Enhance soil health and water retention

Saraf highlights another benefit: oxygen production. During crises like COVID-19, the importance of clean air became painfully clear. Projects like these provide localized, natural solutions.

The result is not just environmental improvement, but healthier, more livable urban spaces.

Nature as Rehabilitation and Community Builder

Both projects share a deeper purpose: human transformation.

In India, inmates in an open prison actively plant and maintain the forest. Over time, they become stewards of the land, responsible for its growth and protection.

In Italy, beekeeping fosters patience, teamwork, and care—qualities that extend beyond prison walls.

When we restore nature, we create better environments—and better futures for people Rtn Rajendrakumar V. Saraf

These initiatives also build bridges between institutions and communities. Partnerships with Rotary clubs, environmental organizations, and local experts ensure long-term support and scalability.

The impact is both ecological and social. As Saraf notes, such spaces can become “very good… spots for enjoying life,” attracting visitors and reconnecting people with nature.

Practical Takeaways & Implications

These projects offer a blueprint for scalable, community-driven environmental solutions:

Start small, think big
A few beehives or a small plot of land can spark meaningful change. Both projects begin modestly but are designed to grow.
Design for local conditions
From wind protection in Sardinia to soil analysis in India, success depends on adapting to local environments.
Integrate people into the solution
Training, participation, and ownership are key. When people are involved, projects become sustainable.
Combine environmental and social goals
Restoring ecosystems and supporting vulnerable populations are not separate challenges—they can be addressed together.
Build partnerships
Collaboration with experts, institutions, and community groups ensures technical quality and long-term viability.

Ultimately, these initiatives show that environmental action doesn’t require perfect conditions—just creativity, commitment, and collaboration.

About This Earth Talk

Speakers:
Mario Figus – Environmental engineer specializing in soil and groundwater remediation; Rotary sustainability leader since 2002.
Rajendrakumar V. Saraf – Environmental engineer with 55 years of experience; Rotary District Environment Chair with 11 patents.

Date Presented:
16 April 2026

Links:

📖 Read the Blog

🎥 Watch on YouTube

🎧 Listen as a Podcast

April 10 2026

The Green Belt – Borders Separate, Nature Unites with Sabina Gärtner-Nitsche

A former Cold War divide is now a living corridor for biodiversity, climate resilience, and collaboration.

Introduction

Once a symbol of division, Germany’s former inner border has become a powerful symbol of unity—through nature. Stretching over 1,300 kilometers, the Green Belt traces the path of the old Iron Curtain, now transformed into one of Europe’s most valuable ecological corridors. In this Earth Talk, Sabina Gärtner-Nitsche shares how this historic scar is being restored into thriving wetlands, forests, and habitats.

Her message is both practical and hopeful: environmental action doesn’t require perfection—it starts with awareness, collaboration, and local engagement. By linking Rotary clubs with restoration efforts, the Green Belt is becoming more than a conservation project. It’s a model for how communities can turn past divisions into shared environmental solutions.

Key Insights

A Border Reclaimed by Nature

The Green Belt follows the former boundary between East and West Germany—once heavily guarded and largely untouched by human development. Ironically, this isolation allowed ecosystems to flourish.

“Borders once divided us. Nature now unites us.” Sabina Gärtner-Nitsche

Today, the corridor is a biodiversity hotspot, connecting habitats across landscapes and even national borders. It forms part of a much larger European Green Belt that stretches over 12,500 kilometers across 24 countries.

Rather than erasing history, the project preserves it. “It is not only the environment,” Gärtner-Nitsche explains. “It is also history, education, and a path to the future.” A healthy environment is a building block for world peace.

Wetlands: The Quiet Climate Champions

At the heart of the initiative is a focus on restoring wetlands—often overlooked ecosystems with outsized impact.

Drained marshes and degraded peatlands are being revived to store water, absorb carbon, and support wildlife. These areas act like natural sponges, reducing flood risks during heavy rainfall while also locking away greenhouse gases.

Key Takeaways

Germany’s Green Belt transforms a former border into a biodiversity corridor.
Wetland restoration boosts carbon storage and reduces flood risks.
One hectare can offset roughly 10 tons of CO₂ annually.
Partnerships with experts are essential for effective environmental action.
Small local actions can scale into long-term, systemic impact.

“We learned that wetlands are a game changer,” Gärtner-Nitsche says. “They help keep water in the ground and reduce the danger of floods.”

By removing water-intensive trees like spruce and allowing natural vegetation to return, restoration teams are bringing these landscapes back to life—often within just a few seasons.

From Carbon Footprint to Climate Action

One of the most practical aspects of the project is its connection to everyday behavior—especially within Rotary clubs.

Gärtner-Nitsche encourages organizations to calculate their carbon footprint, noting that an average club produces about 10 tons of CO₂ annually. Travel, food, and meetings are the main contributors.

Her solution is simple: reduce what you can, then compensate the rest.

“Wetlands are a game changer for climate and flood protection.” Sabina Gärtner-Nitsche

“One hectare of restored land can offset about 10 tons of carbon dioxide,” she explains. That means a single land purchase can effectively make a club carbon-neutral.

This creates a direct, tangible link between local emissions and global restoration—turning abstract climate goals into measurable action.

Collaboration Makes It Work

A key lesson from the project is that passion alone isn’t enough—partnerships are essential.

Early attempts to encourage clubs to start their own environmental projects stalled due to lack of expertise. The breakthrough came when Gärtner-Nitsche connected Rotary with environmental professionals already working along the Green Belt.

From cross-border wetland restoration to multi-country river projects, collaboration unlocks scale and impact. Rotary’s role becomes one of support—funding land purchases, contributing volunteer labor, and raising awareness.

“Find partners,” she advises. “That’s the best you can do.”

Hands-On Action Builds Connection

Beyond funding, the project emphasizes physical engagement with nature.

Volunteers help remove invasive or unsuitable trees, restore water flow, and maintain habitats. In just a few hours, small groups can accomplish work that would otherwise take professionals weeks.

“Small actions, done together, can transform entire landscapes.” Sabina Gärtner-Nitsche

These experiences create more than environmental benefits—they build emotional connection. Participants see the land change before their eyes, strengthening their commitment.

There’s also a personal dimension: donors can “adopt” restored land and even monitor it remotely through wildlife cameras. “You can watch what’s happening on your land while drinking your morning coffee,” Gärtner-Nitsche notes.

Practical Takeaways & Implications

The Green Belt offers a replicable model for community-driven environmental action. Its success lies in combining three elements: measurable impact, local engagement, and strong partnerships.

First, start with awareness. Use carbon footprint calculators to understand your organization’s environmental impact. Focus on practical reductions—carpooling, public transport, and plant-based meals can make a meaningful difference.

Second, think beyond reduction. Compensation through ecosystem restoration—whether wetlands, forests, or mangroves—creates lasting climate benefits. The key is choosing projects with proven ecological value.

Third, collaborate. Most communities already have environmental experts, NGOs, or government programs in place. Rather than starting from scratch, support and scale what exists.

Finally, make it tangible. Hands-on activities, storytelling, and visible results keep people engaged. Environmental work becomes more meaningful when participants can see and feel the impact.

As Gärtner-Nitsche’s work shows, sustainability is not about perfection—it’s about persistence. Small, consistent actions, when aligned with larger systems, can transform landscapes—and mindsets.

About This Earth Talk

Speaker: Sabina Gärtner-Nitsche
A Munich-born administrative lawyer at Germany’s Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, Sabina is a longtime Rotarian and former District Governor (2023/24), active in global health and sustainability initiatives.

Date Presented: April 2026

Links:

📖 Read the Blog

🎥 Watch on YouTube

🎧 Listen as a Podcast

🌱 Learn more / Project links

March 26 2026

Why Values-Based Banking Matters with Ivan Frishberg

Where your money sits matters more than most people realize. Banks quietly shape the economy—and the climate—through every loan they make.

Introduction

Most people think of banks as neutral institutions—places to store money, pay bills, or get a loan. But behind the scenes, banks play a far more powerful role: they play a role in where money flows in the economy

In a recent Earth Talk, Ivan Frishberg, Chief Sustainability Officer at Amalgamated Bank, pulled back the curtain on how banking really works—and why aligning your finances with your values is one of the most overlooked tools for climate action. His message was clear: your bank is using your money. The question is—what for?

Key Insights

Banking Is Not Neutral—It Shapes the World

Banks are often seen as passive financial intermediaries. In reality, they are active decision-makers. When you deposit money, the bank doesn’t simply store it—it lends it out to businesses, developers, and projects.

As Frishberg explains, “where that money goes is really the primary impact.”

This means your savings could be funding industries that are important to you like alternative energy, affordable housing, and community businesses.

Where your money goes is your impact—even if you don’t see it. Ivan Frishberg

The system is simple: banks take deposits, lend money at higher rates, and profit from the difference. But the consequences of those lending decisions ripple across society and the environment.

Two Powerful Levers: Money and Voice

Frishberg describes two key ways banks influence the world:

Their balance sheet (where money is invested or loaned)
Their voice (their influence in policy and public discourse)

The first is direct and measurable: loans, investments, and financial products shape real-world outcomes. The second is more subtle but equally powerful. Financial institutions carry weight in political and regulatory conversations.

Frishberg recalls that after joining a bank, his influence in policy discussions increased dramatically—not because his expertise changed, but because his institutional affiliation did. “It matters what banks say,” he noted.

Together, these levers make banks one of the most influential—and underappreciated—actors in climate action.

Measuring the Invisible: The Rise of Carbon Accounting

One of the biggest challenges in aligning finance with climate goals is measurement. How do you calculate the climate impact of a loan or investment?

To solve this, Frishberg helped lead the development of the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF), a global standard that allows financial institutions to measure the greenhouse gas emissions linked to their portfolios.

Key Takeaways

Banks shape the economy through lending—not just storing money
Your deposits fund real-world projects, including climate-impacting industries
Measuring financed emissions enables accountability in banking
Large banks prioritize scale; smaller banks can align with values
Choosing a bank is a powerful, often overlooked climate action

Today, institutions representing over $100 trillion in assets use this framework.

This shift is significant. It turns abstract financial activity into measurable climate impact—and creates accountability.

Banks can now:

Track emissions tied to their lending
Set reduction targets
Report progress publicly

It’s a critical step toward aligning the financial system with global climate goals.

Why Big Banks Struggle to Change

If values-based banking is so impactful, why don’t all banks adopt it?

The answer lies in how the system is structured.

Large banks are designed for scale and profitability. They spread risk across massive portfolios and tend to finance “everything” because diversification reduces risk and maximizes returns.

Frishberg describes this as a kind of “Swiss” neutrality: banks avoid making moral judgments about clients or industries.

Banks can be a force for good—or reinforce the status quo. Ivan Frishberg

But that neutrality comes at a cost. It makes it difficult for large institutions to say no to exposures that come with long-term or systemic risks.

In contrast, smaller or mission-driven banks often focus on specific sectors—like community development, clean energy, or social equity—and align lending with both financial and social impact.

Values-Based Banking: A Different Model

Values-based banks flip the traditional model. Instead of prioritizing growth and neutrality, they prioritize impact.

At Amalgamated Bank, nearly 40% of lending is focused on climate solutions, and over a quarter of loans support low-income or disadvantaged communities.

These institutions often:

Invest in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure
Support affordable housing and community development
Operate with transparency about where money is used

They are also part of global networks like the Global Alliance for Banking on Values, which promotes “triple bottom line” banking—people, planet, and profit.

Importantly, values-based banking doesn’t reject profitability. Instead, it redefines success to include long-term social and environmental outcomes.

Practical Takeaways & Implications

For individuals and organizations, the implications are both simple and powerful: your money is already shaping the world—you just may not see how.

Your bank is using your money. The question is: for what? Ivan Frishberg

When you deposit funds in a bank, that money becomes part of the bank’s lending pool. From an accounting perspective, it’s a liability—something the bank owes you—but in practice, it’s also a tool the bank uses to generate impact.

That means you have agency.

Here are practical steps to act on that insight:

Research your bank: Tools like Bank.green and B Corp certifications can help assess impact.
Ask questions: What industries does your bank finance? Do they disclose climate impact?
Consider switching: Community banks, credit unions, and values-based banks often align more closely with sustainability goals.
Align organizational funds: Nonprofits, businesses, and clubs can amplify impact by choosing aligned financial partners.
Use your voice: Encourage institutions you belong to—schools, employers, associations—to evaluate their banking choices.

As Frishberg emphasizes, financial decisions are part of change-making. Aligning your money with your values isn’t just symbolic—it’s structural.

About This Earth Talk

Speaker: Ivan Frishberg
Chief Sustainability Officer at Amalgamated Bank, Ivan leads ESG strategy, corporate responsibility, and climate-focused financial initiatives. He also chairs the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials.

Date Presented: March 2026

🎥 Watch on YouTube
🎧 Listen as a Podcast
📖 Read the Blog
🌱 Learn more / Project links: Bank.green, Global Alliance for Banking on Values, B Corp, Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials.

March 19 2026

From Waste to Watts with Mariana Rojas

Can we turn farm waste into clean energy for rural communities? Listen to how Mariana Rojas, a Costa Rican engineering student, is transforming organic waste into practical climate solutions.

Introduction

In rural communities around the world, two challenges often coexist: limited access to reliable energy and an abundance of organic waste. What if one could solve the other?

That’s the question driving Mariana Rojas, a materials engineering student in Costa Rica, whose work focuses on converting agricultural waste into clean energy through biogas and green hydrogen. Her approach is simple, practical, and deeply rooted in local realities—offering a model that could scale far beyond her country.

Key Insights

Waste Is an Untapped Energy Resource

Rojas begins with a striking insight: waste is not just a problem—it’s a missed opportunity.

On a typical farm, animal manure is produced daily in large quantities. Left unmanaged, it releases methane, a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide. Yet that same waste holds significant energy potential.

“Waste isn’t just a problem—it’s a powerful, untapped energy resource.” Mariana Rojas

“A single cow can generate enough waste to help cover a household’s daily energy needs,” Rojas explained during her Earth Talks presentation.

This creates a paradox: rural farms often struggle with energy access while simultaneously producing the raw materials needed to generate it.

From Manure to Biogas: A Circular System

At the heart of Rojas’s solution is a biodigester—a sealed system where microorganisms break down organic waste in the absence of oxygen, a process known as anaerobic digestion.

The result is biogas, primarily composed of methane, which can be used as fuel. At the same time, a nutrient-rich byproduct called digestate can be used as organic fertilizer.

This creates a circular system:

Waste becomes energy
Byproducts support agriculture
Environmental pollution is reduced

Unlike solar or wind energy, this system is not weather-dependent. As long as farms produce waste, they produce energy.

Going Further: Producing Green Hydrogen

Rather than stopping at biogas, Rojas pushes the concept further.

After purification, methane from biogas can be converted into hydrogen through a process known as reforming. When the source is organic waste, the result is considered green hydrogen—a cleaner alternative to fossil fuel-derived hydrogen.

Key Takeaways

Organic waste can be transformed into reliable, renewable energy for rural communities
Biodigesters convert manure into biogas while reducing harmful methane emissions
Green hydrogen adds value by expanding energy uses beyond direct fuel
Small-scale systems empower farms with local, decentralized energy independence
Collaboration is essential to scale solutions across regions and countries

c73fdd18-2c80-4949-a975-4a8bc8212526 - Mariana Rojas

This step increases the versatility of the system. Hydrogen can be used for:

Electricity generation
Industrial applications
Future clean fuel systems

By adding this layer, the project transforms a basic waste solution into a forward-looking energy platform.

Designed for Small Farms, Not Mega-Industry

A key strength of Rojas’s approach is its scale.

Rather than targeting massive industrial farms, the system is designed for small and medium-sized operations—common in countries like Costa Rica. In pilot projects, even a handful of animals can produce enough waste to power parts of a home or farm operation.

This decentralized model offers several advantages:

Lower infrastructure costs
Reduced transmission losses
Greater energy independence
Increased resilience in remote areas

As Rojas noted, “This is about using local resources to solve local challenges.”

Real Benefits—and Real Limitations

The system is not without challenges.

Initial investment costs can be significant, especially for biodigesters and hydrogen conversion systems. Proper training is also essential to manage gas handling and system efficiency.

“We are wasting energy while creating pollution. This project changes that.” Mariana Rojas

There are also broader considerations:

Larger-scale systems can face environmental and operational challenges
Methane leakage must be carefully managed
Waste treatment alone does not solve all impacts of livestock production

Still, these challenges are manageable with good design, education, and policy support. And at smaller scales, many risks are reduced.

Practical Takeaways & Implications

Rojas’s work offers a compelling blueprint for sustainable development—particularly in rural and underserved regions.

What makes this model powerful is its integration:

It reduces greenhouse gas emissions by capturing methane
It provides decentralized, reliable energy
It lowers costs for farmers
It creates additional value through fertilizer production

For communities without grid access, this can be transformative. In Costa Rica alone, thousands of households still lack reliable electricity despite the country’s strong renewable energy profile.

“Local resources can solve local challenges—and transform entire communities.” Mariana Rojas

Scaling this solution will require collaboration:

Universities for research and innovation
Governments for policy and funding support
NGOs and networks (like Rotary) for community implementation

The model is also adaptable beyond Costa Rica—to agricultural regions across Latin America, Africa, and Asia.

Ultimately, this is not just about energy. It’s about empowerment—giving communities the tools to turn everyday waste into opportunity.

About This Earth Talk

Speaker: Mariana Rojas
Materials Engineering student at the Technological Institute of Costa Rica, focused on biomaterials, clean energy, and rural innovation. She also mentors young women in STEM.

Date Presented: 19 March 2026

🎥 Watch on YouTube
🎧 Listen as a Podcast
📖 Read the Blog
🌱 Learn more / Project links: [Link]

March 12 2026

Nature: From Cells to Systems with Joanna Jurdi 12 March 2026

From the smallest cell to entire ecosystems, nature has refined systems that sustain life for billions of years. Biomimicry invites us to learn from those systems—and design our human world to thrive within them.

Introduction

What if the solutions to many of humanity’s biggest challenges—climate change, resource scarcity, and sustainable development—were already tested and perfected over billions of years?

According to architect and biomimicry expert Joanna Jurdi, nature offers exactly that kind of blueprint. Life on Earth has been evolving for roughly 4.8 billion years, developing complex systems that cooperate, adapt, and regenerate. Humans, by contrast, have existed for only about 300,000 years—a tiny fraction of that timeline. Yet the systems we’ve built often ignore the ecological wisdom embedded in natural systems.

Key Insights

Learning From Life’s Deep History

The story of life begins with the simplest unit: the cell. Early life forms evolved from basic prokaryotic cells into complex eukaryotic cells through cooperation among microorganisms. Evolutionary biologist Lynn Margulis demonstrated that many parts of modern cells—such as mitochondria—originated as separate bacteria that joined together in mutually beneficial partnerships.

For Jurdi, this ancient biological story contains a powerful lesson.

“Life evolved through cooperation,” she explains. “Different organisms came together, organized themselves, and created something more complex and resilient.”

“Life evolved through cooperation. Different organisms working together created the complexity we see today.” Joanna Jurdi

That principle echoes throughout nature—from microbial communities to forests—and offers a model for human systems as well. Instead of competition and fragmentation, nature relies on interdependence and shared function.

Biomimicry: Beyond Efficiency

The concept of biomimicry literally means “imitating life.” But Jurdi emphasizes that the field goes far deeper than borrowing shapes from plants or animals.

Biomimicry has three key dimensions:

Ethos – Respect for life and the goal of creating conditions that support living systems
Reconnect – Recognizing that humans are part of nature, not separate from it
Emulate – Applying nature’s strategies in design, technology, and governance

“Biomimicry is the conscious emulation of nature’s genius.”

Key Takeaways

Nature’s 4.8 billion years of evolution provide tested strategies for resilient design.
Biomimicry studies nature’s forms, processes, and ecosystems to guide human innovation.
Healthy ecosystems rely on cooperation, diversity, and circular resource flows.
Nature-inspired design can reduce energy use, improve water systems, and strengthen agriculture.
Rotary clubs can apply biomimicry principles to strengthen collaboration and community impact.
Complete Joanna Jurdi’s Biomimicry for Rotary questionnaire to reflect on your club’s systems. Email Programs@earthnetworkrotary.org for results.

Early forms of biomimetics focused on engineering—designing faster machines or stronger materials. Biomimicry, by contrast, seeks to align human innovation with nature’s deeper principles: circularity, cooperation, and resilience.

Designing Buildings Like Leaves

One example from Jurdi’s own architectural work illustrates how nature-inspired design can transform buildings.

While working on a residential project in Nigeria, her team studied tropical plant leaves. These leaves have waxy surfaces and curved shapes that allow them to shed heavy rainfall while managing heat and wind.

Inspired by this structure, the design incorporated:

Natural ventilation corridors
Shaded microclimates within the building
Green spaces that cool the surrounding air

The result was a building that requires far less artificial cooling, demonstrating how architecture can adapt to local climate rather than fight it.

Jurdi calls this principle the “genius of place”—designing in harmony with local environmental conditions.

Nature’s Water Innovations

Nature also provides remarkable solutions to water scarcity.

In the Namib Desert, a plant called Welwitschia mirabilis gathers moisture from fog and dew. Its leaves channel condensed water into the plant’s core, allowing it to survive in extremely dry environments.

By studying this process, engineers can design more efficient dew-harvesting systems for arid regions

“Biomimicry is the conscious emulation of nature’s genius.” Joanna Jurdi

Similarly, mangrove trees thrive in salty coastal waters by filtering salt through specialized root systems. Their natural desalination mechanisms could inspire future technologies that make freshwater production more energy-efficient.

“These organisms show incredible ingenuity,” Jurdi explains. “Nature has already solved many of the problems we face.”

The Power of Ecosystems

Perhaps the most profound lessons come from ecosystems themselves.

In a healthy forest, countless species work together in complex relationships. Pine trees create shade and microclimates. Oak trees enrich the soil with nitrogen. Herbs like rosemary attract pollinators that support the entire plant community.

No species exists alone. Every organism contributes to the system’s health.

Jurdi describes this as symbiosis—a defining feature of living systems. Beneath the soil, fungi networks connect plant roots in what scientists sometimes call the “wood-wide web.” Through these networks, plants share nutrients and even send warning signals about pests or drought.

The result is a resilient system where diversity strengthens survival.

“Nature never works as isolated parts,” Jurdi says. “Everything is connected.”

Circular Systems: Waste Becomes Food

One of nature’s most important lessons is that waste doesn’t exist.

Every output from one organism becomes a resource for another. Dead leaves feed soil microbes. Animal waste fertilizes plants. Nutrients cycle continuously through ecosystems.

Jurdi applied this principle to a farming project in Nigeria.

The farm integrates several interconnected components:

Fish ponds producing natural fertilizer
Water circulating through crops for irrigation
Azolla plants used as livestock feed
Organic waste converted into compost

Each element supports another, creating a closed-loop agricultural system that requires little external input.

Practical Takeaways & Implications

Biomimicry offers more than design inspiration—it offers a framework for rethinking how organizations, communities, and institutions function.

Instead of focusing only on reducing harm, biomimicry encourages leaders to design systems that actively create conditions conducive to life. That means understanding relationships, flows, and feedback loops in the same way ecosystems do.

For Rotary clubs, districts, and community organizations, this systems-thinking approach can help strengthen collaboration, resilience, and impact.

“In nature there is no waste—every output becomes a resource for another organism.” Joanna Jurdi

To support this reflection, Joanna Jurdi has created a short assessment tool titled Biomimicry for Rotary. The questionnaire invites Rotary clubs, districts, and teams to reflect on how closely their structures and practices mirror the principles of healthy living systems.

The purpose of the questionnaire is to serve as a reflective tool that helps bring clarity to how a Rotary club, community, or team functions. Using biomimicry methodology, it encourages participants to consider how cooperation, diversity, feedback, and circular thinking might inspire positive change in their own environments.

Rotary clubs and districts are invited to complete the form and explore how nature’s principles might strengthen their programs and partnerships.

Complete the Biomimicry for Rotary questionnaire.

For questions or to share insights from your club’s experience, contact: Programs@earthnetworkrotary.org

By learning from nature’s patterns—from cells to ecosystems—communities can discover new ways to collaborate, innovate, and regenerate the systems that support life.

About This Earth Talk

Speaker: Joanna Jurdi
Architect and biomimicry specialist with an MS in Biomimicry from Arizona State University. With over 15 years of experience in sustainable architecture, she focuses on designing regenerative systems that create conditions conducive to life.

Date Presented: March 12, 2026

🎥 Watch on YouTube
🎧 Listen as a Podcast
📖 Read the Blog
🌱 Complete Biomimicry for Rotary

February 26 2026

AI and the Ethics of the Earth with Tumpa Mostafa

As artificial intelligence reshapes climate decision-making, the values embedded in its code may determine the future of our planet.

From wildfire prediction to flood mapping, AI is becoming a powerful climate tool. But if it is programmed only to protect profits and human convenience, it may deepen the ecological crisis it aims to solve.

Introduction

In 2026, the phrase “climate change” can feel almost too small. In Canada, temperatures are rising at roughly twice the global average. Wildfires are no longer isolated events—they’re a season. Water insecurity affects the prairies and northern communities. Flood risks are increasing. These crises are interconnected, touching health, biodiversity, culture, and economic stability.

In response, governments and industries are turning to artificial intelligence (AI)—the most powerful analytical tool humanity has ever built. But writer and environmental advocate Tumpa Mostafa argues, before we hand over the keys to our planet, we must ask: What values are driving these systems?

AI doesn’t have values. It reflects the values we embed in it. Tumpa Mostafa

Her answer is both philosophical and practical: the future of AI must be ecocentric—grounded in the ethics of the Earth itself.

AI in a Warming Canada

Canada has emerged as a global AI leader, with research hubs in Montreal, Toronto, and Edmonton. AI systems are already:

Predicting wildfire ignition zones
Mapping flood risks
Tracking habitat loss
Optimizing power grids
Forecasting crop yields

These tools enable faster emergency responses and smarter planning. In many cases, they save lives.

Yet there is a paradox.

“We’re using a high-carbon tool to solve a carbon problem,” Mostafa explains. Training large AI models can consume enormous amounts of electricity and water. Data centers require constant cooling. The environmental footprint is real—and often hidden.

Key Takeaways

AI increasingly guides climate decisions, from wildfires to water monitoring.
Most AI systems prioritize human profit over ecological health.
Ecocentric ethics value ecosystems for their intrinsic worth.
AI reflects the values humans program into it.
A mindset shift can align technology with planetary boundaries.

Meanwhile, Canada’s proposed Artificial Intelligence and Data Act focuses primarily on economic growth and human safety. Those are important priorities, Mostafa acknowledges. But something is missing.

“The Earth is not a stakeholder in our AI policy,” she says. “That’s the glaring hole.”

The Anthropocentric Trap

Most AI systems today are built on an anthropocentric worldview—one that places human needs at the center.

Anthropocentrism sees nature primarily as a resource to manage for human benefit. In AI systems, this often translates into optimization for:

Efficiency
Profit
Cost reduction
Human comfort

If an AI is asked to maximize timber production, it may recommend clearing forests with ruthless efficiency. It will not automatically account for fungal networks in the soil or the migration of caribou—because those ecological relationships don’t show up on a financial balance sheet.

“We have taught this machine to see the world exactly as we have seen it in the past,” Mostafa says. “As something to be used.”

The danger? We risk reinforcing the same patterns that helped create the climate crisis in the first place.

The Ecocentric Flip

Ecocentrism offers a different lens.

Unlike anthropocentrism, ecocentrism recognizes that ecosystems—soil, water, forests, species, atmosphere—have intrinsic value. That means they matter not only because they serve human needs, but because they exist as part of a living whole.

We’re using a high-carbon tool to solve a carbon problem. Tumpa Mostafa

“A river is valuable not because it gives us electricity,” Mostafa says, “but because it is a river.”

Under an ecocentric framework, the question shifts from What’s good for people? to What’s good for the whole system?

Applied to AI, this shift could be transformative.

AI systems do not possess values. They reflect the values we embed in them. If we program them to prioritize ecological integrity—biodiversity, soil health, carbon sequestration—they will optimize accordingly.

“We are responsible for what values we embed in our AI systems,” Mostafa emphasizes.

What Would Ecocentric AI Look Like?

Imagine an AI system that measures success not just in dollars saved, but in biodiversity restored.

An AI that alerts a corporation not only when profits decline—but when the health of a local watershed drops by 1%.

An algorithm that must pass an ecological audit before being deployed by the government.

Mostafa proposes practical steps:

Mandate ecological metrics.
AI systems should report ecological return on investment, not just financial return.
Require transparency.
Companies should disclose the energy and water footprints of AI operations.
Embrace “slow AI.”
Rather than racing for market dominance, prioritize deliberate, ethical, sustainable development.

“Ecocentric AI is not about rejecting technology,” Mostafa says. “It’s about a mindset shift.”

Indigenous Knowledge as Guardrails

Ecocentrism is not new. Many Indigenous worldviews have long recognized humans as part of—not separate from—the Earth.

In Canada and globally, Indigenous communities have practiced forms of ecological stewardship for millennia. Traditional ecological knowledge emphasizes interdependence, reciprocity, and long-term balance.

The Earth must become a stakeholder in our AI systems. Tumpa Mostafa

Mostafa argues that this knowledge should serve as a guardrail for AI development.

“It’s long overdue for Indigenous communities to be meaningfully involved in climate planning,” she says. “It would only benefit the whole ecosystem.”

Bringing Indigenous perspectives into AI governance is not symbolic—it’s practical. These knowledge systems offer tested frameworks for living within ecological limits.

Two Possible Futures

Mostafa describes two diverging paths.

Path One: Anthropocentric AI

We use AI to squeeze more efficiency from an already stressed planet. Disaster prediction improves, but disasters intensify because root causes remain unaddressed.

Path Two: Ecocentric AI

We treat the Earth as the ultimate stakeholder. AI becomes a digital witness and partner in regeneration. It helps us live within planetary boundaries instead of engineering our way around them.

The choice is not technological—it is ethical.

And it is urgent.

Practical Takeaways & Implications

For Rotarians, nonprofit leaders, and professionals worldwide, the implications are tangible.

Ask value-based questions. When adopting AI tools, inquire about environmental footprint and design principles.
Support transparency initiatives. Advocate for disclosure of energy and water use.
Vote and lead thoughtfully. Encourage policymakers to integrate ecological metrics into AI regulation.
Choose aligned platforms. Seek technology providers committed to renewable energy and sustainability.
Keep humans in the loop. AI is powerful—but not infallible. Critical thinking remains essential.

Mostafa does not call for abandoning AI. She acknowledges it is already woven into daily life—from search engines to logistics systems.

Instead, she calls for collective responsibility.

“As Rotarians, we understand that service isn’t just a slogan,” she says. “It’s a commitment to the future.”

AI may be the most powerful tool humanity has created. The question is whether we will code it only for ourselves—or for the Earth.

About This Earth Talk

Speaker: Tumpa Mostafa
Writer and environmental advocate with a master’s degree in philosophy. She works at the International Institute for Sustainable Development and is active with ESRAG.

Date Presented: February 26, 2026

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February 26 2026

AI and the Ethics of the Earth: A Call to design AI that serves the whole ecosystem

Tumpa Mostafa brings an ecocentric ethics lens to AI, challenging human-first and showing how the values we build into technology today will shape our ecological future

26 February 2026 · Thursday · 15:00 UTC

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February 19 2026

Rotary Xperience and One Plate / One Planet

More than a conference–it’s a global epicenter of innovation, collaboration, and game-changing sustainable solutions. Join Steve Bender, Director of the US Green Chamber of Commerce.

19 February 2026 · Thursday · 15:00 UTC

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VA Habitat Solar Project Event - For-Web-1049

February 13 2026

Habitat for Humanity National Solar Program with Jeff Heie

As electricity prices rise and housing costs strain family budgets, a new national effort aims to ensure affordable housing is also affordable to operate. The Habitat for Humanity National Solar Program, led by Jeff Heie of GiveSolar, plans to bring solar power to 10,000 Habitat homes across the U.S. and Puerto Rico in the next five years—cutting bills, building resilience, and expanding clean energy access.

For decades, Habitat for Humanity has helped families achieve the dream of homeownership. But in today’s economy, owning a home is only part of the equation. The real challenge is affording to live in it.

“Housing affordability isn’t just about the mortgage,” Jeff Heie told Earth Talks. “It’s about what it costs to operate the home over time.”

That insight is driving a bold new collaboration: pairing affordable housing with rooftop solar to reduce energy burdens for working families. What began as a small pilot in Virginia has grown into a national initiative with a $40 million fundraising goal—and a vision to transform how affordable housing is built in America.

Energy Burden Is a Hidden Housing Crisis

Many low-income households spend between 10% and 20% of their income on energy bills—an “energy burden” that experts consider unsustainable. Habitat families typically earn 80% or less of their area’s median income, and many fall closer to 60%.

Meanwhile, electricity prices have climbed sharply. Since 2020, U.S. residential electricity rates have risen by roughly 35%. For families already stretched by rising food, insurance, and housing costs, every dollar matters.

Housing affordability includes what it costs to operate the home. Jeff Heie

Solar offers a practical solution.

In Virginia, GiveSolar’s pilot projects installed systems averaging 12 panels per home (about 4.8 kilowatts of capacity). After a year of monitoring, the results were encouraging:

Solar systems offset about 65% of annual electricity use.
Families saved an average of $73 per month.
Savings are projected to continue for 25–30 years.

The program’s national benchmark is ambitious: reduce homeowners’ electricity bills by at least 50%.

“If we can cut electricity bills in half, that changes lives.” — Jeff Heie

Practical Takeaways & Implications

Affordable housing must include operating costs. A lower mortgage may not help if utility bills are overwhelming.
Solar is financially viable today. The economics of solar clearly justify the up-front investment even for low-income households. Even modest systems can offset 50–65% of electricity use.
Local partnerships unlock scale. Habitat’s national network allows rapid replication once funding and proof points are established.
Flexible models expand access. Rooftop, ground-mounted, community, and plug-in solar options make adoption possible across varied regulatory environments.
New donor audiences are emerging. Environmentally focused funders are supporting affordable housing through a climate lens.

For communities, Rotary clubs, nonprofits, and civic leaders, the message is clear: solar isn’t a luxury add-on. It’s a practical tool for economic justice and climate resilience.

From Local Pilot to National Movement

The effort began in Harrisonburg, Virginia, where Heie launched GiveSolar in 2018 to help nonprofits access solar energy. Many nonprofits can’t directly benefit from federal tax credits, limiting their ability to install solar systems.

Partnering with a local Habitat affiliate in 2020, Heie raised $10,000 for the first solar installation. Encouraged by community response, the team set a $100,000 goal—and surpassed it within months.

A pivotal moment came when the American Institute of Architects contacted GiveSolar while planning a major headquarters renovation in Washington DC. Seeking to offset the “embodied carbon” (the emissions created by producing building materials), the organization donated $500,000 to install solar on Habitat homes in Virginia.

That investment funded 78 solar installations which were completed by December of 2025.

Momentum continued. In September 2025, GiveSolar formally launched the national expansion, aiming to serve 10,000 Habitat families in five years.

If we can cut electricity bills in half, that changes lives. Jeff Heie

The program now works through Habitat’s statewide support organizations to aggregate projects and negotiate better pricing. By batching installations—10 to 20 homes at a time—costs can be reduced through economies of scale.

So far, $3.8 million has been raised to support early-stage programs in multiple states, including Kansas, Minnesota, Alabama, Wisconsin, and Puerto Rico.

Multiple Pathways to Solar Access

Not every home can accommodate rooftop panels. That’s why the national program uses a flexible toolkit:

Rooftop Solar:
The primary focus—ideal for new builds and unshaded roofs.

Ground-Mounted Solar:
Used when rooftops aren’t suitable, though lot size can limit options.

Plug-In (Balcony) Solar:
An emerging, lower-cost system that plugs directly into a household outlet—no complex permitting or interconnection required in some states.

Community Solar:
Families subscribe to a shared solar farm and receive bill credits, useful where rooftop installation isn’t viable or utility rules are restrictive.

In states with unstable grids, such as Puerto Rico, battery storage may also be considered to improve resilience. However, where net metering (a billing system that credits solar customers at the retail rate for excess energy sent to the grid) is available, batteries aren’t always necessary.

The guiding principle is simple: reduce bills in the most practical way available in each region.

Convincing a Decentralized Network

Habitat operates through more than 1,000 local affiliates in the U.S., each with its own leadership and board. Adding solar can feel like one more complexity in an already challenging housing landscape.

Construction costs, land prices, and labor shortages already strain affiliates. Adding a $15,000 solar system requires additional fundraising and coordination.

Heie understands the hesitation.

“Habitat has so many barriers to overcome when it comes to building affordable housing,” he acknowledged. “Adding solar can feel like one more box to check.”

The solution? Reduce the burden on affiliates by providing project management support through the national solar program.

Empowering working families with solar savings. Jeff Heie

The national program provides technical assistance, solar screening, fundraising support, and data tracking. Early adopters serve as demonstration sites and proof of concept, with performance data shared statewide to cultivate interest and build confidence.

Importantly, solar funding is largely sourced from environmentally focused donors—new supporters who may not have previously contributed to Habitat. That alignment reduces competition with core home-building fundraising.

A Broader Vision of Equity and Climate Action

At its heart, the National Solar Program is about empowerment.

Solar panels not only reduce monthly bills; they protect families from future rate hikes. Over two decades, electricity prices have risen an average of 3% annually—sometimes much more.

For families without generational wealth, predictability matters. A lower, stable energy bill provides breathing room for groceries, healthcare, education, and savings.

The initiative has also drawn endorsement from national organizations including the American Institute of Architects and the Solar Energy Industries Association. Supporters see the model as a blueprint for integrating climate solutions into mainstream housing policy.

Heie sums up the mission in one line:

“Empowering working families with solar savings.”

If successful, the program could redefine what affordable housing means—not just lower upfront costs, but long-term financial resilience.

And for thousands of families, that means a roof overhead powered by the sun.

About This Earth Talk

Speaker: Jeff Heie, Founder and Director of GiveSolar. Jeff leads a mission-driven nonprofit expanding solar access for low-income households through partnerships with Habitat for Humanity.

Date Presented: February 12, 2026

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🌱 Learn more: GiveSolar | Habitat for Humanity National Solar Program

February 5 2026

Climate Action and Projects in the San Fracisco Bay Area

DeAnna Pursai will discuss impactful environmental projects and how ESRAG Big West is expanding a powerful network of supporters and sustainability initiatives

5 February 2026 · Thursday · 15:00 UTC

Due to a technical error, the recording from this session is unfortunately not available. If you are interested in the topic,

📖 Check out DeAnna’s presentation at her District Conference
🎥 Watch video DeAnna’s presentation to Rushton Hurley’s E-Club of Silicon Valley on YouTube