This week, Chris shifts focus to recommending several podcasts that align with the mission of desert protection and conservation. Marissa Ortega Welch’s “How Wild” challenges conventional perceptions of wilderness by exploring cultural narratives that shape our understanding of solitude in nature. With Emily Guerin’s investigative series, "California City," listeners uncover the tantalizing history and real estate tales of this less-known Mojave Desert town. Michael Elizabeth Sakas captivates audiences with "Parched," a series that unpacks the critical water shortages plaguing the Colorado River Basin. And Jennifer Errick from the National Parks Conservation Association's podcast The Secret Lives of Parks gets Chris and Luke Basulto out in the field to talk desert protection Highlighting gems from these productions, this episode celebrates the intricate beauty and significance of deserts in contemporary discourse.

Key Takeaways:

• Discover various perspectives on wilderness concepts with Marissa Ortega Welch in "How Wild," which critiques the cultural narratives surrounding solitude and wilderness.
• Explore the thrilling investigative journey of Emily Guerin's podcast "California City" to explore historical and ongoing real estate dynamics in the desert.
• Gain insights into the pressing water issues facing the Colorado River Basin with Michael Elizabeth Sakas' comprehensive series "Parched."
• Hear from Jennifer Errick and Luke Basulto on the newly designated Chuckwalla National Monument and the importance of connecting desert landscapes for better ecological health.

Resources:

• How Wild with Marissa Ortega Welch https://www.howwild.org/
• California City by Emily Guerin https://laist.com/podcasts/california-city
• Parched, Hosted by Michael Elizabeth Sakas https://www.cpr.org/podcast/parched/
• The Secret Lives of Parks, with Jennifer Errick https://thesecretlivesofparks.org/
• The Border Chronicle https:/theborderchronicle.com
• Desert Oracle https://www.desertoracle.com/radio/
• Desert Advocacy Media Network https://thedamn.org

Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles," Chris provides listeners with an update on the state of the podcast. Despite a minor setback due to illness, Chris emphasizes the importance of authentic desert protection content while previewing future episodes. The upcoming "Other Podcasts" episode (actual title to be determined) promises to feature recommendations on influential podcasts like "The Border Chronicle," known for its in-depth analysis of border and migration issues.

Key Takeaways:

• The update explains a brief hiatus in regular programming due to the host’s bad cold and resulting voice issues.
• Upcoming episodes in the pipeline include feature recommendations for other podcasts related to desert protection and advocacy.
• Chris provides a sneak peek into "The Border Chronicle," a podcast focused on the U.S.-Mexico border and related issues.
• The newly redesigned 90 Miles from Needles podcast website aims to enhance user experience and engagement.
• Personal note shared on Chris's dog Heart undergoing cancer surgery, with an emotional appeal to listeners.

Resources:
The Border Chronicle (https://www.theborderchronicle.com/)
90 Miles from Needles Podcast Website (https://90milesfromneedles.com)
To donate to 90 Miles from Needles, text "needles" to 53-555

Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode Summary:

In this extensive episode of "90 Miles from Needles," host Chris Clarke dives into the controversial Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating Station project in the Mojave Desert. He examines the ecological impacts of this large-scale solar project, highlighting the tension between renewable energy and biodiversity preservation. Chris discusses the unforeseen consequences on local wildlife, particularly the endangered desert tortoise and avian species, as a consequence of this project. Through a blend of personal narrative and investigative journalism, he offers insights into the ongoing debates over habitat disruption by renewable energy initiatives. The episode continues to chronicle the story of Ivanpah, offering an in-depth analysis of bird mortality rates caused by the solar project's thermal technology. Clarke provides a critical examination of the response from environmentalists, regulatory agencies, and the public to the Ivanpah plant's adverse effects. He contrasts the utility of renewable projects against their ecological costs, challenging the notion of desert landscapes as barren wastelands. Clarke's passion for desert conservation is evident as he reflects on both personal experiences in the Ivanpah Valley and the broader implications of unchecked industrial progress on these fragile ecosystems. Key Takeaways: Large-scale renewable energy projects like the Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating Station can have significant negative impacts on local wildlife, including endangered species. There is a crucial need for evaluating the ecological costs of industrial projects against their purported benefits. Conservation often finds itself at odds with technological advancements. Biodiversity preservation should be prioritized even in areas deemed suitable for renewable energy; this requires balancing climate change goals with ecosystem integrity. Economic and technological advancements can abruptly shift narratives and outcomes, as seen with the affordable availability of photovoltaic panels influencing Ivanpah's future. Continuous advocacy, investigative journalism, and public awareness are vital in halting potentially damaging industrial projects but might not solely suffice without economic shifts.

Notable Quotes:

"Are we really so bereft of wisdom that we see this beleaguered but beautiful stretch of ancient desert as nothing more than a blank spot on the map?"

"In the Ivanpah Valley, a place that, though radically altered by the hands of industry, is still precious, still alive, well worth being defended from further unnecessary and destructive change."

"The split happened even within groups…few people fought harder to keep the Ivanpah solar power plant from being built than a handful of Sierra Club members."

"The Ivanpah plant should never have been built."

"Photovoltaics are just cheaper. That's essentially what will force Ivanpah to shut down."

Listen to the full episode for an eye-opening exploration of the challenges facing desert conservation amid the push for renewable energy. Stay tuned for more insights from "90 Miles from Needles" as we continue to discuss critical environmental issues affecting desert regions.

Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.