It’s Only Teenage Wasteland - Teaching Youth to Avoid Ecological Disaster with Green Teen Team

October 4, 2020

How to engage teenagers in the conservation movement.

Growing up amidst a pandemic, changing climate, mass extinction, and a scourge of pollution isn't easy. Teens today are faced with the monumental task of helping to shape a sustainable future, with the constant reminder of global tragedies weighing heavy on their minds. On this episode of Shaped By The Sea, host Brian Yurasits explores how teens across the globe are stepping up to the plate to address our planet's most important issues with Ellie Crisp, the Director of Green Teen Team. Ellie joins us from across the pond in Italy, sharing her experiences as an educator and insight into empowering teens to become champions of conservation. We discuss the flaws of education systems, why students shouldn't be afraid to pursue their dreams, and how we must address global problems with local solutions.

Show Transcription
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Brian Yurasits

A scientist - surfer- fisherman hybrid, Brian is on a mission to unite the world in protecting our planet's most valuable resource: a healthy ocean. At a young age, Brian taught himself how to surf while enjoying fishing on the weekends with his family. After spending time at NYU and Stony Brook University studying marine conservation and policy, Brian took to the sea as a fisheries observer where he documented the impact of industrial fishing on The Atlantic Ocean. The complex nature of the world's fishing industry has always fascinated Brian, especially the relationship between fishers and scientists. Brian realized that he could bridge the gap between these two historically combative groups, by bringing both to the table to discuss the future of fishing. Brian now finds himself working as Marine Mammal Rescue Community Outreach Manager at Seacoast Science Center in New Hampshire where he is facilitating the rescue and rehabilitation of marine mammals.