A bespoke Podcast Series for the Caribbean!
Our Podcast Series, CESaRE Voices, will bring to you the latest research and interviews from leading academic, NGOs and industry visionaries across the Caribbean. This unique Podcast Series is just another way that CESaRE is opening up access to high-quality research coming out of the region.
We need you however!
These podcasts come at a heavy cost for our growing but young NGO and we need your support to keep them going! If you would like become a patron of CESaRE, you can easily join our Monthly Donor Club in just a few clicks. If you have a Caribbean based credit card, please join as a Monthly Donor through our Patreon page below.
Listen to our latest Episodes today
Episode 26 | Building AI Capacity in the Caribbean: Education, Innovation, and Sustainability
Join us as we explore how the Caribbean is positioning itself at the forefront of AI for sustainability and development.
In this episode, host Jelani Blake talks with Dr. Curtis Charles, Director of Academic Affairs at UWI Five Islands Campus, about the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Caribbean. Together, they explore key takeaways from the recent AI Research Conference, highlighting how AI is helping policymakers make smarter, data-driven decisions 📊 and advancing climate resilience through innovative approaches like Forecast-Based Financing ⛈️
Dr. Charles also shares insights on how the region is building its AI capacity, focusing on educational programs and partnerships fostering local talent and driving sustainable innovation.
🔊 Credits: Hosted and produced by Jelani Blake, curated by Dr. Ariel T. Thomas, with support from Afia Boney.
CESaRE Voices is brought to you in partnership with the Barbados Environmental Conservation Trust
🎙️🌊 #AI #Sustainability #CaribbeanInnovation #ClimateAction
Episode 25 | Caribbean Coral Reefs: Innovation in Rehabilitation
In this episode of CESaRE Voices, host Jelani Blake engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Doug Marcy, founder of the Caribbean Coral Restoration Center (CCRC), and Randy Cinski, CCRC’s Operations Manager. 🌱💧 Together, they unpack the science and urgency behind coral reef restoration in the Caribbean—essential to sustaining the region’s biodiversity, fisheries, and coastal communities.
Discover how the CCRC spearheads cutting-edge efforts to rehabilitate coral ecosystems, from innovative restoration techniques to policy initiatives. 🌍 Dive into the role of coral reefs as natural barriers against climate change and rising sea levels, and explore what actions are necessary to safeguard these vital resources for future generations.
This episode offers valuable insights for scientists, environmental advocates, and policymakers across the Caribbean, providing a blueprint for regional conservation efforts that ensure long-term sustainability. 🌿🔬
Join us as we highlight the critical need for collaboration, innovation, and community-driven solutions to restore coral reefs and foster a sustainable Caribbean. 🎧💡
🔊 Credits: Hosted and produced by Jelani Blake, curated by Dr. Ariel T. Thomas, with support from Afia Boney.
CESaRE Voices is brought to you in partnership with the Barbados Environmental Conservation Trust
Episode 24 | From Vulnerability to Resilience: A Humanitarian Perspective on SIDS
Join host Jelani Blake in this special episode of CESaRE Voices as we delve into the critical issues of sustainability and climate adaptation for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) 🌴, in the context of the recent SIDS 4 Conference.
Our distinguished guest, Mr. Regis Chapman, Representative and Country Director of the World Food Programme (WFP) Caribbean Multi-Country Office, brings invaluable insights from the world’s largest humanitarian organization 🤝
We explore the unique challenges and opportunities for SIDS at the SIDS 4 Conference, highlighting WFP’s efforts to combat food insecurity and build resilience in Caribbean communities 🌾
Additionally, we uncover innovative approaches to humanitarian aid in the face of evolving global challenges 🌐
Tune in to understand how WFP’s initiatives are helping to transform vulnerability into resilience across the Caribbean. Don’t miss this timely and relevant discussion that bridges policy, science, and community action 🌟
🎙️ Credits: This episode was narrated and produced by Jelani Blake and curated by Dr. Ariel T. Thomas.
CESaRE Voices is brought to you in partnership with the Barbados Environmental Conservation Trust
Episode 23 | Renewable Energy Revolution: Solar Power in the Caribbean
🌞On this episode of CESaRE Voices Podcast, host Jelani Blake engages with Leslie Hufstetler, CEO of Infinigen Renewables, 🌱the Puerto Rico based renewable energy company, operating on utility-scale, commercial, and industrial projects. Join us for this enlightening discussion on solar energy in the Caribbean!
In this episode, we will navigate through the challenges and opportunities for transitioning to sustainable energy in the Caribbean. The potential to revolutionize the Caribbean’s energy landscape is immense, with lots of untapped opportunities.
🔆Mr. Leslie Hufstetler explains the operations of Infinigen Renewables and their mission to contribute to a cleaner alternative of energy generation in Puerto Rico and the wider region.
So, whether you’re a seasoned renewable energy enthusiast or simply curious about the untapped potential of solar power, tune in to CESaRE Voices Podcast as we illuminate the path towards a sustainable energy future in the Caribbean and beyond.
🎙️Credits: This episode was narrated and produced by Jelani Blake and curated by Dr. Ariel T. Thomas with additional assistance from Afia Boney🌍
CESaRE Voices is brought to you in partnership with the Barbados Environmental Conservation Trust
Episode 22 | Cultivating Resilience: Sustainable Agriculture in the Caribbean
Join host Jelani Blake and award-winning environmental journalist Daphne Ewing-Chow on the latest episode of CESaRE Voices Podcast!🎙️
In this insightful discussion, we delve into the realm of sustainable agriculture in the Caribbean, exploring innovative approaches to empower farmers and combat the challenges posed by climate change🌍
👩🌾Daphne Ewing-Chow shares invaluable insights highlighting the need for shifting attitudes towards indigenous crops.🌾 Discover how embracing these traditional staples is not only preserving cultural heritage but also fostering more resilient and sustainable agricultural systems across the region🌿
Tune in as we explore the path towards a greener, more sustainable future for Caribbean agriculture!🎧 To dive deeper into this topic, check out Daphne’s Forbes article 🌱 and initiatives by the Barbados Environmental Conservation Trust.
CESaRE Voices is brought to you in partnership with the Barbados Environmental Conservation Trust
Episode 6 Part 2| Lessons from Sub-Saharan Africa
Can research and data access transform the energy sectors of the Caribbean?
The discussion continues with Dr Rebekah Shirley about the importance of research and access to data while assessing the state of energy reform in the Caribbean.
Episode 6 Part 1 // Lessons from Sub-Saharan Africa
Can the Caribbean adopt renewable energy integration concepts from Sub-Saharan Africa?
Dr Rebekah Shirley converses on the integration of renewable technology and system design in Sub-Sharan Africa to find new ways to look at power infrastructure and creating new pathways in the energy sector growth.
Episode 5 // Policy
How effective are environmental policies in the Caribbean?
Dr Kalim Shaha discusses what policies are and how policies are designed, assessed, implemented as well as the steps needed to be improved in order to serve the community as best possible.
Episode 4 // Knowledge Sharing Among SIDS
How can the Caribbean improve knowledge sharing?
James Ellsmoor, founder of Virtual Island Summit talks about the different ways environmental knowledge is shared throughout the SIDS and discusses the challenges faced.
Episode 3 // Can Electric Cars Revolutionise the Caribbean?
Can electric cars assist the Caribbean in the quest for carbon neutrality?
Malaika Masson, Senior regional energy specialist at IDB discusses the diversification of energy in Jamaica by working with the government, aiming to achieve 30% of renewable energy by 2030 and the challenges of transitioning the fossil-fuel dominated industry to electric vehicles.
Episode 2 // Is Caribbean Academia Doing Enough
Are first-hand interactions the key to receiving the qualifications for the working industry?
Despite the different backgrounds in the science industry, CEO Jason Robinson (SolarBuzz Jamaica), Lisa Ann Fraiser, and Data Scientist Jamie Clery talk about the commonality in the incorporation of direct synergy with the industry and the academic curriculum in order to give students the necessary requirements for jobs in their field of study.
Episode 1 Part 2 // Environmental Economics and Agriculture
Conservation promoting economic development?? Are virtual simulations the future to agricultural production?
Professor Peter Sherman talks about the implications of conservation and tourism working hand in hand to aid in understanding the impacts of coastal degradation will have on the economy. Dr Dale Rankine converses on the use of crop simulation modelling to assess agricultural issues to improve crop quality and quantity in the hope that it can add to economic growth. Nakita Poon Kong discusses her work with Mustique’s coral reef restoration off the coast of the Mustique island.
Episode 1 Part 1 // Climate Change and Renewable Energy in the Caribbean
Is the Caribbean “fit” to fight Climate Change? What does it take to fully transition to a clean energy economy?
Our host Jelani Blake discusses with Professor Michael Taylor on the Caribbean’s fight against climate change through voice amplification in advocacy and navigating through research. Dr Randy Koon Koon viewed the renewable energy potential in the Caribbean and the factors that need to be considered in order to make a full transition.
