audio
Protecting People and Water in Mexico City
Protecting People and Water in Mexico City is a long-form radio documentary that explores watershed conservation in central Mexico and local leadership to protect this resource.
Mexico City faces increasing water stress. ~23 million people in the region rely on a rapidly depleting aquifer for 70% of their water. Overexploitation and watershed degradation is putting increasing pressure on the vital aquifer. The watershed that recharges the aquifer is known as the Bosque de Agua: the Water Forest.
The Water Forest is key to protecting Mexico City’s water resources, but few know about it. What media exists has followed Mexico’s water insecurity broadly or has focused on a controversial water transfer system known as Cutzamala.
Protecting People and Water in Mexico City brings attention to the importance of natural ecosystems in and around Mexico City, the interdependence of rural and urban communities, and the grassroots leaders who are leading work to preserve the vital watershed.
The piece aired on public radio stations worldwide and online through Public Radio International and Making Contact. Listen to the full radio documentary here.
Retaining Rondon: Creole Food in a Changing World
Retaining Rondon: Creole Food in a Changing World is a long-form audio documentary exploring the cultural and community impacts of environmental degradation on the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua -- through the lens of food.
Palm oil plantations, overfishing, and urban growth are impacting local food choices -- what people eat and how they express and connect to their culture through food.
Retaining Rondon: Creole Food in a Changing World was made possible by the Stanford Storytelling Project and a Braden Grant. The piece aired on public radio stations worldwide and online through Public Radio International and Making Contact.
River Roots
Almost fifty years ago, my grandfather Bob Doerr woke up before dawn and drove down a winding gravel road in southern Missouri to the Gasconade River. He slid his dark green fiberglass canoe into the water and with a gentle push of his oar he was off, not to return for a month. With my grandfather's 1971 river log in hand, I head back to the Gasconade River in southern Missouri to retrace a portion of his month-long canoe trip.
River Roots is a sound-rich, narrative audio diary about my trip on the Gasconade and my attempt to better understand my familial connection to the river. Local history and family stories shape us all. Shining a light on my own family and our connection to the Gasconade River helped me reflect on the roots that have inspired my life's work.
Reporting at COP21: The Paris Climate Conference
The COP Talks Series and Cities Can: Subnational Action at the Paris Climate Conference were recorded and shared at the 2015 UN Climate Conference in Paris (COP21).
COP Talks share daily reports on proceedings and brief reflections and interviews with various attendees. Cities Can: Subnational Action at the Paris Climate Conference explores the role of cities and states in climate action through interviews and discussions with senators, mayors, and other local officials from around the globe. These leaders share how we can truly 'think global, act local.'
The audio pieces are hosted on SoundCloud by Human Cities, a Stanford University initiative.