The Energy Canvas with Celtic Dynamics
Biodiversity: Essential for Sustainability
Published: 5 January 2026 at 04:00 Europe/London
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Episode notes
Ireland's journey towards a sustainable future is impossible without addressing the catastrophic decline in biodiversity, which underpins our very existence and economy. We must stop treating nature as a remote ecological issue.
This episode explores how nature acts as our critical life support system from producing food and clean water to mitigating climate change through natural systems like bogs. We look at the misconceptions surrounding biodiversity, the tangible risks for businesses, and what practical, non-tokenistic actions can be taken today, especially for Ireland's endangered wild bee species.
Joining host Dylan Walsh is Professor Jane Stout, a leading expert on pollinators and ecology. Jane is a co-founder of both Nature Capital Ireland and the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, two initiatives that have transformed Ireland’s approach to protecting nature.
Things We Spoke About
Biodiversity is fundamental life support system
Misconceptions: Nature is not material
Biodiversity loss risks Irish agriculture
Thinking about risks and opportunities
Pollinators: One third of bees at risk
GUEST DETAILS
Professor Jane Stout is the Vice President for Biodiversity and Climate Action and Professor of Ecology at the School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin. Her expertise covers biodiversity and ecosystem services, natural capital, and pollination ecology. She is a co-founder and deputy chair of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan and a co-founder and former Chair of the Board of Directors for Natural Capital Ireland.
MORE INFORMATION
About The Energy Canvas Podcast
The Energy Canvas is brought to you by Celtic Dynamics, exploring the intersection of engineering innovation, sustainability, and business success in Ireland's evolving energy landscape. Each episode features conversations with industry leaders, researchers, and entrepreneurs driving real climate action and decarbonisation solutions.
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Have a question about energy systems, hydrogen technology, or want to suggest a future guest?
Contact us at www.celticdynamics.com or connect with Celtic Dynamics on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/celtic-dynamics.
This podcast is produced by DustPod.io, creating compelling audio content that drives conversation and action in the energy and sustainability sectors.
QUOTES
So, you know, we can't become sustainable long term in Ireland or anywhere without looking after biodiversity. - Professor Jane Stout
The risks and opportunities for businesses are linked very much to finances. It's just, you know, well, biodiversity is part of that. It's not separate, it's not nice to have. - Professor Jane Stout
As a university, the biggest thing we can do is integrate biodiversity into our teaching and our research and create a generation of graduates that are ready for the workforce. - Professor Jane Stout
KEYWORDS
Biodiversity, climate change, natural systems, pollinators, ecology, nature capital, Ireland, sustainability
