Join us on The Billion Insights Podcast as we welcome Dr. Mary Trudeau, a renowned environmentalist over 30 years of experience. Dr. Trudeau shares her incredible journey from a childhood by the Ottawa River to managing critical water infrastructure and becoming a passionate advocate for our planet.Discover the interconnectedness of our environment, the profound impact of climate change, and the surprising ways our actions, big and small, influence the health of our planet. Dr. Trudeau breaks down complex concepts like carbon footprints, green infrastructure, and the delicate balance of ecosystems, offering a fresh perspective on how we can reconnect with nature and create a sustainable future.Learn about the remarkable recovery of London's Thames River, the challenges of urban water management, and the exciting potential of sponge cities. Don't miss this insightful conversation packed with practical wisdom and a call to action for a more environmentally conscious world.Timestamps:0:00 - Welcome to The Billion Insights Podcast and introduction of Dr. Mary Trudeau1:01 - Dr. Trudeau's childhood, growing up by the water, and the path to engineering2:52 - Discovering civil engineering and connecting with a love for water resources5:08 - Understanding Climate Change: Its causes, impact, and the interconnectedness of our environment9:01 - What is a Carbon Footprint? Measuring our impact and the need for sustainable choices.10:42 - The Effectiveness of Awareness Campaigns: Are we getting better at managing water and pollution?14:06 - Hidden Water Problems: From pharmaceuticals in our water to the impact of urbanization17:45 - Why Can't We Just Desalinate Seawater? The challenges and consequences of large-scale solutions21:00 - The Unforeseen Consequences of Green Technology: Wind farms and the disruption of natural processes24:55 - Electric Vehicles: Are they truly a sustainable solution? Exploring the full environmental impact28:53 - Overpopulation or Overconsumption? Addressing the real drivers of environmental strain.31:16 - The Neom Project: Building a city in a straight line - Is it a viable idea?33:23 - How Climate Change Affects Urban Water Infrastructure: Heat islands and the water cycle34:57 - What is Green Infrastructure? Integrating nature into urban environments for a sustainable future37:29 - The Thames River: From Biologically Dead to Cleanest River in the World.41:45 - Lessons from the Thames: Giving nature space to recover and the power of collective action44:53 - The Interconnectedness of Ecosystems: Lessons from mosquitoes and the importance of balance47:10 - A Message for Those Unknowingly Contributing to Environmental Problems: Reconnect with nature50:59 - Dr. Trudeau's Children's Book: "The Tale of Two Planets" - Inspiring wonder and appreciation for Earth53:20 - A Day in the Life of Dr. Trudeau: Balancing teaching, consulting, and advocating for our planet54:24 - "Instant Insights": Rapid-fire questions reveal Dr. Trudeau's personal preferences and perspectives1:06:26 - The Best Advice Dr. Trudeau Ever ReceivedConnect with Dr. Mary Trudeau:Website: https://www.marytrudeau.ca/Book: "The Tale of Two Planets" - https://www.ataleoftwoplanets.com/TEDx Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/mary_trudeau_get_the_river_systems_right_and_the_fish_will_do_the_rest?subtitle=en🎧 Listen To #TheBillionInsights On Spotify and Apple Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1JlSmPAMrdoFHEJfIKfY4q https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-billion-insights/id1755082121 ✅Subscribe to "The Billion Insights" for more intriguing episodes. https://www.youtube.com/@TheBillionInsights?sub_confirmation=1 Don't forget to like, share, and leave your comments below. Let's embark on a journey of discovery together! 🌍✨