Sustainability – Insights from a fascinating researcher and social entrepreneur (Sparkr Podcast #17)

Sustainability coral reefs rrreefs

In nature everything is connected and whatever part of the ecosystem you pick, there are fascinating domino effects guaranteed. This interconnectedness of all the parts in a system is one characteristic of complexity - and complexity is omnipresent when you try to solve sustainability challenges such as climate change or save the fragile marine ecosystems.

How does a biologist deal with complexity? How can you?

As a matter of fact, we all deal with complexity every day in our professional lives even when we are not trying to solve a sustainability crisis.

Learning to understand and act in a complex environment is one key to success in today’s business environment. Complexity ranges from interpersonal relationships in the office, to multi-stakeholder projects all the way up to the ecosystems of the ocean or rainforests.

sustainability Ulrike Pfreundt corals rrreefs

So, if you’d talk to a scientist specialized in marine biology and coral reefs in particular, you might learn a lot about tackling complexity. I had the chance to talk to Ulrike Pfreundt who’s exactly that: an experienced marine biologist turning sustainability entrepreneur who wants to save the rapidly dying coral reefs all around the globe with innovative ideas and interesting technologies such as 3D printing.

As it turns out, we had a far ranging and insightful conversation about sustainability and how to move forward into a more sustainable future with technological and social progress, how to face complexity on this journey, how to communicate complex topics in a relatable and engaging way and of course we talked about her exciting new non-profit organization ‘rrreefs’ where she and her collaborators combine science, art and technology to build artificial coral reefs.

Get inspired by Ulrike

You can listen to this entire conversation in the latest Sparkr Podcast episode (Apple Podcast | Spotify | Soundcloud), benefit from Ulrike’s insights and get inspired by her work and vision.

sustainability rrreefs Ulrike Pfreundt climate change

You might be surprised to learn, how important coral reefs are. They are critical because 25% of all marine life is dependent on coral reefs, they protect coast lines of entire countries and all in all millions of humans depend on coral reefs directly or indirectly. Even though they only cover 1% of the ocean, their loss would have a disproportionate impact on us all. That’s complexity and interconnectedness right there!