198: How a Plane Crash Inspired a Lifelong Mission to Defend the Ocean with Dr. Deborah Brosnan

What happens when the ocean - which covers over 70% of the planet - reaches its breaking point? Today we’re joined by Dr. Deborah Brosnan, a pioneering marine scientist and climate resilience expert, for a deep dive into nature-based solutions for coastal protection. Dr. Deborah Brosnan shares how surviving a plane crash became a pivotal moment that led her to dedicate her life to ocean science and climate resilience. She discusses the importance of nature-based solutions, the vulnerabilities of coastal communities, and the integration of science into real-world policy. She emphasizes the urgent need for applying scientific knowledge to protect ecosystems and communities facing rising climate threats. Oceanic issues have reached their peak, with primary ecosystems vanishing at a rapid rate. All that’s left is for us to spring into action! Want to boast to your friends about trees named after you? Help us plant 30k trees? Only a few trees left! Visit aclimatechange.com/trees to learn more. Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts. Watch the full conversation: https://www.youtube.com/@aclimatechange/?sub_confirmation=1 Dr. Deborah Brosnan Bio: A renowned expert in climate change, ocean science, and resilience, Dr. Deborah Brosnan currently serves as the President and CEO of Deborah Brosnan & Associates. As a visiting scholar at Stanford University and former board chair at UC Davis, she brings decades of experience in environmental science and nature-based solutions to climate challenges. Her groundbreaking work focuses on implementing sustainable coastal protection strategies, particularly in Caribbean nations, where she pioneers innovative approaches to coral reef restoration and coastal ecosystem preservation. With extensive experience advising public, private, and tech sectors, Dr. Brosnan has appeared on major media outlets including CNN, BBC, Fox, and Oprah. Her current work on nature-based solutions, particularly through the Ocean Shot project, demonstrates how natural ecosystems can provide cost-effective alternatives to traditional infrastructure for coastal protection, bridging the gap between environmental science and practical business solutions. Dr. Brosnan's pivotal contributions to understanding the relationship between ecosystem health and disaster resilience, particularly following the 2004 Southeast Asian tsunami, have helped reshape approaches to coastal protection and climate resilience globally. Her work provides essential insights for climate activists, policymakers, and business leaders seeking to implement effective, nature-based solutions to climate change challenges. More About Deborah Brosnan & Associates: Deborah Brosnan & Associates is a global science and strategy firm founded by Dr. Deborah Brosnan, specializing in solving urgent environmental risks and building long-term resilience. The firm works with high-net-worth investors, developers, governments, and NGOs on high-stakes, complex projects worldwide. From disaster-prone coastlines to sustainable, multi-billion-dollar developments, they deliver elite scientific insight and practical solutions. Their approach transforms risks into opportunities, always prioritizing actionable, results-driven strategies. With a strong belief in collaboration, the firm helps create resilient systems where people and nature can thrive. Episode Resources

• Dr. Deborah Brosnan on LinkedIn
• Deborah Brosnan & Associates Website
• Matt Matern on LinkedIn
• A Climate Change on Apple
• A Climate Change on Spotify
• A Climate Change on YouTube

More About A Climate Change with Matt Matern A Climate Change with Matt Matern is a podcast dedicated to addressing the pressing issue of climate change while inspiring action and fostering a sustainable future. Each episode dives deep into the environmental challenges of our time, rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, and resource degradation, breaking down complex topics into digestible insights. The podcast goes beyond merely raising awareness. It serves as a trusted resource for practical, actionable solutions that empower listeners to reduce their carbon footprint and drive change in their communities.