In this episode, hosts Molly Saruwatari and Joceleen (Joce) Oxley talk with Sierra Fowler, Vice President of Strategic Accounts at Climate Impact Partners, about carbon markets, climate justice, and community-centered climate action. Sierra helps us understand how carbon credits work, what kinds of projects can generate them—from forest protection and renewable energy to clean cookstoves and methane capture—and why community engagement matters when evaluating whether a climate project truly delivers on its promises. We also discuss career paths in climate strategy, sustainability, and carbon markets, along with the skills students can build to enter these fields. The episode closes with a conversation about climate anxiety, hope, and a call to action: Connect with your community, stay informed, and vote for climate-conscious leaders and policies.

CREDITS  

Guest: Sierra Fowler, VP of Strategic Accounts with Climate Impact Partners

Hosts: Molly Saruwatari  & Joceleen (Joce) Oxley

Script: Molly Saruwatari  & Joce Oxley

Editor: Elden Cadena 

Social Media Content: Molly Saruwatari  & Joce Oxley

Music: Marios Panousos 

Faculty Advisor: Anne Dabb  

Climate to Action: A CSUSM Student Podcast is advised by faculty from the Philosophy Department and the Environment Studies Program in the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences. Climate to Action is an initiative of the CSUSM Climate Action and Sustainability Center and is recorded at Inspiration Studios on the campus of California State University, San Marcos.


In this episode of Climate to Action, host Molly Saruwatari welcomes Dr. Roni Kay O’Dell, professor of political science at California State University San Marcos, for a conversation about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and their importance for climate action. Dr. O’Dell explains what the SDGs are, how they were developed through the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and why they matter as a shared global framework rather than just an international policy document. The episode also explores how governments, organizations, and diverse stakeholders helped shape the goals, and why inclusive global cooperation is essential in responding to climate change. Focusing on SDG 13, Climate Action, this conversation highlights the connections between climate, public health, migration, economic development, and global stability. Tune in to hear why meaningful climate action depends on working across nations, sectors, and disciplines—and why the SDGs continue to matter for building a more just and sustainable future.

CREDITS  

Guest: Dr. Roni Kay O’Dell

Host: Molly Saruwatari 

Editor: Elden Cadena 

Social Media Content: Molly Saruwatari 

Music: Marios Panousos 

Faculty Advisor: Anne Dabb  

Climate to Action: A CSUSM Student Podcast is advised by faculty from the Philosophy Department and the Environment Studies Program in the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences. Climate to Action is an initiative of the CSUSM Climate Action and Sustainability Center and is recorded at Inspiration Studios on the campus of California State University, San Marcos.

In this episode of Climate To Action: A CSUSM Student Podcast, hosts Joce and Saturn speak with Scarlett, co-president of the Environmental Stewards Association (ESA), about building sustainability and climate action at CSUSM. Scarlett shares her environmental passions, explains ESA’s mission, and discusses how the club helps care for campus spaces like the pollinator garden. The conversation also explores how ESA shapes student experience, what gets students excited about climate justice, and how campus communities can be part of the solution. Tune in for inspiration, community-centered action, and a reminder that climate leadership can start right where you are.

CREDITS  

Guest: Scarlett Moon

Hosts: Joceleen Oxley and Saturn Salama

Editor: Elden Cadena 

Social Media Content: Molly Saruwatari 

Music: Marios Panousos 

Faculty Advisor: Anne Dabb  

Climate to Action: A CSUSM Student Podcast is advised by faculty from the Philosophy Department and the Environment Studies Program in the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences. Climate to Action is an initiative of the CSUSM Climate Action and Sustainability Center and is produced at Inspiration Studios on the campus of California State University, San Marcos.