Listening to Nature in a Digitally Unequal World

In a world racing to monitor forests, wildlife and climate impacts with cutting-edge technology, millions of people still lack the basic digital tools and connectivity needed to benefit from or contribute to these efforts. This episode explores how digital exclusion affects communities, environmental data and the ability of countries to respond to climate change. Host Rachael Barza speaks to Reina Otsuka, Global Lead, Digital for Nature and Climate for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) about the “digital fault lines” shaping today’s climate and nature agenda, and what it will take to close them. The episode also examines the new and creative tools emerging across the EBRD regions, including Palmear, a startup using acoustic technology to monitor tree health. While such tools offer powerful new ways to “listen” to nature, the episode explains how they can only create impact if digital infrastructure and inclusion keep pace. This episode is supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the United States of America via the EBRD’s Star Venture programme.