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Novara Stories on the Edge

Novara Stories on the Edge

By: Veronica Lysaght
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About this listen

The Novara Podcast shares stories from coastal communities living on the frontline of climate change.

Hosted by Veronica Lysaght and Dr Nigel Jollands, the series centres on the voices of local people - fishers, community leaders, elders, entrepreneurs, families - who are adapting, responding, and building resilience as their environments change.

Rather than focusing on outside experts, each episode invites community members to tell their own stories: what makes their home special, what changes they’ve witnessed over time, how those changes affect daily life, and the local solutions they are proud of.

Recorded during the sailing journey of the expedition schooner Novara — from the UK to Africa, the Caribbean, the Arctic, and beyond — these are deeply human conversations about place, identity, challenge, and hope. Together with interspersed stories of adventures on Novara, these are in a very real sense, these are stories on the edge.

New episodes are approximately 20 minutes long and feature honest, participant-led conversations that contribute to the global climate dialogue by starting with lived experience.

2026 Veronica Lysaght
Science Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Kimberly & Leo, Petty Harbour, Newfoundland
    Mar 18 2026

    In this conversation, Kimberly and Leo from Fishing for Success discuss the history and current state of Petty Harbour, Newfoundland, focusing on the the effects of climate change, the impact of the cod moratorium and community advocacy for sustainable fishing practices. They share insights into their non-profit organization, which aims to reconnect youth with nature through fishing, and the importance of empowering women in the fishing community through their Girls Who Fish program.

    Keywords

    Petty Harbour, Fishing for Success, cod moratorium, sustainable fishing, climate change, community advocacy, Girls Who Fish, Newfoundland, youth education, food sovereignty

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    23 mins
  • Tom Lusink - Isle of Raasay
    Feb 25 2026

    Today we’re talking with Tom Lusink from the Isle of Raasay, West Scotland. The conversation explores the challenges faced by coastal communities, particularly regarding climate changes and housing shortages and the proactive measures taken by residents to address these issues. It highlights the resilience of communities that often take matters into their own hands when local government support is lacking.

    Keywords

    community resilience, housing solutions, coastal communities, self-reliance, social housing, local government, island living, community investment, housing crisis, community action

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    25 mins
  • Petra Grell-Shillingford in Dominica, Caribbean
    Feb 1 2026

    Today we’re talking with Petra Grell-Shillingford from Dominica. Our conversation explores the resilience of Dominica in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, focusing on agricultural initiatives, environmental changes, community adaptations, and the importance of mental health in recovery. Petra shares insights on how the island is diversifying its economy, the impact of climate change, and the innovative steps being taken at both governmental and community levels to build a sustainable future.

    Takeaways

    • Dominica's economy is primarily agrarian, focusing on sustainable agriculture.
    • Hurricane Maria had a devastating impact, leading to a complete rethinking of resilience.
    • The government is promoting replanting initiatives for coconuts and avocados.
    • Climate change is causing significant environmental changes, including rising temperatures.
    • Sargassum is a growing issue affecting local fisheries and communities.
    • Community-level adaptations include climate-proofing homes and investing in renewable energy.
    • Mental health is a critical aspect of recovery post-disaster.
    • The private sector is supporting climate resilience through loans for retrofitting homes.
    • Innovative agricultural practices are being adopted to cope with climate challenges.
    • The community is focused on building a sustainable future for the next generation.
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    21 mins
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