Our Hen House is thrilled to welcome Kate Wall, Senior Legislative Manager for the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), to the podcast this week. Kate give us an overview of her work lobbying at the federal level and provides a detailed breakdown of the worsening biodiversity crisis and what can be done to limit it. The bottom line is that we are losing wild species at an unprecedented rate that is simply too fast for evolution to keep up with, and there is still far too little attention being paid. Kate also shares her legislative priorities, some possible upcoming good news and her passion for educating people about the inextricable links between humans and wildlife—including zoonotic diseases and pandemics.
Since adopting a kitten from her local SPCA at the age of two, Kate’s love and compassion for animals have been an unwavering pillar of her life. While working toward an undergraduate biology degree in Philadelphia, Kate pursued her love for animals by working as a veterinary technician and volunteering at a wildlife rescue facility. Kate now serves as IFAW’s Senior Legislative Manager for the US office, presenting wildlife and habitat conservation, wildlife trafficking, and appropriations priorities before Congress. Her skills and knowledge of the strategic legislative framework are anchored in both experience and a never-ending commitment to ensure the wellbeing animals, humans, and our shared ecosystems.
“There is a false belief held by people in all levels of society, from individuals all the way up to decision-makers, that there is a dichotomy, that it’s a sort of a zero-sum game. You either protect the economy or you protect the environment. But actually, the majority of our economy is based on the environment.” – Kate Wall
Highlights:
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This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World. A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org.
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Don’t forget to tune into Our Hen House’s other two podcasts: The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and The Animal Law Podcast.
The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.
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