In the fourth episode of Earth to Research, titled “Planetary Health (Part One): Expelling Shell”, our colleague Lucy Sabin sits down with researcher, activist and educator Petra Verdonk for a powerful conversation on the deep connections between climate, health, gender and social justice.
Drawing on her work in planetary health and intersectional research, Petra reflects on how systems of patriarchy, colonialism, racism and extractivism shape both ecological destruction and human well-being. Together, Lucy and Petra explore what it means to rethink research in times of ecological crisis — and why universities and researchers must confront their relationships with industries driving environmental harm.
The episode also revisits the inspiring campaign at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam that led to the university cutting research ties with the fossil fuel industry, showing how collective action by researchers and students can create real institutional change.
Alongside these urgent discussions, Petra shares the story behind Colouring Connections — an innovative open-access activity and colouring book designed to help researchers engage with planetary health, gender and intersectionality in more creative and accessible ways.
This thought-provoking first part of the conversation challenges conventional ideas about neutrality in research and asks how academia can become more inclusive, courageous and responsive to the realities of the climate crisis.
Find and listen to all episodes of Earth to Research on:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/28S05gUCjiCW5Cczdg22j1
Podbean: https://earthtoresearch.podbean.com/