In the latest—and first-ever crossover—episode of The Sustainable Angler, I had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Elizabeth Fly, Director of Resilience & Ocean Conservation at The Nature Conservancy and host of Conversing with Nature. This conversation was energetic, candid, and deeply insightful, touching on some of the most urgent environmental challenges facing our coastal communities.
From climate change and ocean acidification to nature-based solutions and sustainable business, this episode offers a holistic look at how we can work together to build a more resilient future for people, nature, and the outdoor industry.
Climate Change, Ocean Acidification & the State of Our Coastlines
We open the episode by discussing climate change and ocean acidification—two forces already reshaping coastal ecosystems around the world. Elizabeth shares what these shifts look like on the ground in South Carolina, where sea level has risen approximately one foot over the last century.
But it’s not only rising seas. We’re seeing stronger hurricanes, more intense rainfall events, periods of drought, and growing urban heat—all of which compound stress on natural systems and coastal communities. These impacts are no longer predictions for the future; they are realities today.
Nature-Based Solutions: What They Are and Why They Matter
One of the major themes we explore is the role of nature-based solutions in climate resilience. Too often reduced to a buzzword, nature-based solutions are powerful, proven strategies that use natural processes to protect communities and ecosystems.
Elizabeth breaks down several examples, including:
- Living shorelines that reduce erosion
- Marsh and oyster habitat restoration that absorbs wave energy
- Green infrastructure that reduces flooding and improves water quality
For businesses—especially those in the fishing and outdoor industries—embracing nature-based solutions can reduce risk, strengthen community relationships, and support long-term sustainability goals.
Ecosystem Resilience & the Business Case for Sustainability
A major highlight of our conversation is the link between ecosystem resilience and sustainable business. Healthy ecosystems support healthy economies, and that is especially true in coastal states like South Carolina.
We discuss the growing importance of aligning business strategies that reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions and with conservation science through frameworks like Science-Based Targets for Nature (SBTN) and Emerger Strategies’ new service offering: Nature Strategy & Science-Based Targets for Nature.
As companies face increasing pressure from retailers, regulators, and customers, nature strategies are quickly becoming just as essential as climate strategies.
Population Growth, Shoreline Erosion & the Need for Long-Term Thinking
South Carolina’s rapid population growth is creating both opportunities and challenges. Without long-term planning, development can accelerate shoreline erosion, reduce natural buffers, and increase vulnerability to storms and flooding.
Elizabeth offers thoughtful perspective on how communities and policymakers can work together to balance growth with conservation—a conversation that resonated deeply with our mission at Emerger Strategies.
Learning from Climate Research
One of the most fascinating parts of the episode is hearing directly about Dr. Fly’s climate research. Her work at The Nature Conservancy bridges science, community partnerships, and on-the-ground implementation to help coastal ecosystems adapt to a rapidly changing climate.
Her insights reinforce why nature-based solutions and collaborative planning are essential for building a resilient future.
Why This Episode Matters for Anglers, Business Leaders & Conservationists
This episode is full of valuable takeaways for anyone who cares about the outdoors—whether you’re an angler, conservation leader, outdoor industry professional, or coastal resident.
We explore:
- The science behind climate impacts on the coast
- How conservation and business can work together
- Practical examples of sustainable business and nature strategies
- Why long-term planning is essential for community resilience
- What nature-based solutions look like in action
This is a conversation rooted in optimism, awareness, and a shared commitment to protecting the places we love.
Listen to the Full Episode
If you’re interested in climate resilience, coastal conservation, or sustainable business, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Thank You
Special thanks to Elizabeth for everything she does to protect what she loves, and to everyone at The Nature Conservancy for protecting nature through conservation and for making our communities more climate resilient!
Available now on The Sustainable Angler and wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for listening, and if you like what you are hearing, please consider leaving a Rating & Review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
This episode is brought to you by Emerger Strategies, and A New Earth Project, the sustainability initiative of Atlantic Packaging.
