Nature Calling: The Guide for Aspiring Changemakers to Forge Sustainability & Climate Change Careers

Hosted by Scott Poynton

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Oct 2026

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About the show

Do you feel the urgency of climate change but can’t find your way into meaningful work that matches your passion? Nature Calling is the guide for aspiring changemakers to forge sustainability and climate change careers guided by their unique values. Listen to discover: • Why feeling so lost in the world of climate change anxiety is actually pointing you toward your ideal career path • My top lessons you need to know about finding your way in sustainability careers, so you can make your unique impact in the world • What 40 years of frontline sustainability work teaches you about finding your way and staying found Scott Poynton has spent 40 years in the field across more than 35 countries, pioneering sustainability breakthroughs and protecting millions of hectares of forest and the livelihoods of millions. Scott has created this podcast because the next generation of changemakers needs what he’s learned, and the world needs them. Nature Calling is released twice weekly, with new episodes every Tuesday & Thursday. Tune in to discover how to find your sustainability career path - hit play and listen now.

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November 5, 202617 min

#95. Forest Therapy 5: Ways the Pleasures of Presence Help You Reconnect With Nature

What if the key to feeling more connected to nature and yourself was simply learning to be present? In our busy lives, it's easy to get caught up in constant thinking, rushing from one task to another, and experiencing the world primarily through our eyes. But what happens when you slow down, tune into your body, and engage all your senses? In this episode of Nature Calling, discover the beautiful forest therapy invitation known as The Pleasures of Presence . Through a gentle guided experience, you'll explore how to reconnect with your body, become more aware of your surroundings, and find moments of calm wherever you are. Whether you're sitting in a forest, relaxing at home, or taking a break at the office, this invitation encourages you to pause and rediscover the world around you. In this episode, you'll discover how to: Reconnect with your senses: Explore how listening, smelling, tasting, touching, and observing can help you become more present in your surroundings. Find calm amid a busy day: Use gentle breathing, body awareness, and mindful observation to slow down your thoughts and experience relaxation. Deepen your connection with nature: Experience a playful imagination exercise that invites you to see the world through the eyes of a small forest bird and appreciate your connection with the natural world. Give yourself 10–15 minutes to experience this gentle invitation and discover the simple joy of being fully present. Tune in to this episode of Nature Calling and experience the Pleasures of Presence for yourself.

November 3, 202616 min

#94. The Ten Steps That Will Launch Your Sustainability And Climate Change Career

What does it really take to build a meaningful career in sustainability and climate change? Breaking into the sustainability and climate change space can feel overwhelming. With so many possible paths, opportunities, and challenges, how do you know where to start and which direction to take? The answer isn't necessarily having the perfect qualifications, landing the ideal job, or having your entire career mapped out. In this episode, discover the 10 steps I've followed throughout my life to build a successful sustainability and climate change career. From understanding your personal values and identifying what truly drives you to trusting your instincts, gaining real-world experience, and stepping forward when opportunities arise, these lessons can help you find your path and make a meaningful impact. You'll also discover why learning to recognize resonance and dissonance in your body can help you make better career decisions, and why taking action is often more important than waiting until you feel completely ready. In this episode, you'll learn: How to discover what truly drives you: Understand your core values and identify the environmental or climate issues that genuinely ignite your passion, giving you a clear sense of purpose and direction. How to recognize the right opportunities: Learn to navigate using resonance and dissonance, trust your instincts, and recognize when a career opportunity aligns with who you are. How to create opportunities and build credibility: Discover why gaining practical experience, experimenting with different opportunities, and stepping forward can help you develop the skills, reputation, and connections needed to grow your career. Whether you're just starting out, considering a career change, or looking for a renewed sense of purpose in your current role, these 10 steps will give you a practical framework for moving forward. Ready to build a sustainability and climate change career that aligns with your values and makes a real difference? Tune in to discover the 10 steps and start creating your own path today.

October 29, 20267 min

#93. Forest Therapy 4: What a Walk in the Woods Can Teach You

These forest therapy sessions are here because finding your sustainability career path is not just an intellectual exercise. It requires calm, connection and the ability to hear your own inner compass. Nature gives us that. So come with me and let’s explore. Time to step away from the noise and into the forest, dial into your intuition and let it guide you to your sustainability and climate change career goals. What if a few quiet moments in nature could help you slow down, reconnect with yourself, and see the world around you differently? In this episode of Nature Calling , join a peaceful forest walk to observe the remarkable rhythms of nature, from beech seed pods bursting open to insects exploring spruce cones. These small details reveal a forest that is constantly changing, growing, and preparing for the next generation. Through forest therapy and mindful breathing, you'll be invited to pause, appreciate the natural world, and reflect on the importance of self-care in a busy life. You'll also hear observations about the effects of climate change on mountain forests, including how rising temperatures may be influencing seasonal changes and affecting spruce trees. You don't need access to a forest to experience the benefits of this practice. Whether your special place is a garden, the seaside, or somewhere you can simply close your eyes and imagine, there's an opportunity to stop, breathe, and rest. In this episode, you'll discover: How to practice forest therapy anywhere: Use mindful observation and imagination to reconnect with nature, even when you can't visit a forest. Why small details matter: Notice the seeds, cones, and seasonal changes that reveal the extraordinary life and resilience of forest ecosystems. How to make self-care part of your day: Create space to pause, breathe, and recharge, even when life feels busy and overwhelming. Take a few minutes for yourself, listen to this peaceful forest reflection, and discover how reconnecting with nature can bring a little more calm and awareness into your everyday life.

October 27, 202613 min

#92. How Nature Helped Me Find Meaningful Work - and a 40-Year Sustainability Career

How can spending time in nature help you find meaningful work and build a career that makes a lasting difference? In this episode, I share how nature connection has guided me throughout my 40-year sustainability career, helping me find clarity, follow my inner compass, and stay committed to protecting the natural world. From a childhood sanctuary beside a pond in rural Australia to a life dedicated to sustainability and climate action, my experience has taught me that connecting with nature is about much more than relaxation. It can help us discover what matters most, recognize opportunities, and find the inspiration to make a meaningful contribution. You don't need to live near a remote forest or beautiful coastline to experience these benefits. Whether you're in a city, at your desk, or on your way to work, small moments of nature connection can help you slow down and reconnect with yourself. In this episode, you'll discover: How to find your inner compass: Learn how time in nature can create calm, help you recognize your values, and guide you toward work that feels meaningful. How nature connection inspires purpose: Discover how appreciating the beauty of the natural world can motivate you to protect it and make a positive difference. How to connect with nature wherever you are: Explore simple ways to notice trees, birds, clouds, and other natural beings, even when you live in a busy city or spend most of your day indoors. Whether you're starting a sustainability career, considering a career change, or looking for renewed purpose after years in another profession, this episode offers a reminder that it's never too late to make a meaningful contribution. Listen to the episode and explore how spending time in nature can help you find your direction. Ready to discover what matters most to you? Take the Inner Compass quiz to explore your values and gain a clearer sense of direction for your personal and professional journey. 👉 Take the Inner Compass Quiz

October 22, 20267 min

#91. Forest Therapy 3: How Nature Therapy and Mindfulness Help You Find Stillness Amid the Climate Change Crisis

These forest therapy sessions are here because finding your sustainability career path is not just an intellectual exercise. It requires calm, connection and the ability to hear your own inner compass. Nature gives us that. So come with me and let’s explore. Time to step away from the noise and into the forest, dial into your intuition and let it guide you to your sustainability and climate change career goals. What if a few quiet moments in nature could help you reset your mind and reconnect with what matters? When the world feels busy and the climate crisis weighs heavily on your mind, it's easy to forget to pause, breathe, and simply be present. In this peaceful episode of Nature Calling , join a gentle morning nature break in the Swiss Alps overlooking Lake Geneva. Through the sounds of the waking world, the stillness of the water, and the first light of sunrise over Mont Blanc, you'll be invited to slow down, breathe deeply, and give yourself a moment of calm. Whether you're building a sustainability career, working toward meaningful climate action, or simply navigating a busy day, this short nature therapy experience offers a reminder that caring for yourself is part of creating a more sustainable world. In this episode, you'll discover how to: Find calm amid the chaos: Use mindfulness and an imaginative nature experience to pause, breathe, and quiet a busy mind. Reconnect with the natural world: Notice the sights and sounds around you and rediscover the restorative power of everyday nature. Build small moments of well-being into your day: Create your own nature breaks, even when you can't get outside, to feel more grounded and refreshed. Take a moment for yourself. Press play, settle in, and let this peaceful morning in Switzerland help you slow down, reconnect with nature, and return to your day with a little more calm and clarity.

October 20, 202616 min

#90. How Knowing Who You Are Unlocks Your Sustainability Career

What if the key to unlocking your sustainability career isn’t finding the right job, but understanding who you are? Discovering your personal values can help you make career decisions that align with who you truly are, identify opportunities that energize you, and build a more fulfilling career in sustainability and climate change. In this episode, you’ll learn a practical exercise to uncover your core values, recognize when your choices align with them, and use that understanding to guide your next career move. In this episode, you’ll discover how to: Identify your core values: Use a simple pen-and-paper exercise to uncover what matters most to you and distinguish your non-negotiable values from those that are more flexible. Make career decisions with greater clarity: Recognize the difference between resonance and dissonance to identify opportunities that align with your values and protect your well-being. Build a more authentic sustainability career: Use your values to guide your choices about jobs, internships, education, and career paths so your enthusiasm and genuine motivation shine through. Your values can be your compass, helping you move toward work that feels right and away from opportunities that leave you feeling disconnected. Listen to the episode to discover your personal values and learn how to use them to unlock a more meaningful sustainability career. Ready to discover what matters most to you? Take the Inner Compass quiz to explore your values and gain a clearer sense of direction for your personal and professional journey. 👉 Take the Inner Compass Quiz

October 15, 20267 min

#89. Forest Therapy 2: 3 Ways Nature Therapy Can Help You Practice Mindfulness and Start Connecting with Nature

These forest therapy sessions are here because finding your sustainability career path is not just an intellectual exercise. It requires calm, connection and the ability to hear your own inner compass. Nature gives us that. So come with me and let’s explore. Time to step away from the noise and into the forest, dial into your intuition and let it guide you to your sustainability and climate change career goals. Have you ever stopped to listen to a thunderstorm and felt the world slow down around you? In this episode of Nature Calling , take a moment to pause, breathe, and reconnect with the natural world through the sights and sounds of a summer storm. Listen to the distant thunder, imagine flashes of lightning across the sky, and feel the gentle rhythm of rain bringing relief to trees and wildlife after months of heat. This guided nature therapy experience invites you to practice mindfulness, revisit memories of storms from your past, and appreciate the incredible resilience of the natural world. Whether you're at home, at work, or simply looking for a quiet moment in a busy day, let this episode help you reconnect with yourself and the environment around you. In this episode, you'll discover: How to find calm through mindfulness: Use the sounds of thunder and rain as an invitation to slow down, breathe deeply, and be present in the moment. How connecting with nature can awaken meaningful memories: Reflect on past experiences of storms, the feelings they brought, and the beauty of experiencing nature firsthand. Why nature's resilience matters: Witness how rain offers relief to trees and wildlife after extreme heat, reminding us of the importance of caring for the natural world. Give yourself permission to pause, listen, and simply be. Tune in to this nature therapy experience and discover how a few quiet moments connecting with nature can bring greater mindfulness, perspective, and a renewed appreciation for the world around you.

October 13, 202614 min

#88. Why Your Values Are the Only Sustainability and Climate Change Career Compass You’ll Ever Need & How To Use Yours Today

Are you feeling completely lost in your pursuit of a sustainability or climate change career? You may have studied the right subjects, applied for jobs and internships, followed the right people, and still feel like you can't find your way in. With increasing competition and the overwhelming reality of climate change, it's easy to move from disappointment to despair and eventually feel completely lost. But what if feeling lost isn't a sign that you're failing? What if it's actually part of the journey—and an opportunity to reconnect with what truly matters to you? In this episode, you'll discover why Your Values Are the Only Sustainability and Climate Change Career Compass you need to begin finding your way forward. You'll learn how to recognize resonance and dissonance, listen to your inner guidance, and use your values to navigate the many possible paths within sustainability and climate change. By listening, you'll learn how to: Reframe feeling lost as a natural and potentially important part of your sustainability career journey rather than a sign that you've failed. Use resonance and dissonance to recognize when a career, opportunity, organization, or path aligns—or conflicts—with your values. Start identifying your values so you can use your own inner compass to decide which sustainability and climate change opportunities are worth pursuing. If you're feeling lost or uncertain about where your sustainability career is taking you, listen to this episode to reconnect with your values and start finding your way forward.

October 8, 20267 min

#87. Forest Therapy 1: Why Your Best Stress Relief Might Not Come From Your Screen—Take a Forest Snack Into Nature

These forest therapy sessions are here because finding your sustainability career path is not just an intellectual exercise. It requires calm, connection and the ability to hear your own inner compass. Nature gives us that. So come with me and let’s explore. Time to step away from the noise and into the forest, dial into your intuition and let it guide you to your sustainability and climate change career goals. In this Forest Snack episode of Nature Calling , you’re invited into the quiet of a Swiss forest at sunrise. There’s no lesson to learn or problem to solve—just the gentle sound of a stream, the breeze moving through the beech trees, birds in the distance, and the early morning light over the Alps. If your days feel busy, stressful, or overwhelming, this short nature therapy session gives you permission to pause, breathe, and reconnect with the natural world. You don’t need to be in Switzerland to experience it. Wherever you are, you can use this Forest Snack as an invitation to remember your own places of calm in nature. By listening, you’ll: Create a moment of stress relief and let some of the pressure and busyness of your day fade away. Reconnect with nature through mindful attention to sounds, movement, light, air, and the forest around you. Carry a sense of calm into the rest of your day , giving yourself something peaceful to return to when life gets hectic. Press play, slow down, breathe with the forest, and give yourself a few quiet minutes of stress relief through nature.

October 6, 202614 min

#86. Why Now Is the Worst Time to Abandon Your Sustainability Career

What if the world feels like it’s moving backwards on climate change—but your nature calling is still telling you to make a difference? With sustainability roles being cut, climate commitments being rolled back, and climate disasters becoming harder to ignore, it’s understandable to wonder whether there’s still a place for you in climate change work. But this episode takes a longer view. Looking back over four decades of sustainability and climate change action, this episode explores how the field has evolved—from a time when sustainability teams barely existed to today’s rapidly changing landscape of corporate sustainability, regenerative approaches, circular economy thinking, technology, community action, and climate-focused work. You’ll discover: Why today’s setbacks don’t mean the end of climate change action — and what the history of the sustainability movement can teach you about periods of backlash and transformation. Where new opportunities are emerging — from corporate roles and technology to community initiatives, regeneration, and creating opportunities for yourself. Why your nature calling still matters — and how staying connected to your values can help you keep moving toward a career where you can make an impact. If you’ve been questioning whether there’s still a place for you in climate change work, listen to this episode for the perspective and encouragement you need to keep pursuing your nature calling and find your path forward.