What On Earth: Recent Episodes
CBC Radio
What On Earth is on a mission to move and challenge you to think about climate change in new ways by hunting down climate solutions, kicking the tires on them, and injecting some hope. We step up to relieve you of the existential dread you might feel about climate change — because here's the good news: you are part of the solution.
Warmer winters and weird weather have forced organizers of this classic sled dog race to change the route to stay safe in rapidly changing conditions. CBC Whitehorse reporter Cali McTavish takes us to the Yukon Quest starting line in Teslin, where mushers, organizers and Indigenous community members talk about what the race means to them, and how climate change is having an impact.
Meet the people using TikTok to break up with shopping, and learn why they say affordability is propelling them toward more climate-friendly habits, as they take on the social media challenge of a 'No Buy' year. And author Aja Barber shares stories of her own shopping addiction, how she “saw the light” and what happens when a 'No Buy' year turns into a lifestyle.
Millions of new homes may help the housing crisis. But climate change means reconsidering just where all those new developments should go. Waterfront? Maybe not. Nestled up against the forest? Think again. How to build for our climate future. We hear why to build where and a New Brunswick real estate agent shares what clients need to know about buying and selling safely.
It helps farmers and protects against wildfire. “The world needs to know about biochar,” says one scientist. So, what the heck is this charcoal-like, carbon-storing material? We meet a man on Vancouver Island who’s spending his retirement years making it for his neighbours. Then, producer Rachel Sanders finds out what potential this climate solution holds, what the pitfalls may be and what the challenges are with scaling it up.
From hurricanes to wildfires, extreme weather whips up false and misleading information. When people are left vulnerable after a disaster strikes, they may be more susceptible to being misled about the cause of their strife. And that often means pointing fingers at anything but climate change. We’re delving into the murky world of misinformation and disinformation – and looking for ways to separate climate facts from fiction.
What if we told you there’s a way to lower your food costs while also reducing emissions? Apps that connect shoppers with stores and restaurants selling edible food that would otherwise go to waste offer a climate solution that also makes daily life a little more affordable. We’re testing three popular apps to see how they may help combat the problem of food waste and the harmful greenhouse gas emissions it creates.
We used to take insurance for granted. Climate change is upending that. The L.A. wildfires have people talking about the future of home insurance in the face of more climate-charged disasters. We hear from a woman in Nova Scotia who worries about the future of her current home. And, Canada’s once stable insurance sector is facing uncertainty.
Donald Trump wants more oil and less climate action. But can he really turn back the clean energy transition? CBC climate reporter Inayat Singh breaks down Trump's climate policy changes.
Rural Canada wants in on climate change solutions, but big city ideas don’t always work. A listener in Manitoba knows it takes a village, so he wants ideas tailored for smaller communities. Then we talk to people in three towns that are big on climate action and hear their lessons for others.
There are always a few comments on Instagram telling Corb Lund to ‘stick to music.’ But he finds himself, reluctantly, donning his activist cap. The reason? Water quality near his home in Southwest Alberta, which he says is threatened by coal development.
Come along to Tunisia where climate change is forcing fishers to adapt their livelihoods. We hear how the warming waters of the Mediterranean Sea have meant an influx of invasive species and the loss of old ways of life. A Tunisian-Canadian scientist shares stories from a project that's helping communities organize into cooperatives and find new ways to survive.
Some of Ottawa’s signature climate actions could disappear amidst all the political change ahead. We’ll hear what’s at risk – and why – after the Prime Minister’s decision to step aside. Then, what the fires in Los Angeles can teach Canadians about disasters, climate change and insuring their homes.
Sometimes the truth hurts. And when it comes to fighting climate change, we have obstacles ahead – including the likely reality that global temperatures in 2024 will hit 1.5 C above pre-industrial levels. That’s even before Donald Trump’s return to the White House could bring a big shift in climate policies. But that doesn’t mean the fight is over. David Ho, a professor at the University of Hawaii, explains what the next goal should be and how we could get there.
Will the International Court of Justice’s climate ruling be as influential as Beyoncé? Our youth columnist, Aishwarya Puttur thinks so. She joins guest host Michelle Eliot with her outlook for 2025. Then – story producer Dannielle Piper shares feedback from listeners who weighed in about tiny homes.
Happy new year! We’re starting 2025 with a special gift from our friends at Unreserved, “Turtle’s Teachings of Truth” — the third episode in their ongoing Sacred Seven series — which invites us to slow down and consider the world from the perspective of our non-human relations.
Today’s episode includes an Anishinaabe creation story, a Turtle clan grandmother’s wisdom, and a close look at a turtle protection program in Toronto. And if you're looking for a new calendar, take a closer look at a turtle's shell.
Read more about the turtle’s teachings here: cbc.ca/1.7393114
Listen to more Unreserved podcast episodes here: https://link.mgln.ai/yUGMa3
Houses are getting bigger and so is their carbon footprint. Tiny homes may be the solution. That’s why a group of students has banded together to create one … along with a how-to guide anyone can use to build their own. Follow story producer Dannielle Piper as she learns how this self-sustaining tiny home can set the stage for other future builders.
Today, we’re bringing you a special gift from our friends at IDEAS, “David Suzuki's Survival Guide: A Retrospective.” We think you’ll very quickly understand why it made us think of the Charles Dickens classic, and our own past, present and planet yet-to-be.
Listen to more IDEAS podcast episodes here: https://link.mgln.ai/yzu3fa
Environment Canada's top 10 biggest weather stories of the year just dropped. And we got three CBC weather specialists to break it down for you. Learn what’s causing an increase in B.C.’s atmospheric rivers, how Jasper's summer inferno left its landscape changed forever, and why Central Canada bore the brunt of the 2024 hurricane season. Plus – extreme weather is part of the reason insurance costs are rising. What On Earth is on the hunt for solutions.
They’re on billboards, front pages, TV… but do they pass the sniff test? We dig into the facts behind Alberta’s “Scrap the Cap” campaign. Then, heat and drought could be the Grinch that stole one of New Brunswick’s beloved Christmas tree species. CBC Fredericton journalist Danielle McCreadie shares some solutions farmers and industry are eyeing to climate-proof the balsam fir.
Mining projects in northwestern British Columbia are causing tension downstream in Alaska, where three rivers are home to salmon species and eulachon. Southeast Alaskan tribes are fighting to have a say across the border in Canada when it comes to the environmental assessment of mines upstream. With these watersheds already facing climate impacts, and a rush for critical minerals heating up, is cooperating across borders a climate solution?
Home renos are super popular. That means more waste from old houses. But what if you could salvage that waste and turn it into something useful? That’s what one woman did and now other homeowners are doing it, too. CBC climate reporter Emily Chung shows us how old homes are now being deconstructed to dodge the dump and reduce emissions.
Plastic pollution is a climate issue but the world can’t seem to agree on how to deal with it. Those fighting for a global agreement say the longer we wait, the longer future generations will have plastics polluting their environment, their bodies and contributing to climate change. There are solutions, but people from Indigenous communities around the globe say a good deal needs to include their voices. Then, CBC’s International Climate Correspondent Susan Ormiston's conversation with venture capitalist and entrepreneur Tom Rand about the future of clean tech.
There are a lot of ways to travel long distances. You can carpool, take the bus, ride the train…but for international destinations, figuring out the most climate-friendly method can be tricky. After a listener asked for help, What On Earth’s Dannielle Piper goes cruising for answers.
The world is heating up. Money is tight. News is bleak. Are you burning out? Mental health columnist Abhay Singh Sachal gives us a breakdown of what’s behind burnout and how to stop it from stopping you.
A bright white mineral promises to boost crop yields while sucking up atmospheric carbon, and its name is wollastonite. Join CBC Ottawa’s environment and climate reporter Stu Mills as he walks us through why some farmers are cautiously embracing this new mineral, and sprinkling it on their fields.
When a deadly landslide hit Sitka, Alaska in 2015, it sparked conversations about safety and risk. The community has an early warning system for tsunamis. Could it work for landslides? Or would another solution have to be developed? Producer Molly Segal finds out. Then -- with climate change increasing the risk of landslides, we hear how sound waves imperceptible to the human ear can tip us off minutes before the hazard occurs in the Pemberton Valley, north of Whistler, B.C.
Come with us to California where entrepreneurs are sending balloons full of sulfur dioxide into the stratosphere. It’s a form of solar geoengineering known as stratospheric aerosol injection, and the company Make Sunsets isn’t waiting for scientific consensus before they launch. We hear about their business model, and then from the researchers who question both the science and ethics of the practice.
EV fires can be scary and challenging to fight. But they’re not as common as they may seem. Online misinformation and a lack of reliable data can contribute to misconceptions about what happens when an electric vehicle battery fire erupts – and even firefighters aren’t immune.
Have you heard of a 'bike bus'? It's just one of the answers Rachel Sanders found to a listener's concerns about the gridlock that can form around schools.
He's promised to "drill, baby, drill". He's cast doubt on the risks of global warming. And one of his biggest donors is EV magnate Elon Musk. But what does a second Donald Trump presidency really mean for U.S. climate policy – and our warming world? Emily Atkin of the newsletter Heated helps us untangle what's possible over the next four years, and reflects on why climate barely surfaced as an election issue.
The language of COP29 is brain-melting. But these soul-unstirring terms are key to solving climate change. We decode what's really at stake as leaders gather this month in Azerbaijan. Then, we hear how corruption can derail international climate action – and what solutions could help.
With deadly levels of rainfall happening across the world, we see the destruction first-hand and learn how it can be stopped. First, we visit the site of school teacher Sonya McIntyre’s home after an atmospheric river took her life. We then learn how understanding climate systems can prevent future loss of life.
When some climate-conscious Swifties learned that Canada’s biggest fossil fuel financier, RBC, is an official partner for Taylor Swift’s Eras tour in Vancouver and Toronto, they jumped into action. But can uniting Swifties online translate to change? Or is it a trend that will fizzle over time? Meanwhile, What On Earth youth columnist Aishwarya Puttur breaks down why social media campaigns are on the rise for Gen Zs.
They can be noisy. And smelly. And, as Cate Blanchett (yes, Cate Blanchett!) complains, don’t they just move “leaves from one place to another, only for them to be blown back again"? Gas-powered leaf blowers create a lot of opinions and a lot of emissions. Molly Segal takes us through why they're so particularly polluting and unhealthy. And, she explores the solutions underway — from political bans to incentives for switching to electric.
They might leave you a huge mess, but a "free for now" fire prevention service may be taking hold in Canada. Insurers have started contracting a private company to swoop in and do last-minute fireproofing on homes in B.C. and Alberta. Paul Haavardsrud and Danielle Nerman explain what that looks like, and how this new strategy could keep insurance premiums from going up faster than they already are.
For more Cost Of Living, find and follow the show wherever you get your podcasts, or here: https://lnk.to/CostOfLiving
Come along to the AFN’s annual Climate Gathering where columnist Melina Laboucan-Massimo is teaching Indigenous communities how to transition to clean energy. According to Melina, it's not just about swapping out technologies. Culture and language are key.
Is there a climate cost to your reading habit? A listener asks about the emissions of paper books versus e-readers, and we go looking for answers.
Florida has been hit by a one-two-punch. But death and injury can come long after the winds subside. A doctor details the many ways hurricanes can disrupt health care, something he witnessed first-hand as a responder to Hurricane Katrina. Now, he's training a new generation of medical professionals willing to speak out about climate change as a "health risk".
When natural disasters hit home, knowing your neighbours could be a lifeline. Edmonton is leading the way in creating climate resilience on a hyperlocal level. We hear how something as simple as a neighbourhood bonfire can build support networks, and mobilize communities to fight climate change.
They’re an iconic symbol of Canada. But are they also role models for climate adaptation? CBC producer Allison Dempster introduces us to the people trying to mimic beavers by building their own dams to restore the water table. And we hear about a close encounter with a surprising ending.
A stuffed dalmatian. An album of precious photos. A scorched doorknob. These are some of the personal items on display recently at Climate Week NYC. Meghan Fandrich and Diana Boston travelled to New York City from Lytton and Merritt, B.C., to share these remnants of the fire and flood that devastated their communities. They tell us why they hope the exhibit can make climate disaster tangible, and lead to change.
Fair warning in the age of three word slogans: today we're talking about the complex policies behind the politics. If ever there was a time to dive deep into climate plans — it's now. Simon Donner, co-chair of the independent Net Zero Advisory Body, walks us through new ways Canada could cut emissions. Then the CBC’s Aaron Wherry breaks down the politics of a cornerstone climate policy. How did the carbon tax get so politicized?
As an orphaned child in Ireland, Diana Beresford-Kroeger was educated in Druid philosophy that taught her to respect trees. Now, at age 80, she's weaving those learnings with her decades of scientific study into a new book “Our Green Heart”. Then, we hear from a climate champion nominated by a listener who took up Diana's challenge to connect kids to nature.
Spoiler: it’s not Chem 11. We hear how a B.C. science teacher learned to support her students after the 2021 atmospheric river. Now, she’s teaching other teachers how to do the same. Then, we head to Toronto to hear how young Muslims are connecting with nature, and learning to make change, thanks to the group Green Ummah.
The future may be green for drillers looking for work outside the oil industry. Demand is growing for geothermal heat pumps and that requires people with the skills to drill deep below ground and harness energy to heat and cool homes. It turns out drilling is a sustainable job, in more ways than one.
Conservation photographer Neil Ever Osborne was on a dream expedition to see emperor penguins in Antarctica, but the images he brought back are haunting. Now, in a new exhibit in Toronto, Neil says he's trying to "put these images to work" for the planet. Meanwhile in Vancouver, three choreographers aim to express their inexpressible frustration about climate change… through dance.
Money from the oil and gas industry could be limiting the scope of climate solutions universities and other institutions dig into, according to a group of academics. They reviewed papers, news coverage and watchdog reports from around the world, including Canada and say it’s time for more transparency about who is footing the bill and what the implications of industry involvement could be.
We take you behind the scenes of Overheated, a special series we put together with a couple of sister shows: Quirks & Quarks and White Coat, Black Art. Each of us tells a specific story of how heat will change everything, from neighbourhood microclimates to the rise of “hot work.”
Yukon First Nations are leaders in protecting a keystone species threatened by warming waters. Join us in Whitehorse where we meet people demanding better care for irreplaceable Chinook salmon. This story is our contribution to Overheated, a special series we put together with two of our sister shows: Quirks & Quarks and White Coat, Black Art. Each of us tells a specific story of how heat will change everything, from neighbourhood microclimates to the rise of “hot work.”
Electric bikes are surging in popularity. Sure, they create fewer emissions than cars, but how climate friendly are they when you factor in their whole life cycle? A What on Earth listener asked, and we went looking for the answers.
Roishetta Ozane saw first-hand the effects of climate change on her community, and started organizing. Her group The Vessel Project of Louisiana has become a hub for sharing community resources – as well as an opponent to the fossil fuel companies polluting their home. Then – Bob McDonald from Quirks & Quarks and Dr. Brian Goldman from White Coat, Black Art join Laura Lynch to talk about the collaborative project Overheated, a series of stories about how increasing heat is impacting communities, people and ecosystems across Canada.
The world’s soil is in trouble, and in America’s agricultural heartland, a small group of Maya farmers are advocating for an ancient solution. Can the “milpa” system of agriculture help modern farming respond to a looming crisis?
Learn more in this special bonus episode from Feet In 2 Worlds, the latest in our summer series of podcasts we think you’ll love.
This episode is part of Home, Interrupted, a podcast series from Feet in 2 Worlds exploring how the climate crisis affects immigrants across the U.S., and how immigrant communities are finding new ways to deal with a warming planet.
You can read more about the story at fi2w.org: Maya Farms...in Nebraska?
Canada’s environment sector is overwhelmingly white. But our columnist Chúk Odenigbo says every non-profit has a responsibility to make sure everyone, regardless of race, feels at home in the outdoors. He tells us about a course he's been teaching to environmental NGOs to help them be more inclusive in their work and their workplace. Then, we hear how Canada's parliament is vowing to study environmental racism, and how one organization is improving Black Nova Scotians' connection to the land.
The Maasai don’t surrender. They adapt. So says Dorcas Naishorua, the world’s first Miss Climate.
In a special bonus episode from TED Talks Daily, she explains how climate change has disrupted the melody of the Maasai way of life, and how girls are bearing the brunt of that disruption. In her talk, she advocates for a different vision for her people — one that includes Maasai girls laughing.
“We are learning, we are evolving, and embracing innovation to rewrite the narrative of our struggle.”
TED Talks Daily brings you a new talk every weekday featuring thought-provoking ideas on every subject imaginable, from personal growth to zoology, and everything in between. With TED Talks Daily, find some space in your day to change your perspectives, ignite your curiosity, and learn something new. If you like this episode, you can find TED Talks Daily wherever you get your podcasts.
Jack Thiessen wanted to take fighting wildfires into his own hands after a couple of close calls on his family ranch in northeastern B.C. Now, the community has installed a mobile trailer full of hoses, pumps, sprinklers and other equipment to help protect homes and fight wildfires in this rural region. Wildland firefighter Sonja Leverkus trained 150 people in the region, including Jack, on B.C. Wildfire Service approved courses so they can be better prepared to help tackle wildfire when they hit close to home.
Jane Goodall believes we’re living through very dark times indeed, but the renowned primatologist continues to see hope as a basic survival strategy.
In a special bonus episode from The Current with Matt Galloway, she explains why. Goodall offers her perspective as someone born during the Great Depression, who lived through World War II, and who sees the events happening around us today with the clarity of a wise elder.
She officially turned 90 since this interview, recorded last October, and we want to make sure our listeners have a chance to consider her key message — especially if you’re still young. (Remember, her world-changing work began in her 20s. Her passion for nature started even younger.)
For more stories to expand your worldview, find and follow The Current wherever you get your podcasts, or here: https://link.chtbl.com/Twob3407
Not everyone is hungry for climate content in the crowded social media landscape, but some Canadian content creators are determined to get Tik Tok, Youtube and Instagram users engaged in the climate conversation. Karishma Porwal (a.k.a. @karishmaclimategirl), Hazel Thayer (a.k.a. @hazelisonline), and Aaron Hagey-MacKay (a.k.a. @the_goose_media) share their strategies – from connecting climate to the housing crisis, to debunking carbon tax myths, to pushing back against fashion hauls with "underconsumption core" videos.
After decades of scientific study and political wrangling the world has agreed—at least on paper—that 1.5C of heating must be the upper limit of our impact on the climate system. How could something that sounds so small matter so much?
Our friends at Threshold have thoughtfully explored these questions. They are a Peabody Award-winning podcast about what it means to be alive at a time of extraordinary planetary change, and today we’re sharing an episode from their latest season “Time to 1.5”.
This episode takes you inside the scientific and political origin story of 1.5C, from the holocene to the halls of COP26 in Glasgow.
Listen to the full season and learn more at thresholdpodcast.org.
Air purifiers can cost a lot, so why not make your own for less money? We meet a group of seniors in Vancouver’s Chinatown learning to build their own air cleaners – and hear why the workshop they’re attending does more than support physical health. Then – a historian unearths lessons about handling heat across centuries in the Middle East. He argues we need to make sweating sexy again.
From “packs of wolves” spreading disinformation online, to death threats, these women have paid a high cost for their climate advocacy work. As a family physician, Dr. Melissa Lem knew she could not stay silent on the dangers of climate change once she started to learn more. Climate advocate Tzeporah Berman waded into Alberta politics and got more than she bargained for. When Judy Wilson, former chief of the Neskonlith Indian Band, spoke out about a pipeline expansion, she says she started noticing strange things. We're re-sharing this documentary by producer Molly Segal, which recently won an international journalism award from Covering Climate Now.
As the fires rage on in Jasper National Park, we check in on a former firefighter about the battle beyond the flames. Meanwhile, Olympic organizers may have had green dreams for the 2024 Paris Games. But will those dreams melt away under the threat of extreme heat? Journalist and New York Times bestselling author, Jeff Goodell, says it’s a pivotal moment as the city adapts to a warming planet.
The Shíshálh Nation is transporting family homes from Vancouver to B.C.’s Sunshine Coast by barge with the help of a sustainable development company as a lower-emissions way to address its housing crisis. We find out how diverting houses from demolition and retrofitting them into duplexes can be a climate-friendly approach to building a subdivision. Next, we continue our search for greener ways to live by learning about tiny homes – and their (tinier) carbon emissions.
Come along to “La Chicanerie” – or The Conflict Cafe – in Montreal where What On Earth guest host Falen Johnson finds out why we need to get comfortable with uncomfortable discussions about climate change. And climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe shares some of her most awkward climate conversations and offers advice on how to talk to people in ways that lead to collaboration instead of division.
When Eli Milton started working on farms in Nova Scotia almost a decade ago, heat wasn’t an issue in the summer. Now, hot and humid conditions are just one of the climate impacts farm workers like her contend with. And – extreme weather has put safety and livelihoods at risk for migrant workers, from out in the fields to inside greenhouses. We hear from an advocate on what policies could improve conditions for seasonal workers.
This summer, we’re curating a few other climate podcasts that we think our listeners would love.
Living Planet from DW News is a show that wants to help you reconnect with nature and make better decisions, every day. Today we’re sharing their eye-opening episode “The hidden toll of roadkill”.
For some species, being hit by a car is the number one cause of death — even above hunting and disease. In fact, the global roadkill toll is so high that it’s threatening entire species and warping the planet’s ecology.
You can find Living Planet on your favourite podcast app, or here: https://pod.link/livingplanet
It's on rooftops. It's on top of old landfills. It's floating on lakes. The Dutch are all in on solar energy. CBC’s international climate correspondent Susan Ormiston takes us there to find out what’s behind the country’s strong solar adoption.
Caribbean coastlines might be taking a beating from Beryl, but coral reefs are fighting back. We speak to a NOAA representative on how these reefs act as natural defensive mechanisms against storms and how we can protect these ecosystems. And we hear from Caribbean leaders about the toll of this record-breaking hurricane.
Drought is on the rise in Canada. And science is looking to the sky for solutions. Join producer Molly Segal as she takes you on a journey to explore the history, ethics and future of cloud seeding in Canada.
You don't have to be a scientist, engineer or conservation officer to hold a climate job. Our columnist Aishwarya Puttur dishes on her recent gig with the United Nations, helping young people redefine what a green job actually is. Then a member of the first class of the new American Climate Corps shares why she thinks a career in fighting climate change will pay off -- even in this tough economy.
Picnics, parties and patio get-togethers. Summer fun can lead to lots of throwaway stuff that ends up in landfills. One listener wants some help to fix that by nudging people to bring their own place settings. We’ve got some ideas.
Temperatures soared above 30 degrees in some Ontario schools recently, prompting some parents to pull their kids out of the classroom – and urge for cooling systems to be installed everywhere. With climate change leading to more hot days during the school year, we hear how educators are turning to everything from misting stations to adding more greenery to help kids cope with the sweltering conditions.
What is nature saying when a lake drained a century ago keeps flooding farmland? First Nations leaders say the message is to make room for the water. Then, why the story of Sumas Lake is just one example of how Indigenous connections to the land must inform climate action.
They search for life on other planets. Now they’re focussing on Earth’s future. We hear how the group Astronomers for Planet Earth is on a mission to curb emissions from space exploration.
Thinking about climate change like it's your job? Maybe it could be. Winnipeg career counsellor Trevor Lehmann shares practical advice from his free online resource “An Imperfect Guide to Career and Climate.” He wants to help more of us roll up our sleeves and close the "hope gap." Plus, listeners have their say on lowering the voting age.
People are switching up plans to avoid fire, smoke and heat. And that includes festival organizers, powwow planners and camp directors. We get advice on navigating our changing summers.
A listener got in touch wondering what she can do to help the birds in her garden when wildfire smoke is choking her neighbourhood. We share advice from Birds Canada and check in with American researchers who are searching for answers about how fire and smoke affect our feathered friends.
As climate change transforms the sonic landscape around us, it also proposes new solutions. Listen in on the surprising sounds of a changing world. We talk to the executive director of the new Institute for Climate, Sound and Society at the MetaLab at Harvard University about how sound can shape how we talk about climate change.
Water is scarce – especially in Gaza because of war and climate change. We speak to the executive director of the Arava Institute of Environmental Studies about how climate solutions can help build peace in a climate hotspot like the Middle East. And, the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea delivered a historic opinion this week about climate impacts on small island states. We hear an update from a Tuvaluan lawyer.
Could letting young people vote be a climate game changer? We hear from Vancouver teens on whether or not they think they’re ready to vote and whether climate would shape their choice at the ballot box. Then, a Canadian senator and a 17-year-old student share why they’re fighting for a proposed bill making its way through parliament.
In Alaska and Barcelona, money from visitors is paying for heat pumps. What do we owe to the places we go on vacation? We hear how travellers can contribute to climate solutions. And, we answer a listener’s question about whether our beloved maple syrup will disappear in a warming world.
As wildfires rage across the country, we hear how to harness the power of community in the face of danger. And, we share listeners’ response to our interview with two long-time wildland firefighters in Alberta about what they say is a crisis in the ranks.
Soon, a little-known international tribunal will release a precedent setting decision that could force developed nations to do more to protect small island states from the ravages of climate change. A Canadian lawyer represented those tiny countries at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea. He shares what’s at stake, along with another member of the legal team - Naima Te Maile Fefita of Tuvalu. Then our listeners get into a lather about the dishes. Hand wash or dishwasher?
Wildfire fighters say working conditions threaten the safety of crew and the public in that province. As climate change leads to more intense forest fires, the people on the front lines say they’re losing team members to other employers and something needs to change.
An Indigenous-owned company in Ontario is making sure evacuations are culturally appropriate, including supporting people to seek refuge on their traplines instead of hotels. Then we ask Canada’s Indigenous Services Minister how Ottawa can make climate emergencies less traumatic for Indigenous communities, and why members of the Peguis First Nation remain displaced two years after a major flood.
Come underground to glimpse new technology providing low carbon heating and cooling to downtown Toronto buildings. CBC climate reporter Emily Chung is our guide – to see this first of its kind project in Canada. Proponents say it's key to cutting emissions from buildings around the country.
Climate change may be last on your mind when you're dealing with discrimination, insecure housing and other barriers. But marginalized communities are hit harder than most by the impacts of climate change. Our columnist Chúk Odenigbo and activist Shelly-Ann Skinner walk us through how to meet Black, queer folks where they're at in order to include them in climate justice work. Then, we hear from an Ontario woman who's being recognized for her fight against climate change – and city hall – one lawn sign at a time.
Yep, we’re naming names! We meet a researcher who combed through millions of pieces of plastic trash and traced half of the branded items back to just 56 companies. We hear the case for why manufacturers should be responsible for their plastic products and how addressing this can help lower CO2 emissions to tackle the climate crisis. And – we dish the dirt on cleaning your plates, cutlery and more after a listener wrote in to ask: is the dishwasher or washing by hand better for the planet?
Their eco-anxiety is real, and they're helping each other with it even as adults play it down. We hear from two high schoolers in New Brunswick who are finding ways to cope — and even educating the willing grownups in their lives. And our mental health columnist Abhay Singh Sachal is worried about gaps he sees in modern psychology education. If tomorrow's therapists aren't climate aware, they risk "dismissing or downplaying" a key concern for their youngest clients. Plus, listeners weigh in on ways to reuse old clothes and linens — from creating a Dolly Parton-style bedsheet to Schitt's Creek dolls.
In 1970, 20 million people showed up to fight for the environment on the first Earth Day. But more than five decades later – is it time for this much tamer global event to return to its radical roots? Organizer Denis Hayes recounts how – amidst other counterculture movements at the time – he transformed Earth Day from a campus teach-in to a national protest. As he approaches 80, Denis offers his best OG advice to the next generation of climate leaders. Then, environmental warriors Maria Blancas and Axcelle Campana share ideas on what a revamped Earth Day could look like – including making it a public holiday.
The climate is changing. So are we. Twice a week we take you across Canada and around the world, in search of climate solutions.
We love to hear from our listeners and regularly feature them on the show. Have a question? Email Earth@cbc.ca
Scientists are editing the DNA of canola, and more, to survive with less rain. Can this help farmers adapt to climate change? And – if you’re stressed about the climate cost of the clothes and linens that have reached the end of their life, we have the scoop on what to do with those old jeans and torn bed sheets.
Join us on a hunt to discover the lost waterways hidden below the streets of Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver, and find out how bringing creeks and rivers back to the surface can help our cities adapt to a changing world.
This episode from June 2023 just won the Mindset Award for reporting on the mental health of young people. Driven by fear of climate change, Emily Kelsall got involved in extreme forms of activism including arrest and jail. The 25-year-old has also come through a mental health crisis that landed her in hospital. It's all brought her a new perspective on climate action. Then, we hear from two people researching the connection between activism, mental health and our warming world.
It’s like “CSI in the ocean,” only these scientists are racing against climate change off the coast of B.C. Next, a satirical spin on climate action with Canadian oil producers the brunt of the joke. Then, we head to Saskatchewan where drought is sparking debate over the waters in one lake.
Join us on a climate-solutions field trip! First, we head to the beach to find out how Indigenous knowledge and western science are working to keep clams cool in extreme heat. Next, we hear why your backyard – or patio – can be abuzz with biodiversity by simply making some simple swaps. (Spoiler alert: It’s time to weed out the dandelions.) Then, we head out to the coast of Vancouver Island and wade through estuaries to understand how scientists and First Nations are sussing out where baby salmon will want to live in a climate-changed future.
Better transit service could help lower Canada’s emissions. But can more people get on board with buses, trains and subways? Experts and advocates explain how to use policy changes and behaviour “nudges” to make it happen. And listeners share stories about great public transportation, from Singapore to Tampa Bay. Then, we hear why there’s “blood in the water” as Canada’s carbon tax approaches its annual increase. Plus: some advice on how to share feelings about climate change in a way that helps you cope rather than crumble.
Glaciers are retreating rapidly in Canada’s Rockies, bringing hazards to long-standing alpine routes. We visit Banff National Park to meet guides who are adapting to climate change in different ways. Then – we head to India, where for weeks farmers from the northern part of the country have been protesting in the streets, demanding changes that could help them fare better in a warming world. Next – like many new university students, our youth climate action columnist Aishwarya Puttur is learning to cook for herself. It has her reflecting on her family's own history of farming in India, and on the links between food, farming and sustainability.
Spoiler alert: the Barbie movie is not about climate change. But it passes the "climate change reality check." We hear why Good Energy developed a climate test for films and find out which two other Oscar-nominated flicks are also winners in this category. Next, a former NASA scientist tells us why a satellite launched into space to detect global methane emissions is a huge deal for the climate. And – Italy's government has just approved an ingredient that could be better for the environment, but not everyone's keen on cricket pizza. Find out how one Quebec lender's decision not to offer mortgages in some high-risk flood zones is sparking calls for Ottawa to protect homeowners in climate-vulnerable places. Finally, we look for answers to your questions about hybrid cars.
What to do about a world that’s on fire all the time? Texas is facing the biggest wildfire in state history, Alberta has declared the start of wildfire season earlier than usual, and zombie fires are burning in B.C. John Vaillant has written about a future where "fire weather" is the only weather in a warming world; he says Canada needs to prepare. Then, we hear how Metis citizens and firefighters in Alberta are getting their communities and the forests ready for what this year’s season could bring.
Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah doesn’t want any other kids to die the way Ella did. The 9-year-old suffered a fatal asthma attack, which has since been linked to air pollution from her neighbourhood in London. Now, her mom is suing the U.K. government and taking her campaign global. And – Alberta has declared an early start to wildfire season, even as so-called zombie fires continue to burn underground. Next, as climate change shifts from abstract threat to lived reality for many Canadians, columnist Abhay Singh Sachal says our mental health system needs to adapt to support people after disasters. Plus, a drag queen ice skating show about climate change is derailed by warm weather.
It all started in Japan, now it’s a worldwide craze. Trees planted at industrial sites by botanist Akira Miyawaki in the 1970s were a way to resist deforestation. Today, community groups around the world have joined the tiny forest movement as a way to store carbon in pockets of cities. Then, we hunt for winter across Canada, and find out how a lack of snow and ice are affecting everything from ice fishing to the Ontario Winter Games. The co-creator of Black Climate Week shares how a stark realization sparked a campaign to build a more inclusive environmental movement. We head to the hardware store to answer a listener’s question about the most climate-friendly light fixtures. And, American climate scientist Peter Kalmus reflects on his high-profile protest outside a bank in 2022 and the role of civil disobedience as a climate solution.
Advertising can contribute to the climate crisis, but it can also be a force for change. We hear about efforts underway here in Canada to strengthen rules around fossil fuel advertising. And how some European cities and towns are banning “high carbon advertising” altogether. Plus, a former ad executive shares the personal story of how he stopped selling soap and credit cards and is now using his skills to find marketing messages that motivate climate action. Spoiler: it's all about love. What On Earth's climate justice columnist Chúk Odenigbo discovers gaps in how Black communities in Hamilton, Ontario understand and experience climate change. Also, we explore the magical world of mushrooms as a climate solution.
China emits a third of the world’s greenhouse gases. But it’s also a leader in renewables. We hear from people inside the country about its paradoxical – and controversial – energy mix. Plus, you’ve maybe weighed the option of buying a new EV, but one listener asks: can you retrofit a gas car? We find out. And, in Alberta, severe drought in the middle of winter is forcing difficult conversations about who gets less water come spring. We check in with a rancher and learn how monitoring is helping landowners manage their wells. Finally, why one B.C. university is trying out spiritual care as a balm for climate anxiety.
From potato rovers to wildfire sniffers, AI is being put to work. But there’s a catch: the technology’s growing carbon footprint. Last week, we talked about cold weather and the grid, heat pumps and EVs. You listened…and wrote in. Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault responds to those topics and more. Melina Laboucan-Massimo – What On Earth’s Indigenous climate solutions columnist – shares the story of the Mesgi’g Ugju’s’n wind farm on Mi’gmaq territory in Quebec.
An emergency alert on Alberta's power grid has people asking: can renewable energy get us through Canada's extreme winters? We find out what really triggered Alberta's electricity supply crunch, and how a greener grid can still meet demand. We look to Northern B.C. and Norway to see how electric vehicles handle frigid temperatures. Plus, how heat pumps can still keep you toasty in Canada's coldest cities and what you should consider before getting one.
The bombs falling in Gaza and Ukraine have a human toll and an environmental one. We find out how demilitarization could help countries cut emissions. Columnist Aishwarya Puttur shares three campaigns motivating young activists in 2024. What On Earth’s Molly Segal explains what carbon dioxide removal is and whether it can fix the climate crisis. And oil and gas development in the North Sea has UK politicians calling out their own government.
Come with us into B.C.’s Great Bear Rainforest where Coastal First Nations are working to protect the trees using revenue from carbon offsets. But skepticism over the system may be putting the experiment at risk. We’ll hear about climate-friendly cookbooks to help you make a new year's resolution in the kitchen. A climate course you can sign up for that doesn’t cost anything and won’t bum you out. And a youth-led Swiss campaign to tax the rich to fight climate change.
Some stories leave us wondering “what happened next?” We hear details from a new report aimed at helping Nova Scotia tackle environmental racism. A check-in with an elder with the Sturgeon Creek First Nation who’s still living in a hotel seven months after wildfire and flooding forced her from her home. Updates from educators who are teaching their students how to contribute to climate solutions. News from a Canadian senator who wants to force banks to help the climate instead of hurting it. Plus: the whole What On Earth team pops into the studio to share some of 2023's biggest climate wins.
Missed some of our climate coverage in 2023? No need to have FOMO – we’ve got you covered with some of our favourite places, people and the tales they tell. Start with a journey to Germany’s coal region for lessons Canada can learn about energy transition. Take a trip on a cargo ship…for the sake of the climate (yes, seriously). Then, join us on a boat ride tracking biodiversity in North America’s southernmost fjord. And we wrap up in the classroom to learn why two university professors are trying to make climate change a mandatory part of learning.
‘Tis the season – well it’s always the season – to talk about climate. We’ve got tips on how to have a good conversation about our warming world around the holiday dinner table. Plus a new kind of annual Christmas letter featuring a family making a difference. And you can share the gift of a new zine packed with advice about coping with climate crises - one that fits into your back pocket.
Nations are "sounding the death knell for the fossil fuel era." Climate campaigner and self-described stubborn climate optimist Catherine Abreu calls the COP28 deal a win, despite its shortcomings. And columnist Chúk Odenigbo on why discussions about climate anxiety are too white.
An early childhood educator shares a climate solution to excess holiday presents. And a listener shares the joys and challenges of ‘micro-activism’ in rural New Brunswick as a blind person.
We dive into this year’s hot topic at COP: the f-words (fossil fuels). From Alberta’s case for its oil and gas industry, to the controversial words of the COP28 president, along with a decades-old industry “playbook.” And a bonus! An emissions cap you can wear.
A K-pop girl band has just been honoured for its climate advocacy. We hear about the difference megastars can make, even if they still live high-emitting lifestyles. And – as the pressure to shop ramps up, we hear how to trick yourself into thinking your old wardrobe is awesome.
2023 has broken records, but the warnings can sound like a “broken record.” Will the hottest year in recorded history light a fire under governments to act? And, why peace is on the agenda for the first time at this year’s COP28 talks. We learn how climate disasters breed conflict that hits women the most. In Pakistan the solution lies in education for girls.
People from around the world are heading to Dubai to set a course for the planet. With record-breaking temperatures and wild weather, the stakes are higher than ever. But with an oil executive at the helm of the talks, can countries work together to deliver on promises of emissions reductions?
If you don’t want your carbon footprint following you to the grave, green burials are a growing option. We take a trip from coast to coast to discover what exactly they are and how you can arrange one.
Glen Hoos wants no one to be left behind in the climate crisis. He’s supporting adults with Down syndrome, who share their advice on how to stay safe. Find out why one of his daughters nominated him as a climate champion and why another daughter motivates his advocacy. And – who wins and who loses in the rush for renewables.
Angry? Frustrated? Hopeful? However you feel, connecting with others can spark action. What On Earth’s new mental health columnist, Abhay Singh Sachal, shares tips to help you thrive. And – getting ready to snag some deals this Black Friday? Find out how the way you fill your online cart can make a difference for the planet and when going to a store IRL is the greener choice.
A farmer in Nova Scotia asks if there’s a better way to package greens. We find out. And, we hear how one couple’s dismay at plastic led them on a journey to open a zero-waste store in London, Ontario.
From Halloween costumes to the House of Commons, heat pumps are having a moment. We hear why they’re on the agenda in the halls of government. And we find out what else is needed to help lower-income Canadians – and everyone else – get cleaner, more efficient ways to heat and cool their homes.
From “packs of wolves” spreading disinformation online, to death threats, these women have paid a high cost for their climate advocacy work. As a family physician, Dr. Melissa Lem knew she could not stay silent on the dangers of climate change once she started to learn more. Climate advocate Tzeporah Berman waded into Alberta politics and got more than she bargained for. When Judy Wilson, former chief of the Neskonlith Indian Band, spoke out about a pipeline expansion, she says she started noticing strange things.
Saleemul Huq, champion of poor countries facing climate disaster, died suddenly. Now his close friend promises to ensure his legacy by pushing for richer countries to fund loss and damage money for the nations who need it most. And our youth climate action columnist on how young people are rethinking frontline protests as they strive for careers that could make a difference for the planet.
If it’s broke, who fixes it? “Right to repair” laws say companies should be held responsible for making better products. And – we visit a repair cafe and get some practical advice on how to make your appliances last longer.
As the Israel-Hamas war intensifies, we hear the case for working together on climate change to help build bridges. In July 2023, Carter Vigh died of an asthma attack which his parents say was made worse by wildfire smoke. Now, a project in his name hopes to get air quality monitors in communities around B.C.
Starting this weekend, you’ll notice something different about our podcast feed. We’re bringing you shorter episodes, more often. Every Wednesday and Saturday, we’ll have new stories about climate solutions, in less than 30 minutes.
Climate change is an “immense economic opportunity,” says Sultan Ahmed al-Jaber. But activists were outraged when the the CEO of the UAE’s state-run oil company was tasked with leading this year’s UN climate talks. The Guardian’s Fiona Harvey shares insights from recent interviews with al-Jaber. What On Earth’s new columnist Chúk Odenigbo tells us how his fight for climate justice started with a nude photoshoot in a park. And, scientists are working to understand the impact of wildfire smoke on glaciers.
Can rebranding 'natural gas' as 'fossil gas' lead to faster climate action? A former coal industry chemical engineer in Whistler, B.C. thinks it can, and he’s pushing governments to make the switch. Weddings can come with a big carbon footprint, so we explore how you and your sweetheart can make your big day more climate friendly. We hear from the creator of the 15 minute city concept about the abuse and death threats he’s faced, and we hear suggestions for how to tackle the growing problem of climate disinformation and online conspiracies. And we meet a pair of climate champions advocating for wetlands with some wild wonder and a Joni Mitchell cover.
Laura Lynch takes you up to Mount Meager, where dormant volcanoes could hold the future of geothermal energy in Canada - and another path to reconciliation with one First Nation. Two Canadian TikTok creators bring smart, funny climate messages to Gen Z.
Want to start a climate conversation? Mention your busted food processor, phone, dishwasher, coffee maker, etc. We’ll start a journey toward fixing what’s broken and learn how it could help repair the climate. Wealthy, white communities are more likely to oppose wind farms, says a new study. A Yellowknife doctor returns after a year away to find her home and herself changed by a harrowing summer. How some small businesses are adding EV chargers to boost tourism and help the planet. Could seafood-inspired skins slash emissions from buildings? And meet a musician who wants you to pull out your cell phone and tune into nature.
Clayoquot Sound near Tofino is known for the War in the Woods, a fight over old growth logging. Reporter Emily Vance takes us there to learn about the ways First Nations are re-asserting leadership when it comes to conservation on their traditional territories. Meet Melina Laboucan-Massimo, What On Earth’s new Indigenous-led climate solutions columnist. And – marking a year since Hurricane Fiona made landfall on Canada’s east coast, Paul Landry in New Brunswick explains why community support is key to surviving the next storm.
Danielle Smith has a plan to reach net zero by 2050, only it doesn’t involve moving away from oil and gas production. Laura asks her how she plans to get to carbon neutrality by 2050, and her snub of Ottawa's plan. And people across the country are on a mission to plant millions of trees, even as wildfires decimate forests in Canada. A documentary on what drives them, and what’s standing in the way.
A CBC News investigation found people across Canada lived with unsafe indoor temperatures this summer – often for long stretches of time with no relief. Reporter Tara Carman shares stories of people who suffered, including a man who died – after his home was close to 30 degrees for several weeks. And, environment minister Steven Guilbeault says his role in government 'is not to make friends.' In this feature interview, host Laura Lynch asks Guilbeault if Canada is falling short in its efforts to prevent heat deaths and respond to wildfires – and asks about his relationship with Alberta, as tensions mount over a planned emissions cap on the oil and gas industry.
As Canada continues to grapple with a record breaking wildfire season, some say it's a wake-up call to rethink our relationship with forests. For years, the logging industry has been built to maximize profits, rather than maximize wildfire resilience. What On Earth's Zoë Yunker introduces us to two B.C. communities doing things differently. And – cooking jerk shrimp without the smoke. Story producer Dannielle Piper tells us why a group is building cleaner-burning stoves in Nicaragua. Bonus, Dannielle teaches Laura how to make traditional Jamaican jerk shrimp!
Wildfires are getting harder to fight, so what can we do about it? A lot, actually. We’ll hear a former firefighter’s ideas on how we can use smarter technology and preventative measures to tackle wildfires. And we’ll learn about Indigenous food sovereignty and security, from teaching traditional hunting to planting native plants.
The Liidlii Kue First Nation breathes new life into Scotty Creek Research station, after a brutal wildfire decimated it last fall. Now, this climate research hub is jumping on a new opportunity to rebuild and take stock of data from before and after the fire to help tell the story of a rapidly changing North. Reporter Liny Lamberink visits this world-class climate research station in N.W.T. to explore the damage and survey the progress against the backdrop of a relentless season of wildfires. Alberta presses pause on renewable energy projects in a move one law professor calls “undemocratic.”
Hope is more important than ever, says Rebecca Solnit, amid another summer of climate-linked disasters. The writer, historian and activist says hope for the future is what fuels action to save it. We meet Sustainable Gabriola, a group working to make life on the B.C. Gulf Island more environmentally friendly. Youth columnist Aishwarya Puttur explores the differences between climate action in a major urban centre and in a small community in the Canadian North. And we revisit a climate slam poetry event at UBC.
How can you talk to your neighbours about climate change and work on solutions together? We hear about a UBC program training people across the country to do just that. And we meet a few of them as they plot to plant “plainclothes environmentalists” at their next community gathering. Then we go back in time to the oil shocks of the 1970s and 1980s for clean energy lessons that have new relevance today. And we meet a community of people making home retrofits a neighbourhood effort.
As sea levels rise, the nursery habitat for baby salmon will be pushed further inland. Molly Segal wades along the coast of Vancouver Island and speaks with the K'ómoks Guardian Watchmen, to learn how people are preserving the future of these fish. Lessons from Nova Scotia’s emergency response to flash floods. And two retired high school teachers set up a weekly climate info pop-up.
Parents of a B.C. boy who died after an asthma attack say wildfire smoke played a role. As climate change supercharges wildfire season, we explore personal and policy solutions that can protect the health of the most vulnerable. And farmers and food growers in Newfoundland and Labrador make an urgent call to the provincial government to remove barriers to growing their own food – changes they say are vital to protect food security as the world warms.
Our brains aren’t wired to save the world. But if you’re ready to make changes that actually stick, 10 Minutes to Save the Planet will show you the way. Co-hosts meteorologist and climate reporter Johanna Wagstaffe and broadcaster Rohit Joseph work through the UN’s 10 actions for a healthy planet, but in a way that won’t shame, overwhelm or bore you. Think of each episode as a bite-size guide to fight climate change, rooted in behavioural therapy. More episodes are available at: https://link.chtbl.com/MzC25ezJ
Mentoring Indigenous youth to lead during climate emergencies. Getting squirrely in the forest with a kids’ nature camp. Fireproofing California homes using bricks made from dirt. And: meet a man who built a tractor powered by the sun.
Whether urban or rural, green corridors can be crucial as the climate warms. We explore La Falaise Saint-Jacques in Montreal, and a biodiversity reserve in the territory of the Innu Essipit First Nation to find out why. Older adults are one of the groups at risk from extreme heat – we bring you a guide to staying safe. We hop aboard Canada’s first hydrogen-powered passenger train. And we drop by the studio of a Métis artist advocating for sustainable fashion.
Q Lawrence knew three of the 619 people who died in 2021's unprecedented heat dome in B.C. Now, new research shows that the single biggest risk factor for death during that heat dome was poverty. CBC reporter Bethany Lindsay explores how income affects outcomes of extreme weather in a warming world, and what can be done to protect those living in poverty. Then, we meet two friends who've been campaigning on climate change for 30 years. And, a documentary about how tornado season is changing in Canada and how warnings need to as well.
Driven by fear of climate change, Emily Kelsall got involved in extreme forms of activism. But the 25-year-old has come through a mental health crisis and now has a new approach to climate action. And we hear from two people who have studied the issue for a broader look at the mental health impacts of our warming planet. Then, we answer a listener’s questions about whether it’s possible to hop aboard a cargo ship for your summer vacation – and whether it’s a less carbon intensive way to travel than flying.
Intergenerational love and wisdom from a Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation family determined to act in the face of climate change — and encroaching wildfires. Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson unpacks the government's new blueprint for sustainable jobs. Does it pass muster? An engineering student from the University of Toronto hopes to bridge the sun and waves with a solar-powered boat. Plus, a voting cheat sheet for the climate.
As Ottawa choked on wildfire smoke, climate was left off the agenda in the House of Commons. CBC’s Aaron Wherry explains why it might seem like Canada's climate debate is stuck in the past. We meet 17-year-old Aishwarya Puttur who is fighting for the planet and debuts as our new youth columnist. Producer Molly Segal finds out how to pack a “go bag” in case wildfires force you from your home. An international project out of the University of Victoria aims to share the stories of climate disaster survivors in ways that help them heal. And a boost from the federal government for fossil fuel workers looking to go green.
As India’s extreme heat threatens lives, CBC’s Salimah Shivji shares solutions for cooling. John Vaillant warns of the frightening reality of 21st century wildfire. CBC’s Emily Chung introduces us to Ontarians experiencing the joys of affordable eco-friendly housing. Listeners are abuzz with questions about pollinator gardens. And an 11-year-old climate hero making a difference one lemonade stand at a time.
Helping shellfish survive extreme heat with Indigenous knowledge and western science. How to plant your backyard or balcony garden to benefit biodiversity and decolonize the landscape. And lessons from Australia on protecting your health during climate emergencies.
Alberta is in the hot seat with raging wildfires and a heated campaign. We trace the climate connections with voters and CBC meteorologist, Christy Climenhaga. At the other end of the thermostat, researchers race against warming to preserve archives of glacial ice in the Svalbard Archipelago. Gordon Neighbourhood House builds community in the face of heat extremes. Ashlee Cunsolo serves up wisdom about coping with ecological grief. And climate hero Jeremy Dias works to make his charity climate-friendly.
A dispute over a stone seawall on a public beach exposes PEI’s climate vulnerability and raises questions about natural solutions to the island’s eroding shores. CBC producer Janna Graham takes us to visit "The Wall" and learn what’s at stake as the island faces rising sea levels and more storm surges like Fiona. Next, we go down under to hear what Australia's deadly wildfires can teach us about the decision to "stay and defend" your property despite evacuation orders. Then, we tag along with a group of young people who want climate jobs and are banging down the government’s door to get them. We hear about their demands for a “Youth Climate Corps”.
Laura Lynch sidles up to sea lions in Howe Sound with a group protecting biodiversity. Why we need “all hands on deck” in the fight against wildfires. Listeners weigh in on how to leave fossil fuels behind without leaving workers in the lurch. A post-apocalyptic climate drama helps high school students grapple with the effects of climate change. And a local climate hero and hairdresser tells about the magic of …worms?
What can Canada learn from Denmark and Germany? As oil demand is forecast to drop, we take a look around the world for lessons about supporting workers and communities through energy transitions. Then, we hear from Canadians in communities closely tied to fossil fuels about their hopes and fears for the future.
You nominated the local heroes taking climate action in your communities. This week, we meet a few of them! They're saving wetlands, writing songs, supporting Indigenous clean energy projects, helping homeowners electrify, speaking out for old growth forests and more.
To the Po River Delta for a tale of the little clam that could... could suck in carbon, that is. Climate job seekers get a leg up. And, how to combine a haircut with climate activism.
A writer gazes into the future to find greener ways to fly. An Alberta teacher reaching kids with climate lessons that ease anxiety. And how the federal budget could make Canada an electric superpower
We uncover Canada-based solutions to the UN's latest climate report. In Newfoundland, compassion and know-how help people grapple with rising tides. Women in Vanuatu forge a network of climate resilience, and from Cape Cod to Atlantic Canada, fish find refuge from warming water.
Six months after the storm called Fiona devastated the community of Port aux Basques, Newfoundland, we check in to see how people are recovering and adapting. Comedian Chuck Nice on how humour can be a climate solution. And, getting into the minds of bees.
From Saskatoon to Finland, the benefits of winter biking. How ranchers are helping preserve Saskatchewan's grasslands. And a First Nation navigates a ticking carbon bomb.
The United Nations says more research is needed on solar geoengineering. Why scientists are borrowing from weather forecasting for everything from caribou to ticks. The deinfluencing movement on TikTok. And, we mark International Women's Day with a conversation with three leaders in the climate justice movement.
Climate-proofing the joy of a winter skate. A climate-themed drag show thwarted by melting ice. Clearing the air with an electric ice resurfacer. And homes get a winter makeover with some pocket change.
The high school senior tracking emissions from private jets. Why we need snow more than we know. Rethinking our dependence on cars. And Ottawa's new plan to transition workers away from the fossil fuel industry.
Opposition is mounting against harvesting metal-rich rocks from the deep ocean for use in EVs and more. We dive into the plan for the Great Bear Sea marine protected area. And slam poets share fiery emotions in hopes of a cooler future.
People in the north say they need better weather data to help them stay safe as the climate changes. Augy Jones is fighting environmental racism in Nova Scotia, using the lessons he learned from his parents in the civil rights era. And Canada's independent net zero panel delivers a list of climate actions Canada needs to take.
Food prices going up? So are greenhouse gases from those grocery store fridges! And just one look at exotic foods got Tamara Lindeman penning new climate songs. A brewing battle over deep sea mining. And the Canadian ties to Somalian drought.
Casting off the coast of Newfoundland where researchers are using underwater drones to gather data on ocean carbon, as the call comes for international cooperation on ocean monitoring. And a new book details why a just transition needs to include more than just oil and gas workers.
Lessons abound for climate watchers, from inside university classrooms to outside in the real world, where news that the ozone layer is healing offers hope for today's climate fight.
A new national initiative to support farmer mental health. A step forward in the fight to include people with disabilities in climate plans. Good news on energy-efficiency for low-income Canadians. And an update on the energy transition underway in Aberdeen, Scotland.
Producer Craig Desson goes on a journey to uncover what happened to passenger rail in Canada. And, producer Molly Segal follows a scientist looking to find out if climate safe havens in the Rocky Mountains can help the elusive wolverine.
In his book The Petroleum Papers, journalist Geoff Dembicki traces the money behind climate disinformation back to Canada. A recap of good climate news from 2022. Three CBC meteorologists weigh in on extreme weather. And tips for a green holiday.
What's at stake for our planet as international delegates descend on the UN Biodiversity Conference in Canada. Why Indigenous-led conservation is key to Canada meeting its targets. And, getting into the minds of bees.
A long voyage to net zero for shipping is casting off, and electric tugboats are part of it. And: a surprising boom in solar power in the land of oil and gas.
A national plan to fend off climate catastrophe, as one region struggles to adapt to changing waters. Forest drones taking root. Students on climate care. And: hard cash or empty promises on loss and damage?
What On Earth's Dannielle Piper reveals connections to the Caribbean to show what's at stake for those communities. Edmonton, Oslo and carbon budgets. And, two artists connect with their culture to take climate action.
With UN negotiations underway in Egypt, the call continues to phase out fossil fuels. Former environment minister Catherine McKenna gives us a reality check on net zero pledges. A listener shares her memories of a beloved mountain park. And, one year after an atmospheric river hit B.C., we check in on recovery.
This week, What On Earth dedicates a full episode to the UN climate negotiations getting underway in Egypt. Communities on the frontlines of global warming are heading to COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh to speak out. As talks of 'loss and damage' focus on developing countries, we hear what Canada's responsibilities are internationally and at home. And, we hear what people in Canada hope for at this year's conference.
How a small town is saving millions on climate adaptation by embracing nature's services. Climate action as a public health solution. And can throwing soup at art lead to policy change?
The high seas are beyond the reach of international law – and beyond the beat of most reporters. But Pulitzer-Prize-winner and former New York Times journalist, Ian Urbina, has sailed into uncharted territories. Urbina sets out on a years-long quest to investigate murder at sea, modern slave labour, environmental crimes and quixotic adventurers. Part travelog, part true-crime thriller, this 7-part series takes listeners to places where the laws of the land no longer exist. The Outlaw Ocean is brought to you by CBC Podcasts and the LA Times and produced by The Outlaw Ocean Project. More episodes are available at http://hyperurl.co/theoutlawocean
How the rebuilding of a B.C. trail could be a blueprint to help parks better withstand climate disaster. 'Bridging, braiding and weaving' Indigenous science into environmental policy. Two Canadian TikTok creators bring smart, funny climate messages to Gen Z. And, does logging in Canada generate emissions as high as the oil sands?
A twisty tale of survival, playing games with climate change & one site for many answers to the challenges.
Young Black Canadians talk about how they're breaking barriers in the climate movement and we hear from the 'father of environmental justice' about where the struggle began. Author Britt Wray on turning climate anxiety into "a tool, not a dead end." And a visit with people in Vancouver going meatless for Thanksgiving.
Rebuilding communities after post-tropical storm Fiona can be an opportunity to keep people safer. We also hear about the Assembly of First Nations' second annual climate gathering from two young people working on climate in their communities. And comedian Chuck Nice on how humour can be a climate solution.
Laura Lynch takes you up to Mount Meager, where volcanoes could hold the future of geothermal energy in Canada. A new report tallies the coming costs of climate change and lays out the solutions. And, we hear how renewable energy projects in Indigenous communities can be a step towards reconciliation.
A researcher explains why it's important to confirm the connection between greenhouse gas emissions and wild weather, such as flooding in Pakistan and the heat dome in B.C. Rocking out at a solar powered nighttime concert on Prince Edward Island. Plus, we hear from people bringing climate action into their workplaces.
This week, we ask what role Canada needs to play in providing aid to Pakistan as it confronts an ongoing climate hazard. And, a documentary about how the world helped mend the ozone layer, and what lessons it holds for today's climate crisis.
This week, a professor tells us why he's speaking up for disability and climate. We check in with a science advisor for the federal government. And, a look at standards for clean electricity, at home and in Hawaii.
We hear why equity and climate action need each other. Producer Rachel Sanders talks to farmers facing mental health impacts of environmental extremes. And, quitting for the climate? A wildlife ecologist tells her story.
Mired. Bogged down. Swamped. You might not hold wetlands in high esteem, but many say they're worth protecting in the name of climate change. And, we hear the case for giving cities more money and power as they find themselves on the frontlines of global warming.
After a rollercoaster of negotiations, the US senate passes a landmark climate bill. Guest host Inayat Singh asks can it cut enough CO2? Producer Rachel Sanders visits a Vancouver community group working to keep people cool during extreme heat. And, Producer Molly Segal's feature documentary about how polar bears became a climate icon, for better or worse.
As we countdown to COP27 in Egypt, we look back at last year's conference, where it fell short and why trust is an important part of climate negotiations.
Looking for some summer reads to beat the heat? Climate literature is here to help. Kids' books support parents with the “climate talk” and adult fiction explores fear, hope and community resilience.
Science journalist Erica Gies shares solutions to living with water extremes. How statistics can shape climate solutions. A physician in Yellowknife weighs in on wildfire smoke and health. And, a paramedic shares news about the rollout of electric ambulances in British Columbia.
Across Canada, climate change is exacerbating challenges caribou herds already face. But research shows protecting caribou habitat could have other benefits for climate. And, an analysis from Harvard measures how ExxonMobil used language to make individuals feel responsible for climate change, similar to the strategy used by tobacco companies in the past.
The climate fallout of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling diminishing EPA powers. Farmers fighting for climate policy. We check in with three CBC meteorologists with an eye on climate.
From Cape Cod to Atlantic Canada, fish are finding new refuge from warming water. Plus, a prestigious medical journal takes on climate change for the first time, and solar power scores a win in Nova Scotia.
This week on What On Earth with Laura Lynch • A proposed law aimed at fighting environmental racism gets a crucial win – we hear from researcher and advocate Ingrid Waldron. • Carbon credits 101: Nicholas Rivers gives us a primer on Canada's new offsets program. • And David Suzuki and Severn Cullis Suzuki gather to recall and renew their fight for a safe climate.
This week on What On Earth with Laura Lynch: We feature YOU the listener, sharing your solutions on climate. Also: we hear how governments can work to uphold people's "right to be cool." And, an argument for more funding for the other science that could push governments to action.
climate change, carbon negative, net zero, heat dome, heat wave, West Coast, Sea, Ocean, BC, marine ecology, sea life, marine protected areas, Chris Harley, zoology, University of British Columbia, Washington State, Russia, Ukraine, Finland, Kati Kulovesi, University of Eastern Finland, Edward Burtynsky, art, photography, Canadian artist, In the Wake of Progress
Some municipalities are taking natural gas out of buildings in a shift to a greener future. Laura Lynch checks in on two towns on either side of Lake Ontario, both leading the way. And: what's the deal with 'renewable natural gas'? Some companies promise 'renewable' natural gas from landfill and other waste can slash emissions. But is there enough trash to power a fuel switch, or is it simply a distraction from better solutions?
This week on What On Earth with Laura Lynch: • As soaring oil prices force countries to rethink their energy supply, we blow the dust off of solutions developed decades ago
• Mapping wildfire risk
• Checking in six months after COP26
• The importance of casting a vote to curb CO2 emissions
A tale of two First Nations and how the reserve system forced them onto flood plains; Three Ontarians weigh in on their provincial election; And how the Heiltsuk First Nation's speedy switch to heat pumps is securing its energy future
New climate change books for kids help them cope with scary emotions and turn anxiety into action. Hope for the return of the wolverine in Labrador. And is climate change a ballot box issue for Ontario voters?
Fifteen-year-old Tai Poole won’t rest until he’s uncovered the mysteries of the universe, one probing question at a time. In Season 4 of his Webby-winning podcast, Tai talks to everyone from NASA scientists to stand-up comedians to his equally curious little brother Kien. If you’ve ever wondered if we can keep eating meat without destroying the planet or if we’re alone in the universe, Tai has you covered. More episodes are available at hyperurl.co/taiaskswhy
This week on What on Earth with Laura Lynch • Channeling eco-anxiety into a force for change
• Feeling the heat in India
• How to meet the call to go electric
• One listener's solution that's become a campaign.
This week on What On Earth with Laura Lynch • Producer Molly Segal straps on her snowshoes in search of the elusive wolverine and hears how climate safe havens may help them in a warming world
• A young Canadian taking on her bank for making net zero promises while investing in fossil fuels
• Also, a senator's push to force the financial industry to put its money where its mouth is
This week: the first hour-long episode of What On Earth. We look at how climate change is shaping the lives of everyone, from low income Canadians, to farmers, and an academic walking away from tenure.
The coastal city of Aberdeen, Scotland, has long made its living off the North Sea, first from fishing then oil and gas. Now, a new transition is underway: offshore wind. But will it be a 'just' ?
Days after another urgent call from the UN to get off fossil fuels, Ottawa approved a new offshore oil megaproject. Critics say it flies in the face of Canada's climate plans.
Nova Scotians are watching the coast vanish before their eyes, due to rising sea levels and stronger storms. Guest host Portia Clark looks at the problem of coastal erosion, and the solutions underway to protect the shoreline.
As the federal government releases its plan to reduce emissions, we revisit our conversation with scientist and inventor Saul Griffith. His solution to climate change: electrification.
Northern Ontario has rich mineral deposits that can help meet growing demand for EV batteries. But digging the minerals out risks destroying one of the planet's largest carbon stores. This week we look at the benefits, drawbacks, and ask what's at stake for the climate?
This week, guest host Lisa Johnson brings you three climate stories from around the world. From the war in Ukraine, to the latest UN climate change report, and an update on Alberta coal mining.
The latest UN climate report warns that now is the time for communities to prepare for climate change. What On Earth guest host Loren McGinnis finds out how Fort Simpson, N.W.T., is tackling the problem, months after the village flooded.
From a climate tech start up to a community driven food security project, people are fighting climate change and creating good news along the way.
The Winter Olympics and Paralympics in Beijing showcase bare mountains with small areas covered in snow that had to be made from massive amounts of water brought to the site. This week, an we revisit an episode that asks what’s the future of winter and what can be done to save it?
Some companies promise 'renewable' natural gas from landfill and other waste can slash emissions. But is there enough trash to power a fuel switch, or is it simply a distraction from better solutions?
Young Black Canadians share how they are breaking barriers in the climate movement and we hear from the 'father of environmental justice' about where the struggle began.
When the Alberta government quietly rescinded a 1976 coal policy protecting the eastern slopes of the Rockies, it kicked off mass outcry. Now, as the public awaits new policy, some argue it should exclude new mines.
Some municipalities are taking natural gas out of buildings in a shift to a greener future. Laura Lynch checks in on two towns on either side of Lake Ontario, both leading the way.
The coastal city of Aberdeen, Scotland, has long made its living off the North Sea, first from fishing then oil and gas. Now, a new transition is underway: offshore wind. But will it be a 'just' ?
We had so many inspiring updates last week, we needed a second episode. Hear from a First Nation building climate-smart housing, a teen fighting to change the law, and more.
We welcome 2022 with an update from some of our guests. We hear about a geothermal project breaking ground, the fight to stop a new highway, and a campaign for better climate education.
"Cli-fi" is a growing literary genre that, at its best, can inspire hope and spur action. Hear from Catherine Bush, Premee Mohamed and David Huebert about their new works of fiction.
It's not just the science. Listen to a heartfelt conversation with some of CBC's top meteorologists about the year of weather extremes.
As Canadian gear up for the holidays, we look at what's changed when it comes to what we buy. And we find out if re-imagining our relationship to our stuff could help fight climate change.
From Wet'suwet'en to Mi'kmaw opposition, Indigenous peoples are fighting fossil fuels. A new report adds up the emissions saved from pipeline resistance across North America.
Extreme weather is usually treated as a physical problem. But eight years after historic flooding in High River, Alta., the town’s recovery shows the long toll climate disasters can have on mental health — and offers lessons for how to help.
A "river in the sky" triggered landslides and floods that brought the climate crisis home. In this special report, hear what happened in B.C., and how to chart a path forward with solutions, strength, and hope.
In Glasgow, doctors, students and activists from around the world gathered to make the case: climate change is a health crisis. With Canada signing a pledge to decarbonize health care, this week a look at how the system itself can be part of the solution.
Negotiations continue at COP26 and Indigenous leaders are in Glasgow for the talks, even though they don't have seats at the bargaining table. Hear why some believe it’s a waste of time to try to be heard, while others argue it’s essential.
Wealthy nations have failed to meet a $100 billion pledge to help developing countries tackle climate change. This week, a look at why trust is the 'most relevant currency of climate negotiations' and what can be done to restore it.
As Canada strengthens its Paris Agreement targets, critics point to the elephant in the room — oil and gas expansion. We revisit an earlier episode and hear why Canada has 'one eye shut' when it comes to climate policy and what might be a first step toward a solution.
As all eyes turn to COP 26 in Glasgow, we hear the case for cities to get more money and power as they find themselves on the frontlines of climate change.
This week, an electrifying conversation with Saul Griffith. The scientist and inventor has dedicated himself to halting climate change. Electrify everything is his clarion call. And the work he says, begins right at home - your oven, your dryer, your car and much more.
Across Canada, climate change is exacerbating challenges caribou herds already face. But research shows protecting caribou habitat could have other benefits for climate.
Policy experts, Kathryn Harrison and Jennifer Winter, break down climate policy under the new government and what we can expect going forward. Voters react to the election outcome, who they voted for and what they want to see next.
As kids head back to school this month we take a look at what students across Canada learn about climate change. And we meet youth and educators who say a more comprehensive climate education is needed.
Description: The major parties have made their pledges for climate action. Host Laura Lynch speaks with candidates to discuss their platforms and what it means for Canada's plan to reduce emissions.
Climate-concerned Canadians are sizing up candidates and platforms. We hear from voters and researchers about the role climate change might play, both in their choices and in just how the election itself is conducted.
BONUS: Canadians can vote for climate this fall. So how do the parties and their policies stack up? Laura speaks with Kathryn Harrison and Angela Carter about what you should watch for as we head into an election.
As Canada works to bounce back after pandemic-induced economic losses, we look at what's changed when it comes to what we buy. And we find out if reimagining our relationship to our stuff could help fight climate change.
The latest IPCC report has brought the climate crisis into sharp focus, but scientists say while the warning is stark, the focus must not be on despair and instead should be on action. Laura Lynch, hosting The Current this week, is joined by Simon Lewis, a professor of global change science at University College London; and Katharine Hayhoe, an atmospheric scientist and professor in the department of political science at Texas Tech University.
From stunted wheat fields to raging wildfires, drought has spread across much of Western Canada and the U.S. We get the forecast on the changing water cycle and hear how science and Indigenous knowledge can help us adapt.
Flooding, extreme heat, drought, wildfires: summer 2021 has seen a lot of extremes. It's a sign of how 'normal' is changing in a warming world. This week, we talk about the damage that causes and how to turn climate dread into action.
Extreme weather is usually treated as a physical problem. But eight years after historic flooding in High River, Alta., the town’s recovery shows the long toll climate disasters can have on mental health — and offers lessons for how to help.
Laura joins our friends at Podcast Playlist to celebrate the show's first anniversary and to chat about some of her favourite podcasts on climate change. Featuring: What On Earth, The Allusionist, Inherited, Saltgrass.
Deadly heat and fires brought climate change home this week. As some forests burn, others are storing carbon and working to combat extremes. We explore the climate benefits of old-growth forests, and how one country stopped logging them on public land.
When it comes to the environment and climate change, one legal scholar says Canada is on "a path to catastrophe without ever violating the Constitution". We hear the case and look at a solution.
New research links a deadly disaster in the Indian Himalayas to an avalanche of rock and ice. We hear about the new findings, revisit voices on the ground, and ask what can be learned from this as the climate warms.
A million species are at risk of extinction. Climate change is making it worse. On the front lines of conservation, we talk to scientists using new tools like big data to help. But with a problem this size, they say it’s clear: we know enough to act now.
The EV industry is taking off, with major manufacturers vowing to go all-electric. But what are the environmental costs of all those batteries? We plug into the issue and hear about some made-in-Canada solutions.
As nations grapple with climate change, critics say Canada is failing to support those forced to leave their homes. We look at climate displacement and explore how to respond.
New analysis from Harvard measures how ExxonMobil used language to make individuals feel responsible for climate change, similar to the strategy used by tobacco companies in the past.
Mired. Bogged down. Swamped. You might not hold wetlands in high esteem, but many say they're worth protecting and restoring in the name of climate change.
BONUS EPISODE: A feature interview with Richard Duke — a special adviser on climate and foreign policy to the Biden administration — about the push for both Canada and the U.S to lead on climate change
As Canada strengthens its Paris Agreement targets, critics point to the elephant in the room — oil and gas expansion. We hear why Canada has 'one eye shut' when it comes to climate policy and what might be a first step toward a solution.
New highways can relieve traffic temporarily, but at what cost? With a decision coming soon on Highway 413 near Toronto, we take a close look at the debate, and what it tells us about urban sprawl, green spaces and human health.
From net-zero pledges to sustainable portfolios, it appears the finance industry is acting on climate change. But Canadian pensions and other funds are still heavily invested in fossil fuels. We look at how our money can be part of the solution.
Hydrogen might be a small molecule, but big hopes are being pinned on it as a solution to a cleaner, greener energy future. We look at Canada's plan and hear why some think it's not green enough.
Fourteen people from clean tech, finance, industry, the climate movement and more are tasked with helping Canada reach net-zero emissions by 2050. We hear from a few of them and the concerns of one climate scientist in the UK.
BONUS EPISODE: When it comes to cutting CO2, the Supreme Court of Canada says the federal government can make the rules. We hear reaction to the decision, and what it means for individuals across Canada and the fight against climate change
As Texans weather the fallout of their massive power crash, aging Canadian power grids are facing their own challenges. We look at how to keep the lights on and emissions down in the face of climate change.
Carbon offsets are billed as a necessary tool for climate action. But decades of projects have failed to reduce emissions. With a new Canadian system in the works, we ask what's the problem with offsets and how can we make them work?
Emissions from air travel are expected to skyrocket in the coming years. With the industry hoping for a post-pandemic rebound we take a look at some emerging solutions.
Looking back at Black history month and ahead to a bill to address environmental racism, we examine the connections between racism and climate change. We hear from Black academics, environmentalists and a labour leader about an inclusive green transition.
For many northern communities, ice roads are essential for accessing things like food and fuel. But climate change is causing them to be less reliable, and often unsafe. This week, we explore the impact and solutions.
As the rescue and recovery in Uttarakhand, India unfolds, scientists are asking if climate change was the cause. This week, we explore the cascading climate impacts of glaciers, and what can be done to keep people safe.
A public inquiry in Alberta into alleged foreign-funded anti-energy campaigns commissioned a pair of studies critics call “textbook climate denial.” We look at why this persists in Canada, and how to go beyond debunked arguments against climate science.
Reducing the carbon footprint of homes across Canada is no easy task. We ask what role does home heating play? From individual homeowners, to community-lead change, find out who is taking action and why.
With the stroke of a pen Joe Biden cancelled the Keystone XL pipeline, and now calls are growing for a 'just transition' — a shift from fossil fuels to a low carbon economy that doesn’t leave workers behind. We look at the barriers and how it could work.
From trapping carbon dioxide at a plant, to removing it from the atmosphere, buzzworthy technology promises big. But will it deliver a pathway to a safer future, or delay getting off fossil fuels?
Youth are especially vulnerable to the worries and realities of climate change. It might be a tempting topic to avoid for parents. That’s not the solution, but we have a playbook for what is — including doing something about it.
Katharine Hayhoe, Severn Cullis-Suzuki, and Sophia Mathur share their climate book picks for 2020 and we hear from authors Leah Stokes, Seth Klein and Jamie Bastedo.
From lessons learned during the pandemic to his hope to hit net-zero emissions, plus some news he didn't expect to break – Jonathan Wilkinson joins us for a feature interview.
Later snowfalls, earlier melts, and a Canadian Arctic that is warming three times the global average. As many of us escape outdoors for some pandemic relief, we ask what will a Canadian winter mean in a warming climate?
Seaweed is having its climate moment. As warming oceans threaten its survival, many species of seaweed hold much promise as a climate solution. There's even a seaweed manifesto.
There is huge potential in Canada to harness heat from deep below the ground for electricity. So why are there only a handful of projects breaking ground? We take a look at the promise of renewable geothermal power and the barriers to getting there.
Canada hasn’t met a climate target yet. Trudeau’s Liberals just introduced new accountability legislation — but how strong is it? We get reaction, look at lessons from the U.K.’s ‘gold standard’ climate law, and hear what we still need to reach net-zero.
President-elect Joe Biden's win means a United States that again plans to act on climate science — a huge shift from the past four years under Trump. Experts anticipate far-reaching impacts: to policy, innovation, and pressure on Canada to ‘step up.’
Canada’s resource minister says there’s no path to net-zero without more nuclear development, and the push is on to develop small modular reactors. But uncertainties remain — and experts disagree whether they’re the climate solution we need.
It's an idea that's been framed as a simple solution to a warming climate – plant more trees. On both sides of the border politicians of all stripes have promised to plant billions and trillions of trees - but how feasible is it to deliver and what impact would it really have?
Enthusiasm for electric vehicles is rising in Canada — as are sales — but there’s a huge gap between today’s reality and Ottawa’s goal for zero-emission vehicles by 2040. We’ll hear what’s holding back would-be EV drivers, and what needs to change.
Greta Thunberg told the world: ‘I don’t want you to be hopeful. I want you to panic.’ Many climate messages focus on fear — it’s powerful, but can also backfire. Hear why hope can be crucial, and the risks of making a worst-case scenario feel inevitable.
Fabrice Retiere will sit down to a meatless Thanksgiving this year for the first time. Research suggests he might not be the only Canadian doing so, as Canadians show more interest in eating less meat. This week we delve into the demand for plant based protein, the companies capitalizing on the demand, and why scientists and policy experts say more needs to be done to get people on board if we want to help our climate.
When your backyard is burning, is anywhere safe? Welcome to World on Fire, a six-part original podcast from CBC Edmonton that takes us to the front lines of out of control wildfires in Canada, Australia and California. Recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic, hosts Adrienne Lamb and wildfire expert, Mike Flannigan look at what it takes to find hope in the midst of fear and destruction.
This summer, Arctic sea ice hit a near-record low, second only to 2012 as the biggest melt on record. By 2050, many project an ice-free summer Arctic; the Earth’s white cap would be gone. We look at a bold proposal to save ice with technology — and plans to protect what’s left.
Fifteen Canadian youth argue they're being disproportionately hurt by climate change and the federal government is violating their rights. But Ottawa wants the case thrown out. We dig into the arguments and ask if the courts can ensure climate action?
Melting glaciers are a marker of our warming planet. Beyond the melt, what are the impacts? Flooding might come to mind, but power, water supply, or salmon habitat? We hear from people affected, and ask if Canada’s reducing emissions fast enough?
Melting glaciers are a marker of our warming planet. Beyond the melt, what are the impacts? Flooding might come to mind, but power, water supply, or salmon habitat? We hear from people affected, and ask if Canada’s reducing emissions fast enough?
After a hot summer in cities across the country and warming in regions that Environment Canada doesn't even have systems built for yet, we look at how prepared Canada is for heat and what we can learn from elsewhere.
Canada depends on fossil fuels for energy, and it wants net zero emissions by 2050. Ottawa and several provinces think hydrogen could be part of the path forward. We ask how workers will be affected, what can you do, and if hydrogen lives up to the hype?
Extreme weather and warmer temperatures put farmers on the front lines of climate change. Now some farmers are turning to regenerative farming to fight back. We get all the details and ask if it’s enough to help stop climate change?
Books, music, art, film. There's no shortage of work when it comes to how the arts tackle climate change. But does it have an impact? This week, What On Earth goes off the beaten path and asks if art can move the meter on our own climate action?
Siberia is on fire, and what’s burning is peat. Scientists used to think the wet bogs of peatland wouldn’t burn, but as our climate warms and they dry out, peatland fires are causing big climate and health problems. What can we do to save them?
Move, adapt or face extinction: a warming climate means thousands of plants and animals are already shifting where they live. We talk about changes happening now in Canada, and what to do about it — including protecting the “slow lanes” of climate change.
Flooding is already the most costly natural hazard in Canada. With sea levels rising and more extreme weather, many homeowners are at risk and don’t know it. We look at solutions, and ask: when it is time to retreat from the waterfront?
We look at the value of Indigenous knowledge in the fight against climate change. On one hand, it's being embraced by outsiders like never before. But others say there’s a big difference between extracting information and really listening to it.
Is the pandemic the moment something shifts on climate change? We consider how shutdowns might remake what feels normal, with the tale of China’s ‘APEC blue’ skies, and hear economists argue COVID-19 presents an urgent opportunity to act. Is Canada ready?