What On Earth

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.