What On Earth

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When the Alberta government quietly rescinded a 1976 coal policy protecting the eastern slopes of the Rockies, it kicked off mass outcry.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.