What On Earth

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 undergroun...

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 ic...

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 s...

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 a...

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 th...

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...

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...

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....

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....

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...

‘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 c...

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.