What On Earth

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'...

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...

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 di...