The Environment in Canada Podcast

Kassie Drodge talks with Dome Lombeida about the importance of approaching activism as a community, how international migration is driven by extraction companies, and finding hope in shared struggles: locally, nationally, and internationally. This episode is part of sub-series featuring voices in Newfoundland and Labrador.Be sure to send us your questions at info@sierraclub.ca and sign up for email updates from us here: https://www.sierraclub.ca/subscribe-for-updates/And don't forget to take action!Support the showFind out more and take action at sierraclub.ca/take-action/

Sylvain Comeau, a young environmentalist and head of Maritimes Against Climate Change, is on a mission to combat climate change in New Brunswick. He discusses the power of youth and elder collaboration in activism, emphasizing intergenerational dialogue. Sylvain highlights the impact of protests on political responses and legislation promoting environmental rights. He also addresses the challenges of transitioning to renewable energy and the importance of citizen engagement in climate action, urging listeners to take proactive steps for a healthier planet.

Sean Kheraj, an environmental historian and associate professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, dives into Canada’s oil pipeline history. He reveals the troubling frequency and impact of oil spills, emphasizing their inevitability despite technological advances. Discussing the Silent Rivers project, he highlights key pipeline incidents and their environmental ramifications. Kheraj critiques current energy practices, advocating for renewable solutions over further infrastructure investments, and illustrates the historical relationship between natural disruptions and environmental justice for Indigenous communities.

Hadrian Mertins-Kirkwood, a senior researcher at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, discusses how communities can lead the charge in transitioning to renewable energy. He emphasizes the importance of grassroots movements to fill gaps left by government policies, citing inspiring examples from Edmonton. Hadrian explores the balance between economic survival and climate action, urging local organizations to advocate for effective solutions. He also highlights the critical role of indigenous communities in driving localized energy initiatives and fostering sustainable growth.

Chúk Odenigbo, a Franco-Albertan environmentalist and Director at the Institute of Tamarack, discusses the alarming rise of wildfires in Alberta and their impact on vulnerable communities, especially Indigenous and marginalized groups. He emphasizes the urgent need for inclusive recovery strategies, as many lack adequate support during crises. Personal stories reveal the emotional toll of evacuations and highlight community resilience. Odenigbo advocates for proactive climate adaptation, stressing the importance of emergency preparedness and equitable responses to environmental injustices.

In this engaging discussion, Drew Tozer, an NRCan energy advisor and author of 'Feel Good Homes', shares insights on the benefits of heat pumps as a cleaner heating alternative. He highlights the importance of electrification in reducing reliance on toxic gas systems and improving indoor air quality. Drew also addresses common misconceptions about heat pumps, the economic advantages of transitioning from gas, and the health risks associated with gas cooking appliances. Plus, he offers practical tips for creating a sustainable home environment.

Ben Jealous, the Executive Director of the Sierra Club U.S. and former NAACP leader, shares insights on the accelerating decline of oil and gas demand. He emphasizes the importance of renewable energy for job creation and economic stability, revealing how investing in green energy can combat inflation. Jealous addresses the need for collaborative efforts in Canadian renewable growth and highlights the rising public support for sustainable practices over fossil fuels. He offers an optimistic outlook on America’s potential manufacturing revival through green initiatives.

Conor chats with documentary filmmakers Nova Ami and Velcrow Ripper about their new film Incandescence. Incandescence is produced and distributed by the National Film Board of Canada and available for free streaming across Canada on the platform nfb.ca and on the NFB app: https://www.nfb.ca/film/incandescence/Nova and Velcrow discuss their unique approach to interviews and sound in the film, share insights into how communities are coming together to manage fire and the climate crisis, and discuss the complexities of fire in the ecosystem. We also have several May 2025 updates from Sierra Club Canada! Find out more about:Ways you can take action by helping us plant wildflowers across Canada and by sending a message to the Prime Minister about the emissions cap on oil and gas corporations: https://www.sierraclub.ca/take-action/Climate survivors’ calls for an emissions cap on Canada's biggest polluting corporations should not go ignored.Our AGM: https://secure.sierraclub.ca/en/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=66And recent career opportunities: https://www.sierraclub.ca/about/careers/Be sure to send us your questions at info@sierraclub.ca and sign up for email updates from us here: https://www.sierraclub.ca/subscribe-for-updates/Support the showFind out more and take action at sierraclub.ca/take-action/

Join Stephen Thomas, Clean Energy Manager at the David Suzuki Foundation, as he discusses the strong sentiment among Canadians for prioritizing renewable energy over oil and gas. With two-thirds of the country supporting climate action, they explore the enormous job creation potential in renewables. Thomas highlights how renewable energy can alleviate living costs, improve health, and reduce reliance on volatile fossil fuels. The conversation also touches on the urgent need for tradespeople in the renewable sector and the importance of stable policies to guide this transition.

In this engaging discussion, Ken Summers, a passionate anti-fracking activist from Nova Scotia, joins Gretchen Fitzgerald, Executive Director of Sierra Club Canada Foundation, to unpack the alarming tactics of the provincial government. They delve into how recent measures resemble U.S. authoritarianism, including limiting media access and bypassing public consultation on fracking. They highlight a rally for democracy in Halifax, showcasing community resilience against these policies. Their conversation emphasizes the urgent need for transparency, renewable energy advocacy, and grassroots solidarity.