The Environment in Canada Podcast

We answer your questions about Sierra Club Canada and take a look behind the scenes of the work that goes into fundraising with Development Manager Taylor Farrugia for Giving Tuesday - as well as share advice for young people interested in getting into the fields of fundraising or communications. Don't forget to spread the word to others! Learn more about Sierra Club Canada at https://www.sierraclub.ca/ Give your gift to Sierra Club Canada and help support our work and this podcast at: https://www.sierraclub.ca/ways-to-support/donate/ Find our staff listing here and learn more about our team: https://www.sierraclub.ca/about/our-staff/And find out board member listing here: https://www.sierraclub.ca/about/board-of-directors/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 by signing petitions and more here: https://www.sierraclub.ca/take-action/Support the showFind out more and take action at sierraclub.ca/take-action/

The discussion centers on a recent pipeline agreement that ditches an emissions cap, seen as a betrayal to climate advocates for the benefit of U.S. shareholders. Listeners are encouraged to take local action for renewables and to oppose the weakening of anti-greenwashing laws. The host emphasizes the need to control dialogues rather than appease middle grounds, framing radical ideas to reach broader audiences. Strategies for reducing internal conflict in activism and the importance of focusing on shared goals are highlighted, alongside the call for strategic empathy towards opponents.

Conor talks with Ole Hendrickson, the Chair of Sierra Club Canada’s Conservation Committee and a columnist among many other roles, about the ongoing fight to to defend the Kichi Sibi / Ottawa River and our watershed from a nuclear waste megadump. The Concerned Citizens of Renfrew County and Area, Kebaowek First Nation, Sierra Club Canada and the Canadian Coalition for Nuclear Responsibility took Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) to court and WON on this matter... but CNL has appealed.And so on November 12th as CNL’s appeal was heard, they held a rally outside.After the interview with Ole we’ll be playing some audio from the rally of a speech by Justin Roy, a Councillor at Kebaowek First Nation. This audio was kindly provided to us by Peter Stockdale who took the recording.Find out more about this issue in our previous episode by Jessica Murray, Nuclear waste and what to do with it?! here: https://www.sierraclub.ca/nuclear-waste-ottawa-river/You can find Kebaowek First Nation's website here: https://kebaowek.ca/And Concerned Citizens of Renfrew County and Area have their website here: https://concernedcitizens.net/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: https://www.sierraclub.ca/take-action/Or give what you can to support the show: https://www.sierraclub.ca/ways-to-support/donate/Support the showFind out more and take action at sierraclub.ca/take-action/

The podcast dives into the Alberta Government's push for a west coast oil pipeline and its potential implications for Canadian sovereignty. Discussions reveal how this move might serve U.S. interests while undermining Canada's climate regulations. There's a deep dive into the financial risks tied to new fossil infrastructure and public support trends favoring renewable energy over oil subsidies. The urgent call to action encourages listeners to advocate for local renewable energy solutions, emphasizing the need for integration instead of reliance on fossil fuels.

We talk with Danielle Romaine of our Sierra Youth Chapter about some of the amazing projects Sierra Youth is starting, how to get youth into hopeful spaces, food security and sovereignty, and what you can do to help. You can find out more about Sierra Youth on our website here: https://www.sierraclub.ca/chapters/sierra-youth/about-sierra-youth/And on their Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/sierrayouthcanada/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: https://www.sierraclub.ca/take-action/Or give what you can to support the show: https://www.sierraclub.ca/ways-to-support/donate/Support the showFind out more and take action at sierraclub.ca/take-action/

This episode dives into the optimism of the climate movement, highlighting strategies that empower action against oil and gas interests. It explores the importance of democracy in effective environmental protection and the economic advantages of renewable energy. Listeners learn about Sierra Club U.S.'s lawsuit for transparency regarding the Trump administration's connections to polluters, including questionable oil demand scenarios. The episode emphasizes practical steps to support community transitions and combat greenwashing in Canada.

The discussion challenges the notion that LNG projects promote nation-building, highlighting their negative impacts on Canada’s economy, health, and climate. Polls show public preference for renewable energy over LNG funding. The podcast reveals foreign ownership of LNG projects and stresses that exporting LNG could raise domestic gas prices. It connects fossil fuel production to climate crises and local health issues. Ultimately, it calls for stronger regulations against greenwashing and advocates for community-led renewable initiatives.

Diana Boston, a resilient member of the Upper Nicola Band, and Megan Fandrick, a trauma-informed editor and wildfire survivor, share their harrowing experiences of rebuilding after devastating floods and wildfires in British Columbia. They discuss the panic of rapid evacuations and the overwhelming community support that followed. Both guests passionately advocate for an emissions cap on fossil fuel corporations to protect vulnerable communities. Their stories shed light on the lasting impacts of climate disasters and the urgent need for action.

This riveting discussion highlights the real deep state—oil and gas lobbyists—and how their influence can erode democracy. Citizens, not leaders, must drive the change to counter corporate interests. The podcast critiques Budget 2025 for its fossil fuel subsidies and greenwashing loopholes while celebrating rising public support for renewables. Engaging continuously with lawmakers and building grassroots lobbying efforts can shift the political landscape. Ultimately, it calls for a strategy to empower communities and foster an independent renewable future.

Dr. Enoch Tse, an expert in public policy and community psychology, discusses the vital shift from extractive to reciprocal climate research in Canada. He emphasizes the importance of involving Indigenous peoples as co-researchers and aligning projects with community priorities. Enoch explores how worldviews shape research questions, advocating for humility and local stewardship. He outlines a five-step process for decolonizing research and shares strategies for fostering collective action, emphasizing empathy and the unpacking of privilege for impactful advocacy.