The Environment in Canada Podcast

Technology alone will not save us. Paris Marx joins us to discuss how the drive to grow the artificial intelligence (AI) industry without moderation could have some seriously negative consequences for the climate and how the debate on AI tends to emphasize false concerns over genuine ones (like misinformation and impacts on journalism quality). We get into how journalism is changing and the importance of public funding.We also discuss how a lot of AI hype is being driven by some bizarre theories about the future. These theories value a few very wealthy peoples' quest for immortality over the benefit of generations of human beings (and maybe one day artificial beings) to come.It's a discussion about future energy needs and the quest for balance when some voices want fossil fuels around, for pretty selfish reasons, after fossil fuels aren't even needed anymore. It's a discussion about healthy relationships with that which we create and to that end in the Q&A we answer some questions from a unique source...Be sure to send us more of 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/

Taylor talks with Kaitlyn Trudeau about her recent research on how climate change made high temperatures at least twice as likely before the Jasper wildfire and how without the impacts of human-caused climate change the fire wouldn’t have been as severe as it was. They go over why there’s no substitute for dramatically reducing carbon emissions and how we can now tie specific events directly to climate change. They also discuss how a prescribed burn in New Mexico turned into one of the largest wildfires in state history because of unseasonal weather made more likely by climate change and what this means for dealing with fires at the local level. For the Q&A section we answer your question: Is arson a major factor for wildfires in Canada? The answer is no, it is not a major factor. We discuss the myths around arson and chemtrails, and how climate disinformation distracts from addressing the genuine issues of climate change and environmental degradation.Thirteen Canadian oil and gas companies, including five of the six that make up the Pathways Alliance oil sands lobby group, are on the list of 88 big carbon polluters called out for a major share of the forested lands lost to wildfires in North America between 1986 and 2021.Find more wildfire facts here: https://www.sierraclub.ca/canada-wildfire-causes/ Be sure to send us more of 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/

Vittoria Bellissimo, a representative from the Canadian Renewable Energy Association, dives into Canada’s renewable energy landscape. She discusses the crucial role of government actions in job creation and community control over energy grids. The conversation tackles myths about renewable energy reliability and affordability, emphasizing fact over fiction. Vittoria also highlights the growing workforce in the sector and the transformative power of community engagement in environmental activism, inspiring listeners to harness hope in tackling climate change.

Jessica talks with Sister Mary-Ellen Francoeur, a Catholic Nun involved in the fight to get the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) out of oil and gas financing. They talk about how members of the United, Catholic, Anglican, Unitarian and Baptist congregations and Buddhists, among many others, have been coming together to push for climate action. They also discuss faith-based perspectives on the environment and how we form a connection with the environment at a young age.In the Q&A this week we address questions and comments on immigration and climate change and discuss why arguments against immigration, based on environmental concerns, miss the mark. We also discuss building a world-wide sense of environmental community and the importance of taking the high road.Be sure to send us more of 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/

In this engaging discussion, development economist Aaron Cosbey and Senior Policy Advisor Jessica Kelly dive into the economic implications of Canada's emissions cap. They debunk myths linking climate policy to inflation, pinpointing oil and gas dependency as a key factor. The duo emphasizes the need for a shift to renewable energy to stabilize costs and protect the environment. They also tackle the significance of a new anti-greenwashing law, suggesting it forces transparency from major polluters amid rising environmental concerns.

Isaac Murdoch, a member of the Serpent River First Nation, passionately advocates for climate action rooted in love and community. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration among diverse voices and the power of positivity in the environmental movement. They discuss protecting the Great Lakes from harmful infrastructure, the impact of treaties on environmental responsibility, and the need for systemic change. The conversation also highlights the importance of cultural heritage and youth engagement in fostering sustainable practices.

Gilbert Whiteduck, an advocate for the Rights of Nature, and Yenny Vega Cardenas, a proponent of Truth and Reconciliation dialogue, explore groundbreaking concepts in environmental activism. They discuss granting legal personhood to rivers like the Tenàgàdino Zibi/Gatineau and Magpie Rivers, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and collaboration between communities. The conversation highlights challenges faced by farmers due to climate change and the need for holding officials accountable for environmental protections. They inspire proactive engagement for systemic change.

In this discussion, John Cook, a senior research fellow specializing in cognitive psychology and the founder of Skeptical Science, dives into the mechanics of climate misinformation. He shares insights on how to effectively counter denial, including the role of humor and critical thinking through his Cranky Uncle game. The conversation also touches on the ongoing challenges of transitioning to renewable energy and the pressing need for smaller electric vehicles, highlighting the importance of empathy and innovative strategies in climate communication.

Dre Isabelle-Anne Bisson, environmental studies specialist, discusses a new guide for Quebec municipalities to protect birds. Topics include community engagement in bird conservation, challenges faced, and the importance of collaboration. The podcast explores historical context, water protection, public transportation laws, and CECCCE directors' environmental initiatives.

Subscribe now for the latest episodes! Be sure to also send us more of 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 we have lots of ways to take action for the environment at sierraclub.caSupport the showFind out more and take action at sierraclub.ca/take-action/