What On Earth - podcast cover

What On Earth

The climate is changing. So are we. Explore a world of solutions with host Laura Lynch and our team of journalists. We find inspiration in unexpected places, scrutinize new technologies, hold powerful people accountable and join you on the journey to fix this mess. New episodes every Wednesday and Saturday.

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Episodes

Why decolonizing COP can help keep 1.5 alive

Negotiations continue at COP26 and Indigenous leaders are in Glasgow for the talks, even though they don't have seats at the bargaining table. Hear why some believe it’s a waste of time to try to be heard, while others argue it’s essential.

Nov 07, 202134 min

Trust, fairness, and a $100B broken promise

Wealthy nations have failed to meet a $100 billion pledge to help developing countries tackle climate change. This week, a look at why trust is the 'most relevant currency of climate negotiations' and what can be done to restore it.

Oct 30, 202138 min

ENCORE: Canada's climate strategy has an oil and gas problem

As Canada strengthens its Paris Agreement targets, critics point to the elephant in the room — oil and gas expansion. We revisit an earlier episode and hear why Canada has 'one eye shut' when it comes to climate policy and what might be a first step toward a solution.

Oct 22, 202127 min

Why cities are key to cutting carbon

As all eyes turn to COP 26 in Glasgow, we hear the case for cities to get more money and power as they find themselves on the frontlines of climate change.

Oct 16, 202137 min

Electrify everything: an optimist's climate solution

This week, an electrifying conversation with Saul Griffith. The scientist and inventor has dedicated himself to halting climate change. Electrify everything is his clarion call. And the work he says, begins right at home - your oven, your dryer, your car and much more.

Oct 09, 202138 min

How protecting caribou can help climate

Across Canada, climate change is exacerbating challenges caribou herds already face. But research shows protecting caribou habitat could have other benefits for climate.

Oct 02, 202143 min

Now what? Climate, campaign promises, and the path ahead.

Policy experts, Kathryn Harrison and Jennifer Winter, break down climate policy under the new government and what we can expect going forward. Voters react to the election outcome, who they voted for and what they want to see next.

Sep 24, 202130 min

Climate in the classroom

As kids head back to school this month we take a look at what students across Canada learn about climate change. And we meet youth and educators who say a more comprehensive climate education is needed.

Sep 17, 202127 min

Where the parties stand on climate change

Description: The major parties have made their pledges for climate action. Host Laura Lynch speaks with candidates to discuss their platforms and what it means for Canada's plan to reduce emissions.

Sep 11, 202150 min

Is this Canada's climate election?

Climate-concerned Canadians are sizing up candidates and platforms. We hear from voters and researchers about the role climate change might play, both in their choices and in just how the election itself is conducted.

Aug 27, 202130 min

Will Canadians cast a vote for climate?

BONUS: Canadians can vote for climate this fall. So how do the parties and their policies stack up? Laura speaks with Kathryn Harrison and Angela Carter about what you should watch for as we head into an election.

Aug 15, 202121 min

The climate cost of consumerism

As Canada works to bounce back after pandemic-induced economic losses, we look at what's changed when it comes to what we buy. And we find out if reimagining our relationship to our stuff could help fight climate change.

Aug 14, 202127 min

BONUS: 'Don't despair. Get angry and get active' Scientists say a livable future means getting off fossil fuels

The latest IPCC report has brought the climate crisis into sharp focus, but scientists say while the warning is stark, the focus must not be on despair and instead should be on action. Laura Lynch, hosting The Current this week, is joined by Simon Lewis, a professor of global change science at University College London; and Katharine Hayhoe, an atmospheric scientist and professor in the department of political science at Texas Tech University.

Aug 10, 202121 min

The slow-creeping disaster of drought

From stunted wheat fields to raging wildfires, drought has spread across much of Western Canada and the U.S. We get the forecast on the changing water cycle and hear how science and Indigenous knowledge can help us adapt.

Jul 30, 202134 min

Goodbye 'normal': How summer in Canada is changing

Flooding, extreme heat, drought, wildfires: summer 2021 has seen a lot of extremes. It's a sign of how 'normal' is changing in a warming world. This week, we talk about the damage that causes and how to turn climate dread into action.

Jul 16, 202133 min

A few climate podcasts for your listening pleasure

Laura joins our friends at Podcast Playlist to celebrate the show's first anniversary and to chat about some of her favourite podcasts on climate change. Featuring: What On Earth, The Allusionist, Inherited, Saltgrass.

Jul 06, 202154 min

Old-growth forests: an ancient climate solution

Deadly heat and fires brought climate change home this week. As some forests burn, others are storing carbon and working to combat extremes. We explore the climate benefits of old-growth forests, and how one country stopped logging them on public land.

Jul 02, 202134 min

The right to life, liberty and a clean environment?

When it comes to the environment and climate change, one legal scholar says Canada is on "a path to catastrophe without ever violating the Constitution". We hear the case and look at a solution.

Jun 18, 202127 min

Biodiversity on the brink

A million species are at risk of extinction. Climate change is making it worse. On the front lines of conservation, we talk to scientists using new tools like big data to help. But with a problem this size, they say it’s clear: we know enough to act now.

Jun 04, 202135 min

Charging up for the EV boom

The EV industry is taking off, with major manufacturers vowing to go all-electric. But what are the environmental costs of all those batteries? We plug into the issue and hear about some made-in-Canada solutions.

May 28, 202128 min

When climate change hits home

As nations grapple with climate change, critics say Canada is failing to support those forced to leave their homes. We look at climate displacement and explore how to respond.

May 21, 202135 min

Canada's climate policy has an oil and gas problem

As Canada strengthens its Paris Agreement targets, critics point to the elephant in the room — oil and gas expansion. We hear why Canada has 'one eye shut' when it comes to climate policy and what might be a first step toward a solution.

Apr 29, 202128 min

Building for sprawl: The climate impact of that next highway

New highways can relieve traffic temporarily, but at what cost? With a decision coming soon on Highway 413 near Toronto, we take a close look at the debate, and what it tells us about urban sprawl, green spaces and human health.

Apr 23, 202127 min

Why climate change may put your investments at risk

From net-zero pledges to sustainable portfolios, it appears the finance industry is acting on climate change. But Canadian pensions and other funds are still heavily invested in fossil fuels. We look at how our money can be part of the solution.

Apr 16, 202136 min
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