Hot Air, Cool People

Dr. Anna Gunz MD
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  • Life Sciences

Devoted to cool professionals with cool ideas for a planet full of hot air. Together, we bring forward interesting knowledge and ideas about how our health, climate change and environmental issues are all related & what we can do to make our world a “cooler”, healthier place.

Episodes

  1. 2d ago

    Code Red For Humanity: What Do We Owe Our Grandchildren

    We talk with Dr. Gordon McMean about the “code red” climate reality, what decades of research have confirmed, and why the risks we face now are as much about health and equity as they are about temperature. We trace how global agreements gained momentum and lost it, then land on what practical adaptation and collaboration can look like in our communities. • the IPCC’s conclusion that human-caused climate change is unequivocal • how heat waves, storms, floods, and droughts translate into real-world impacts • what it was like inside major climate moments from early IPCC work to Kyoto and Paris • why COP commitments often don’t match the reality of rising global emissions • how climate misinformation and short-term politics slow meaningful action • why adaptation matters alongside mitigation, especially with warming already locked in • the health toll of extreme heat, including disproportionate risk for older adults • how poverty, housing quality, and access to cooling shape climate vulnerability • building cross-discipline solutions that include clinicians, scientists, engineers, economists, and lawyers • where hope comes from, including youth organizing and growing engagement beyond government

    18 min

  2. Apr 24

    Part 3: Navigating Change with Empathy: A Conversation with Dr. Ingrid Waldron

    This episode is hosted by Dr. Anna Gunz, with guest Dr. Ingrid Waldron (Part 3)  Episode Summary:   Dr. Waldron emphasizes the power of education in tackling systemic racism, describing how, during her work on the environmental racism bill, she realized that many people lacked a full understanding of systemic racism, especially in the context of Canada's healthcare system, which is based on a Western worldview.Empathy and compassion are compared, particularly in terms of understanding the lived experiences of others. Dr. Waldron shares her belief that people with privilege may struggle to fully comprehend the challenges faced by marginalized communities. However, empathy and tolerance are crucial in helping these individuals understand issues such as racism or disability.Dr. Gunz reflects on her experiences in a rural, predominantly white community, where there may be some resistance to changes regarding racial diversity. She shares stories of subtle forms of racism and the ways in which people in her community may inadvertently hold onto outdated beliefs due to a lack of exposure or education.Dr. Waldron expresses optimism and hope, with progress being possible even after setbacks. Recording Date: 2024-11-22 Episode Production & Management Team:   Jakob Wilk, Emma Cornell, Abby Walker, Olivia D'Andrea Brooks, Emily Douglas, Danielle Pineda  Show Artwork:    Laney Beaulieu

    39 min

  3. Apr 24

    Part 2: Systemic Barriers and Community Empowerment: A Conversation with Dr. Ingrid Waldron

    This episode is hosted by Dr. Anna Gunz, with guest Dr. Ingrid Waldron (Part 2)  Episode Summary:    A discussion of Bill C-226, which was Canada’s first environmental justice law. The bill was co-developed by Dr. Waldron and aimed to provide structural solutions to environmental racism.The mechanisms through which health can be impacted by environmental racism are discussed. Environmental factors such as poor air quality and climate change can contribute to various health issues, especially in marginalized communities.Dr. Waldron stresses the need for a holistic approach to health and describes how many Indigenous and African perspectives emphasize the interconnectedness of nature and health.There is a discussion about the need for healthcare professionals to be more aware of environmental and structural determinants of health. The lack of connection between environmental health, climate change, and mental health in medical and public health training is a major gap.Dr. Waldron talks about her upcoming book, which explores the intersection of race, mental health, and colonial history. The book addresses the misdiagnosis of Black individuals in psychiatric settings and the stigma surrounding mental health in Black communities.Recording Date: 2024-11-22 Episode Production & Management Team:   Jakob Wilk, Emma Cornell, Abby Walker, Olivia D'Andrea Brooks, Emily Douglas, Danielle Pineda  Show Artwork:    Laney Beaulieu

    41 min

  4. Apr 24

    Part 1: Psychology to Activism: Dr. Ingrid Waldron’s Journey into Environmental Racism

    This episode is hosted by Dr. Anna Gunz, with guest Dr. Ingrid Waldron (Part 1)  Episode Summary:   Dr. Waldron describes her personal background and early aspirations, including the influence of her family on her area of study.Dr. Waldron shares about her struggles with finding a sense of direction and moments of feeling lost and unmotivated.Despite initial anxiety and reluctance, Dr. Waldron started teaching at the University of Toronto, where she fell in love with teaching.Sparked by an encounter with an environmental activist, she became interested in the health component of environmental justice. This led her to focus on environmental racism and its impact on health outcomes.Recording Date: 2024-11-22 Episode Production & Management Team:   Jakob Wilk, Emma Cornell, Abby Walker, Olivia D'Andrea Brooks, Emily Douglas, Danielle Pineda  Show Artwork:    Laney Beaulieu

    35 min

  5. Apr 24

    From Kyoto to Paris: Gordon McBean on Decades of Changing Policies and Climate Inaction

    This episode is hosted by Dr. Anna Gunz, with guest Dr. Gordon McBean  Episode Summary:    Discussion about the state of climate change, highlighting the urgency of the issue, referencing the "code red for humanity" from the United Nations and the undeniable human role in climate change.Dr. McBean’s work since the 1970s, including his involvement in the formation of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).Discussion about the challenges faced by international agreements like the Kyoto Protocol, which stalled in Canada due to political shifts.Highlighting the need for both climate change mitigation and adaptation, especially in the face of rising greenhouse gas emissions and increasing weather disasters.The role of climate change deniers, funded by fossil fuel interests, in delaying action.The ethical responsibility to address climate change for future generations through collaboration across disciplines and sectors, including the role of health professionals and the importance of public awareness.Optimism regarding the potential of young climate activists, growing engagement across sectors, and greater recognition of the urgency of the crisis among both individuals and private companies.Recording Date: 2022-12-16 Episode Production & Management Team:  Jakob Wilk, Emma Cornell, Abby Walker, Olivia D'Andrea Brooks, Emily Douglas, Danielle Pineda  Show Artwork:   Laney Beaulieu

    18 min

  6. Apr 24

    Dr. Myles Sergeant on Reducing Healthcare’s Carbon Footprint

    This episode is hosted by Dr. Anna Gunz, with guest Dr. Myles Sergeant Episode Summary:  Discussion about the importance of sustainability in healthcare and practical steps to reduce its environmental impact. Highlighting key areas such as reducing food waste, optimizing energy use, and addressing the significant carbon footprint of medications. Emphasis on the role of the healthcare supply chain, which accounts for 80-85% of the sector's emissions, and the need for more sustainable procurement practices. Dr. Sergeant shares advice on starting sustainability initiatives within healthcare facilities and expresses optimism that these challenges are solvable with collective effort. Recording Date: 2022-11-24 Episode Production & Management Team: Jakob Wilk, Emma Cornell, Abby Walker, Olivia D'Andrea Brooks, Emily Douglas, Danielle Pineda Show Artwork:  Laney Beaulieu

    26 min
  • 6 Episodes

About

Devoted to cool professionals with cool ideas for a planet full of hot air. Together, we bring forward interesting knowledge and ideas about how our health, climate change and environmental issues are all related & what we can do to make our world a “cooler”, healthier place.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Anna Gunz MD
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Hot Air, Cool People
  • Show Website
    Hot Air, Cool People