What On Earth CBC Radio

Greta Thunberg told the world: ‘I don’t want you to be hopeful. I want you to panic.’ Many climate messages focus on fear — it’s powerful, but can also backfire. Hear why hope can be crucial, and the risks of making a worst-case scenario feel inevitable.

Fabrice Retiere will sit down to a meatless Thanksgiving this year for the first time. Research suggests he might not be the only Canadian doing so, as Canadians show more interest in eating less meat. This week we delve into the demand for plant based protein, the companies capitalizing on the demand, and why scientists and policy experts say more needs to be done to get people on board if we want to help our climate.

When your backyard is burning, is anywhere safe? Welcome to World on Fire, a six-part original podcast from CBC Edmonton that takes us to the front lines of out of control wildfires in Canada, Australia and California. Recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic, hosts Adrienne Lamb and wildfire expert, Mike Flannigan look at what it takes to find hope in the midst of fear and destruction.

This summer, Arctic sea ice hit a near-record low, second only to 2012 as the biggest melt on record. By 2050, many project an ice-free summer Arctic; the Earth’s white cap would be gone. We look at a bold proposal to save ice with technology — and plans to protect what’s left.

Fifteen Canadian youth argue they're being disproportionately hurt by climate change and the federal government is violating their rights. But Ottawa wants the case thrown out. We dig into the arguments and ask if the courts can ensure climate action?

Melting glaciers are a marker of our warming planet. Beyond the melt, what are the impacts? Flooding might come to mind, but power, water supply, or salmon habitat? We hear from people affected, and ask if Canada’s reducing emissions fast enough?