What On EARTH Can We Do?

Alberta Emerald Foundation
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What On EARTH Can We Do?

This seasonal podcast, produced by the Alberta Emerald Foundation, explores the innovative environmental projects and passionate people shaping a resilient and sustainable future for Alberta. Each episode dives into real-world stories of individuals and organizations tackling environmental challenges, offering listeners inspiration, practical insights, and real solutions that create a positive impact. The opinions of our guests do not reflect those of the Alberta Emerald Foundation.

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    Transforming Alberta’s Orphan Wells

    Alberta is facing a growing challenge with over 170,000 abandoned oil wells across the province, creating environmental risks and economic burdens for rural communities. RenuWell Energy Solutions is addressing this issue by converting these orphan well sites into community solar projects that generate clean energy and support rural communities. Keith Hirsche, founder of RenuWell, joins host Bri to explain how this innovative approach works, the positive impacts on Albertan communities, and what it means for Alberta’s renewable energy future. Key Topics: Understanding orphan wells (01:33) and their environmental and economic impact (05:31)RenuWell’s journey to repurpose orphan wells for solar energy (07:58)Social, economic, and environmental benefits of the RenuWell Project (18:00)The path forward (21:00) Guest: Keith Hirsche, Founder of RenuWell Energy Solutions Resources Mentioned: 170,000 abandoned oil wells in the provinceEnvironmental risks of orphan wellsEstimated cost to clean up Alberta’s orphan wellsOrphan Well AssociationMunicipal Climate Change Action CentreSt. Mary River Irrigation DistrictRenuWell Energy Solutions The What On EARTH Can We Do Podcast is a program of the Alberta Emerald Foundation, a registered charity with the unique mission of accelerating environmental excellence by identifying and celebrating Alberta’s visionary leaders and by sharing best practices through the power of compelling educational narratives.  Want to help keep this podcast going? Consider donating! https://emeraldfoundation.ca/donate/ Follow Us: Website: Emerald FoundationTwitter: @AlbertaEmeraldInstagram: @AlbertaEmerald Thank You to Our Sponsors: A big thank you to our sponsors who make this podcast possible: Capital Power, Government of Alberta, the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta, Pathways Alliance, City of Edmonton, TD Friends of the Environment, and City of Calgary Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our guests do not necessarily reflect those of the Alberta Emerald Foundation. As a non-partisan organization, we are committed to presenting diverse perspectives on environmental issues.

    24 min

  2. 24 OCT

    Power from the People

    Alberta’s first industrial-scale waste-to-energy facility with carbon capture integration is set to open in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland in 2027. This innovative project will divert over 150,000 tonnes of Edmonton’s residential waste from landfills each year while capturing carbon emissions and generating alternative energy. Rory Wheat, Vice President of Development at Varme Energy, explains how this innovative technology works and its long-term social, environmental, and economic impacts on Edmonton and Alberta. Key Topics: Introduction to Varme Energy and its mission (01:08)How waste-to-energy technology works (02:33)The environmental benefits of waste-to-energy with integrated carbon capture (05:38)Details of the Alberta Industrial Heartland project and partnership with the City of Edmonton (07:22)Long-term impact on waste management, energy production, and job creation in Alberta (13:19)The role of waste-to-energy in Alberta’s transition to a low-carbon future Guest: Rory Wheat - Vice President of Development at Varme Energy Resources Mentioned: Varme Energy websiteIndustrial Heartland Project The What On EARTH Can We Do Podcast is a program of the Alberta Emerald Foundation, a registered charity with the unique mission of accelerating environmental excellence by identifying and celebrating Alberta’s visionary leaders and by sharing best practices through the power of compelling educational narratives.  Want to help keep this podcast going? Consider donating! https://emeraldfoundation.ca/donate/ Follow Us: Website: Emerald FoundationTwitter: @AlbertaEmeraldInstagram: @AlbertaEmerald Thank You to Our Sponsors: A big thank you to our sponsors who make this podcast possible: Capital Power, Government of Alberta, the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta, Pathways Alliance, City of Edmonton, TD Friends of the Environment, and City of Calgary

    18 min

  3. 17 OCT

    Coexisting with Coyotes

    As our landscapes have changed over the years, coyotes have adapted to thrive in urban environments, creating unique challenges and opportunities for coexistence. In this episode, Dr. Colleen Cassady St. Clair unpacks why coyotes are so prevalent in our cities, discusses the challenges of living alongside them, and shares strategies for avoiding conflicts and interactions with these adaptable creatures. Key Topics: The evolution of Alberta’s landscapes and its impact on wildlifeThe adaptability of coyotes in urban settingsCommon challenges arising from human-coyote interactionsEffective strategies and management techniques for reducing conflicts with coyotesThe role of public education in promoting coexistence Guest: Dr. Colleen Cassady St. Clair, Biological Sciences Professor at the University of Alberta Resources Mentioned: 87.7% of Albertans reside in ‘Urban Municipalities’, including cities, towns, villages, summer villages, and specialized municipalitiesCalgary and Edmonton’s changing landscapesThe negative effects of land use changes on wildlifeEdmonton Urban Coyote Project websiteThe Urban Wildlife Information NetworkHow to avoid and prevent conflict with coyotes The What On EARTH Can We Do Podcast is a program of the Alberta Emerald Foundation, a registered charity with the unique mission of accelerating environmental excellence by identifying and celebrating Alberta’s visionary leaders and by sharing best practices through the power of compelling educational narratives.  Want to help keep this podcast going? Consider donating! https://emeraldfoundation.ca/donate/ Follow Us: Website: Emerald FoundationTwitter: @AlbertaEmeraldInstagram: @AlbertaEmerald Thank You to Our Sponsors: A big thank you to our sponsors who make this podcast possible: Capital Power, Government of Alberta, the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta, Pathways Alliance, City of Edmonton, and City of Calgary.

    34 min

  4. 10 OCT

    Preserving the Past to Build a Greener Future

    Episode Summary: Explore the environmental impact of demolition waste and how one Alberta-based company is tackling this issue by reclaiming valuable wood from buildings before they get demolished. Jay Sanderson, founder of Backroads Reclamation, shares he’s repurposing old-growth wood, reducing waste, and honoring Alberta’s architectural heritage. Discover the unique benefits of reclaimed wood and how it plays a vital role in sustainable development. Key Topics: The environmental impact of demolition wasteThe difference between old-growth reclaimed wood and new timberThe process and challenges of reclaiming wood from demolished structuresThe historical and environmental value of preserving Alberta’s architectural heritageThe future of the reclaimed wood industry in Alberta Guest: Jay Sanderson, Founder and Owner of Backroads Reclamation Resources Mentioned: Backroads Reclamation’s WebsiteEnvironment and Climate Change Canada's National Waste Characterization Report The What On EARTH Can We Do Podcast is a program of the Alberta Emerald Foundation, a registered charity with the unique mission of accelerating environmental excellence by identifying and celebrating Alberta’s visionary leaders and by sharing best practices through the power of compelling educational narratives.  Want to help keep this podcast going? Consider donating! https://emeraldfoundation.ca/donate/ Follow Us: Website: Emerald FoundationTwitter: @AlbertaEmeraldInstagram: @AlbertaEmerald Thank You to Our Sponsors: A big thank you to our sponsors who make this podcast possible: Capital Power, Government of Alberta, the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta, Pathways Alliance, City of Edmonton, and City of Calgary.

    19 min

  5. 3 OCT

    Building Alberta's Low-Carbon Future

    In this episode of What On EARTH Can We Do?, host Bri chats with Pam Goertzen, Executive Director of the Smart Sustainable Resilient Infrastructure Association (SSRIA), about the critical role of sustainable building practices in Alberta's path to a low-carbon future. With Alberta’s rapid population growth fueling demand for new buildings, Pam discusses how the construction industry can innovate to meet the challenge of building fast, affordable, and low-carbon homes without compromising sustainability. They also explore the economics of green building, the importance of operational efficiency, and the potential for groundbreaking materials like recycled plastic to reshape the way we build. Join us for an insightful discussion on how Alberta can lead the way in building sustainable, resilient communities while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Key Topics: Alberta's population growth and the demand for new buildingsThe environmental impact of the building sector and green building initiativesChallenges and opportunities in sustainable building practicesEconomic considerations for developers and homeownersInnovative materials and design strategies to reduce carbon emissionsThe long-term benefits of energy-efficient homes for both the environment and occupants Guest: Pam Goertzen – Executive Director of the Smart Sustainable Resilient Infrastructure Association (SSRIA) Resources Mentioned: Smart Sustainable Resilient Infrastructure Association (SSRIA)Canada Green Building CouncilEcoplast Solutions Alberta's population growthCanada's population growthGreenhouse gas emissions from buildings The What On EARTH Can We Do Podcast is a program of the Alberta Emerald Foundation, a registered charity with the unique mission of accelerating environmental excellence by identifying and celebrating Alberta’s visionary leaders and by sharing best practices through the power of compelling educational narratives.  Want to help keep this podcast going? Consider donating! https://emeraldfoundation.ca/donate/ Follow Us: Website: Emerald FoundationLinkedIn: @AlbertaEmeraldInstagram: @AlbertaEmeraldFacebook: @AlbertaEmerald Thank You to Our Sponsors: A big thank you to our sponsors who make this podcast possible: Capital Power, Government of Alberta, the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta, Pathways Alliance, City of Edmonton, and City of Calgary.

    21 min

  6. 30/11/2023

    Cultivating Change with Calgary's Biosolids

    Join Bri as she explores the innovative Calgary Willow Plantation project with Catalina Nadeau-Bonilla, shedding light on the fascinating intersection of wastewater treatment, biosolids utilization, and environmental sustainability. The conversation delves into the details of the project, its impact on marginal lands, and the myriad benefits it brings to the city of Calgary.  Learn more about The City of Calgary’s Willow Plantation: https://www.calgary.ca/water/programs/biosolids-demonstration-projects.html The What On EARTH Can We Do? Podcast is a program of the Alberta Emerald Foundation (AEF), a registered charity that showcases, inspires, and empowers Alberta’s environmental achievements. To learn more about the AEF, visit our website, https://emeraldfoundation.ca/, or follow us on social media @albertaemerald A big thank you to our supporters and sponsors: Capital Power Syncrude Government of Alberta City of Edmonton Alberta Beverage Container Recycling Corporation Want to help keep this podcast going? Donate today! https://emeraldfoundation.ca/donate/

    24 min

  7. 23/11/2023

    Building Houses with Recycled Plastic Bottles

    In this episode of WOECWD, Bri has an eye-opening conversation with Kelly Rogers from Lloydminster-based EcoPlast Solutions about how they’re revolutionizing the construction industry by building homes from recycled plastic bottles. Join us for an inspiring discussion on the intersection of sustainability and construction, and the limitless potential for a greener, more resilient world. Learn more about EcoPlast Solutions: https://ecoplast-solutions.com/ The What On EARTH Can We Do Podcast is a program of the Alberta Emerald Foundation (AEF), a registered charity that showcases, inspires, and empowers Alberta’s environmental achievements. To learn more about the AEF, visit our website, https://emeraldfoundation.ca/, or follow us on social media @albertaemerald A big thank you to our supporters and sponsors: Capital Power Syncrude Government of Alberta City of Edmonton Alberta Beverage Container Recycling Corporation Want to help keep this podcast going? Consider donating! https://emeraldfoundation.ca/donate/

    21 min

  8. 16/11/2023

    Guardians of the Caribou

    In this episode, Bri delves into the crucial work of the Caribou Patrol program with Stephanie Leonard, the environmental coordinator at the Asenuwiche Winewak Nation (AWN). Discover the inspiring efforts behind protecting and conserving the caribou population in west-central Alberta, from highway patrols to educational outreach. Explore the deep cultural significance of caribou to the AWN and the intricate balance they maintain within the local ecosystem. Learn about the challenges Caribou face in the wild and the vision for a future where caribou thrive, creating a healthier environment for all. Take advantage of this insightful conversation on the interconnectedness of nature, conservation, and cultural heritage. 🦌🌿  Learn more about The Caribou Patrol: https://www.cariboupatrol.ca/ The What On EARTH Can We Do Podcast is a program of the Alberta Emerald Foundation, a registered charity that showcases, inspires, and empowers Alberta’s environmental achievements. To learn more about the Alberta Emerald Foundation check out our website: emeraldfoundation.ca or follow us on social media @albertaemerald Want to help keep this podcast going? Consider donating! https://emeraldfoundation.ca/donate/

    22 min
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About

This seasonal podcast, produced by the Alberta Emerald Foundation, explores the innovative environmental projects and passionate people shaping a resilient and sustainable future for Alberta. Each episode dives into real-world stories of individuals and organizations tackling environmental challenges, offering listeners inspiration, practical insights, and real solutions that create a positive impact. The opinions of our guests do not reflect those of the Alberta Emerald Foundation.

Information

  • Creator
    Alberta Emerald Foundation
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2024
  • Episodes
    40
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 Alberta Emerald Foundation
  • Show Website
    What On EARTH Can We Do?

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