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Earth Sciences

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Society & Culture

Society & Culture

Weekly series
Society & Culture

Society & Culture

Updated 16/05/2024
Business

Business

Updated weekly
History

History

Updated 02/04/2025

3 days ago

Can the U.S. ride the ‘blue wave’ into a greener future?

In the midterms, data centres and gas prices proved to be winning issues for Democrats. With the party set to control both chambers of Congress, we hear how energy concerns could usher in a new era of climate action – yes, even with Donald Trump still president. Guests: Leah Stokes, Canadian-American political scientist at the University of California Santa Barbara, author of The Carbon Wave: A Story of Democracy, Parenthood, and the Race to Protect Our Planet Another What On Earth? episode you might like: The Climate Corps wants you! Background reading: What the Republican midterm defeat means for Trump, the U.S. and Canada How the midterms could unleash a new era for clean energy in these 3 states Budget offers $50B jolt to help Canada double its electricity grid Have you got something to say about this episode? Email us at earth@cbc.ca This episode includes a clip of James Talarico from the video “A New American Dream,” published on his YouTube channel on August 5, 2026. It also includes a clip of Sherrod Brown from the video “Make Data Centers Pay,” published on his YouTube channel on August 26, 2026.
3 days ago

How to nuke an asteroid, and more…

After a massive, fresh asteroid impact crater was spotted on the moon, scientists jumped on the opportunity to study it to better understand the violent history of such impacts in our little nook of the solar system. If we ever find one on a collision course with Earth, scientists have simulated how we might be able to defend our planet from any potentially hazardous asteroids — with a nuclear bomb. Also today: The Earth is moving in strange new ways in the North — and climate change is to blameSperm whales blow bubbles in their sleep. Now we know whySlowing down wind turbine blades could help recover power in shifting windsBirdsong shares similar patterns to human speech For more information about today’s episode, visit cbc.ca/quirks.
5 days ago

Understanding our genes to help our minds

For thousands of years, genetic inheritance was an observation in search of a theory. While some once thought of genetic code as fate, we now know that our genes are in a complex dance with each other and the world around us. Dr. Jehannine (J9) Austin, head of the department of medical genetics at the University of British Columbia, delivered the 2026 Boehm Lecture in Public Health and Healthcare, called "Our Wellness Codes." They spoke about how genetic counselling can help reduce risk of illness and disease — and live a better life.
30 Oct

How Houdini fought the misuses of magic

Magician Harry Houdini crusaded against for-profit psychics and séances in the years before his death. He deplored the tools of his own art being used to exploit grief, says author David Jaher. Now those same tools are being used in politics, marketing, and scams, say psychologists Massimo Polidoro and Alice Pailhès.
16 Oct

Scientists find anti-aging secrets in a 194-year-old tortoise

DNA samples from the oldest living land animal show how good genes and limited biochemical wear and tear have given a giant tortoise named Jonathan an extended lifespan. The genetic switches that control the genes for DNA repair and metabolism more closely matched his much younger relatives. Also today: What fossilized vomit reveals about ancient sea monstersMeet the Nobel-winning physicist who hunts for ghost particles at the South PoleWhat Jonathan, the 194-year-old tortoise, can teach us about defying deathNuclear clocks begin ticking — and could become the world’s most precise timekeepersFor more information about today’s episode, visit cbc.ca/quirks.
30 Oct

Ice Age Alaskan basecamp shows what life was like 13,800 years ago

Archaeologists excavating a 13,800-year-old site in Alaska have uncovered a treasure trove of artifacts and domestic features that shed new light on the life and culture of the people who settled into the region. Hunter-gatherers lived at this site, known as Shég’ Xdaltth’i’, near the end of the last Ice Age when the Bering Land Bridge provided a passageway between mainland Russia and Alaska. Also today: Long space missions may raise astronauts’ risk of hip fracturesJet-lagged seabirds fly off courseBad dads and supermales. The life-altering effects of estrogen on fishBattery researcher wins Canada’s top science prize For more information about today’s episode, visit cbc.ca/quirks.
3 Aug

Are psychopaths real? A review of the science says, no

Thanks to Dexter and Hannibal Lecter you may think you know what a psychopath is. But a critical review of the science suggests that 'psychopath' as a diagnosis is flawed. Author of Psychopathy Unmasked Rasmus Rosenberg Larsen argues it’s time to end the misuse of controversial science in our criminal justice system — and to rethink psychopathy as a whole.
6 days ago

What good is philosophy?

"What is good?" is at the heart of philosophy. Asking the question helps us move toward answers about inclusivity, equality, and who gets a voice at the table. Last year, The Munk School at the University of Toronto hosted philosophers and writers and put philosophy to the test. When it comes to the good, they asked, what good is philosophy? *This episode originally aired on Sept. 8, 2023.
31 Oct

These young Canadians are suing their country over climate

This week, Jo goes inside the courtroom as an historic climate lawsuit gets underway in Vancouver. Fifteen young Canadians have hauled the federal government to court, arguing its response to climate change violates their constitutional rights. We find out what the case could actually mean for Canada’s climate plans. Guests: Leandrea Reeves, one of the 15 plaintiffs in the La Rose v. His Majesty the King lawsuitDavid Wu, one of the lawyers for the plaintiffsJulien Beaulieu, co-founder of the Canadian Climate Litigation Observatory and researcher at the Grantham Research Institute Another What On Earth? episode you might like: Eco-thugs be warned! You could be charged with ecocide Background reading: Historic lawsuit challenging government over climate inaction begins trial hearings Have you got something to say about this episode? Email us at earth@cbc.ca This episode includes a clip of Patrick Stewart speaking on Empire Magazine’s YouTube channel, published on September 9, 2009.
2 Oct

How feasting black holes time their burps

Black holes are voracious eaters, but they’re also quite messy, and often after devouring a star, they’ll let out a big burp, launching jets of high energy particles through space. Now, in a recent study, a team of astrophysicists has figured out the formula behind the timing of these burps. Also today: Skiing, hiking and roads are taking a toll on wolverinesThe buzzy, chirpy sounds of the Jurassic forestA notorious invasive species has been here a lot longer than we thought. Does that matter?Anomalies suggest King Tut’s tomb may conceal hidden chambers Quirks & Quarks has been nominated for a Signal Award! You can vote for us here. For more information about today’s episode, visit cbc.ca/quirks.

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