Cost of Living CBC Discover & Learn

Do boycotts work and why does it seem that escalators and elevators are always out of order? Also, why is gas more expensive in summer than winter and will the new capital gains tax increase hurt innovation?

The federal government is under a lot of pressure to bring grocery prices down. One idea? Create more competition — but how do we do that? Also, a formula to figure out whether you're getting value from your wardrobe. Plus, how the economics of today's music industry force musicians to squeeze their superfans.

As banks crack down on money laundering in real estate, ordinary people are having to jump through more hoops to get a mortgage. We'll also explain "The Great Exhaustion" and the origin story behind the game of Monopoly.

Canada used to be richer than OECD countries like Ireland and Austria. Well, not anymore! Economist Paul Beaudry explains how it comes down to years of declining productivity. Also, why it's a buyer's market for used EVs and why catalytic converters aren't really worth stealing anymore. 

The climate is changing. So are we. On What On Earth, you’ll explore a world of solutions with host Laura Lynch and our team of journalists. In 1970, 20 million people showed up to fight for the environment on the first Earth Day. More than five decades later, is it time for this much tamer global event to return to its radical roots? 

OG organizer Denis Hayes recounts how – amidst other counterculture movements at the time – his team persuaded roughly one in ten Americans to take to the streets. As he approaches 80, Denis offers his singular piece of advice to the next generation of climate leaders. Then, environmental warriors Maria Blancas and Axcelle Campana share ideas on what a reinspired Earth Day could look like – including making it a public holiday.

More episodes of What On Earth are available at: https://link.chtbl.com/FV-JxPXJ

We love to hear from our listeners and regularly feature them on the show. Have a question or idea? Email Earth@cbc.ca

The TMX pipeline is $25-billion over budget. We explore why cost overruns are the norm rather than the exception. Plus, why those Pokémon cards you used to collect in your childhood could now land you some big coin and — the mystery and history of Visa.