EcoFactors

Atlantic Wildlife Institute

Welcome to EcoFactors - a podcast from the Atlantic Wildlife Institute on Canada's east coast. We sit down with the people doing the real work — and the communities pushing back against development that doesn't make sense for us or those we share the environment with. We are united with our guests from everywhere in honest conversations about what it actually takes to protect the earth that we call home.

Episodes

  1. Mar 15

    Protecting our Health - the Fight against Fossil Fuel Development in New Brunswick

    Join us in this illuminating episode where Renee Turcotte shares her journey from practicing physician to environmental advocate, highlighting the critical role of health professionals in climate action. Discover the strategies behind successful community resistance, the impacts of air pollution on vulnerable populations, and how collective civic action can influence policy change.Renee Turcotte’s career path and involvement with CAPE New BrunswickThe health impacts of methane, fracking, and air pollution. The importance of community engagement and public education in environmental activism. Challenges and successes in fighting fossil fuel projects like the Tantramar gas plant. How indigenous communities like Elsipogtog exemplify resilience and leadership in environmental fights. The influence of government policies, lobbying, and the power of civic activism. The urgent need to prioritize climate solutions that protect health and future generationsTimestamps00:00 - Introduction to Renee Turcotte’s environmental journey02:30 - How a background in medicine informs environmental advocacy05:44 - Formation of CAPE New Brunswick and its role in policy change08:45 - The health effects of methane and air pollution on vulnerable groups13:20 - Community protests against fracking and fossil fuel exploration17:55 - The environmental and health risks of the proposed Tantramar gas plant22:10 - The economic and health costs of air pollution on families26:40 - Indigenous resilience and lessons for environmental activism30:55 - Government response and the influence of fossil fuel lobbyists35:10 - Strategies for public education and civic engagement38:00 - The importance of professional voices in policy-making42:00 - Sources of hope and collective strength in the fight for climate justice45:55 - The role of youth, indigenous communities, and grassroots movements48:30 - Personal reflections: What Renee reads and listens to for inspiration52:20 - Imagining future conversations with global leaders on climate and peace56:00 - Final thoughts: Taking action today for a healthier planetResources & LinksCanadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE)Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring"Stop Atlantic Gas Alliance (SAGA)Fighting Fracking in New Brunswick - ArticleLearning to Fall by Philip SimmonsIURG (International Union for Conservation of Nature)Connect with Renee Turcotte:LinkedInTwitterThis episode underscores the vital intersection of health, environment, and civic activism, showcasing how collective action and informed advocacy can push for meaningful change. Let Renee’s story inspire you to get involved and voice your concerns for a sustainable future.

    49 min
  2. Mar 1

    EcoFactors EP 8 - Modernizing our Electrical Grid - with Tim Hicks

    In this conversation, Timothy Hicks discusses his concerns regarding the proposed gas power plant in New Brunswick, emphasizing the environmental and financial implications. He shares his experience with power grids and modernization, advocating demand response and time-of-use plans to better manage energy consumption. Hicks highlights the communication gaps between NB Power and the community, urging for greater engagement and activism to promote renewable energy solutions. He calls for a reevaluation of the energy strategy in New Brunswick, stressing the importance of sustainability for future generations.Take-HomesTimothy Hicks is deeply concerned about the proposed gas power plant in New Brunswick.He emphasizes the environmental and financial risks associated with the project.Hicks advocates for modernizing the power grid and implementing demand response strategies.He believes that communication between NB Power and consumers is lacking.Hicks highlights the importance of community engagement in energy decisions.He argues that the gas plant contradicts NB Power's mission for clean energy.Hicks calls for a shift towards renewable energy sources like wind and solar.He stresses the need for time of use plans to manage peak energy consumption.Hicks believes that the current energy strategy is not sustainable for future generations.He encourages activism and public participation in energy discussions.

    44 min
  3. Mar 1

    EcoFactors EP 1 - What the Real New Brunswick Energy Transition Looks Like - with Moe Qureshi

    Unlock the Full Potential of Renewable Energy in New Brunswick—Before It's Too LateAre we truly harnessing the most abundant, cheapest resources for our energy future? If you care about climate, affordability, and resilient communities, this episode is your wake-up call.In this compelling conversation, Moe Qureshi—Director of Climate Research and Policy at the Conservation Council of New Brunswick—reveals how outdated policies and internal planning are holding back revolutionary change. He discusses why the common perception of energy transition as merely replacing fossil fuels with wind turbines is incomplete. Instead, Moe introduces a holistic system redesign that includes smarter grid management, decentralized renewables, storage innovations, and demand-side strategies.You'll discover:How New Brunswick can leverage its vast solar and wind potential to reach over 90% renewable energy, saving billions in the processWhy current centralized projects like nuclear and coal, even when converted, are less sustainable and more costly long-termThe power of distributed energy resources (DERs) and community-led projects that build resilience, especially in rural and Indigenous communitiesThe critical importance of transparent, inclusive planning processes—what's missing in the province's internal strategies and how opening them up can lead to smarter, more affordable decisionsPractical policy reforms that can modernize regulations, empower citizens, and accelerate the energy transition toward net-zero by 2035Timing is everything. Delaying these shifts risks escalating costs, deepening climate crises, and locking in outdated infrastructure. Moe's insights challenge us to rethink not just what our energy sources are, but how we design, regulate, and community-build around those sources.Perfect for policy makers, environmental advocates, energy consumers, and anyone eager to see a cleaner, more resilient future—this episode provides a clear roadmap to transform New Brunswick’s energy system sustainably and equitably.Tune in and learn how bold, systemic change can turn our abundant resources into affordable, reliable power—and set a precedent for the entire country. The future of energy is in our hands. Will we seize it?Guests: Moe Qureshi is the Director of Climate Research and Policy at the Conservation Council of New Brunswick, bringing extensive expertise in renewable energy, policy analysis, and climate mitigation. His work focuses on transforming the province’s energy landscape with innovative, community-driven solutions.

    40 min

About

Welcome to EcoFactors - a podcast from the Atlantic Wildlife Institute on Canada's east coast. We sit down with the people doing the real work — and the communities pushing back against development that doesn't make sense for us or those we share the environment with. We are united with our guests from everywhere in honest conversations about what it actually takes to protect the earth that we call home.