Join John Whidden on this week's episode of Climate Action Figures as he introduces Alida, a proactive high school student from Palo Alto. Learn about her journey in environmental activism, from joining the Palo Alto Student Climate Coalition to writing legislative proposals and being involved in the Stanford Deliberate Democracy Lab. Alida shares insights into the benefits and concerns of AI, her passion for business and sustainability, and her efforts in community education and engagement.

00:00 Introduction and QuickFix Highlight

01:38 Meet Alida: Vegan Challenges and Green Team Initiatives

02:54 Palo Alto Student Climate Coalition

06:55 AI and Environmental Impact

10:33 Legislation and Policy Advocacy

14:27 Stanford Deliberate Democracy Lab and Green Needs Map

20:52 Balancing Passion and Life

22:07 Hope and Future Aspirations

25:21 Conclusion and Call to Action

https://www.globeaware.org/

https://anthromagazine.org/palo-alto-residents-rally-for-climate-change-superfund/

https://paloaltoscc.wixsite.com/my-site

https://yipinstitute.org/fellowship

https://deliberation.stanford.edu/climate-leaders-fellowship-high-school-students

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John  interviews Day and Colleen on their mentorship project with CPAWS. They discuss planting native lawns, environmental conservation, and hosting a workshop on November 16th. Also featured: Linda's QuickFix tip on bird and butterfly-friendly gardens. 

00:00 Introduction to Climate Action Figures

00:28 QuickFix from Linda: Bird and Butterfly Friendly Gardens

01:10 Meet Day and Colleen

01:41 Youth Conservation Collective: An Overview

02:41 Day's Journey into Environmentalism

04:21 The Native Lawn Project

05:02 The Social and Environmental Impact of Lawns

07:13 Promoting Native Lawns and Gardens

09:42 Personal Climate Actions and Inspirations

13:46 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events

CPAWS’ Youth Conservation Collective: https://cpaws-southernalberta.org/education/youth-experiences/youth-conservation-collective/

Back to Our Roots Event: November 16, 2025: 3:00-4:30pm, Giuffre Family Library, Calgary

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In this episode of Climate Action Figures, host John Whidden introduces Emma, a representative from Re.Climate, an organization dedicated to climate change communications and research based at Carleton University in Ottawa. The discussion covers innovative recycling tips, effective communication strategies on climate change, and the importance of incorporating indigenous perspectives into climate action strategies. Emma shares her insights on a key project, Climate Ready Prairies, focused on helping communities adapt to extreme weather. She also delves into her PhD research on people's emotional connections with urban trees and their importance beyond environmental benefits. Emma emphasizes the role of human relationships in climate action and shares personal stories that inspire hope and community engagement.

00:00 Welcome to Climate Action Figures

00:27 QuickFix: Mike's Recycling Story

00:52 Meet Emma from Re.Climate

01:47 Re.Climate's Mission and Projects

03:15 Climate Ready Prairies and Indigenous Collaboration

06:00 Tips for Talking About Climate Change

13:25 Emma's PhD Research on Trees

20:15 Emma's Personal Climate Actions

21:24 Closing Thoughts and Hope for the Future

https://climatewest.ca/ Building Prairie Resilience: helping communities to prepare for a changed and changing climate.

https://sevgen.ca/

https://www.sandralamouche.com/

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In this final part of the Climate Action Figures series, John Whidden introduces Brett Weighill, a school administrator at Piikani Nation Secondary School. The episode highlights First Nations wisdom in sustainable practices, specifically focusing on a student-led greenhouse project involving traditional plants like sweetgrass. Brett shares his journey from aspiring ethnobotanist to facilitating this initiative, emphasizing the importance of cultural context in environmental research. The episode also features the involvement of Piikani students such as Gracie and MJ, highlighting the significance of integrating cultural education within scientific pursuits.

00:00 Introduction to Climate Action Figures
00:37 QuickFix: Be Food Smart
01:11 Meet Brett Weighill
02:14 Brett's Journey to Piikani Nation
05:35 Developing the Sweetgrass Program
10:39 Challenges and Successes
15:00 First Nations Perspectives on Environmentalism
26:52 The Role of Youth in Climate Action
29:49 Conclusion and Call to Action

https://thenarwhal.ca/piikani-nation-sweetgrass/
https://www.goodplanetproject.com/profiles/resilienceinstitute, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCw7XOesKDM
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2024.1384204/full https://www.facebook.com/people/PBOES/61565067209886/?_rdr, https://piikani.ca/ https://clean50.com/media-release-canadas-top-sustainability-award-releases-list-of-top-25-sustainability-projects-completed-across-canada-over-the-past-2-years/

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Join host John Whidden in this episode of Climate Action Figures as he interviews MJ, a junior high student from Piikani Nation, about his deep connection with his family, land, and Blackfoot culture. MJ shares insights on buffalo harvesting, the school greenhouse project, and his hopes for preserving the environment and his culture.

00:00 Introduction to Climate Action Figures

00:29 QuickFix of the Week

01:19 Meet MJ: A Name with History

02:08 Living Off the Land: Hunting and Harvesting

03:11 Buffalo Harvesting Traditions

04:56 School Greenhouse and Sweet Grass Program

06:24 Cultural Significance and Future Hopes

11:26 MJ's Climate Action and Hopes for the Future

12:34 Conclusion and Farewell

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In this episode, John  interviews Gracie Eagle Bear, a Blackfoot high school senior with a mission to preserve her culture's traditions. Gracie discusses her spiritual journey, the significance of sweetgrass, and her aspirations to become a medicine woman.

00:00 Introduction to Climate Action Figures

00:36 QuickFix: Reusable Coffee Pods

01:04 Meet Gracie Eagle Bear

01:24 Gracie's Cultural Heritage and Music Interests

02:22 Honouring Pete Provost in Europe

06:07 Sweetgrass Knowledge Transfer Ceremony

08:21 Gracie's Aspirations as a Medicine Woman

12:54 Inspiration and Family Influence

13:35 Gracie's Role in the School Program

15:50 Future Hopes and Climate Action

19:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Thomas, a former student from Piikani Nation Secondary School, discusses his involvement in a practical environmental program, the influence of Native traditions, and his future aspirations in psychology. Tune in for insights on community, climate action, and personal growth. 

00:00 Introduction and QuickFix

01:13 Thomas' Involvement in the School Program

04:09 Transition to University Life

05:28 Cultural Reflections and Comparisons

09:42 Thomas' Climate Action and Final Thoughts

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In this episode of Climate Action Figures, host John Whidden introduces Mike McDougall Price, a science teacher at Piikani Nation Secondary School. Mike discusses the importance of traditional Blackfoot and Piikani practices, his efforts to connect students to their language and culture, and various sustainable initiatives at his school, including a composting program and the cultivation of traditional plants. The episode also covers the integration of Indigenous ways of knowing with modern science to address climate change and promote sustainability.

00:00 Introduction to Climate Action Figures Season 3

00:39 QuickFix: Water Conservation Tips

01:25 Meet Mike McDougall Price

01:28 Traditional Baths and Health Benefits

02:24 Mike's Role in Piikani Nation Secondary School

03:05 Connecting Students to Piikani Language and Culture

04:12 Greenhouse and Composting Programs

06:26 Sustainability Award and Sweetgrass Research

10:55 Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Science

19:50 Climate Actions and Future Vision

22:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

https://www.ted.com/talks/gabe_brown_how_regenerative_agriculture_brings_life_back_to_the_land

https://blog.ted.com/ted-radio-hour-everything-is-connected/

https://carboncowboys.org/

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Join John Whidden as he catches up with creative consultant Kayla on the final episode of season two of Climate Action Figures. They discuss unique climate actions, share fascinating stories from the season, and tease exciting upcoming episodes. Don't miss the quick tips on reducing waste and a call to action! Plus, fun banter about youthful trends and next season's lineup.

00:00 Welcome to the Final Edition of Season Two

00:37 QuickFix: Ice Cream Cones and Edible Containers

01:27 Crazy Climate Challenges

02:06 Keeping Warm and Composting Tips

04:52 Community Cleanups and E-Bike Adventures

05:38 Turning Off the Hot Water Tank

06:59 Future Plans and Social Media Insights

12:23 Reflecting on Season Two Highlights

15:25 Exciting Plans for Next Season

20:13 What Gives Us Hope

22:13 Thank You and See You Next Season

https://www.instagram.com/sambentley/?hl=en

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Join host John as he talks with Gurpreet, a student from India, about her experiences in Medicine Hat's Sustainability and Innovation program. Listen to her quick fix for climate action and explore how cultural transitions influence her environmental efforts. 

00:00 Introduction and Quick Fixes

01:35 Meet Gurpreet: Journey to Medicine Hat

04:42 Gurpreet's Science Center Project

08:07 Life in Canada vs. India

14:45 Gurpreet's Climate Actions and Hopes

16:19 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

https://www.instagram.com/gurprit_kaurx?igsh=MTl6dzYwcmZnaHdwZw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

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