Eco Echoes

In this episode, Sheldon and Amer celebrate the one-year anniversary of hosting Eco Echoes. A huge thank you to our listeners, guests, and sponsors for your support throughout the past year!

As per our podcast tradition, this bonus episode features climate trivia - so join us to test your knowledge on topics covered in Season 2. We wrap up the episode with a conversation about Sheldon’s recent travels, exploring electricity generation, renewable energy, and electric vehicles across different countries.

Tune in for a special look back at the past year of Eco Echoes!

Season 2 of Eco Echoes is sponsored by the Centre for Climate and Business Solutions (CCBS) at UBC Sauder. You can reach out to CCBS to learn more about their upcoming SME Climate Clinic by sending an email to: [email protected].

Follow Eco Echoes and reach out on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eco-echoes/

In this episode of Eco Echoes, Sheldon and Amer explore the diverse Indigenous perspectives on climate change, energy, and sustainability in Canada. They are joined by Lydia Brant, Manager at Brightspot Climate and an Indigenous climate change engineer, to discuss the importance of integrating Indigenous perspectives into climate action.

The group examines the unique perspectives and priorities that Indigenous communities bring to the conversation around climate action, the challenges they face in accessing resources, and the strategies for bridging traditional knowledge with modern energy development projects.

Tune in to hear how Indigenous communities are leading the way in adaptation, resilience-building, and clean energy innovation, and learn how you can support and amplify Indigenous voices in the fight against climate change while respecting their sovereignty and self-determination.

Season 2 of Eco Echoes is sponsored by the Centre for Climate and Business Solutions (CCBS) at UBC Sauder. You can reach out to CCBS to learn more about their upcoming SME Climate Clinic by sending an email to: [email protected].
Follow Eco Echoes and reach out on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eco-echoes/

In this episode of Eco Echoes, Sheldon and Amer explore the alternative business model of a solar energy co-operative. They are joined by special guest Chris Caners, General Manager at SolarShare, one of Canada’s leading renewable energy co-ops.

The group discusses how the co-op structure differs from traditional corporate models, its benefits for sustainability and community engagement, and the operational mechanics of a solar energy co-op. We also examine the scalability of this model across other climate solutions and ways to promote inclusivity and equity in the renewable energy sector. 

Tune in to learn how co-op business models can drive climate objectives and foster a more interconnected world.

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Season 2 of Eco Echoes is sponsored by the Centre for Climate and Business Solutions (CCBS) at UBC Sauder. You can reach out to CCBS to learn more about their upcoming SME Climate Clinic by sending an email to: [email protected].
Follow Eco Echoes and reach out on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eco-echoes/

Amer and Sheldon reflect on notable events in 2024, and look to 2025 with a few thoughts on how the year will pan out related to climate action - including political headwinds, technological changes, and anticipated policy developments in Canada and beyond.

They delve into how recent political changes, such as the incoming Donald Trump administration in the USA and the outgoing Justin Trudeau administration in Canada, could impact climate action in the upcoming year.

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Season 2 of Eco Echoes is sponsored by the Centre for Climate and Business Solutions (CCBS) at UBC Sauder. You can reach out to CCBS to learn more about their upcoming SME Climate Clinic by sending an email to: ⁠[email protected]⁠.

Follow Eco Echoes and reach out on Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/eco-echoes/⁠

As the Eras Tour wraps up in Vancouver, BC - home of Eco Echoes - we thought we’d have some fun with this episode.

In this episode of Eco Echoes, Sheldon and Amer explore the environmental impact of Taylor Swift's record-breaking Eras Tour, delving into how the tour contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and the efforts her team has made to mitigate its impact. They also examine the broader implications for the music industry as a whole in implementing sustainable practices to reduce carbon footprints from large-scale tours, and the role fans play in advocating for eco-friendly practices. 

Tune in to learn more about the intersection of music, sustainability, and environmental responsibility.

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Season 2 of Eco Echoes is sponsored by the Centre for Climate and Business Solutions (CCBS) at UBC Sauder. You can reach out to CCBS to learn more about their upcoming SME Climate Clinic by sending an email to: [email protected].

Follow Eco Echoes and reach out on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eco-echoes/ 

In this episode of Eco Echoes, Sheldon and Amer explore the complexities surrounding the Trans Mountain Expansion Project. They are joined by special guest Stewart Muir, founder and CEO of Resource Works. Stewart is an award-winning journalist with a passion for the natural legacies of British Columbia. His work focuses on promoting responsible resource development and fostering informed public dialogue on natural resource issues.

They delve into the project's history, political and public opposition, economic implications, environmental considerations, and its broader impact on Canada's energy landscape. They also examine how this project intersects with climate change concerns and sustainable development goals, while addressing challenges and opportunities for the future of energy infrastructure in Canada.

Tune in for an insightful discussion on the intersection of energy needs and environmental sustainability.

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Season 2 of Eco Echoes is sponsored by the Centre for Climate and Business Solutions (CCBS) at UBC Sauder. You can reach out to CCBS to learn more about their upcoming SME Climate Clinic by sending an email to: [email protected].
Follow Eco Echoes and reach out on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eco-echoes/

In this episode of Eco Echoes, Sheldon and Amer explore the world of carbon offsets. They break down the basics of what carbon offsets are and how they work, as well as the various types of offsets available, such as forestry projects and renewable energy credits. They also examine how carbon offsets are used in Canada by both businesses and government initiatives, and discuss the controversies and effectiveness of offsets in reducing global emissions. 

Tune in to learn more about the role of carbon offsets in Canada's national climate strategy and the ongoing debate surrounding their future impact on the environment.

Season 2 of Eco Echoes is sponsored by the Centre for Climate and Business Solutions (CCBS) at UBC Sauder. You can reach out to CCBS to learn more about their upcoming SME Climate Clinic by sending an email to: [email protected].

Follow Eco Echoes and reach out on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eco-echoes/

In this episode of Eco Echoes, Sheldon and Amer explore the historical approaches of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump to climate and energy issues, analyzing how their past influences their current platforms. 

They delve into the key policies Harris is advocating for, such as building on the Biden administration's climate agenda and clarifying her stance on fracking. On the flip side, they discuss Trump's shift in stance on climate and energy policies, his emphasis on energy independence, and the impact of regulatory rollbacks on environmental regulations. We'll also examine how both candidates balance energy security with climate goals, their impact on U.S. businesses, the U.S.'s standing in international climate agreements like the Paris Agreement, and what Canadians should focus on regarding U.S. climate action. 

Tune in to gain insights into how the outcome of the election could shape the future of climate action.

Season 2 of Eco Echoes is sponsored by the Centre for Climate and Business Solutions (CCBS) at UBC Sauder. You can reach out to CCBS to learn more about their upcoming SME Climate Clinic by sending an email to: [email protected]

Follow Eco Echoes and reach out on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eco-echoes/

In this episode of Eco Echoes, Sheldon Fernandes and Amer Abu-Khajil explore the climate and energy platforms of the major parties in the BC Provincial Election. They are joined by guests Megan Lohmann, CEO of the Community Energy Association, and George Benson, a strategist, writer, and researcher working at the intersection of economic development and climate action.

As usual, the group starts with an introduction to provincial elections in British Columbia across history followed by a deep dive into the platforms of the NDP, Conservative, and Green Party. Some of the areas covered in this lively discussion are the parties’ perspectives on electricity generation, the Carbon Tax, and the Zero Carbon Step Code.

Tune in to gain a better understanding of the platforms of the different parties and how the upcoming election could impact BC's environmental future.

Episode Links & Resources:

Season 2 of Eco Echoes is sponsored by the Centre for Climate and Business Solutions (CCBS) at UBC Sauder. You can reach out to CCBS to learn more about their upcoming SME Climate Clinic by sending an email to: [email protected].

Follow Eco Echoes and reach out on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eco-echoes/

In this episode of Eco Echoes, Sheldon and Amer explore the complex world of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and its role in British Columbia’s energy landscape. We start by breaking down what LNG is, how it’s produced, and why it’s often considered a cleaner alternative to coal and oil. But, as we dig deeper, we uncover the environmental concerns associated with LNG—particularly the impact of methane leaks and the lifecycle emissions that challenge its "clean" reputation.

We’ll also examine why British Columbia has become a global hub for LNG production and export, its economic benefits, and the controversial debates surrounding Indigenous rights and environmental impacts. Lastly, we discuss whether BC’s LNG expansion aligns with Canada’s climate goals under the Paris Agreement and the challenges in balancing economic growth with sustainability.

Tune in to get a full understanding of LNG’s potential and its challenges in BC’s energy future.

Follow us and reach out on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eco-echoes/

Season 2 of Eco Echoes is sponsored by the Centre for Climate and Business Solutions (CCBS) at UBC Sauder. You can reach out to CCBS to learn more about their upcoming SME Climate Clinic by sending an email to: [email protected].