Smart Prosperity: The Podcast

Is climate change a ballot box issue?
With Canada’s 44th federal election looming, we dig deep into Canadian attitudes on climate change. How high a priority is it for Canadians? Is that being reflected in the various leadership campaigns? How have Canadian attitudes evolved over the past ten years? And how do we explain the seismic shift in party positions on the issue? w/ David Coletto (Abacus Data)

For more info and links, go to: podcast.smartprosperity.ca

A conversation with Katharine Hayhoe
Katharine Hayhoe is the most influential climate scientist on the planet. She’s also one of the most plain-spoken and down-to-earth. On this episode, she sits down with Eric Campbell to talk about conservative America, the UN’s new climate report, her new book, and why she wants you to talk to your friends about climate change.  w/ Katharine Hayhoe (Climate scientist extraordinaire, too many affiliations to list here)

For more info and links, go to: podcast.smartprosperity.ca

The carbon footprint of cryptocurrency
What do Sweden, Argentina, Norway, Belgium, Ukraine and Chile have in common? They all consume less electricity in one year than Bitcoin does. Yes, Bitcoin, the cryptocurrency that is shaking up the financial world, is a massive energy hog. In fact, Bitcoin “miners” have been responsible for bringing retired coal and natural gas plants back online in order to satisfy their energy needs. Why is Bitcoin so dirty? Can cryptocurrencies go green? 

Guest: Alex de Vries - Economist and founder of Digconomist.com

For more info and links, go to: podcast.smartprosperity.ca

The environmental impacts of space tourism
Who has the greener rocket, Jeff Bezos or Sir Richard Branston? Or is it Elon Musk’s Space X?! From the rocket fuel to the emissions to the material waste, we ask what the rise of space tourism means for climate change and the environment here on Planet Earth. With astrophysicist Dr. Parshati Patel  (University of Western) & atmospheric scientist Dr. Eloise Marais (University College London).

For more info and links, go to: podcast.smartprosperity.ca

The high price of wildfires
It’s the middle of July and hundreds of deadly wildfires are already on our doorsteps, many of them being described by authorities as out of control. This is the kind of runaway “megafire” season scientists have been warning about. Can we afford it? From paying for migrant firefighters to covering billions in insurance claims, this episode looks at what wildfires cost us.  With Edward Struzik, Author of "Firestorm: How Wildfire will Shape our Future".

More info and links at: podcast.smartprosperity.ca

The costs of extreme heat
As temperature records were melted around the world over the past few weeks, what do we now know about the costs of extreme heat to our economy, our critical infrastructure and our health? w/ Sarah Gibbens (National Geographic), Jan Polderman (Village of Lytton), Rick Smith (Canadian Institute for Climate Choices)

More info and links at: podcast.smartprosperity.ca

Paying for nature
Everybody agrees we should protect more nature. But nature protection doesn’t come cheap. Experts warn that Canada and the world have a multi-billion dollar funding gap. Here are 3 experts on how to close that gap by drawing in capital from unusual suspects.

For more info and links, go to: podcast.smartprosperity.ca

COVID’s environmental impact
The drop in global economic activity due to COVID has had some upsides for the environment. But how big have those upsides been? And how long will they last? The brainiacs at the OECD have some new answers.  With Rob Dellink from the OECD.

10 green technologies to watch
We’re going to need the help of new and exciting green technologies if we want to keep climate change in check. Here are ten smart bets. With Tyler Hamilton from MaRS Discovery District.
 
For more info and links, go to: podcast.smartprosperity.ca

Provincial climate report cards [min 1:03]
The federal government sets the international targets, but it’s Canada’s provinces that have the primary jurisdiction over reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Have we been letting them off the hook?  w/  Shawn McCarthy

Trouble in BC’s old growth forests [min 12:28]
Forestry is one of Canada’s oldest economic sectors. But with protests bubbling up across British Columbia, we get a balanced look at what needs to happen for the sector to evolve. w/ Gary Merkel, co-chair of BC’s Old Growth Review Panel

For more info and links, visit: podcast.smartprosperity.ca

What big business really thinks about climate action
There’s a romance a-brewing between big business and strong climate action. But how deep is the love?  Interview with Goldy Hyder from the Business Council of Canada.

Oil workers planning a career change
A union representing Canadian oil and gas workers just came out in favour of more ambitious climate targets. What gives? Interview with Joie Warnock from Unifor.

For more info and links, go to podcast.smartprosperity.ca