What on Earth?

In a year-end interview with the CBC’s Rosemary Barton, the prime minister talks about why his plan for more pipelines will help the climate. He also gives his version of what happened behind the scenes when former minister Steven Guilbeaut quit cabinet over the new energy agreement with Alberta.

Why did Volkswagen employees keep mum about the Dieselgate emissions scandal? That’s one of six crimes author Julia Shaw dives into in her latest book, Green Crime: Inside the minds of the people destroying the planet, and how to stop them. She asks, can environmental laws hold criminals accountable or do we need to get tougher?

They popularized, "OK, boomer" but when it comes to climate action, some Gen Z activists find they actually have much in common with their baby boomer counterparts. What On Earth columnist Aishwarya Puttur recently joined the Sue Big Oil campaign. While on the journey to get local governments to file lawsuits against big polluters, Aishwarya met fellow activist and retired journalist Erin Ellis. We get advice from both about overcoming generational stereotypes and uniting for change.

Ferocious fires, monster storms and epic floods. But there were some climate bright spots in 2025 as well. CBC meteorologists Johanna Wagstaffe and Ryan Snoddon break down the impacts of human-caused climate change and how it affected our weather this year. From the rapid intensification of hurricanes and typhoons to rivers and wells running dry in places not accustomed to drought, they explain how climate-charged extreme weather events are reshaping the world along with the way they talk about their forecasts.

Steven Guilbeault made room for compromise when he switched from climate activist to government minister. He was okay with that. Until Prime Minister Mark Carney signed an agreement with Alberta that Guilbeault says went too far. In a frank interview, the now ex-minister defends his choices and voices his concerns about Canada’s climate future.

Electric tricycles. Wagons. Bumming rides. Canadians are going to great lengths to live without a car. Yes, even people who have a disability, live in a rural community, or are terrified of biking. Our car-free correspondent Emily Chung shares their stories and solutions.

Can Canada build another oil pipeline AND hit climate targets? PM Mark Carney says yes. But some see the new energy deal between Ottawa and Alberta as a climate pivot by the federal government. While Canada tries to be a climate leader and pump out more oil at the same time, at least two dozen other countries – including Colombia – are now getting serious about weaning off fossil fuels.

The term "carbon capture" is getting tossed around a lot by Canadian politicians these days. What's actually being talked about is carbon capture, utilization and storage or CCUS. The technology is promoted as a way to help Canada reach its climate goals, even as the country keeps exporting oil. So what exactly is it? How does it work? And does it actually help reduce fossil fuel emissions? 

For Marsya Ancker, laying her father to rest in a mycelium casket was a choice that was true to his environmental values. We hear how the biodegradable Loop Living Cocoon, made of the root fibres of mushrooms and upcycled hemp, is better for the earth than traditional coffins. And, we explore other innovations in green burials for people who want more environmentally friendly end-of-life options.

A carbon capture project and a new pipeline may be on the horizon as Alberta gets closer to signing a memorandum of understanding, which Premier Danielle Smith calls a "grand bargain" with the federal government. Proponents tout carbon capture as a way to reduce emissions from oil sands production. But critics say the technology only enables the fossil fuel industry to expand.