Big Blue Marble Podcast

As global awareness of issues like deforestation, ocean pollution and extreme weather events grows, consumers are looking for more ways to reduce their environmental impact. While businesses are quick to capitalize on the trend, it doesn't necessarily mean their products actually fit the bill.   "Canadians want to find and support genuine eco products, but there are companies that are tricking and lying to us. It is shocking and we need to do a lot more," says Wren Montgomery, Associate Professor of Sustainability, The Ivey Business School at Western University. From misleading claims to exaggerated eco-friendly initiatives, greenwashing is a prevalent issue in today's consumer landscape.   "There is no universal environmental standard. This really is the problem, even for companies who are doing the right thing," concludes Montgomery.   On this episode of The Big Blue Marble Podcast, we reveal how complex greenwashing has become, what you can you do about it and uncover what is means for consumers and the environment in the long run.

The world has officially surpassed a feared warming target across an entire year for the first time on record. The threshold of a 1.5 degree Celsius warming is a crucial long-term measure because additional tipping points become more likely beyond this point. "Often climate change will feel like its accelerating because the climate is moving past the range of our experience... so much of what we have been doing so far is incremental and what we need to do is transformational," says  Simon Donner, Professor and Climate Scientist at the University of British Columbia. 2023 was scarred with a list of catastrophic events, including unprecedented heatwaves, historic wildfires and floods, but does it only get worse from here? You may be surprised to learn the answer. We will step back and discover what surpassing this warming benchmark means and what is likely to come in the near future. Plus we explore how sea sponges and a never before deployed satellite could help - that's all on this edition of the Big Blue Marble Podcast.

In today's housing market there is a new dimension to consider beyond price, commute time and schools in the neighbourhood - climate risks. As a homeowner, preparing for future costs amidst increasing storms and extreme weather events is crucial. "Canada exceeded $3 billion in insured damages last year, and uninsured values totaled $9-12 billion," says Kathryn Bakos, Managing Director, Finance and Resilience at the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation Faculty of Environment, University of Waterloo. On this episode of the Big Blue Marble Podcast we reveal what extreme weather event is the biggest risk to our homes right now, and we discuss how that "perceived" risk alone may not only affect a home's value but also make it harder to sell. "On average across Canada we saw an 8.2% price reduction and the homes stayed on the market approximately 20 per cent longer," adds Bakos. From tips on how to future proof your home to insurance limitations, this is one episode every homeowner must hear.

The world's largest greenbelt now has a target squarely on its fertile soil. The Government of Ontario has tabled Bill 23, which will weaken crucial environmental protection and remove public consultation before development. The new law effectively strips taxpayer's rights as community members will no longer be allowed to participate in development decisions that affect their neighborhoods, local farms and natural areas.  "It is very clear there is no valid public interest justification for expanding beyond the land we have already allocated for growth with our existing boundaries. This makes sense only for turning multi-millionaires into multi-billionaires" says Phil Pothen, Ontario Environment Program Manager at Environmental Defence. Join me to learn more about Bill 23 and why it could have a disastrous impact on the future of Ontario. Hands Off The Greenbelt Events Take Action Petition Connect with your local MPP - Automated [This petition link will automatically connect to your MPP based on your postal code]

The biggest and most important annual climate-related conference on the planet will begin this month in Egypt.  "COP 27", unites the world in a collective effort to negotiate global goals for tackling the biggest challenge of our time: climate change.  "Droughts, floods, storms and wildfires are devastating lives and livelihoods across the globe [and] getting worse by the day. We need climate action on all fronts and we need it now.” says UN secretary general, António Guterres.   In this episode of the Big Blue Marble, we break down the 5 key things you need to know about this conference and most importantly, why you should care and why it matters. Our future literally depends on it.

Bird migrations are one of nature's great wonders - using ancient routes, migratory birds track thousands of kilometres. Sadly, not all are successful as these tiny winged creatures face unprecedented urban dangers. At peak migration, it is estimated that 4 billion birds must navigate through glass-covered cities and other built-up environments across North America. Glass collisions take a staggering toll on birds, threatening common and rare species alike. Join me as we welcome Michael Mesure, Co-Founder of Flap Canada, as the organization launches its annual Global Bird Rescue initiative. This worldwide event empowers everyday people to make a difference for migrating birds. "Birds control our insect populations, they distribute seeds, they pollinate plants - when they are gone we are in trouble." says Mesure. Find out how to make your home bird safe and take part in the Global Bird Rescue October 3-9, 2022, on this episode of the Big Blue Marble. FLAP Canada Global Bird Rescue Bird-Safe Window Marker Tips Bird Mapper

Guided by an internal compass, Monarch butterflies can determine the position of the sun and the time of day. With this data, the graceful beauties are guided in an annual migration unlike any other. The Monarch's migration sees some of them travel over 4,000 kilometers, from Southern parts of Canada to Mexico. Researchers have studied these insects for decades and have noted alarming changes in both the Eastern and Western populations, with an estimated 80% decline in just 20 years. Offering some sign of hope - there are optimistic results from a recent butterfly migration count conducted by the Xerces Society, an international non-profit conservation group. The survey has revealed almost 250,000 Western Monarchs in California, compared to historic lows of just a few thousand in previous years. “It is great to see this rebound, it gives us a breath of time to do more planning and get more efforts on the ground, but we are not out of the woods yet,” says Professor Cheryl Schultz from the School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University. Fly with us on this episode of The Big Blue Marble as we take to the skies to examine the threats impacting the two main migrating populations of Monarchs, why their protection is so important and how you may be able to help from your own home.

Alone and quiet in an undisclosed location in Tasmania, sits Earth’s Black Box. This massive fortified structure is loaded with sophisticated technology that will operate uninterrupted for decades, perhaps centuries. "There is so much data that is going to being recorded, we have set up a list of 500 different measurements that are widely considered to be the most important metrics on the health of our planet relating to human’s involvement to climate change" says Henry Curchod, of The Glue Society, an independent creative collective and a collaborating partner in the black box project.   Like the black box of an airplane that offers answers following a disaster, the goal of Earth’s Black Box is to extend answers on what lead humanity into a climate change catastrophe.    "We are expecting someone to need this one day," says Curchod. That is the reality we’ll explore as we delve into Earth's Black Box. This project is a scientific and technologic marvel – all meant to tell earth’s story, without us.

A new, eye opening study is sharing a dirty little secret about the necessary chore of laundry, revealing a never-ending cycle of microfiber pollution. "Dryers are one of the main sources of microfiber pollution in the atmosphere," says Professor Kenneth Leung, lead author of a study published in the journal, Environmental Science & Technology Letters. Leung describes the findings as “essential” for managing microfiber emissions, which are known to harm human health and the environment. Listen in to this first episode of a new season of The Big Blue Marble Podcast. Together we will explore fibrous pollution coming from your dryer and how you can help prevent it.

Historic, epic, unprecedented, these are just some of the words that were used to describe a heat wave that smothered parts of Western Canada and the US Northwest at the end of June. Trapped within a swath of accompanying heat warnings was the small town of Lytton, north east of British Columbia. The town shot to world infamy when it became one of the hottest places on earth and recorded a high of 49.6 degrees. "It’s a time issue." says Simon Donner, a Climate Scientist and Professor at the University of British Columbia. "We wait too long to take action to reduce emissions and we also wait to react after an extreme event, to say what we do to prepare for the next one.” In this episode of the Big Blue Marble, we dive into the heart of what caused the "heat dome" to be so intense and the aftermath in its wake.   We will also find out if another extreme event is possible in the near future. Here are the links mentioned in this episode. Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act

A 40 hectare inlet in Nova Scotia is about to become home for some newly retired inhabitants. As a way to offer a new life to whales that have been rescued from entertainment parks, a nonprofit group is preparing a seaside sanctuary, which will be a North American first.    Worldwide, there are currently more than 3,000 whales and dolphins in captivity. "Our focus is on Orcas and Belugas because they suffer more than any other species - they suffer tremendously in captivity." says Charles Vinick, Executive Director of The Whale Sanctuary Project.   In this episode of The Big Blue Marble, we explore how the sanctuary will work, its ultimate benefits to the marine mammals, and we ask - how do you transport these huge, yet very delicate, creatures.

With age comes wisdom - and twelve Finnish grandmothers hope to share some of it! On this episode of The Big Blue Marble we learn how a casual "meet up" for coffee has now grown into a trans-generational movement to help save our planet.  In just a couple of years (including through COVID), Aktivistimummot (Finnish for Activist Grannies) have mastered a unique and endearing connection with the public. "The word Granny is somehow sacred, everyone has had a grandmother and how can anyone say bad things about a granny", says Helena Kääriäinen, Research Professor at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare in Helsinki and one of the founding members. "We worry about climate change and biodiversity issues and also the depression and anxiety by young people. We need to try to do something." Kääriäinen adds. Here are the links mentioned in this episode. Activist Grannies https://www.aktivistimummot.fi/ End the week with a smile and join me every Friday at noon for my Facebook LIVEstream show! #hereNthere https://www.facebook.com/AnwarKnightTV

For almost 15 years, the last Saturday in March goes dark. Millions of people in over 190 countries flip the switch for 60 minutes, to help illuminate one of the largest grass roots movements on the planet. Earth Hour has always drawn its power from the people, and organizers our counting on their support more than ever. "It is a dual crisis, it is climate change and bio- diversity loss and they ecascerbate each other",  says Megan Leslie President and CEO of World Wild Life Canada. On this episode of The Big Blue Marble we learn how Earth Hour has evolved, it's less about the light and more about the fight.  "it gets all of us to focus on one thing and politicans listen to that." adds Leslie.

Humans long thought the depth of the oceans were silent, we now know that there is a symphony of various sounds that sea life depend on for survival.  A first of its kind new report is breaking the silence on the impacts of anthropogenic (human-generated) noise levels in our seas that are increasing at an alarming rate.  “Noise travels very far and very fast in the ocean, so in places we thought were pristine, acoustically speaking, now we hear noise from ships,” say Dr. Francis Juanes, a Fish Ecologist and Professor of Biology at the University of Victoria. The loudest and most disruptive aquatic noise pollution comes from military operations, oil exploration and industrial shipping.  “On one level, it’s affecting communication…animals can also go deaf and it can be lethal.” continues Juanes. Dive deep on this edition of the Big Blue Marble and monitor the volume - what you are about to hear is explosive!

Winter lovers are feeling the heat and a group of amateur scientists are keeping score.  Climate change is making winters warmer, shorter and less snowy. On this episode of the Big Blue Marble, Robert McLeman Co-Director of Rink Watch, explains how a cherished and time-honoured Canadian winter tradition of backyard rink-building is beginning to melt away. “We are seeing a real shrinkage in the length of outdoor skating seasons and the number of high quality skateable days from Toronto to Windsor.” An environmental scientist at Canada’s, Wilfrid Laurier University, McLeman and his team have enlisted hundreds of citizens from across North America to report on daily skating conditions on their backyard rinks. Find out how our iconic winters are changing along with the opportunities to enjoy it.

With over 70 years of experience, Ontario’s conservation authorities are global leaders in watershed management.  As a community-based natural resource management agency, their expertise is essential. Ninety-five per cent of Ontario's population lives in a watershed and should hastily proposed amendments by the Ontario government pass, independent science-based decisions in the interest of communities will be significantly limited - wetlands, valleys, and water could all be at risk . In essence, the legislation would weaken environmental protections and put more power into the hands of private developers, while negating the fundamental role of conservation authorities. 2020 has been a chaotic year with unprecedented events linked to climate change.  Now, more than ever it's our responsibility to protect and stand up for nature.  On this episode of the Big Blue Marble, we explain what conservation authorities do, how communities benefit and where you can share your voice in favour of conservation.   Today you can help support nature in your own community. Share Your Voice [Easy Fill - One Step Link] Conservation Matters Please send a message to the Ontario Government and tell them to strike schedule 6 of Bill 229 Minister Philips, Minister of Finance: minister.fin@ontario.ca Minister Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing: minister.mah@ontario.ca Minister Yakabuski, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry: minister.mnrf@ontario.ca Minister Yurek, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks: minister.mecp@ontario.ca Premier Ford: premier@ontario.ca   [Sample Email] I strongly oppose the proposed changes to the Conservation Authorities Act set out in Schedule 6 of Bill 229 that curtail the role of Conservation Authorities in watershed planning and management. I am also deeply concerned that these proposed changes were brought forward in a budget bill, thereby over-riding my right to comment under the Environmental Bill of Rights. I request that you remove Schedule 6 in its entirety from Bill 229. Ontario’s Conservation Authorities are a unique and widely respected innovation. They provide a much-valued bridge across municipal boundaries to understand and address environmental concerns, such as flooding. Because they operate at the watershed level, they are ideally positioned to encourage science-based collaborative strategies and decision-making. Their vital role in land use planning and permitting must be retained to ensure that development does not put communities at risk from flooding and other climate change impacts through loss of wetlands, woodlands and farmland. The changes proposed in Schedule 6 will reduce or constrain the mandate of Conservation Authorities, and are therefore contradictory to the interests of the people of Ontario who are facing enormous risks and costs as a result of climate change and ongoing biodiversity loss. The roles and responsibilities of Conservation Authorities are critical in protecting the lands, waters and wildlife which benefit businesses and communities across Ontario, and upon which our health and well-being ultimately depend. I urge you to remove Schedule 6 in its entirety from Bill 229.

In this episode of the Big Blue Marble, we explore what some of the rewritten codes include, how they will be determined and “if” they are coming to your neighbourhood.

The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season has been so intense, it just ran out of storm names – it also means this has been a demanding season for a team of dedicated researchers that get closer to the storms than any others on the planet. Hurricane hunters intentionally fly into the most violent storms on earth - and 2020 has seen a record number of them. "It's like a wooden roller coaster." Says Nick Underwood, an aerospace engineer with the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), "a lot of vibrations and sometimes you will be tossed to the side." Underwood flies into hurricanes to gather data by releasing specialized electronics. Dropping at a speed of 2,500 feet per minute, the components provide a real-time analysis of what the storms are doing, where they're heading and how severe they may become. Strap in, and join us as we fly "Into the Eye of the Storm", on this episode of the Big Blue Marble.

"It seems very unfair that man should have chosen the Gorilla to symbolize everything that is aggressive and violent. When that is the one thing that the Gorilla is not and that we are.” Sir Richard Attenborough Gorillas are truly gentle giants, yet have struggled to exist for decades, thanks to human interference. The animals are hunted and injured by traps just as they are forced from their habitats for commercial enterprise. Despite being human's closest cousins, with over 90 per cent of their DNA being the same as ours, they are critically endangered. On today's special edition of the Big Blue Marble Podcast, (streaming LIVE from the Toronto Zoo) we celebrate World Gorilla Day. Today, we will learn what threatens them most, how one of your most common possessions could help save them and get a behind-the-scenes perspective on one of Canada’s most iconic Gorillas - long-time zoo resident, Charles.

Is your sunscreen bad for the planet? On this episode of The Big Blue Marble, we slather on the research with Dr. Craig Downs, a forensic ecotoxicologist.  According to Downs, more than 100 million tonnes of sunscreen a year enter coastal areas around the world, and when it does, especially in the coral reef system, “it impacts all the organisms there.”  The good news is, toxic chemical bans found in certain sunscreens are now beginning, find out how you can practice “safe sun” without harming the seas.