From the Ground Up

Part 2 of a 3 episode discussion with Mitchell Beer, Founding Publisher of the Energy Mix, about the first year of the Mark Carney government and their climate and energy policy changes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To mark a year of the Mark Carney government, (our own) Mark talks with Mitchell Beer of the Energy Mix over 3 episodes about all the changes in climate and energy policy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen in on the discussion with Mark and Sherry about the most recent report, the Global Electricity Review 2026, from Ember. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Harold Pexa and Amy Snider are applicants in the court action focusing on climate change, fossil gas, and Charter rights. Meet the Saskatchewan residents who are fighting for people's right to life and the security of the person in an ever changing environment.For more information on this legal case, please visit:https://www.sustainablesask.ca/court-action.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Dr. Murray Opdahl of CAPE talks about the impact of coal on community health.For more information, please visit:https://cape.ca/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Amber Fletcher, a leading environmental sociologist at the University of Regina, about climate change impacts on rural communities, gender equity, and social resilience on the Prairies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Amber Fletcher, a leading environmental sociologist at the University of Regina, joins us to explore how climate change impacts rural communities, gender equity, and social resilience on the Prairies. Tune in for a two-part conversation on community-driven solutions, climate justice, and what it will take to build a more equitable and sustainable future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Journey to New Zealand and learn about their politics with a Green Party Member of Parliament, Francisco Hernandez. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rena Namago, Refugee and Migrant Rights Policy Officer with Citizens For Public Justice, joins us today to talk about refugee and migrant rights and how that relates to climate change. Rena Namago is also a contributor to CPJ's new book, which is out this month on March 17th, called: A Renewed Canadian Welcome: Eleven Visions from Migrants and Advocates.For more information, or to order the book, please check out:https://cpj.ca/a-renewed-canadian-welcome/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mitchell Beer, founding publisher and managing editor of The Energy Mix, returns to our show to discuss current events and how they are affecting climate policies around the world.Please check out Mitchell's website:https://www.theenergymix.com/author/mitchellbeer/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cathy Holtslander is the Director of Research and Policy for the National Farmers Union, and she joins us today to talk about issues such as seed law, cuts to agricultural research, and the environmental impacts that result.For more information, please visit:https://www.nfu.ca/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the second of two episodes in which Candyce Paul, who leads the emergency response team at English River First Nation, talks about the experience of the last few years, the efforts she and local firefighters have made to save lives and maintain people's health, plans for this year, and the challenges inherent in dealing with the provincial government. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Candyce Paul leads the emergency response team at English River First Nation. With major forest fires now dominating the summer in northern Saskatchewan, this is a massive task. This is the first of two episodes in which Candyce talks about the experience of the last few years, the efforts she and local firefighters have made to save lives and maintain people's health, plans for this year, and the challenges inherent in dealing with the provincial government. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

February 2 was World Wetlands Day, and on From the Ground Up we’re joined by Ducks Unlimited Canada's Michael Champion to explore why wetlands matter far beyond wildlife. From flood protection and clean water to climate resilience and carbon storage, we’ll unpack how local wetland projects deliver real benefits for communities across Canada. We’ll also discuss the new documentary Mission to Marsh and how storytelling can inspire conservation action.For more information, please visit:https://www.ducks.ca/https://missiontomarsh.org/en/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From the Ground Up digs into grassroots environmental action, highlighting local voices working to protect grasslands in and around Saskatoon. In this episode, Carmen Gilmore invites listeners to share their own grassland photos and observations by emailing [email protected], helping build a community-powered record of these vital ecosystems. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we speak with Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas about why these urban forests matter, the challenges they face, and how local action can shape a more sustainable future. They will share a new upcoming memorial forest for the Humboldt Broncos bus tragedy.For more information, please visit:https://www.friendsareas.ca/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Roman Catholic church is maybe the last place that many people would expect leadership in addressing the climate crisis. And yet that is happening, through a series of papal encyclicals (starting with the late pope Francis' Laudato Si') and grassroots action which joins human needs to the world's needs. In a two-part interview, Tashia Toupin and Cindy Wallace talk through the roots of this commitment in Catholic social teaching, and some of the life implications.Prof Cindy Wallace is the Director of the Irene and Doug Schmeiser Centre for Faith, Reason, Peace and Justice at St Thomas More College, University of SaskatchewanTashia Toupin is the Social Justice Coordinator with the archdiocese of Regina. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Roman Catholic church is maybe the last place that many people would expect leadership in addressing the climate crisis. And yet that is happening, through a series of papal encyclicals (starting with the late pope Francis' Laudato Si') and grassroots action which joins human needs to the world's needs. In a two-part interview, Tashia Toupin and Cindy Wallace talk through the roots of this commitment in Catholic social teaching, and some of the life implications.Prof Cindy Wallace is the Director of the Irene and Doug Schmeiser Centre for Faith, Reason, Peace and Justice at St Thomas More College, University of SaskatchewanTashia Toupin is the Social Justice Coordinator with the archdiocese of Regina. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kelly Storie, Executive Director of La Siembra, joins us again in PART 2 to talk about her organization and how it encompasses fair-trade, sustainability, and community. And also... chocolate!For more information, please visit:https://camino.ca/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kelly Storie, Executive Director of La Siembra, joins us today to talk about her organization and how it encompasses fair-trade, sustainability, and community. And also... chocolate! This is PART 1 of a two part episode.For more information, please visit:https://camino.ca/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Physicist and author, MV Ramana, joins us today to talk about the problem with nuclear power. This is Part 2 of a two part episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Physicist and author, MV Ramana, joins us today to talk about the problem of nuclear power. This is Part 1 of a two part episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Willard Metzger serves as Executive Director at Citizens For Public Justice. He joins us today to tell us about the organization and the importance of unity in a democratic society.For more information, please check out:https://cpj.ca/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Edward Agbai, Executive Director of Prairies for Africa, joins us. Prairies for Africa is an organization building connections between communities in Saskatchewan and partners across Africa. Their work focuses on sustainable agriculture, water resilience, and community-driven climate solutions that strengthen livelihoods across continents.For more information, please visit:https://prairiesafrica.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Climate Caucus helps elected officials advance climate action. Find out more about this organization during a conversation with Zoe Grams, an individual listed in the Top 40 Under 40 in Vancouver.For more information, please visit:https://climatecaucus.ca/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Badia Nehme joins us from Ecology Action Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia, to share what is happening within the energy sector there and some ideas for a better way forward.For more information, please visit:https://ecologyaction.ca/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richard Kerbes from the SOS Trees Coalition talks about the group, the state of Saskatoon's urban canopy, and their efforts to protect it while educating the public.For more information, please check out: https://www.sostrees.ca/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark and Sherry talk about the inadequacies of prime minister Carney's "Major Projects" initiative, and the encouraging news of the dramatic global increase in solar power. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's show connects the dots between policy, community, and personal action. We will talk about civic engagement, climate initiatives, and how everyday choices shape a more sustainable and resilient Saskatoon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rick Huziak is a researching amateur astronomer and environmentalist, addressing light pollution as Chair of the Saskatchewan Light Pollution Abatement Committee. He introduced the City of Saskatoon Dark-Sky Policy. To learn more about the importance of dark skies, join us and listen in! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Champion of Ducks Unlimited Canada talks about the program and its history and future in Saskatchewan.For more information, please visit:https://www.ducks.ca/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn about the coal case against the Saskatchewan government and meet Kike, the 12-year-old applicant in the coal case, as they explain why they are involved in the case and why it is important to them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the technologies which the federal government is helping to fund is Direct Air Capture (DAC) - selectively capturing carbon dioxide directly by blowing air through solid sorbents or liquid solvents. In this episode James Wilt (freelance journalist working with Climate Action Team Manitoba) talks with Mark about the feasibility of this technology, which is proving to be extremely costly in terms of money, energy and water.James has written a report on DAC, which may be found at https://climateactionmb.ca/why-direct-air-capture-isnt-a-climate-solution-for-manitoba/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we talk with Gabrielle Willms from For Our Kids to share why parents taking climate action matters more than ever. Claire Kraatz from For Our Kids also joins the conversation to tell us why parents are stepping up to demand strong methane regulations in Canada. Methane is a “super pollutant” that accelerates climate change, fuels wildfires, and threatens the health of our children and communities—but it’s also one of the fastest, most cost-effective climate solutions available. Cutting methane just makes sense - economically and ecologically.SAVE THE DATE: August 27th at 7 pm MT for a Phone Zap to talk to our leaders about Methane PollutionTake Action: For Our Kids Methane Pollution Letter to Ministers and Your MPforourkids.ca/methane_pollution_letterPembina Institute Blog: Action on methane makes sense now more than everpembina.org/blog/action-methane-makes-sense-now-more-everAmanda Bryant (Pembina) on BNN Bloomberg: Opportunity for Canada in methane mitigationWatch the interviewPembina Report: Raising the Bar  Read the report Pembina Report: Unfinished Business Read the reportEdmonton Journal Op-Ed: Methane mitigation could be Canada’s next growth industryRead the articleLetter to Federal Party Leaders: Methane CommitmentRead the letter (PDF)Connect with For Our Kids:www.forourkids.caFollow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Bluesky Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mylan Tootoosis discusses the nearly three-month-long Cenovus Rush Lake 2 Facility gas leak that occurred in Saskatchewan and shares the impact it has had on his community.Mylan Tootoosis originates from Poundmaker Cree Nation within Treaty Six Territory and proudly identifies as Nêhiyawpwat (Plains Cree-Nakota). He holds a Master of Arts in Indigenous Governance from the University of Victoria (2013) and a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Liberal Studies from the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico.To learn more about Mylan, please check out:https://www.mylanmurdo.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Re.Climate is an organization which does research to understand public attitudes to the climate crisis, to policy responses and to the messaging which accompanies them. In this episode, their Resource and Training Coordinator, Emma Bider, talks with Mark about their work, their findings and the implications for us all.Please check out Re.Climate's website for more information:https://reclimate.ca/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2019, a group of students, working on a group project on climate change and international law, began to campaign for the matter to be brought to the International Court of Justice. The government of Vanuatu was persuaded to bring it to the United Nations, and was joined by many other states, resulting in a unanimously supported resolution at the UN General Assembly in 2023 to request an advisory opinion from the ICJ on the legal obligations of states and the legal consequences of failing to meet those obligations. On July 23rd, the ICJ published their ruling. Amongst other findings,:- The Paris Agreement's 1.5°C temperature target is legally binding for all states that have ratified the Agreement- Customary law requires that all states, in particular the largest emitters, must take ambitious mitigation measures in line with the best available science- States with high greenhouse gas emissions and/or heavy dependence on fossil fuel productions can be subject to legal action, with the possibility of being required to provide reparation, restoration and compensation to victims of climate change impacts.In this episode, Mark is in conversation with Mitchell Beer, editor of the Energy Mix, about the ICJ's verdict and its implications.An excellent summary of the ICJ advisory opinion is provided by Carbon Brief.https://www.theenergymix.com/https://www.carbonbrief.org/icj-what-the-world-courts-landmark-opinion-means-for-climate-change/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Big River Forest Advocates have filed a case against the Saskatchewan Provincial Government for the Forest Management practices. Listen in to hear Cathy Sproule speak about the legal action and Gord Vaadeland as he shares environmental and political perspectives on the issues at hand. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jory, from Climate Justice Saskatoon and the Saskatoon Climate Hub, join Mark and Sherry in discussing the newest development in coal power production in Saskatchewan.Please join this advocacy campaign to Stop Coal Power in Saskatchewan:https://nwmd.social/s/copylink/4AmBYkOLeuDKyrGKm-E=/bTo connect with a climate community, please check out:https://climatejusticesaskatoon.ca/https://www.climatehub.ca/blog/saskatoon?categoryId=53416 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are joined by two guests this week: Kathy Worobec and Katie Zajac from Green Learning! Green Learning is an organization that creates free educational programs about energy, climate change, and green economy that engage and empower students to create positive change!To learn more, please check out:https://greenlearning.ca/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our guest this week is Frank Collins. He is the CEO of Danger Dynamite, as well as a local social media influencer and an advocate for having hard conversations. Let's talk about social and environmental justice.Please check out:https://dangerdynamite.com/Tik Tok: @tobeperfectlyfrank Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Faced with an apparently unmoveable plan for extensive felling of trees around their community, people in the community of Big River have organised to call for a more sensitive approach and for local voices to be heard at the time that decisions are made. In conversation with Sherry, Tyson talks about the difficulties in getting local voices heard, and about their call for proper consultation at an early stage, for better protection of ecologically sensitive areas, for better consideration of impacts on peoples' homes, and for a shift away from clearcutting. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of Saskatchewan Environmental Society's aims is the reduction of toxic chemicals in the environment: this has implications for decisions about management of pests. In this episode, Megan tells Sherry about SES's advice and proposals to eliminate cosmetic pesticide use and reduce pesticide use generally. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sherry's guest this week is Derek Cameron,from StrongTown YXE, a group working to explore ways of using land in the city which are more fiscally beneficial. Their thinking has taken them towards more socially and environmentally attractive use of land, and specifically to pedestrian-only zones. Their specific proposal is a pedestrian-only zone on Broadway, between 10th and 12th. Derek explains the options, the benefits and the challenges. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Phyllis joins Mark to talk about the concerns and the opportunities which arise for climate policy with the new Canadian federal government under Mark Carney. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sarah Laframboise from Evidence For Democracy (E4D) joins us this week to talk about the importance of evidence and science in political policy.E4D is a grassroots organization that believes a strong democracy requires governments that make policy decisions informed by the best available evidence.For more information, please visit: https://evidencefordemocracy.ca/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Embrace Mess. Go Organic. Lawn Be Gone. Grow Native Flowering Plants" - so says Wild About Saskatoon! A group that advocates for civic and provincial policies and actions that support the health of local ecosystems.Two members of the Wild About Saskatoon team, Joanne and Candace, are here to spread awareness of the Pollinator Paradise project.Please visit:https://wildaboutsaskatoon.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Composting 101! Want to know the ins and outs of composting in your home? Lisa Howse, Projects Coordinator for the Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council, helps break it down!Please visit: https://www.saskwastereduction.ca/ for more information! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lorna Harris serves as the Director of Forests, Peatlands and Climate Change Program at Wildlife Conservation Society Canada. Lorna joins us today to tell us about the peatlands and why they are an important part of our ecosystem and why we need to protect them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Special delivery! Brahm Enslin, the President of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers for Saskatoon, has arrived to tell us about the Hands Off My Post Office! campaign.For more information, please visit the following link:https://cupw.ca/en/campaigns-and-issues/hands-my-post-office Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.