Addressing Misconceptions: The Reality of Climate Change and Carbon Tax in Canada
Release Date: 11/10/2023
The People Saving the Ocean Are Burning Out
How To Protect The Ocean
Ocean conservation is often framed as hopeful, inspiring, and mission-driven. But behind the scenes, many scientists, advocates, educators, and communicators are dealing with burnout, financial instability, emotional exhaustion, and the pressure to stay optimistic while ocean problems keep getting worse. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, we look at the emotional cost of trying to save the ocean. From temporary contracts and unstable funding to social media pressure and the personal grief of watching ecosystems decline, conservation work can take a serious toll on the people...
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Why Good Ocean Science Still Doesn’t Lead to Action
How To Protect The Ocean
Ocean science can tell us what is happening to marine ecosystems, fisheries, climate impacts, and protected areas, but that information does not always reach the people who need it most. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, Andrew Lewin looks at the communication gap between researchers, policymakers, media, industry, and the public. The problem is not always a lack of science. Often, it is that the science moves slowly, social media moves instantly, and decision-makers do not always receive clear, accessible information in time to act. This episode explores why scientific papers...
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Are Ocean Scientists Becoming Fundraisers Just to Survive?
How To Protect The Ocean
Ocean conservation depends on science, but what happens when marine scientists spend more time chasing funding than doing the research itself? In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, we look at the hidden financial pressure behind ocean conservation. Research vessels, field expeditions, monitoring programs, satellite tools, underwater robotics, staff, permits, and long-term analysis all cost money, and funding is becoming harder to secure. We also explore why communication is becoming essential for scientists and conservation organizations. Storytelling, public trust, media,...
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Why Saving the Ocean Still Runs Out of Money
How To Protect The Ocean
Ocean conservation is a global effort worth billions, so why do so many marine scientists, nonprofits, and conservation groups still feel like they are constantly running out of money? In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, Andrew Lewin breaks down why ocean conservation often operates grant to grant, donation to donation, and year to year. He explains how unstable funding affects marine protected areas, research, staffing, outreach, and long-term planning. The episode also explores why communication is becoming part of conservation infrastructure. In today’s funding landscape,...
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Are We Paying to Damage the Ocean?
How To Protect The Ocean
Bottom trawling is one of the most common fishing methods in the world, but what if it costs society more than it earns in profit? In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, we look at a recent study on bottom trawling in Europe that found the total societal costs can be far higher than the profits generated, in some cases up to 90 times higher. Much of that hidden cost comes from carbon released when heavy fishing gear scrapes across the seafloor. Industrial fishing is not just about what ends up on your plate. It is also about public subsidies, damaged habitats, lost carbon storage,...
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Can We Study the Ocean Without Harming It?
How To Protect The Ocean
Ocean research helps us understand marine life, but what happens when the tools we use to study animals disturb the very creatures we are trying to protect? This episode looks at a powerful question in marine science: can we study the ocean without harming it? Whale sharks and other marine animals are often studied using tools like tags, drones, boats, and tracking technology. These methods can reveal migration routes, behavior, and conservation needs, but they also raise important ethical questions about disturbance, stress, and the responsibility scientists have when working around wildlife....
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Are We Ignoring the Best Climate Solution We Already Have?
How To Protect The Ocean
Blue carbon could be one of the most powerful climate solutions we already have, so why is it still missing from so many climate plans? In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, we look at how mangroves, seagrasses, salt marshes, and other coastal ecosystems store carbon, protect coastlines, and support ocean health. Ocean climate solutions are often treated as secondary to land-based actions like planting trees, but coastal habitats can store carbon in sediments for long periods of time. The problem is that many countries still do not fully include blue carbon ecosystems in their climate...
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Why Healthy Whales Are Suddenly Ending Up on Beaches
How To Protect The Ocean
Whale strandings are heartbreaking, but what happens when the whales are not sick? In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, we look at a recent mass pilot whale stranding in Scotland, where many of the animals appeared to be healthy before they ended up on shore. Pilot whales are highly social animals, which means one wrong turn can become a disaster for the entire pod. As prey shifts closer to shallow coastal waters, whales may follow their food into places where navigation becomes harder and the risk of stranding increases. Ocean change is the bigger story. These strandings may not just...
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Why Sea Cucumbers Matter More Than You Think
How To Protect The Ocean
Sea Cucumbers are disappearing in parts of the ocean, and most people have no idea why that matters. These strange, soft-bodied animals might not look important, but they play a critical role in keeping marine ecosystems healthy and functioning. Ocean Ecosystems rely on sea cucumbers to recycle nutrients, clean sediments, and support the balance of life on the seafloor. When they are removed through overfishing, the consequences can ripple across entire habitats, affecting biodiversity and long-term ocean health. Overfishing Impacts are often hidden from public view, especially when they...
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The Ocean Agency You’ve Never Heard Of, But Depend On Every Day
How To Protect The Ocean
NOAA affects your daily life more than you think, from the weather forecasts you check to the seafood you eat, yet most people have no idea how important it really is. In this episode, we break down what NOAA actually does, why it matters for your safety, food, and environment, and what could happen if funding cuts weaken its ability to operate. Ocean science plays a critical role in predicting hurricanes, managing fisheries, protecting marine wildlife, and understanding climate patterns like El Niño and La Niña. But when programs are cut or overlooked, the consequences ripple through...
info_outlineIn this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, Andrew discusses the myths and misconceptions surrounding clean energy in Canada. Joined by Jana Elbrecht, a policy advisor with Clean Energy Canada, they aim to debunk these narratives and shed light on the benefits of renewable energy. They explore topics such as the cost-effectiveness of transitioning to clean energy and the impact of carbon taxing.
Tune in to learn more about the importance of clean energy and why it deserves recognition in Canada.
Links mentioned in the episode:
1) https://www.cer-rec.gc.ca/en/data-analysis/energy-markets/provincial-territorial-energy-profiles/provincial-territorial-energy-profiles-canada.html
2) https://cleanenergycanada.org/media-brief-addressing-common-myths-around-renewable-power/
3) https://cleanenergycanada.org/report/a-clean-bill/
4) https://cleanenergycanada.org/households-in-nova-scotia-can-save-up-to-11000-a-year-by-choosing-clean-energy/
In this episode, the guest explores the concept that failing to reach certain targets can actually be seen as an opportunity for growth and acceleration of plans. This perspective is crucial as it promotes a positive mindset and a willingness to learn from setbacks.
The guest emphasizes the importance of not perceiving failure as an ultimate defeat, but rather as a chance to reassess and adjust strategies. They suggest that when targets are not met, it provides an opportunity to reflect on what went wrong and identify areas for improvement.
By reframing failure as an opportunity, both organizations and individuals can approach setbacks with a growth mindset. Instead of becoming discouraged or giving up, they can utilize the experience to learn, adapt, and develop new strategies to achieve their goals.
The guest also highlights the significance of accelerating plans when faced with failure to meet targets. This involves taking decisive action to address the gaps and shortcomings that led to the failure. It may entail implementing new technologies, adopting innovative approaches, or seeking partnerships and collaborations to expedite progress.
Overall, this episode underscores the importance of viewing failure as an opportunity for growth and the acceleration of plans. By embracing this mindset, individuals and organizations can overcome setbacks and continue working towards their goals with renewed determination and resilience.
Furthermore, the episode emphasizes the need for more widespread and informative discussions surrounding climate change and clean energy. Both the host and guest express their appreciation for having the opportunity to discuss these topics on the podcast, as they believe that this type of information is not often discussed on a level that reaches a wide audience. They express a desire to have more conversations like this to help people understand the progress being made toward clean energy and addressing climate change.
The guest, Jana Alberts, mentions that there is a faction in Canada (and likely elsewhere in the world) that opposes taking action on climate change. However, she believes that this opposition stems from a lack of understanding and awareness of the opportunities that clean energy presents. She emphasizes that transitioning to clean energy could be a great opportunity for Canada, especially considering the country's already high percentage of clean electricity compared to other countries like Germany.
The host also expresses frustration with a narrative that undermines the positive aspects of clean energy. They aim to use the podcast as a platform to dispel myths and narratives that may undermine the benefits of clean energy. They firmly believe that clean energy is a viable solution and want to provide informative discussions to counteract any misinformation or doubts surrounding it.
During the episode, the host addresses the existence of myths and narratives that manipulate people into thinking that clean energy is ineffective, which they find frustrating. They wanted to dedicate this episode to debunking these misconceptions and providing accurate information about clean energy. They express frustration with the narrative that pushes against the positive aspects of clean energy.
One of the myths discussed in the episode is the belief that clean energy is expensive. The host asks the guest, Jana Alberts, about the cost of transitioning to clean energy, specifically in terms of purchasing solar panels for roofs or electric vehicles (EVs). Jana explains that the opposite is true and that clean energy is actually becoming more affordable. She points out that this is a common myth they often encounter.
Another myth mentioned is the concern about the intermittency of renewable energy sources like wind and solar. The host asks Jana about the common worry of what happens if the wind doesn't blow or the sun doesn't shine. Jana addresses this by highlighting countries like Denmark, which have a high share of renewable energy in their electricity generation without experiencing blackouts or major issues. This example challenges the myth that renewable energy is unreliable.
Overall, the episode aims to debunk these myths and provide accurate information about the effectiveness and affordability of clean energy.