The Clean Energy Show

In this special interview episode, we sit down with economist Brett Dolter to explore the future of clean energy in Saskatchewan and beyond. From the politics of power generation to the technical challenges of renewables in extreme cold, Brett offers a candid and insightful look at what it will take to transition to a greener grid.

The future of batteries—including a surprising chemistry that works all the way down to –50°C. We’ll also look at New York City’s new speed limit for e-bikes, the world’s first driverless truck border crossing, and how a listener in Japan pressed Saskatchewan’s premier on renewables.

• CORRECTION: 600,000 tons of hydrogen does not produce 200 terawatt hours o...

A listener letter dives deep into climate despair and tough questions about our future, Newark’s historic airport terminal gets an all-electric makeover, and a Canadian teenager fails a driving test because their Tesla was deemed “too high tech.” Plus, Norway now boasts more EV charging plugs than fuel nozzles, and we break down what that means for the rest of the world.

New York just made history as the first U.S. state to officially ban fossil fuels in most new building construction, setting the stage for an all-electric future. Meanwhile, wildfire smoke is proving more dangerous than ever—scientists say breathing it can be like smoking half a pack of cigarettes a day, with staggering health and economic costs across North America. And in New York City, the NYPD...

Kiké Dueck, a twelve-year-old climate activist from Canada who is already making waves in the fight for a sustainable future, sits down with James. Kiké shares what inspired them to take action at such a young age, the challenges of being a youth voice in a world dominated by adults, and the creative ways young people can make a difference. From school strikes to community organizing, to suing your...

How Big Oil is fueling much of the legal opposition to offshore wind in the U.S.—using environmental laws to stall clean energy progress. We break down who’s behind the lawsuits, why they matter, and how they threaten America’s climate goals.

We also look at new research showing that riding a bicycle could reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, tha...

James takes us on his 4,000 km electric vehicle odyssey to the West Coast—an audio vacation slideshow with EVs, chargers, and road trip surprises. Brian dives into the strange story of Russian hackers seizing control of a Norwegian dam, while James shares a shocking climate realization from salmon on the Pacific coast. Plus, we unpack the dangers of gas station neurotoxins, and Colorado’s new law ...

The devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, focusing on the Pacific Palisades community and the implications for urban areas as climate change intensifies. Actor Martin Short's love for that community and how James feels connected to it. Alongside an in-depth look at John Vaillant’s book Fire Weather, we uncover the growing wildfire threat to cities and practical ways to safeguard homes and lives.

Encore episode that followed the Pac...

David Suzuki stuns with a message of climate defeat—but is he right? Brian and James unpack Suzuki’s pessimism and a powerful rebuttal from climate politics professor Donald Wright, who says the fight is not over.

Also this week:

A viral meme claims Norway installed sea-life-friendly underwater turbines. It’s AI-generated nonsense—though there have been real tidal power projects in Norway and Scotland. We unpack the truth behind the clickbait.

The United Nations’ top court declares a clean, healthy environment a human right. But what does it really mean...

UN Secretary General António Guterres proclaims that the fossil fuel era is fading and the clean energy age is rising. Vietnam is banning gas-powered motorcycles in downtown Hanoi by 2026. Meanwhile, a new electric scooter hits 100 mph, and China begins building the world’s largest hydroelectric dam.

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A Canadian Football League game was cancelled after fans waited six hours in thick wildfire smoke—smoked sausages, indeed. We dig into why air quality is getting worse and how it’s connected to climate change.

Plus, surprising new research shows that diesel generators are allowed to emit 48 times more nitrogen oxides than natur...

Amish E-Bikes, Balcony Solar, and a Djibouti Wind Boom

E-bikes are quietly transforming Amish communities, balcony solar panels are powering up UK homes, and the tiny African nation of Djibouti is making huge renewable energy strides. Plus, Brian returns from London with fresh eyes on electric taxis, streetcars, and some ey...

This week, we’re bringing a special treat to the public: a previously exclusive Patreon bonus episode! Brian and James take a October, 2024 road trip in Brian’s Tesla Model Y, which was recently upgraded with Full Self-Driving Beta. Yes, the car drove itself—and we captured the whole experience.

The hosts discuss:

New groundbreaking new data on solar-plus-battery affordability, community-driven efforts to fight wildfire smoke, and the global decline of coal power. Brian prepares for a trip to London, and James shares his latest air quality observations from the smoky Canadian prairies.

They also touch on some big global issues: India’s indoor air pollution crisis, New York...

Smoke from wildfires in the Canadian prairies drifts all the way to Switzerland, ruining a listener’s hike—and James feels personally responsible. Meanwhile, Brian reports that global banks continue to pump money into fossil fuels, all while hiking credit card interest rates. He sums up their attitude perfectly: “We’re evil, we just can’t help it.”

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Our listeners bought an air quality monitoring station for the podcast and we plan to make the most out of it! Already, James is learning about some bad air from industry in his Canadian city. 

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Our city had the worst air quality in the world at the time of recording, with an Air Quality Index of 446 (that’s like smoking over 60 cigarettes a day). We explore what led to these hazardous conditions, how wildfires are affecting our communities and even reaching Europe, and why Canada’s air quality reporting system needs a 21st-century overhaul.

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Penguin poop might be cooling the planet by seeding clouds over Antarctica! A new study shows how ammonia from penguin guano helps form reflective cloud cover. Meanwhile, a $10 billion geoengineering plan proposes to deploy 500,000 undersea drones to regrow Arctic sea ice. Can technology save the poles—and should it?

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