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What on Earth?

CBC
Climate Change
Canada
Fossil Fuels
Wildfires
Renewable Energy
British Columbia
Solar Energy
Electric Vehicles
Climate Crisis
Public Health
Flooding
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Nova Scotia
Insurance
Alberta
Trump Administration
Climate Justice
Carbon Tax
Indigenous Rights
Vancouver

It’s a wild ride these days on our planet. Buckle up, because scientist (and actual pilot) Johanna Wagstaffe is here to help you make sense of our changing world, where the climate is warming just as everything else can feel like a hot mess. Every week, Jo and our team of journalists illuminate the ways humans are transforming Earth, and reveal a little wonder along the way. Our podcast, videos an... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes406Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
News

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Artwork for What on Earth?

Latest Episodes

As parliament gets back in session, there’s a lot going on: a trade war, talk of Alberta separation, and international alliances being redrawn. Prime Minister Mark Carney has been clear: he doesn’t think the old climate plan he inherited from the Tru... more

It’s gonna be a record-breaking few months of weather. A natural surge of warm ocean water is colliding with a planet hotter than at any point in human history – meaning more heat, more floods, more droughts. Some think this Super El Niño offers a wi... more

She's a CBC science journalist, meteorologist and seismologist. Now she’s taking the helm as the host of your favourite climate change podcast. All summer long, Jo and the team have been cooking up new ideas and stories to help you make sense of our ... more

Stephen Nelson tried to keep his friend Mario safe in the 2021 heat dome. But tragically, his friend died – in an old building that wasn’t designed for our warming world. This galvanized Stephen to do more to keep his community safe during extreme he... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

David Thurton
Senior reporter, CBC Parliamentary Bureau
CBC
Episode: There's a lot on Carney's plate. Is our climate plan cooked?
Aaron Wherry
Senior writer, CBC Parliamentary Bureau
CBC
Episode: There's a lot on Carney's plate. Is our climate plan cooked?
Andrew Dessler
Professor of atmospheric sciences
Texas A&M University
Episode: Is this Super El Niño a peek into forever weather?
Stephen Nelson
Resident of Downtown Eastside; former homeless resident who experienced a heat-related death of a friend
Downtown Eastside Community
Episode: Heat killed his friend. Now his community is saving lives
Bobby Corrigan
Urban rodentologist
Lincoln Park Zoo / Urban rodentology expert
Episode: More heat, more rats, more problems
Maureen Murray
Assistant Director of One Health at Lincoln Park Zoo
Linkin Park Zoo (sic) Urban Wildlife Institute, Chicago
Episode: More heat, more rats, more problems
Kaylee Byers
Co-runs Vancouver Rat Project
Vancouver Rat Project
Episode: More heat, more rats, more problems
Andrea Flores
Researcher at Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo
Episode: More heat, more rats, more problems
Manjeet De Kaal
Climate Analytics staff in Nepal
Climate Analytics
Episode: The disaster in Nepal as a ‘wake-up call from Mother Nature’

Hosts

Laura Lynch
Host of What On Earth; experienced climate journalist with CBC
Jason Proctor
Host of What On Earth; guest host for some episodes
Michelle Elliott
Host of What On Earth; CBC journalist

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 366 ratings
  • October 19th episode

    I am a big fan of What on Earth - love the staff and that it’s on CBC. The re-freezing arctic ice piece was interesting and inciteful and re-hearing Patti Gonia’s interview was beautiful and also timely as I’ve just discovered Yo Yo Ma’s new podcast with WNYC Our Common Nature - maybe you’ve already got him lined up for future episode - keep up the great work.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    heather3056
    Canadaa year ago
  • Rare insight

    Ever since I heard the episode that interviewed firefighters in Alberta I’ve been a fan. The insight this show provides is rare and valuable.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    OlgaSpanier
    Canadaa year ago
  • Extremely informative. Interesting.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    KevinTranscona
    a year ago
  • Excellent content

    Interesting and informative. Love listening!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    alannamacnevin
    Canada2 years ago
  • Well played.

    Excellent questions and hope for climate business solutions.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    lauralamcanada
    Canada2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Audience notes this show balances science, policy, and community voices effectively.
High praise for accessibility and depth of climate reporting.
Some feedback praises strong host interviewing; a few critiques call for broader counterpoints or deeper investigative work.
Listeners value solution-focused discussions and credible guests.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#67
Canada/News

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

There's a lot on Carney's plate. Is our climate plan cooked?
Q: Where do you think climate ranks for our federal government amidst what we're calling the hot mess of everything else?
The hosts and David/ Aaron discuss that climate remains important but is increasingly competing with other urgent issues; the government has backtracked on some climate agendas while still rhetorically emphasizing the danger of climate change, suggesting a cautious, balanced approach rather than a single-focus priority.
The disaster in Nepal as a ‘wake-up call from Mother Nature’
Q: What type of monitoring system could have helped save lives in Nepal?
High-altitude weather stations, high-monastery weather networks, and reliable video/satellite monitoring that remains functional in clouds and can be accessed by local communities are key for early warnings.
The disaster in Nepal as a ‘wake-up call from Mother Nature’
Q: You've written about the challenges of connecting disasters to climate change in Nepal. What are those challenges?
Data collection is hard in the high mountain terrain and often expensive, so regional collaboration and better data sharing are crucial for understanding risk and guiding early response.
Want a climate-friendly burial? Mushrooms may be the answer!
Q: What is the approximate cost comparison between a mushroom coffin and traditional caskets, and what does that imply about the market for green burials?
The mushroom coffin runs around $4,000, which sits between cheaper basic caskets and more expensive ornate options, suggesting a niche but growing market for environmentally focused end-of-life choices.
Want a climate-friendly burial? Mushrooms may be the answer!
Q: First question in the quiz: which has a greater carbon footprint, cremation or conventional burial?
The hosts discuss that cremation generally has a smaller footprint than traditional burials using wood coffins and vaults, though coffin production and cemetery land use complicate the math; in the Paris study, a single burial equates to about 4,000 km of driving (800 kg CO2e), while cremation is around 200 kg CO2e.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
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Frequently Asked Questions About What on Earth?

What is What on Earth? about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The show consistently centers climate solutions, policy, and real-world impact, featuring in-depth interviews with scientists, Indigenous leaders, and practitioners shaping energy and environmental policy. Episodes frequently explore wildfire dynamics, air quality, sustainable technology, and community-led adaptation, often tying Canadian contexts to global climate narratives. A standout trait is its balanced mix of data-driven analysis and human-interest storytelling, making complex topics accessible without sacrificing nuance. The program seems to attract listeners who want practical insights, evidence-based discussion, and a hopeful path forward on climate action, with a track record of prompting thoughtful dialogue and policy relevance.... more

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These podcasts share a similar audience with What on Earth?:

1. Ideas
2. The Sunday Magazine
3. Cost of Living
4. Quirks and Quarks
5. The Current

How many episodes of What on Earth? are there?

What on Earth? launched 6 years ago and published 406 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on What on Earth??

Recent guests on What on Earth? include:

1. David Thurton
2. Aaron Wherry
3. Andrew Dessler
4. Stephen Nelson
5. Bobby Corrigan
6. Maureen Murray
7. Kaylee Byers
8. Andrea Flores

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