This discussion features a First Nations couple sharing their perspectives on climate change and its impact on their community. They express concern about the degradation of water, land, and air quality and the long-term consequences for future generations. They highlight the unprecedented rate of environmental destruction caused by a small segment of the population driven by industrial greed. They emphasize that Indigenous communities, despite their minimal contribution to the problem, are disproportionately affected by the mass production of waste and the negative impacts of industries like mining.

The couple expresses deep concern about the health and well-being of the next generation, particularly the prevalence of processed foods and their detrimental effects on children's health within their community. They stress the importance of intergenerational knowledge transfer, emphasizing that Indigenous traditions and practices offer valuable lessons on living sustainably and respecting the land. They believe that by connecting with elders and sharing traditional knowledge, they can avoid repeating past mistakes and build stronger, more resilient communities. They highlight the importance of not burdening future generations with problems that can be addressed today.

They draw a parallel between the slow progress on First Nations' land claims and the government's inertia on climate change, criticizing the "net-zero by 2050" approach as simply pushing the problem onto future generations. They recount a personal experience of racial discrimination, highlighting the misconception that all Indigenous people receive substantial government benefits. They express frustration with the lack of government attention to the living conditions in First Nations communities, citing issues like inadequate housing and high hydro rates. They mention the underfunding of education in their communities compared to nearby non-Indigenous schools.

The couple emphasizes the importance of Indigenous self-determination and the ability of First Nations governments to implement changes more quickly and efficiently than larger, more bureaucratic systems like the Canadian federal government. They advocate for creating test models within their communities to demonstrate sustainable practices and invite collaboration with innovators from around the world.

In terms of individual actions to combat climate change, they suggest promoting recycling, reducing consumption of packaged foods and new clothing, and fostering strong community connections. They also stress the importance of intergenerational dialogue and learning from past mistakes. They believe that fostering mutual reliance and cooperation within and between communities is essential for navigating the challenges of climate change and building a more sustainable future.

This interview features Phil, a man who grows most of his family's food on a small acreage. About 20 years ago, Phil decided to try and become self-sufficient in food production. He started by creating a year-long meal plan with his family to determine what they needed to grow. He calculated that he could feed his family of four on a single acre, though he purchased five, much of which is forested. During the workday, Dr. Philip Ferguson specializes in spacecraft, drone guidance, navigation, and control for space and Arctic remote sensing. When he gets home, Philip relaxes on his farm and produces the food his family requires year-round. From chickens to vegetables, Philip has figured it out. Eric brings out his microgreen rack for the show and Robert starts to think he may buy basil plants this summer.

His calculations included needing three raised beds of onions, one deer (hunted), 36 chickens, and one and a half pigs annually. In total, he estimated needing 30-50 raised garden beds, depending on whether he grew his own seeds. After finding suitable property and setting up the gardens, he hasn't bought a dinner meal for his family in about three years. He grows a diverse range of food, including fruits, vegetables (both above and below ground), and even hops for making beer. While acknowledging the work involved, Phil emphasizes that it's enjoyable and relaxing, a welcome change from his city job. His family helps during peak seasons, with his eldest child even pursuing culinary arts. He views the work as therapeutic and fulfilling, believing there's no better work than providing for oneself. Phil is mostly self-taught, drawing some inspiration from his peach-farmer grandfather. He recalls a pivotal moment when he realized the effort required to grow even a simple salad, prompting him to explore self-sufficiency. He believes it's essential for families, especially children, to understand where their food comes from.

Phil's approach is a holistic system, where even animal byproducts are composted and used to fertilize the gardens. He emphasizes year-round gardening, using hydroponics in his basement for fresh greens during the winter months. This balances seasonal eating with the desire for fresh produce year-round. He has minimized his carbon footprint, with his only remaining reliance on fossil fuels being a gas-powered woodchipper for creating mulch. He uses various water conservation methods, including a pond fed by redirected household water. Phil praises the accessibility of information through YouTube channels and even AI chatbots like ChatGPT, which have greatly aided his learning. He emphasizes the importance of compost and cover crops for healthy soil and straight carrots, avoiding tilling. For those with limited space, Phil suggests a small indoor setup with hydroponics and microgreens, using large plastic tubs and seedling trays. He believes a small machine room is sufficient for a family's needs. He highlights the significant cost savings of his lifestyle, with his family's weekly grocery bill remaining consistently below $70, even with inflation. He encourages integrating technology, like devices, into farming activities to engage younger generations. He also uses automation, such as Bluetooth temperature sensors and automated lighting in the chicken Coop. Phil advocates for designing houses with features like cold rooms and strategically placed freezers to minimize energy consumption and utilize natural resources. He believes a balance between old-school and new technology is key to sustainable food production.

The production of food, crops, and livestock, such as chicken eggs and beef, has seen a significant increase in productivity since the Second World War.  Use of fossil fuels has also increased significantly in agriculture using diesel for tractors, and natural gas for dryers and the manufacturing of pesticides and other fertilizers by way of examples. The transportation of these goods and commodities is also fueled by fossil fuels. Of importance is that nitrogen ammonia base fertilizers in soil are transformed by native microbes, releasing nitrous oxide in the air, a potent greenhouse gas that can significantly contribute to climate change. Dr. Tenuta research focuses on improving the retention of soil and not emitting nitrogen oxide. By reducing nitrogen losses farmers can become more efficient in using nitrogen to produce crops. By improving the retention of soil and reducing nitrogen emissions in agriculture, farmers can thus reduce their greenhouse gas footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future as they feed the world. Food production involves significant energy use and GHG emissions. Microbes in the soil transform nitrogen fertilizer, releasing N2O, a potent greenhouse gas (300 times more potent than CO2). While the amount of N2O emitted from fields is relatively small, its potency makes it a significant environmental concern. N2O loss is also an indicator of other nitrogen losses from the soil, which can be substantial (10-30% of applied nitrogen). The "Four R's" (Right Rate, Right Source, Right Time, Right Place) are a framework for optimizing fertilizer use and minimizing nitrogen losses. This involves considering: (1) Rate: Applying the correct amount of nitrogen based on crop needs and soil conditions; (2) Source: Choosing the appropriate type of nitrogen fertilizer; (3) Time: Applying fertilizer at the optimal time (e.g., spring rather than fall, split applications); and (4) Place: Placing fertilizer in the soil rather than on the surface to reduce atmospheric losses. Even organic fertilizers like manure, compost, and fish bycatch can contribute to N2O emissions. The composting process itself also releases N2O. However, growing nitrogen-fixing crops like soybeans, peas, and lentils does not produce N2O. The discussion touches on the possibility of producing "green ammonia" using renewable electricity (e.g., solar and hydropower), air, and water. This could reduce the carbon footprint of fertilizer production and provide farmers with more stable pricing. The possibility of using autonomous robots for precise, micro-dosed nitrogen application and weed control is discussed. While challenges remain (e.g., navigating closed crop canopies), such technology is considered within reach. The speakers discuss the reluctance of governments to impose GHG taxes or regulations on farmers, highlighting the economic challenges farmers already face. They note that the fertilizer industry is actively involved in efforts to reduce nitrogen losses. The interview emphasize the complexity of reducing agricultural GHG emissions, noting that there are no easy solutions.

This discussion centers on a book review of Tim Flannery's "The Weather Makers" with Dr. Nazem Cicek. The conversation begins with introductions and Nazem's background in biosystems engineering and research focusing on bioenergy and waste conversion. He also touches on the anxieties of his young adult children regarding the future and climate change. The discussion then shifts to the book itself, published in 2005/2006, which Nazem has used in his classes for over a decade. He explains that the book provides a historical perspective on climate science, tracing it back millions of years and distinguishing between natural climate cycles and human-induced changes, which Flannery dates back roughly 10-15,000 years. Nazem emphasizes the book's comprehensive approach, covering not just the science but also the economic and political aspects of climate change, particularly the inaction despite growing evidence. He explains how Flannery discusses the effects of human activities like deforestation and the use of fossil fuels on greenhouse gas concentrations (CO2, methane, nitrous oxides) and their impact on global warming, leading to changes in weather patterns, food cycles, and increased natural disasters.

The discussion also highlights Flannery's focus on coal, given its significant role in Australia's economy and its high carbon intensity. The hosts discuss the sheer scale of global coal consumption, using the analogy of a train circling the Earth multiple times. Nazem explains how Flannery traces the history of fossil fuel extraction and the geological context of their formation. He also touches on the complexities of transitioning away from these energy sources, especially for countries heavily reliant on them. The conversation then compares the climate change issue to the ozone hole crisis, noting the successful global cooperation achieved through the Montreal Protocol. However, they emphasize the key difference: the ozone issue was technically simpler to address, focusing on specific chemicals, while climate change requires a fundamental shift in global energy systems and human behavior. The hosts discuss the "elephant in the room": the 20 terawatts of energy derived from fossil fuels, and the need to transition to the equivalent of 10 terawatts from renewables due to efficiency gains. They criticize the lack of focus on this core issue in other discussions and literature.

The conversation touches on the challenge of engaging younger generations on climate change, suggesting that books like "The Weather Makers" can be a valuable tool. They also discuss the limitations of audiobooks for in-depth study. The hosts express concern over the lack of emphasis on demand reduction in current climate discussions, mentioning the book "Braiding Sweetgrass" and its focus on indigenous concepts of a gifting economy. They emphasize the importance of being well-informed and express frustration with people who proudly admit to not reading. Nazem reiterates the book's later, more hopeful chapters, focusing on potential solutions. The discussion concludes with a shared sentiment that climate change is a planetary emergency requiring immediate action and a fundamental shift in how we live, impacting everything from agriculture to transportation and energy grids. Nazem is invited to return to the show for further discussion.

Curt talks of the strategy to live fossil free, a strategy that is available in the recent Manitoba’s Road to Resilience document available online. Robert talks with Curt about how to address climate change in Manitoba. Robert likes the idea district energy systems using biomass and heat pumps to displace natural gas used for addressing building heat loads.  As part of the strategy, he is working on, Manitoba needs to add more wind generation, better manage energy exports, add some solar, and battery storage.  This plan will require to double the electrical generation in the province. Using fossil fuels for heat and transportation accounts for almost 60% of our GHG emissions in Manitoba which could be eliminated, as we need to find local solution rather than import fossil fuels. He notes that Manitoba is producing more greenhouse gases compared to 2005.

Manitoba aims to transition to a fossil-fuel free future, and Climate Change Connection's "Road to Resilience" report provides a framework for achieving this ambitious goal. The most significant hurdle identified is heating buildings without relying on natural gas. To overcome this, a multi-pronged approach is necessary, encompassing deep energy retrofits for existing structures, the implementation of district geothermal heating systems, increased wind energy generation, improved energy management practices, and the development of effective energy storage solutions. While the Manitoba government has been criticized for its slow response to climate change, there is a recognized need for greater public awareness and education surrounding available solutions. Despite these challenges, there is optimism that Manitoba can successfully transition to a clean energy future by implementing these strategies and increasing public engagement.

Robert goes over a news story about a coal fired electricity plant running in Saskatchewan.  The article reviews the coal Boundary Plant project that started in the fall of 2014.  The average capture rate of the CO2 is 57%. The project’s real goal is to prolong the use of coal for making power. Cost are rising and the project has spent 16 billion dollars already, having benefited from government direct subsidies, carbon revenues, and tax credits. One can think that such efforts would be better placed into renewable energy generation as such an approach will be more expensive in the long run when compared to wind-solar with storage. They discuss the ineffectiveness and cost of carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects, particularly focusing on the Boundary Dam project in Saskatchewan and tar sands and contrasts it with the potential of renewable energy. It also touches upon lawsuits against fossil fuel projects and the misleading nature of carbon credits. For example, the Boundary Dam CCS project has consistently failed to meet its initial goal of capturing 90% of carbon emissions. The actual average capture rate is around 57%. This raises concerns about the cost-effectiveness of CCS technology. The project has cost nearly $16 billion, which analysts argue could be better spent on renewable energy projects. They contend that CCS prolongs the use of fossil fuels and is not a sustainable solution. The speakers clarify that the project primarily focuses on capturing carbon dioxide during fuel processing, not sequestering it permanently. Much of the captured CO2 is used for enhanced oil recovery, which ultimately releases some of the carbon back into the atmosphere. The hosts compare the cost of CCS with the projected cost of solar and wind energy combined with battery storage. They argue that renewables are significantly cheaper and becoming even more so, making CCS an economically unsound investment. They estimate the cost of storing one kilowatt hour of electricity in a battery to be around one cent by 2050, while the energy required for CCS adds significantly to its overall cost. The discussion touches on the issue of "phantom credits," where companies receive credits for more carbon than they sequester. They also criticize the subsidies given to the fossil fuel industry, arguing that this money could be better used to support renewable energy development. They state that the subsidies for the Boundary Dam project alone could have funded a substantial increase in Canada's solar capacity. The speakers advocate for shifting the focus from carbon credits and sequestration to increasing the renewable energy ratio at the individual, community, and national levels. They believe this is a more effective and sustainable approach to addressing climate change.

This episode of Dr. Renewable features a conversation with Shahab, a specialist in battery technology. The discussion centers around the evolving role of batteries, particularly in electric vehicles, and the importance of managing their lifecycle effectively. Shahab explains that batteries are no longer just energy storage devices but are at the center of a convergence between the transportation and energy sectors. This integration presents both opportunities and challenges, primarily due to the current energy system's limited capacity to support widespread electric vehicle adoption.

Shahab emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to battery management, from material sourcing and manufacturing to in-vehicle use, repurposing, and recycling. He introduces the concept of batteries as "energy assets," requiring a comprehensive understanding of their history and usage. To achieve this, he and his team have developed two key solutions: a globally unique, tamper-proof digital identification for each battery (Battery Identity Module or BIM), and a "battery life intelligence" system. The BIM tracks the battery's journey from its origin to its eventual end-of-life, while the life intelligence system captures both static data (materials, origin, environmental footprint) and dynamic data (real-time status, usage patterns).

The conversation addresses the "throwaway battery" myth, explaining that electric vehicle batteries typically have a lifespan of 8-10 years in a car, after which they still retain about 80% of their capacity and can be repurposed for stationary applications for another 15-20 years. This second life extends the battery's value and reduces the overall cost of energy storage. Shahab discusses the complexities of managing these retired batteries, including ownership, testing, and deployment in second-life applications like supporting wind farms. He highlights the economic potential of battery repurpose, aiming to reduce the cost of energy storage to a fraction of current electricity prices.

Shahab acknowledges the resistance to these ideas, particularly from automotive manufacturers who may prefer to control the entire battery lifecycle themselves. However, he argues that a common language and shared data are essential for a functional battery ecosystem, especially as the number of electric vehicles increases. He stresses the need for collaboration and standardization to avoid a fragmented and inefficient system. He notes that the lack of electric vehicles currently masks this issue but will become glaring soon.

The conversation touches on the rapid advancements in battery technology, with new chemistries and improved performance constantly emerging. Shahab emphasizes the importance of understanding the specific characteristics of each battery type to determine its suitability for different applications. He also mentions the development of AI and other algorithms to better understand battery lifecycles, though he suggests their approach focuses on snapshots of battery data rather than constant real-time streaming. The episode concludes with a discussion about the future of battery technology and the potential for significant advancements in the coming years, with the hope that Shahab will return to providing further updates on his work.

In summary, Shahab is working at developing a technology to be able to interrogate a battery and see it history. Very much like medical records for a patient, this information would reveal the battery history so that it can be used most appropriately after it is no longer needed in an electric vehicle.  By repurposing batteries before they are eventually recycled, batteries can contribute not only to provide sustainable transportation, but also support intermediate wind and solar.  Shahab is part of the next generation of professional developing solutions to address climate change.

This episode of Dr. Renewable features a conversation with Shahab, a specialist in battery technology. The discussion centers around the evolving role of batteries, particularly in electric vehicles, and the importance of managing their lifecycle effectively. Shahab explains that batteries are no longer just energy storage devices, but are at the center of a convergence between the transportation and energy sectors. This integration presents both opportunities and challenges, primarily due to the current energy system's limited capacity to support widespread electric vehicle adoption.

Shahab emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to battery management, from material sourcing and manufacturing to in-vehicle use, repurposing, and recycling. He introduces the concept of batteries as "energy assets," requiring a comprehensive understanding of their history and usage. To achieve this, he and his team have developed two key solutions: a globally unique, tamper-proof digital identification for each battery (Battery Identity Module or BIM), and a "battery life intelligence" system. The BIM tracks the battery's journey from its origin to its eventual end-of-life, while the life intelligence system captures both static data (materials, origin, environmental footprint) and dynamic data (real-time status, usage patterns).

The conversation addresses the "throwaway battery" myth, explaining that electric vehicle batteries typically have a lifespan of 8-10 years in a car, after which they still retain about 80% of their capacity and can be repurposed for stationary applications for another 15-20 years. This second life extends the battery's value and reduces the overall cost of energy storage. Shahab discusses the complexities of managing these retired batteries, including ownership, testing, and deployment in second-life applications like supporting wind farms. He highlights the economic potential of battery repurposing, aiming to reduce the cost of energy storage to a fraction of current electricity prices.

Shahab acknowledges the resistance to these ideas, particularly from automotive manufacturers who may prefer to control the entire battery lifecycle themselves. However, he argues that a common language and shared data are essential for a functional battery ecosystem, especially as the number of electric vehicles increases. He stresses the need for collaboration and standardization to avoid a fragmented and inefficient system. He notes that the lack of electric vehicles currently masks this issue but will become glaring in the near future.

The conversation touches on the rapid advancements in battery technology, with new chemistries and improved performance constantly emerging. Shahab emphasizes the importance of understanding the specific characteristics of each battery type to determine its suitability for different applications. He also mentions the development of AI and other algorithms to better understand battery lifecycles, though he suggests their approach focuses on snapshots of battery data rather than constant real-time streaming. The episode concludes with a discussion about the future of battery technology and the potential for significant advancements in the coming years, with the hope that Shahab will return to provide further updates on his work.

This conversation revolves around climate change, its urgency, and potential solutions. The speakers discuss the vast amount of remaining oil reserves and the implications of their consumption for the environment. They highlight the sheer scale of fossil fuel use, symbolized by a train circling the Earth 84 times, and the corresponding 20 terawatts of energy consumption, of which only 13% is renewable. Many people say that with more technology we will find more fossil fuels.  That is not true. With more technology we find harder to extract fossil fuels like tar sands in Alberta. However, we have been very good at finding fossil fuel oil reserves.  Any new discoveries can only provide enough fossil fuels to power the earth for a few extra months, that is all!  We know Canada has found most of its fossil fuels as Canada removed the exportation tax credits in 2023 that went to subsidize fossil fuels exploration in Canada by tax avoidance of rich people and corporation—a scheme to hide this from the lay person. This year Canada added a new subsidy for carbon sequestration which will require more fossil fuel and decrease the energy efficiency in Canada, clearly working against THE RED CUP and increasing the fossil fuel train that currently goes 84 times around the world. The federal government wants to tax Canadians to be much less energy efficient and still emitting GHG’s. Afterall Cand mainly wants to subsidize carbon capture for processing tar sands and is helpless afterwards when combustion occurs.

A central point of discussion is the limited timeframe for action. They note the rapid approach of 2050 and the lack of substantial progress in Canada. They question whether humanity will only react to a crisis, like an energy cutoff, rather than proactively addressing the issue. The conversation explores the idea of stretching oil reserves for future needs, particularly for essential products like medicines, while acknowledging the necessity of transitioning to renewable energy sources. The speakers emphasize the inevitability of moving away from fossil fuels, citing the decreasing cost of renewable energy like solar and wind, and the increasing unattractiveness of fossil fuel-based technologies like gasoline cars. They draw an analogy to smoking, suggesting that the use of fossil fuels will eventually become socially unacceptable. They point to Germany's response to energy shortages as an example of rapid adaptation and the feasibility of transitioning to renewable energy sources.

A Street Talk interview then touches on the psychological barriers to change, highlighting the tendency to focus on individual rights rather than the collective good. They stress the importance of awareness and individual action, encouraging people to do what they can within their means. They also discuss the potential for electric vehicles to become more affordable, making them a viable option for a larger population. The hosts express concern about the Earth's capacity to absorb increasing amounts of CO2 and the potential for unpredictable reactions as the planet warms. They use the analogy of a lion reaching its limit and snarling to illustrate the potential for the Earth to react negatively to continued environmental stress. They conclude by emphasizing the need for awareness and action, urging individuals to do their part in addressing climate change.

Joan Thomas has frequent conversations with other authors about changing the narrative regarding humanity’s attitude to nature. Her novel, Wild Hope, centres on a chef and a visual artist, who question the script they grew up with about what constitutes success. The story she tells, a love story and a mystery, seeks to subtly convey the challenges and anxieties of our current crisis. Eric raises the issue of whether an author can assume readers will grasp a meaning that is allegorical, referring to the movie “Don’t Look Up,” a parody of the climate crisis, the meaning of which eluded many viewers. He also asks Joan how our frustration about the lack of progress from our governments that supports the fossil fuel industry can be transmitted through fictional characters. Joan describes how writers can create characters who play a role in the current crisis—for example, Jake’s father in Wild Hope, who was one of the disinformation specialists employed by Exxon in the 1980s. Joan observes that readers have responded positively to her novel and strike her as being hungry for stories that do not perpetuate the silence around the climate crisis. 

Eric interviews a neighbour, and they get into a lengthy conversation.  She discusses how she perceives climate change. Working with Indigenous communities across Manitoba, she also relates what she has observed in these communities and how Indigenous themselves may perceive climate change. Doctor renewable is committed to listen to what Canadians have to say about the transition to a renewable energy world away from fossil fuels in support of equity for both future generations and all biodiversity on earth. And yes, Eric should talk less during Street Talk interviews. This interview explores the evolving understanding of climate change, particularly its impact on northern communities in Manitoba. The interviewee, who works closely with First Nations communities, highlights the observable changes in animal behavior and populations, impacting traditional hunting practices and raising concerns about food security. These communities express a sense of déjà vu, fearing that the environmental devastation caused by climate change could surpass the historical trauma of colonization.

The conversation then shifts to the global response to climate change, focusing on the discrepancy between political rhetoric and practical action. The interviewee expresses skepticism about the feasibility of achieving "net zero" emissions by 2050, given the current lack of momentum and public awareness. The discussion highlights the contradiction of Canada's approach, which involves increasing fossil fuel production under the guise of using these fuels to mitigate their own impact. The interview also touches upon the disconnect between scientific knowledge and public understanding. While it's established that solar energy is vastly abundant (10,000 times the world's total energy use), the narrative persists that transitioning away from fossil fuels is impossible. This is attributed to ineffective communication from leaders and a lack of focus on practical solutions.

The conversation concludes by questioning the logic of offsetting fossil fuel emissions by planting trees, given that there are likely more trees in North America now than before European colonization. The interviewee expresses concern about the political nature of climate change mitigation strategies, suggesting that they often prioritize the interests of the fossil fuel industry over genuine environmental solutions. The interviewee also highlights the personal benefits of living closer to nature, including improved mental health and a greater sense of connection to the environment.

Biomass is a temporary solar energy battery that can over millions of year play the important role of sequestering carbon dioxide in the form of fossil fuels into the earth’s mantle.  It is important to understand the difference between ancient biomass that is sequestered and recent biomass. Daniel explains ways we can productively use biomass to displace the use fossil fuels and transition to a renewable energy world. From district energy to making biochar, Daniel discusses projects he has been involved with in biomass.

Ajahn Sona relates his experience of being born in Canada and how after becoming a monk he was involved in building a monastery in British Columbia that operates off-grid. Ajahn is conversant in Renewables, Efficiency and Demand (RED) where he learned through trial and error. He now lives in a Buddhist monastery that is sustainable in the interior of British Columbia.

David discusses offshore Wind, its global status, USA status and opportunities. Eric and Robert discuss with David how large is the North America wind fleet; global wind capacity ranking – annual vs cumulative; vs total installed capacity; what drives the growth in USA’S OSW market – and its recent crash; provide some context to appreciate the size of offshore wind turbines; considerations for a Canadian OSW market; and what are some technology opportunities in OSW. Offshore wind is a relatively new development in North America, with significant growth beginning around 2010. While Canada has 15 gigawatts of onshore wind, the US has 144 gigawatts, but only 240 megawatts of that is offshore (as of 2022). The first US offshore wind project only began producing power in late 2016. The capacity factor, the ratio of actual energy produced to potential energy production, is higher for offshore wind due to more consistent wind speeds. The onshore wind capacity factor is typically below 30%, while offshore can reach around 50%, approaching the capacity factor of hydroelectric power (50-60%). Fixed-bottom turbines are used in shallower waters (around 60 meters or less), while floating turbines are necessary for deeper waters. The US East Coast projects primarily use fixed-bottom turbines, while West Coast projects are exploring floating technology. Three large offshore wind projects in New York (totaling 4 gigawatts) were recently canceled due to General Electric's decision not to build the larger 18–19-megawatt turbines initially planned for the projects. A major obstacle to US offshore wind development is the lack of domestic marine infrastructure for turbine installation. 

Currently, most of the specialized vessels and expertise come from Europe. Renting the large crane ships needed for offshore wind turbine installation can cost hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars per day. The increasing size of turbines requires larger ships, further increasing costs. The speaker emphasizes the need to standardize turbine design to control costs. Retired nuclear and coal power plant sites are being considered for wind turbine development, particularly along the East Coast, to utilize existing grid connections and minimize transmission costs. The US and other countries are benefiting significantly from Europe's experience in developing offshore wind technology, including installation techniques and floating turbine technology. Onshore wind is significantly cheaper than offshore wind (by a factor of three or more). Offshore wind costs have been increasing due to factors like inflation and rising interest rates, which can have a disproportionate impact on project costs. Repowering, replacing older turbines with newer, more efficient models, is a common practice in the US wind industry, driven by economic and tax incentives. This is contrasted with the problem of orphan oil and gas wells, where decommissioning is often neglected. A major obstacle to further offshore wind development in the US is the need for significant upgrades to the transmission and distribution grid, particularly along the East Coast. Without these upgrades, many planned projects will not be viable. While wind energy currently accounts for about 10% of US electricity generation capacity, its actual contribution in terms of energy produced is lower. The future growth of wind energy depends heavily on grid upgrades. The speaker speculates that in the next five years, the US will add 5-6 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity, but further growth will be limited by grid constraints.

Currently, most of the specialized vessels and expertise come from Europe. Renting the large crane ships needed for offshore wind turbine installation can cost hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars per day. The increasing size of turbines requires larger ships, further increasing costs. The speaker emphasizes the need to standardize turbine design to control costs. Retired nuclear and coal power plant sites are being considered for wind turbine development, particularly along the East Coast, to utilize existing grid connections and minimize transmission costs. The US and other countries are benefiting significantly from Europe's experience in developing offshore wind technology, including installation techniques and floating turbine technology. Onshore wind is significantly cheaper than offshore wind (by a factor of three or more). Offshore wind costs have been increasing due to factors like inflation and rising interest rates, which can have a disproportionate impact on project costs. Repowering, replacing older turbines with newer, more efficient models, is a common practice in the US wind industry, driven by economic and tax incentives. This is contrasted with the problem of orphan oil and gas wells, where decommissioning is often neglected. A major obstacle to further offshore wind development in the US is the need for significant upgrades to the transmission and distribution grid, particularly along the East Coast. Without these upgrades, many planned projects will not be viable. While wind energy currently accounts for about 10% of US electricity generation capacity, its actual contribution in terms of energy produced is lower. The future growth of wind energy depends heavily on grid upgrades. The speaker speculates that in the next five years, the US will add 5-6 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity, but further growth will be limited by grid constraints.

Currently, most of the specialized vessels and expertise come from Europe. Renting the large crane ships needed for offshore wind turbine installation can cost hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars per day. The increasing size of turbines requires larger ships, further increasing costs. The speaker emphasizes the need to standardize turbine design to control costs. Retired nuclear and coal power plant sites are being considered for wind turbine development, particularly along the East Coast, to utilize existing grid connections and minimize transmission costs. The US and other countries are benefiting significantly from Europe's experience in developing offshore wind technology, including installation techniques and floating turbine technology. Onshore wind is significantly cheaper than offshore wind (by a factor of three or more). Offshore wind costs have been increasing due to factors like inflation and rising interest rates, which can have a disproportionate impact on project costs. Repowering, replacing older turbines with newer, more efficient models, is a common practice in the US wind industry, driven by economic and tax incentives. This is contrasted with the problem of orphan oil and gas wells, where decommissioning is often neglected. A major obstacle to further offshore wind development in the US is the need for significant upgrades to the transmission and distribution grid, particularly along the East Coast. Without these upgrades, many planned projects will not be viable. While wind energy currently accounts for about 10% of US electricity generation capacity, its actual contribution in terms of energy produced is lower. The future growth of wind energy depends heavily on grid upgrades. The speaker speculates that in the next five years, the US will add 5-6 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity, but further growth will be limited by grid constraints.

Robert goes over a news story about a coal-fired electricity plant running in Saskatchewan. The article reviews the Coal Boundary Plant project that started in the fall of 2014.The average capture rate of the CO₂ is 57%. The project’s real goal is to prolong the use of coal for making power. Costs are rising, and the project has spent 16 billion dollars already, having benefited from direct government subsidies, carbon revenues, and tax credits. One can think that such efforts would be better placed into renewable energy generation, as such an approach will be more expensive in the long run when compared to wind-solar with storage. They discuss the ineffectiveness and cost of carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects, particularly focusing on the Boundary Dam project in Saskatchewan and tar sands, and contrast it with the potential of renewable energy. It also touches upon lawsuits against fossil fuel projects and the misleading nature of carbon credits. For example, the Boundary Dam CCS project has consistently failed to meet its initial goal of capturing 90% of carbon emissions. The actual average capture rate is around 57%. This raises concerns about the cost-effectiveness of CCS technology. The project has cost nearly $16 billion, which analysts argue could be better spent on renewable energy projects. They contend that CCS prolongs the use of fossil fuels and is not a sustainable solution. The speakers clarify that the project primarily focuses on capturing carbon dioxide during fuel processing, not sequestering it permanently. Much of the captured CO₂ is used for enhanced oil recovery, which ultimately releases some of the carbon back into the atmosphere. The hosts compare the cost of CCS with the projected cost of solar and wind energy combined with battery storage. They argue that renewables are significantly cheaper and becoming even more so, making CCS an economically unsound investment. They estimate the cost of storing one kilowatt hour of electricity in a battery to be around one cent by 2050, while the energy required for CCS adds significantly to its overall cost. The discussion touches on the issue of "phantom credits," where companies receive credits for more carbon than they sequester. They also criticize the subsidies given to the fossil fuel industry, arguing that this money could be better used to support renewable energy development. They state that the subsidies for the Boundary Dam project alone could have funded a substantial increase in Canada's solar capacity. The speakers advocate for shifting the focus from carbon credits and sequestration to increasing the renewable energy ratio at the individual, community, and national levels. They believe this is a more effective and sustainable approach to addressing climate change.

David Campfield reiterates that a transition away from fossil fuels to renewable energy will not be delivered by business people and politicians that mainly support the fossil fuel industry. Moreover, electing green leaders will not necessarily help to overcome capitalists and bureaucrats that continually place roadblocks to the energy transition. David argues that mass social movements do have the potential to force governments to support the energy transition and that even a ravaged planet is worth fighting for. At the end, David believes that the solution to climate change which is a consequence of capitalism is a transition to ecosocialism.

The production of food, crops, and livestock, such as chicken eggs and beef, has seen a significant increase in productivity since the Second World War. Use of fossil fuels has also increased significantly in agriculture using diesel for tractors, and natural gas for dryers and the manufacturing of pesticides and other fertilizers by way of examples. The transportation of these goods and commodities is also fueled by fossil fuels. Of importance is that nitrogen ammonia base fertilizers in soil are transformed by native microbes, releasing nitrous oxide in the air, a potent greenhouse gas that can significantly contribute to climate change. Dr. Tenuta research focuses on improving the retention of soil and not emitting nitrogen oxide. By reducing nitrogen losses farmers can become more efficient in using nitrogen to produce crops. By improving the retention of soil and reducing nitrogen emissions in agriculture, farmers can thus reduce their greenhouse gas footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future as they feed the world. Food production involves significant energy use and GHG emissions. Microbes in the soil transform nitrogen fertilizer, releasing N2O, a potent greenhouse gas (300 times more potent than CO2). While the amount of N2O emitted from fields is relatively small, its potency makes it a significant environmental concern. N2O loss is also an indicator of other nitrogen losses from the soil, which can be substantial (10-30% of applied nitrogen). The "Four R's" (Right Rate, Right Source, Right Time, Right Place) are a framework for optimizing fertilizer use and minimizing nitrogen losses. This involves considering: (1) Rate: Applying the correct amount of nitrogen based on crop needs and soil conditions; (2) Source: Choosing the appropriate type of nitrogen fertilizer; (3) Time: Applying fertilizer at the optimal time (e.g., spring rather than fall, split applications); and (4) Place: Placing fertilizer in the soil rather than on the surface to reduce atmospheric losses. Even organic fertilizers like manure, compost, and fish bycatch can contribute to N2O emissions. The composting process itself also releases N2O. However, growing nitrogen-fixing crops like soybeans, peas, and lentils does not produce N2O. The discussion touches on the possibility of producing "green ammonia" using renewable electricity (e.g., solar and hydropower), air, and water. This could reduce the carbon footprint of fertilizer production and provide farmers with more stable pricing. The possibility of using autonomous robots for precise, micro-dosed nitrogen application and weed control is discussed. While challenges remain (e.g., navigating closed crop canopies), such technology is considered within reach. The speakers discuss the reluctance of governments to impose GHG taxes or regulations on farmers, highlighting the economic challenges farmers already face. They note that the fertilizer industry is actively involved in efforts to reduce nitrogen losses. The interview emphasize the complexity of reducing agricultural GHG emissions, noting that there are no easy solutions.

Another area of David’s expertise relates to onshore and offshore wind power generation. David discusses offshore Wind, its global status, USA status and opportunities. Eric and Robert discuss with David how large is the North America wind fleet; global wind capacity ranking – annual vs cumulative; vs total installed capacity; what drives the growth in USA’S OSW market – and its recent crash; provide some context to appreciate the size of offshore wind turbines; considerations for a Canadian OSW market; and what are some technology opportunities in OSW. Offshore wind is a relatively new development in North America, with significant growth beginning around 2010. While Canada has 15 gigawatts of onshore wind, the US has 144 gigawatts, but only 240 megawatts of that is offshore (as of 2022). The first US offshore wind project only began producing power in late 2016. The capacity factor, the ratio of actual energy produced to potential energy production, is higher for offshore wind due to more consistent wind speeds. The onshore wind capacity factor is typically below 30%, while offshore can reach around 50%, approaching the capacity factor of hydroelectric power (50-60%). Fixed-bottom turbines are used in shallower waters (around 60 meters or less), while floating turbines are necessary for deeper waters. The US East Coast projects primarily use fixed-bottom turbines, while West Coast projects are exploring floating technology. Three large offshore wind projects in New York (totaling 4 gigawatts) were recently canceled due to General Electric's decision not to build the larger 18–19-megawatt turbines initially planned for the projects. A major obstacle to US offshore wind development is the lack of domestic marine infrastructure for turbine installation. Currently, most of the specialized vessels and expertise come from Europe. Renting the large crane ships needed for offshore wind turbine installation can cost hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars per day. The increasing size of turbines requires larger ships, further increasing costs. The speaker emphasizes the need to standardize turbine design to control costs. Retired nuclear and coal power plant sites are being considered for wind turbine development, particularly along the East Coast, to utilize existing grid connections and minimize transmission costs. The US and other countries are benefiting significantly from Europe's experience in developing offshore wind technology, including installation techniques and floating turbine technology. Onshore wind is significantly cheaper than offshore wind (by a factor of three or more). Offshore wind costs have been increasing due to factors like inflation and rising interest rates, which can have a disproportionate impact on project costs. Repowering, replacing older turbines with newer, more efficient models, is a common practice in the US wind industry, driven by economic and tax incentives. This is contrasted with the problem of orphan oil and gas wells, where decommissioning is often neglected. A major obstacle to further offshore wind development in the US is the need for significant upgrades to the transmission and distribution grid, particularly along the East Coast. Without these upgrades, many planned projects will not be viable. While wind energy currently accounts for about 10% of US electricity generation capacity, its actual contribution in terms of energy produced is lower. The future growth of wind energy depends heavily on grid upgrades. The speaker speculates that in the next five years, the US will add 5-6 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity, but further growth will be limited by grid constraints.

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Renewable delves into the mechanics and benefits of heat pumps, starting with a personal touch on why the topic is close to Eric's heart. Heat pumps are likened to refrigerators or air conditioners, fundamentally working on the principle of moving heat from one place to another using two heat exchangers and a fluid that changes state between liquid and gas. Eric explains that while refrigerators extract heat from inside to outside, heat pumps can reverse this process, providing both heating and cooling. This is achieved through a compressor which manipulates the fluid's pressure and state to transfer heat against the natural flow from hot to cold, essentially not violating thermodynamics but using work (electricity) to move heat.

The discussion touches on the efficiency of heat pumps, noting they can provide several units of heat for each unit of electricity used, making them particularly beneficial in renewable energy contexts. However, in extremely cold temperatures, their efficiency decreases, often requiring supplementary electric heating, though ongoing research aims to improve this. They also discuss district energy systems where large heat pumps serve multiple buildings or homes, enhancing economies of scale and reducing individual maintenance costs. These systems can be powered by renewable sources, significantly cutting down on fossil fuel use and aiding in climate change mitigation.

The conversation highlights a disconnect between policy and technological potential in Canada, criticizing the lack of support for renewable energy solutions like district heating in favor of less efficient or environmentally friendly options like hydrogen or carbon sequestration. Throughout, Eric and Robert emphasize the importance of heat pumps in transitioning to 100% renewable energy, advocating for their adoption due to their efficiency, environmental benefits, and the ongoing advancements that will make them even more viable in colder climates. The dialogue concludes with a call to embrace heat pump technology as part of a broader move towards sustainability, with Robert humorously summarizing the conversation with "Just buy it," underscoring the technology's practical benefits for everyday use.

This continuation of the interview with Bruce Owen of Manitoba Hydro focuses on climate change awareness, the company's role in addressing it, energy efficiency, and future energy plans. Mr. Owen's awareness of climate change developed during his time as a newspaper reporter. Manitoba Hydro is in a relatively good position compared to other North American utilities due to its reliance on renewable hydropower. It has only one standby thermal natural gas plant. The concept of the triple bottom line—environmental, social, and economic sustainability—is discussed. Manitoba Hydro's contributions include indigenous employment and sourcing, public safety initiatives, and efforts to minimize environmental impact. Their ESG—Environmental, Social, and Governance—report available online provides more information. Mr. Owen emphasizes the importance of energy efficiency at the individual level, recommending actions like replacing windows and doors, improving insulation, and using appliances efficiently. He refers to Efficiency Manitoba as a resource for programs and incentives. The discussion touches on the historical context of hydroelectric development in Manitoba, with examples like the Pinawa and Point Du Bois generating stations. Owen stresses the importance of long-term planning and public input in Manitoba Hydro's decision-making processes, including the Integrated Resource Plan. Mr. Owen invites the students to tour the Manitoba Hydro building at 360 Portage Avenue, highlighting its unique design that utilizes solar heating and natural ventilation. He emphasizes the building's environmentally friendly features. Mr. Owen encourages students interested in renewable energy to explore student employment opportunities at Manitoba Hydro.

France has strong climate awareness and action, driven by both national and EU-wide programs promoting decarbonization and renewable energy. Unlike the US, French politics are generally more supportive of climate action. The EU is significantly ahead of North America in renewable energy adoption, with over 40% renewables compared to Canada's 19% and the US's 10%. The North American Challenges include population density, vast distances, and the economic influence of the fossil fuel industry hinder the transition to renewables in North America. The Inflation Reduction Act in the US has introduced transferable investment tax credits for renewable energy, encouraging corporate investment. The discussion touches on concerns about Canadian subsidies for fossil fuel projects and technologies like carbon sequestration. While renewable energy is becoming cheaper, ensuring investor returns is crucial. This can be achieved by shifting subsidies away from fossil fuels and towards renewables. A suggestion is made that a shift in equipment manufacturing from fossil fuel to renewable energy technologies by major producing countries could have a cascading effect globally. The speaker emphasizes the importance of voter engagement and political pressure to promote policies supporting renewable energy and discourage fossil fuel subsidies. They urge everyone to participate in decarbonization through consumer choices and reducing their carbon footprint.

The young regenerative farming student describes climate change as an intensification of greenhouse gases leading to extreme weather, biodiversity loss, and land degradation. He expresses concern about the immediate impacts on his generation. Agriculture contributes significantly to global emissions, with livestock and the production/transport of fertilizers and pesticides being major factors. Regenerative agriculture, within the broader context of permaculture, focuses on food production methods that give back to the environment. It emphasizes natural cycles, soil health, and minimizing synthetic inputs. Permaculture is defined as harmonious living and acting in the world based on a set of principles and guidelines. The student advocates for a shift towards smaller-scale, more labor-intensive farming practices that prioritize soil health, biodiversity, and nutrient-rich food production. He believes that more people need to be involved in farming to achieve this. He argues that even with a focus on human consumption and minimizing waste, livestock farming will likely continue, necessitating better, more sustainable methods. He emphasizes the need for more hands-on work in the field. The student expresses his personal commitment to practicing and teaching regenerative agriculture, emphasizing the importance of self-reliance and individual responsibility in food production. He highlights the empowering cycle of growing one's own food and the connection to the land it fosters. He expresses concern about the ability of his generation to effectively combat the influence of large corporations and address climate change, acknowledging the distractions and the feeling of powerlessness. He offers three key messages: 1) Don't underestimate the power of your voice; 2) Take small actions today; 3) Be the change you want to see and fight for what you believe in.

This interview discusses the increasing demand for electricity, the impact of climate change on hydropower, and potential future energy solutions. Electricity demand has consistently increased due to population growth, expanding urban areas, and the increasing use of electronic devices. Even with energy efficiency measures, overall consumption continues to rise. The potential adoption of electric vehicles will further accelerate this demand. Droughts, exacerbated by climate change, pose a significant risk to hydropower generation, impacting both domestic supply and export capabilities. Hydropower is considered "base power," a reliable source of energy unlike intermittent renewables like wind and solar. Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) is used to plan for future energy needs, considering factors like peak demand (high usage periods, especially during extreme cold), climate change impacts, and potential new energy sources. The IRP explores alternatives to meet future demand and maintain reliable service. The IRP will consider various options, including hydrogen energy and battery storage for renewable sources like wind and solar. These technologies are not yet fully developed but could play a significant role in the future. Manitoba Hydro emphasizes its partnerships with Indigenous communities, particularly in projects like the Kias Generating Station. These partnerships focus on participation, training, employment, and mitigating environmental impacts, building on the precedent set by the Wuskwatim Generating Station and the Northern Flood Agreement. The interview touches on federal EV targets and the need for corresponding provincial policies. Manitoba and Saskatchewan currently have low EV adoption rates, partly due to climate and the reliance on fossil fuels for transportation and industry. Bruce Owen shares his personal efforts to reduce his carbon footprint, including using public transportation, biking, and acknowledging his limited recreational use of a classic car. He emphasizes the importance of individual actions and the need for collective changes. The process of transmitting power from the Nelson River is explained, including the conversion from AC to DC for efficient long-distance transmission and the reconversion back to AC for household use.

It is critical to educate the next generation of students in STEM so they develop the ability and interest to solve climate change. The energy transition will require technical people. With Canada stuck at a renewable energy ratio of 19% for many more years, and maybe decades, our response to climate change has proven to be slow. It will be up to the next generation to take charge and achieve results Canadians currently talked about. During the interview, Eric talks to teachers and students about Climate Change. Afterwards, a student interviews Bruce Owen from Manitoba Hydro public media where she asks him various questions she prepared in class (part 1 of 3).

Luke explains how hydropower works, starting with the hydrologic cycle and explaining how moving water spins turbines connected to generators to produce electricity. He also distinguishes between dam-based hydropower and "run-of-the-river" systems. Manitoba Hydro uses high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission to efficiently transport electricity from northern generating stations to southern Manitoba. This technology minimizes energy loss over long distances. The breakeven point where HVDC becomes more economical than AC transmission is around 500-600 kilometers. The top hydropower producers globally are China, Canada, Brazil, and the US. While China has the largest capacity, Canada has a higher capacity factor (efficiency), meaning it generates more electricity relative to its capacity. The discussion touches on the remaining potential for hydropower development in Manitoba and Canada, acknowledging that cost is a major factor. They estimate Manitoba has developed between 50-60% of its potential. Luke and Eric emphasize the long-term benefits of hydropower as a clean and reliable energy source for future generations, considering it a valuable legacy. Tidal energy is briefly mentioned as falling under the broader category of hydropower, though its current contribution is small. The conversation briefly shifts to the carbon tax, with a quick overview of current and projected rates, and a comment that political decisions can rapidly change these rates.

This is a conversation about high-efficiency and renewable energy homes, focusing on practical steps homeowners can take, both when building new and retrofitting existing properties. Michel details his journey towards sustainable living in 2004, driven by concerns about their environmental footprint and fossil fuel consumption. They first built a 2700 sq ft R2000 home with geothermal heating and cooling. This system worked well for 14-15 years, providing excellent temperature control and eliminating their reliance on natural gas. After moving, they purchased a lot with a 111-year-old duplex and decided to build a new, smaller home (close to 2000 sq ft including a granny suite). Inspired by passive house principles, they opted for a "near passive" design to balance cost and benefit. Key Features include triple-glazed windows, 18-inch-thick walls with R78 dense-packed cellulose insulation, R100+ insulation in the ceiling and roof, separate air-source heat pumps for the main house and granny suite, high-efficiency hot water tank, and 18 solar panels on the roof (grid-tied). Michel reports significantly lower energy bills in the new home compared to their previous R2000 house. They even had a credit with Manitoba Hydro during the summer due to solar production. Dr. Renewable emphasizes the importance of self-generating renewable energy, even in provinces with a high proportion of hydroelectricity, to displace coal use in other jurisdictions and reduce the strain on utility infrastructure. He reiterates THE RED CUP concept: addressing needs (heat, electricity, transport) with renewable energy, efficiency, demand reduction, and considering scale (people, community, utility). Michel's home exemplifies the "people" scale of THE RED CUP. The conversation touches on the non-financial benefits of living in a high-efficiency, sustainable home, such as increased comfort, quietness, and peace of mind. Michel suggests that builders could easily improve energy efficiency by adding an inch of exterior insulation and reducing thermal bridging.

The Canadian National Electrification Assessment Report analyzes Canada's current state of electrification and its potential for further electrification across various sectors (transportation, buildings, industry, and power generation) by 2050. The report projects that energy efficiency, structural changes, and fuel switching could reduce economy-wide CO2 emissions by 47-80% by 2050. Achieving net-zero will require additional measures like carbon removal, low-carbon fuels, and demand-side approaches. Manitoba Hydro collaborates with EPRI and is involved in discussions about carbon sequestration technologies. The report identifies transportation and industry as having the greatest potential for emissions reductions through electrification. Transportation accounts for about 25% of Canada's emissions, and electrification could reduce its emissions by up to 95%. Industry accounts for over 40% of national emissions, and electrification could reduce its emissions by up to 30%. Buildings (13% of emissions) and power generation (12%) also offer opportunities for reduction through electrification and other measures. Integrating large amounts of renewable energy into the grid presents technical challenges due to the variability and uncertainty of wind and solar power. This requires managing supply and demand, maintaining grid stability, and potentially using battery storage. Electrification also changes electricity demand patterns, with increased winter peaks due to electric heating and EV charging. New power supply requires significant upfront investment in infrastructure. This could be a barrier for low-income households, requiring targeted incentives and financing. The high upfront costs of green technologies, coupled with potentially higher interest rates, could lead to electricity rate increases. Dr. Renewable points out that 9 trillion dollars are spent annually on fossil fuels (fuel value, subsidies, environmental damage), a non-recoverable cost. He contrasts this with the investment needed for renewable energy transition, which he estimates at 2 trillion per year, arguing that the latter is a much more sustainable and cost-effective approach. The federal government has announced plans to double electricity capacity by 2050, while the report suggests a 50% increase. As for the coal paradox, Dr. Renewable raises a critical question: why invest in carbon capture while global coal consumption is still increasing for coal power plants? He argues that this is like trying to plug holes in a sinking ship while others are making more holes, resulting in a net loss. He questions the logic of utilities using electricity to capture carbon when that same electricity could be used to displace fossil fuels directly.

The conversation centers around Bill Gates's $40 million investment in a DAC project in Canada. Dr. Renewable argues that DAC is not cost-effective and won't make a significant dent in atmospheric carbon. He suggests the attention would be better spent on renewable, efficiency and demand projects. Eric explains the core issue with DAC: capturing CO2 from the atmosphere is more difficult and energy intensive because of very low concentrations—420 parts per million. He uses an analogy of trying to address a small amount of diesel spilled in a large lake when people are still spilling lots of diesel into the lake at the same time. He also points out the hypocrisy of DAC while allowing continued emissions from coal plants. Dr. Renewable proposes that Bill Gates's is engaging in venture capital tactics, investing early in a company to then sell his shares for a profit, regardless of the technology's actual effectiveness. Early venture capital investors refer to the next round of investors as "sheep" who are enamored by the initial investment into a technology and see it as “vetted”. Dr. Renewable presents calculations showing the cost of capturing all yearly CO2 emissions from coal-fired power plants using DAC. He estimates DAC costs leveling out at approximately $350 per ton of CO2, resulting in a total cost of $13 trillion a year—a figure dwarfing the global energy market. He argues that this makes DAC economically unfeasible compared to using 1 out of 10,000 photons we get from the sun. Bill Gates is essentially contributing to an "apartheid against renewables" by promoting a flawed approach. Eric also raises concerns about the embedded carbon emissions associated with building DAC plants (steel, manufacturing, etc.) and the energy required to operate them. He highlights the tendency to focus on specific environmental problems like mining electric car batteries while ignoring the larger issue of fossil fuel lowering their overall energy efficiency to look like they are doing something. Robert acknowledges that DAC sounds appealing to the public because it offers a seemingly simple technological fix. They argue that renewable energy advocates need to become better at communicating the benefits of their solutions in a similarly compelling way. Dr. Renewable advocates for a direct approach: shutting down coal plants and investing directly in renewable energy infrastructure. They believe this is a far more efficient and cost-effective way to address climate change than pursuing technologies like DAC.

The hosts introduce Michael Daci, a business owner in the solar energy sector with operations across Western Canada. They discuss solar energy, its political context, including recent criticism of Alberta's energy policies to add regulations to solar and wind. Michael and his business partner focus on diversifying their business across provinces in residential, commercial, agricultural to avoid over-reliance on specific rebate programs. Alberta is shown as a leader in solar energy in the Prairie provinces, despite its strong oil and gas industry. This is attributed to good rebate programs like the Community Energy Implementation Program which allows solar financing through property taxes, offering long-term stability even when rebates fluctuate. The cost of solar panels has significantly decreased, while their efficiency and size have increased. Now, the cost of labor exceeds the cost of the panels themselves. The solar business is primarily driven by retrofitting existing homes rather than new constructions. His company is actively working with First Nations communities on various projects, including solar path lighting and consulting. While Alberta had a moratorium on renewable energy projects over one megawatt, it's argued this wasn't entirely negative, as it encouraged a more planned and strategic approach to grid integration of renewables. The long-term outlook for solar power is positive, with decreasing costs and increasing efficiency. This will eventually make it highly competitive with fossil fuels. The discussion clarifies that while Canada's electricity generation is largely renewable at 72%, the overall renewable energy ratio (including transportation and other sectors) is around 19%. Policies in Alberta to use fossil fuels to process fossil fuel wastes is negatively impacting this ratio.

The conversation covers the use of renewable energy sources versus fossil fuels. The key points are included that the sun provides far more energy than the world currently uses, but we are still heavily reliant on fossil fuels, which are wasteful and contribute to climate change. People interviewed are concerned about the lack of awareness and action, especially among younger generations, when it comes to transitioning to renewable energy sources. They recognize the need for more education and information to be made available, as many people are not aware of the scale of the problem and the solutions that are available. People being interviewed believe that there is hope and that humans have the capability to solve the climate crisis, but it will require a collective effort and a shift in mindset from fear to optimism. They acknowledge the challenges and emphasize the importance of focusing on solutions and having faith in humanity's ability to adapt and thrive. Moreover, they caution against encouraging too much self-flagellation or the idea that humans are inherently bad for the environment. Instead, the focus should be on aligning our values and actions to take care of the environment. The younger generations may not fully grasp the long-term impacts of rising CO2 levels, compared to more visible issues like plastic pollution. Overall, the people interviewed believe a positive, solution-oriented mindset is important, especially for younger generations facing this challenge.

This discussion explains how "flow-through shares" in Canada can be used to incentivize investment in renewable energy projects, and historically, mining and oil & gas. Bruce Duggan clarifies that this mechanism allows companies undertaking high-risk, pre-profit activities like exploration or research and development to pass on tax deductions to investors. Early-stage renewable energy projects require significant upfront investment before generating revenue, making them risky for investors. Flow-Through shares can help a company undertaking these activities by issuing flow-through shares. When investors buy these shares, they gain the right to deduct the company's eligible expenses like exploration or R&D from their own taxable income. This benefits companies to access funding for high-risk, early-stage renewable energy projects by having investors gain significant tax deductions, reducing their overall tax burden. For the Government, this could encourage investment in renewable energy without direct spending. This mechanism has been used for decades in the mining sector and was also used for oil and gas exploration until recently. It is now being promoted for renewable energy projects. The discussion also touches on how flow-through shares can be combined with charitable donations to maximize tax benefits for donors contributing to related causes. Flow-through shares are a complex but powerful tool for incentivizing investment in renewable energy and other high-risk sectors in Canada by providing significant tax advantages to investors. The speaker emphasizes that this is an underutilized tool in the renewable energy sector which explains why this is the third installment of this topic on doctor renewable. It’s not simple to understand but could be a major source of financing to support moving beyond 19% renewable energy in Canada.

Eric goes through the article and highlights the calculations done by the reporter which shows a decrease of energy efficiency compared to electrical power tian of 10 times. Yes ten times. This article is unusual as the person who wrote it knows how to calculate numbers. Eric goes through his calculations showing how a diesel ferry that did a 12-mile route near Oslo was replaced at huge cost by a hydrogen ferry using an EU grant. Like hydrogen cars, busses, trains and the like, the same outcome prevails with ferries: hydrogen used for transportation is always a failure. For this project, emissions went up, reliability went down, and costs went through the roof. The author amuses himself by showing how people start to influence politicians, taxpayer funds are spent, the hydrogen project costs spiral and at the end an electrical drive train is employed. This project shows us how deeply committed people are to doing everything they can to avoid the transition to a 100% renewable energy world using an intelligent approach. Eirc blames Robert for climate change being victims of salespeople that sale projects that we know in advance work against climate change.

Robert and Eric discuss these two articles and the issue surrounding the use of diesel, electric and hydrogen buses in Winnipeg, highlighting the city's decision to revert to diesel buses despite the availability of electric buses produced locally. Robert and Eric express frustration with city officials for ignoring the potential of electric buses in favor of diesel, claiming that hydrogen is less efficient and more environmentally damaging than electric options. They argue for a long-term plan to transition to electric buses while addressing concerns about infrastructure and cold weather performance. The conversation also touches on recent legislation of Bill C-59 that makes it illegal to falsely claim for example that hydrogen buses are zero emissions, emphasizing the need for accountability in environmental claims. Robert and Eric criticize the influence of fossil fuel industries and media on public perception and policy, advocating for a shift towards renewable energy sources in line with THE RED CUP, a realistic approach to solve climate change and use the percentage of renewables as the benchmark.

Big oil BBC documentary: Despite their own scientists warning them about the impending effects of climate change decades ago, oil companies have spent billions of dollars on campaigns to undermine climate science and prevent meaningful action. The context highlights how the industry has perpetuated the use of fossil fuels and expanded its profitability, even as the scientific evidence for climate change has become increasingly certain. The discussion also touches on the impacts of climate change on biodiversity, such as putting whale species at risk. Also of interest is the present concern of the oil and gas industry's lobbying efforts to prevent lawsuits against them for their role in climate change. The discussion begins by referencing a BBC series highlighting how oil companies like Exxon knew about the dangers of climate change 40 years ago but actively spread misinformation and funded anti-climate action campaigns. They are accused of deceiving the public and governments for decades to maintain their profitability. The speakers criticize oil companies' rebranding efforts, such as "Beyond Petroleum," arguing that these are merely attempts to appear environmentally conscious while continuing their harmful practices. They mention tactics like carbon sequestration as examples of expensive and ineffective solutions promoted to delay real action. The speakers then outline the oil industry's strategies of denial (claiming climate change isn't real), doubt (sowing confusion about the science), and delay (promoting ineffective solutions and lobbying against meaningful regulations). This segment discusses the tendency of scientists to be conservative in their predictions, often underestimating the speed and severity of climate change impacts. They contrast this with the certainty of the scientific consensus on climate change's reality and human cause. The hosts advocate shifting the focus from carbon emissions (the "waste" of the fossil fuel industry) to the percentage of renewable energy use. They argue that focusing on reducing carbon emissions keeps the focus on the problem rather than the solution.

Critique of environmentalist misconceptions: A significant portion of the discussion focuses on critiquing certain environmentalist arguments regarding renewable energy. (1) Efficiency vs. Renewables: They argue against prioritizing efficiency over renewable energy generation. They state that since the sun provides 10,000 times more energy than needed, focusing on efficiency is less critical than transitioning to 100% renewables. They argue that the "waste" of sunlight is not environmentally harmful in the same way as the waste from fossil fuels. (2) Oversupply of Solar Panels: They dismiss the idea of an "oversupply" of solar panels, arguing that lower prices due to increased supply are beneficial and will lead to greater adoption. (3) Material Use in Renewables: They criticize the double standard of some environmentalists who object to the use of materials like iron and cobalt in renewable energy technologies while accepting their use in the fossil fuel industry. (4) Mixing Renewables: They argue against the idea that mixing different renewable sources is inefficient. They emphasize that a diverse mix of renewables is necessary to achieve a 100% renewable energy system. The article acknowledges the role of biogas as part of the renewable energy mix. They also discuss nuclear power, acknowledging that while uranium is a finite resource, other nuclear fuels could be considered effectively renewable due to their abundance. The "Red Cup" analogy (previously explained in other episodes) is referenced, emphasizing the importance of transitioning to 100% renewable energy as the primary solution to climate change.

Some key points discussed during the interview with Kent include how he has personally leased an EV and found it to be an excellent vehicle, dispelling some of the myths around EVs. The Ride EV Education Program has created educational materials like a coloring book and curriculum for K-12 students to learn about EVs. Kent highlights the challenges of maintaining diesel fuel infrastructure in remote northern communities, and how EVs could be a better solution with their simpler design and lower maintenance. The Ride EV Education Program has held an annual EV forum to engage with First Nations leaders and communities, with the latest event having over 27 communities represented. The goal is to promote EVs and charging infrastructure to help these communities transition away from diesel and towards more environmentally friendly transportation options. OF importance is to see how gas stations in First nation communities adapt to electric vehciles. The discussion looks at addressing common misconceptions about EVs, such as the belief that they need to be charged every night, that apartment buildings can't support charging stations, and that First Nations communities have no use for them. Heinrich's program educates First Nations communities about EVs, charging infrastructure, and available loan programs. They've developed educational materials for K-12 students. He shares his positive personal experience with owning an EV, highlighting the convenience of home charging and the reduced cost of electricity compared to gasoline. EVs offer significant advantages for remote First Nations communities, particularly those accessible only by winter roads. Once an EV is in the community, it can be easily charged and used for local travel, eliminating the need to transport expensive and potentially hazardous fuel. EVs also have fewer moving parts, making them potentially more reliable in harsh conditions. The speakers discuss the challenges of storing fuel in northern climates, including the risk of spills and the high cost of maintaining tank farms in permafrost. The feasibility of using solar and wind power to charge EVs is discussed. While solar energy is less available in Manitoba during the winter months, it's considered viable for much of the year. Using large battery storage systems, such as those found in electric school buses and trucks, can help address intermittency issues. Manitoba is described as lagging other provinces like Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia in EV charging infrastructure. While plans are in place to install chargers along highways, progress is slow due to funding delays and the slow pace of Manitoba Hydro's involvement. Manitoba Hydro's reluctance to lead in EV infrastructure development is criticized. Their focus on large-scale projects and their inability to compete with lower-cost private charging solutions are seen as obstacles. The transition to EVs is expected to have a significant impact on gas stations, as the demand for gasoline will decrease. The speakers suggest that First Nations communities could capitalize on this shift by investing in EV charging infrastructure and generating their own renewable electricity, attracting EV drivers and creating new revenue streams. The importance of self-generation of electricity for EV charging, particularly through distributed energy resources like rooftop solar, is emphasized. This reduces strain on the existing grid and provides greater energy independence. The speakers stress the need for continued education and demonstrations to convince First Nations communities and others of the benefits of EVs.

The discussion begins by addressing the common misconception that current warming is simply part of a natural cycle, like past ice ages. They clarify that while natural cycles (Milankovitch cycles) exist, human influence is now the dominant factor. The book "Runaway Climate Change" is discussed, focusing on the PETM, a period 50 million years ago when Earth experienced a 6–8-degree Celsius temperature spike in about 1,000 years. This event is used as a comparison for current climate change. The PETM was likely triggered by a combination of Milankovitch cycles and intense volcanic activity in the North Atlantic. This initial trigger then led to feedback mechanisms, such as permafrost thaw and changes in vegetation, which released even more carbon into the atmosphere. To cause the 6–8-degree spike during the PETM, it's estimated that around 1,000 billion tons of carbon were released. Currently, humans have emitted around 500 billion tons of carbon through fossil fuel burning in the last 100 years. Projections suggest that even with significant emission reductions, another 500 billion tons could be emitted in the next 100 years, totaling approximately 1,000 billion tons. A key point is that the rate of current warming is much faster than the PETM. The PETM's temperature rise occurred over about 1,000 years, while current projections suggest a similar temperature increase could occur within a century or two. Unlike the PETM, the current warming is exacerbated by feedback loops like melting ice (glacial and sea ice), which reduces Earth's reflectivity and leads to further warming. Other feedback loops, such as methane release from thawing permafrost and changes in the Amazon rainforest (from carbon sink to carbon source), could further accelerate warming. The speakers discuss the conservative nature of scientific predictions, particularly in climate science. Scientists tend to err on the side of caution and avoid overstating potential impacts. Additionally, international bodies like the IPCC require consensus among many nations, which often leads to agreements on the lowest common denominator and potentially underestimates the severity of the problem. They mention that actual observed climate changes have often been worse than predicted. Furthermore, the speakers emphasize the urgent need for action on climate change and effective communication with the public. They stress the importance of conveying the seriousness of the situation in a way that resonates with average people and motivates them to demand action from their governments.

Key points of this discussion are that biomass refers to living matter, including plants, animals, and microorganisms. Everything that is living tissue, whether vegetable or animal, is considered biomass. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to create glucose/fructose, which is a form of stored solar energy. This stored energy in the form of carbon chains is what makes biomass a “temporary solar battery" that needs to go back to CO2. The carbon cycle involves the natural absorption and release of carbon dioxide from the air, with plants and trees playing a key role in this cycle. Fossil fuels represent carbon that was sequestered underground over millions of years and the best sequestration approach is to leave it there and use the abundant photons send to us from the sun (10,000 times more than we need). Planting more trees is seen to help absorb excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, but this approach is flawed as increased temperature from climate change and melting of tundra can easily release lots of carbon through forest fire and waterlogged roots. The standing biomass of living plants already contains a substantial amount of carbon compared to fossil fuel reserves. When looking at biomass through the lens of THE RED CUP, using renewable energy biomass is no brainer. Net-zero benchmark contributes to delaying the transition to have the earth operate as per design to support large populations and how to effectively use biomass. Like solar PV, Eric explains how photons from the sun are used to make biomass. It is important that once the biomass starts to decay the end goal is to convert the biomass carbon back to 100% CO2. As there are more than 6 times more fructose/glucose at any point in time made by photosynthesis, and nature radiates back all the stored solar energy stored in biomass back to the universe, biomass energy is most simple: use it or lose it. California has led to the negative stigma of using biomass as a renewable energy source as they cannot stand a smokestack, not realizing that biomass thermal plants are better at converting biomass to CO2 than nature itself. Biomass will remain misunderstood by people, showing that like heart surgery, somethings are best left to experts in their field. Thus, nature uses the carbon cycle to manage CO2. Plants use CO2 as "plant food" to grow, temporarily storing it. Natural events like forest fires release the stored CO2 back into the atmosphere. This is likened to nature playing pool with carbon molecules, constantly moving them around. Fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) are ancient biomass that has been sequestered underground over millions of years. The speakers emphasize that extracting and burning these fuels brings carbon from under the Earth's surface into the atmosphere, disrupting the natural carbon cycle. While technically there's no difference in the complete combustion of green versus dry wood in terms of the energy released (the photons go back to the universe either way), burning green wood in a backyard setting leads to incomplete combustion and the release of other pollutants like methane. The speakers emphasize the importance of using waste biomass (e.g., wood waste from sawmills, agricultural waste like wheat straw) rather than cutting down live trees for fuel. They argue that using waste biomass is more efficient and environmentally beneficial than allowing it to decompose naturally (which would also release methane and other gases). They criticize those who oppose biomass energy, particularly in California, for not understanding this concept. Biomass is described as the most complex and versatile renewable energy source, as it can be used to generate electricity, heat, and biofuels. The discussion addresses the misconception that burning biomass is inherently bad for the environment. They clarify that using waste biomass is a way to utilize energy that would otherwise be lost and can be more environmentally friendly than other disposal methods.

The production of food, crops, and livestock, such as chicken eggs and beef, has seen a significant increase in productivity since the Second World War. Use of fossil fuels has also increased significantly in agriculture using diesel for tractors, and natural gas for dryers and the manufacturing of pesticides and other fertilizers by way of examples. The transportation of these goods and commodities is also fueled by fossil fuels. Of importance is that nitrogen ammonia base fertilizers in soil are transformed by native microbes, releasing nitrous oxide in the air, a potent greenhouse gas that can significantly contribute to climate change. Dr. Tenuta research focuses on improving the retention of soil and not emitting nitrogen oxide. By reducing nitrogen losses farmers can become more efficient in using nitrogen to produce crops. By improving the retention of soil and reducing nitrogen emissions in agriculture, farmers can thus reduce their greenhouse gas footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future as they feed the world. Food production involves significant energy use and GHG emissions. Microbes in the soil transform nitrogen fertilizer, releasing N2O, a potent greenhouse gas (300 times more potent than CO2). While the amount of N2O emitted from fields is relatively small, its potency makes it a significant environmental concern. N2O loss is also an indicator of other nitrogen losses from the soil, which can be substantial (10-30% of applied nitrogen). The "Four R's" (Right Rate, Right Source, Right Time, Right Place) are a framework for optimizing fertilizer use and minimizing nitrogen losses. This involves considering: (1) Rate: Applying the correct amount of nitrogen based on crop needs and soil conditions; (2) Source: Choosing the appropriate type of nitrogen fertilizer; (3) Time: Applying fertilizer at the optimal time (e.g., spring rather than fall, split applications); and (4) Place: Placing fertilizer in the soil rather than on the surface to reduce atmospheric losses. Even organic fertilizers like manure, compost, and fish bycatch can contribute to N2O emissions. The composting process itself also releases N2O. However, growing nitrogen-fixing crops like soybeans, peas, and lentils does not produce N2O. The discussion touches on the possibility of producing "green ammonia" using renewable electricity (e.g., solar and hydropower), air, and water. This could reduce the carbon footprint of fertilizer production and provide farmers with more stable pricing. The possibility of using autonomous robots for precise, micro-dosed nitrogen application and weed control is discussed. While challenges remain (e.g., navigating closed crop canopies), such technology is considered within reach. The speakers discuss the reluctance of governments to impose GHG taxes or regulations on farmers, highlighting the economic challenges farmers already face. They note that the fertilizer industry is actively involved in efforts to reduce nitrogen losses. The interview emphasize the complexity of reducing agricultural GHG emissions, noting that there are no easy solutions.

There has been many articles on the hydrogen buses that are showing critical analysis that is in in-line how energy advocated agree how wasteful using hydrogen for transportation is. In fact, THE RED CUP was developed 20 years ago by Eric to show that when you consider efficiency hydrogen transportation has no future—zero emissions vehicles is a fallacy push by energy illiteracy. That is because RED has efficiency mathematically dialed in and nobody can cheat on the calculation. This is unlike net-zero calculations which mathematically are not conservative which means people are not producing accurate numbers. Eric and Robert than address the fact that no matter what agreement our government sign in Kyoto and the like, emissions keep increasing as if we were in a race to destroy biodiversity. The hosts are highly critical of hydrogen as a fuel source, especially for transportation. They argue that hydrogen production is extremely inefficient, wasting 75% of the input electricity and requiring significantly more infrastructure (copper wiring) than battery electric solutions. They cite the high cost of hydrogen fuel (e.g., $36/kg in California, resulting in $200+ fill-ups for cars and potentially $1000 for buses) as a major obstacle. They also point to failed hydrogen projects and argue that ongoing trials are a waste of resources. They believe hydrogen is being promoted to buy time for North American automakers to catch up with the cheaper electric vehicle technology being developed in China. Dr. Renewable contends that standard GHG calculations fail to account for the emissions associated with renewable electricity waste. He argues that the inefficiency of hydrogen production should be factored into its GHG footprint, making it even less environmentally friendly. They discuss the decreasing cost of electric vehicles, particularly in China where EVs are already cheaper than gasoline cars. They predict that EVs will continue to become more affordable, potentially leading to market saturation and the need for new transportation policies. Despite increased discussion and investment in renewable energy, global greenhouse gas emissions are rising. They cite recent data showing an increase from 50 gigatons to 57 gigatons in 2023, and further to 59 gigatons. They point out that natural processes sequester a significant amount of carbon, but human emissions are overwhelming these natural sinks. The hosts express concern about the spread of misinformation about climate change, particularly on social media platforms like TikTok. They note that even sophisticated AI can be trained using misinformation, making it even more convincing. They criticize individuals who dismiss the vast body of scientific research on climate change based on limited personal research. They mention politicians like Ron DeSantis who publicly deny climate change. They discuss various obstacles to renewable energy deployment, including bureaucratic hurdles, resistance from entrenched interests (like the fossil fuel industry), and the tendency of some scientists and environmental groups to prioritize research over practical implementation.

During their discussion, Eric and Robert explore the causes of the PETM with Earle. The start of the PETM coincided with a period of strong volcanic activity and a peak in orbital eccentricity. It was amplified by more carbon released from sea-floor methane hydrates and other geological sources. This period is particularly relevant today as our current fossil fuel burning is comparable to the carbon emissions of that era, and because today’s world has similar large feedback reservoirs. The PETM had profound effects on life on Earth, causing widespread migrations, extinctions, and ecosystem changes. Ocean acidification and extreme weather events were prevalent, leading to major disruptions in both marine and terrestrial environments. Robert and Eric discuss with Earle the lessons we can learn from this period. Earle draws parallels between the PETM and today's climate change, highlighting the potential for similar runaway feedbacks. He emphasizes that understanding the PETM underscores the urgency of taking immediate action to mitigate climate change. Earle's book calls for decisive individual and collective actions to reduce carbon emissions and transition to a cleaner, healthier future. He stresses the importance of stabilizing the climate to avoid catastrophic impacts like those experienced during the PETM. The interview showcase that 50 million years ago, Earth was significantly warmer (6-8 degrees Celsius) than today, and life at that time was adapted to those temperatures. A geologically sudden warming event, called PETM occurred during this period. Climate data for this period comes from sea floor sediment samples, specifically from the shells of foraminifera and isotopic ratios within the sediments. Ice core data is insufficient for this timeframe. The key difference is the rate of warming. While the PETM saw a temperature spike over about 1,000 years, the current anthropogenic climate change is happening much faster. Higher carbon dioxide levels, not significantly different oxygen levels, were the primary driver of the warmer temperatures during the PETM. Over the past 40-50 million years, the growth of mountain ranges like the Himalayas and Rockies increased erosion and weathering, which consumed CO2 and gradually lowered atmospheric levels. During warmer periods, mammals tend to be smaller, likely due to the difficulty of shedding heat in hot and humid environments. As the Earth cooled down, mammals were able to grow larger. While current climate models focus on 2-3 degrees Celsius of warming in the next century, a 5–6-degree increase is possible. This could render most currently inhabited areas uninhabitable due to extreme heat, sea-level rise, and other impacts. The discussion emphasizes the importance of wet-bulb temperature, which is a measure of how effectively humans can cool themselves through sweating. High humidity reduces evaporative cooling, making it dangerous or even lethal at certain temperature thresholds (around 27 degrees Celsius wet bulb). The 2021 heat dome in British Columbia, Canada, is cited as an example of the dangers of high wet-bulb temperatures. Even Canada, generally considered relatively safe from extreme heat, is vulnerable to increasing wet-bulb temperatures due to rising humidity. The coming and going of ice ages is driven by changes in Earth's orbital parameters (Milankovitch cycles), which occur on timescales of 20,000 to 100,000 years. Current projections suggest a return to intense glaciation is unlikely for at least the next 50,000 years.

Eric and Robert discusses another news article relating how the Alberta government is showing a great example of the Apartheid against renewable energy and how regulations for decommissioning are not really required for renewable energy but are being put forward anyways, while for oil and gas fields no regulation is being followed through resulting in over 170,000 orphan wells. It’s the tales of two cities. Eric points out that because wind and solar are renewable, there are no actual plants that get decommissioned…instead they get refurbished with the next round of more efficient technology two decades later. There seems to be a high level of illiteracy regarding renewable energy in the Alberta government. Alberta's government imposed a six-month moratorium on renewable energy projects, discouraging investment and causing investors to seek opportunities in other provinces. Despite the moratorium, Alberta has significant potential for wind and solar energy, particularly on marginal lands unsuitable for intensive agriculture. A comparison is made between the revenue generated from traditional farming on a section of land (640 acres) versus the potential revenue from wind turbines on the same area. The conclusion is that wind energy could generate significantly more revenue with far fewer ongoing costs. While wind turbines have a typical lifespan of 20-25 years, technological advancements are leading to more efficient turbines, sometimes prompting early replacement of existing farms for greater profitability. The concept of renewable energy as "borrowed" rather than "consumed" is discussed. Unlike fossil fuels, which are finite resources, solar and wind energy are continuously replenished. It's argued that the land area required to power Alberta with renewable energy is relatively small (estimated at around 1% of farmland), particularly if focused on marginal lands. The hosts criticize the lack of government support for renewables compared to the fossil fuel industry and call for policy changes to promote renewable energy development. They believe that the Alberta government is acting against the best interests of its citizens by hindering renewable energy investment.

Street Talk interview with an individual living off-grid: The interviewee emphasizes the importance of connecting with nature to understand and address climate change. He lives off-grid with a secondhand solar system and has adapted his lifestyle to minimize environmental impact. He criticizes the current systems of resource extraction and the consumer habits that drive them, emphasizing that individual habits are a significant factor in environmental impact. He uses use the example of Burning Man to illustrate the difference in impact between different lifestyles. The interviewee expresses concern that corporations are manipulating technology and media to maintain control and profit from future energy transitions. His message to the younger generation is to spend time in nature to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the environment, which will inspire them to live more sustainably. He starts that facing fears, including those related to nature, is key to overcoming the destructive forces affecting the Earth.

San Diego resident on utility backlash against solar: The interviewee, a lifelong San Diego resident, discusses the high cost of utilities in his region, despite relatively renewable water sources. Electricity relies heavily on fossil fuels, with a decommissioned nuclear plant posing a storage problem for nuclear waste. From 2006 to 2018, California offered strong solar rebates, but the local utility, SDG&E, has been rolling back both installation incentives and compensation for solar energy fed back into the grid. This makes it harder for homeowners to justify solar installations. The interviewee believes SDG&E, a private company, is reducing solar incentives to maintain profit margins as more people adopt solar power. He argues that power, oil, and petrochemical companies have heavily lobbied against renewables, turning it into a cultural and political issue rather than a logistical one. He expresses hope that younger generations, including younger Republicans, will prioritize climate action due to the direct impact it will have on their lives. He emphasizes the need to depoliticize climate change and treat it as a basic societal need. His final message is for those who deny climate change to consider the future of their children and grandchildren and the legacy they will leave behind.

A young woman at a First Nations renewable energy conference: The interviewee expresses concern about the lack of significant action on climate change despite years of discussion. She worries about the impact on future generations, including changes in weather patterns affecting agriculture and food availability. She questions whether society is spending too much time adapting to climate change rather than proactively solving it. She shares that climate change is a common topic of discussion among her peers, with concerns about forest fires and other environmental impacts. She estimates that after googling the current CO2 level to be around 427 ppm and the annual increase to be about 2.5 ppm. She finds that at this rate, CO2 levels could reach 500 ppm in approximately 25-26 years. Her message to governments is to look beyond short-term interests and consider the future of generations who do not yet have a voice.

French student working on a renewable energy summer project: The student describes her summer internship project at the University of Manitoba, which involves developing a heating window using sunflowers as reflectors to direct sunlight onto a material within the window, generating heat. She states that climate change awareness is high in France, and she and her classmates are eager to work on solutions and is unsure why France's per capita GHG emissions are significantly lower than Canada's (approximately four times less). The interviewer suggests possible reasons, including energy access and education. The student mentions France's reliance on nuclear energy as a possible contributing factor. She notes the absence of visible renewable energy installations on the University of Manitoba campus, contrasting this with her university in France, which has solar panels on bicycle shelters. She believes the war in Ukraine has accelerated France's efforts to reduce its dependence on natural gas and transition to renewable energy. She suggests that governments should provide more support for individuals to produce their own energy through initiatives like solar panel installations. She notes that current policies in France, while well-intentioned, can be difficult to access in practice.

Ian explains how he got involved in renewable ammonia. He is demonstrating a farm size system that can be installed and operated by farmers. Making onsite fertilizers is well within farmers ability and is compatible with other farming operations. As fertilizers can be the largest cost in any given year for farmers, thus there is much interest in on-farm ammonia production. This application fits well with THE RED CUP framework to solve climate change, where natural gas (CH₄) is no longer needed to make fertilizers. As the Apartheid against renewables is very strong in Canada, we see no pressure to impose a 10% renewable ammonia mandate in fertilizers like the 10% recycled paper mandate. Stakeholders avoid addressing climate change using delay tactics by pushing real actions beyond there work retirement age. Here, Clifford's company aims to provide systems that allow farmers to produce green ammonia on their farms for use as fertilizer. The system aims to give farmers control over their fertilizer supply and costs, which are typically unstable. The process involves using green electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen (with oxygen as a byproduct). The hydrogen is then combined with nitrogen from the air to create ammonia (NH3), using a catalyst like traditional ammonia production. The key difference is the use of water and renewable electricity instead of natural gas (CH4) as the hydrogen source. The company is initially focusing on Manitoba due to its abundant, low-cost green electricity (primarily hydroelectric). In regions with less green electricity, such as Alberta and Saskatchewan, farmers would need to integrate on-farm renewable energy sources to power the ammonia production system and achieve a truly "green" product. Clifford argues that farmers using on-farm production can lock in their fertilizer costs for decades, a significant advantage given the fluctuating prices of traditional ammonia fertilizer. This also eliminates reliance on complex supply chains, reducing transportation costs and uncertainty. The company's large-scale system can produce 500 tons of ammonia per year, serving a roughly 10,000-acre farm. It requires about 1,500 liters of water per day and around 4 megawatts of generation capacity.

Robert goes over a news story about a coal fired electricity plant running in Saskatchewan. The article reviews the coal Boundary Plant project that started in the fall of 2014. The average capture rate of the CO2 is 57%. The project’s real goal is to prolong the use of coal for making power. Cost are rising and the project has spent 16 billion dollars already, having benefited from government direct subsidies, carbon revenues, and tax credits. One can think that such efforts would be better placed into renewable energy generation as such an approach will be more expensive in the long run when compared to wind-solar with storage. They discuss the ineffectiveness and cost of carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects, particularly focusing on the Boundary Dam project in Saskatchewan and tar sands and contrasts it with the potential of renewable energy. It also touches upon lawsuits against fossil fuel projects and the misleading nature of carbon credits. For example, the Boundary Dam CCS project has consistently failed to meet its initial goal of capturing 90% of carbon emissions. The actual average capture rate is around 57%. This raises concerns about the cost-effectiveness of CCS technology. The project has cost nearly $16 billion, which analysts argue could be better spent on renewable energy projects. They contend that CCS prolongs the use of fossil fuels and is not a sustainable solution. The speakers clarify that the project primarily focuses on capturing carbon dioxide during fuel processing, not sequestering it permanently. Much of the captured CO2 is used for enhanced oil recovery, which ultimately releases some of the carbon back into the atmosphere. The hosts compare the cost of CCS with the projected cost of solar and wind energy combined with battery storage. They argue that renewables are significantly cheaper and becoming even more so, making CCS an economically unsound investment. They estimate the cost of storing one kilowatt hour of electricity in a battery to be around one cent by 2050, while the energy required for CCS adds significantly to its overall cost. The discussion touches on the issue of "phantom credits," where companies receive credits for more carbon than they sequester. They also criticize the subsidies given to the fossil fuel industry, arguing that this money could be better used to support renewable energy development. They state that the subsidies for the Boundary Dam project alone could have funded a substantial increase in Canada's solar capacity. The speakers advocate for shifting the focus from carbon credits and sequestration to increasing the renewable energy ratio at the individual, community, and national levels. They believe this is a more effective and sustainable approach to addressing climate change.

087–Robert and Eric do an episode called “How it works” where they explain energy systems. Here they look at a how a heat pump works. Eric tries to explain to Robert how we can modify the pressure of a fluid and have it absorbed heat from the fridge space to make the space colder. Robert listens but is most hesitant when it comes to summarizing how a heat pump works afterwards. This segment explains the mechanics of heat pumps, their benefits in terms of efficiency and renewable energy integration, and their potential for use in district energy systems. It also acknowledges the challenges of using heat pumps in cold climates while emphasizing the ongoing development of improved technologies.

David Campfield reiterates that a transition away from fossil fuels to renewable energy will not be delivered by business people and politicians that mainly support the fossil fuel industry. Moreover, electing green leaders will not necessarily help to overcome capitalists and bureaucrats that continually place roadblocks to the energy transition. David argues that mass social movements do have the potential to force governments to support the energy transition and that even a ravaged planet is worth fighting for. At the end, David believes that the solution to climate change which is a consequence of capitalism is a transition to ecosocialism.

We discuss the arrogance of companies like Google and Microsoft that support the fossil fuel industry by taking part in carbon offset schemes. The arrogance comes from the fact that nature is already reacting with a negative feedback loop from fossil fuels already consumed. Thereby, unforested areas of land, for example, need to be available to repair the damage already caused by the fossil fuel industry using reforestation and not made available to environmental lobby groups to support the status quo through carbon offsets. What we see firsthand is people are not understanding THE RED CUP and prefer to waste money, time, and talent tabulating carbon offsets and go around in circles. The article refers to studies that show that projects do not achieve the carbon offsets they predict as carbon offset calculations are complicated and change with time. Tracking the percentage of renewables is far easier and error free. We also discuss an opinion where environmentalist say solving climate change cannot be done just by renewables and must include demand reduction. THE RED CUP presents a holistic approach to avoid saying such uninformed statement as in that article.

Ajahn Sona relates his experience of being born in Canada and how after becoming a monk he was involved in building a monastery in British Columbia that operates off-grid. Ajahn is conversant in Renewables, Efficiency and Demand (RED) where he learned through trial and error. He now lives in a Buddhist monastery that is sustainable in the interior of British Columbia.

Ajahn Sona relates his experience of being born in Canada and how after becoming a monk he was involved in building a monastery in British Columbia that operates off-grid. Ajahn is conversant in Renewables, Efficiency and Demand (RED) where he learned through trial and error. He now lives in a Buddhist monastery that is sustainable in the interior of British Columbia.

Eric goes beyond the hype of this news article and showcases key issues to watch out for. Special attention is given to if being close to the highway is that much of an advantage. The technology needs to be views from THE RED CUP perspective which allows to operate system at the three scales: CUP which stands for community, utility and personnel. A farmer takes part in a street talk interview where he discusses the issues of converting food into fuels.

Brad discusses renewable energy projects he is involved with to make marine energy a realty for the many isolated communities on the west coast of British Columbia. He discusses renewable energy projects he leads with Indigenous coastal communities along the west coast. Many of his project includes assessment of wave and tidal renewable energy resource as precursors to establish energy projects in support of community renewable energy microgrids.

Eric and Robert review the rankings by countries of income collected from carbon tax. France collects the most income and has a GHG of about 5 tons per capita. Canada is second on the list and has 20 ton per capita which remains steady. It seems unlikely that collecting carbon tax in Canada will lead to carbon reduction. Eric proposes an alternative to the carbon tax that supports a transition to renewable energy. Eric and Robert then discuss what it means that carbon sinks now are becoming carbon sources because of the impact of the fossil fuel industry which extracts sequestered carbon from the earth and dumps that carbon into the air. As a result, we now see permafrost that were carbon sinks turn into carbon sources. Not good.

David Campfield reiterates that a transition away from fossil fuels to renewable energy will not be delivered by business people and politicians that mainly support the fossil fuel industry. Moreover, electing green leaders will not necessarily help to overcome capitalists and bureaucrats that continually place roadblocks to the energy transition. David argues that mass social movements do have the potential to force governments to support the energy transition and that even a ravaged planet is worth fighting for. At the end, David believes that the solution to climate change which is a consequence of capitalism is a transition to ecosocialism.

Biomass is a temporary solar energy battery that can over millions of year play the important role of sequestering carbon dioxide in the form of fossil fuels into the earth’s mantle. It is important to understand the difference between ancient biomass that is sequestered and recent biomass. Daniel explains ways we can productively use biomass to displace the use fossil fuels and transition to a renewable energy world. From district energy to making biochar, Daniel discusses projects he has been involved with in biomass.

It is important to train the next generation of engineers in renewable energy. Transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy requires to overcome steep technical challenges and requires many people worldwide to develop technical abilities in this area. Our civilization requires technical people commitment to develop their career in renewable energy and work in the energy transition. Reza discuses wind and storage project in Hawaii as they proceed to self-generate their own energy.

Eric goes over the numbers which includes the wasteful nature of converting electricity, especially renewable energy, to hydrogen to operate fuel cell vehciles. Eric shows the gigantic price difference between the cost to fill your vehicle for electricity versus hydrogen to power your vehicle. He then relates how the City of Winnipeg is working against THE RED CUP principles, as city councilors impose their own personal fears and avoid educating themselves so we can move forward in abundance like more healthy eggs and renewable energy to energize a lifestyle that does not impact biodiversity, living more in tune with nature. We are a long step away.

Doctor Renewable approaches people on the street including festivals to discuss how they perceive climate change and what would they like to see happen. Doctor Renewable try not to lead the discussion but sometimes need to bring facts and see how people react.

David discusses Carbon-Capture-Use-Storage (CCUS) technology, its maturity, investment opportunities and challenges, with a focus on one area of David’s expertise related to point-source and atmospheric carbon capture, carbon reduction, and production of low-carbon transportation fuels and chemicals. Discussion centres on what is the CCUS market size and the total addressable market, how does Canada’s emissions compare to USA and globally; what is the business value chain; what are the CCUS commercial projects to date; what can we learn from these commercial projects. In addition, David provides a high-level overview of CCUS technologies, reviewing some CCUS projects in the past few years and how these newer projects compare with past projects.

Robert focuses his discussions with Terry’s on the wind, solar, and marine energy projects the municipality of Digby has undertaken. Robert discovers Terry has been at the forefront of trying to demonstrate tidal energy in the Digby area. There is a good tidal resource as you enter the bay in Digby. Terry also discusses marine energy in Nova Scotia and efforts in the Bay of Fundy. He also highlights grid limitations on the Digby peninsula and how much renewables the utilities will allow to integrate onto the grid. Eric discusses EV and energy storage for heat and power with Terry and what projects they are looking at implementing. It is important to understand that carbon sequestration for power is not something communities can easily adopt, and for municipalities like Digby, increasing renewables, improving energy efficiency, and reducing energy demand is the cornerstone of a strategic plan that makes sense for the future of a community like Digby.

Roberts highlights that we must how to pick and choose what matters and what does not matter based on our personal values. Robert likes that the author presents the idea of not giving a fuck as a simple way of reorienting our expectations and choosing the important things for us. He likes the quote “The key to a good life is not giving a fuck about more; it’s giving a fuck about less, giving a fuck about only what is true and immediate and important.” As the author tells us that happiness comes from solving problems. Roberts likes the fact that climate change allows us something to solve and do, if we think that biodiversity is important to all. So, we see that happiness is action, activity, a constant work-in-progress. Solving problems is part of life.

Eric highlights aspects of the news considering THE RED CUP, the sensible approach to transition to a renewable energy world. When reading these news articles, it is important to apply critical analysis and identify how news either support a renewable energy world or contribute to the Apartheid against renewables. The Apparteid is a worldwide effort to hang on combusting with air all available geologically sequestered carbon—commercially viable through subsidies—in the form of fossil fuel that nature stored to make the planet a pleasant place to live. The earth spent a long time to sequester carbon through photosynthesis to achieve a remarkable level of biodiversity, and who knows, the most liveliness in the entire universe. The Apartheid against renewables is alive and well on earth. Every time you read about net zero or GHG’s you know people want to avoid the real issue which is a transition to 100% renewable energy. THE RED CUP will get us there.

With social media, myths about climate change and renewable energy seems to outweigh actual data and common sense. Eric brings to the foreground data that has been discussed and is pleasantly surprised that Robert remembers some of the data. We need to have 1 out of the 10,000 renewable energy coming from the sun to be converted to heat and power to eliminate the approximately 40 billion tons of GHG per year that is emitted from burning fossil fuels. The remaining GHG is from agriculture and land use, bringing the total to approximately 52 billion tons. Myths in the media abound to support the Apartheid against renewables, as most people put their faith in fossil fuel—carbon that is geologically sequestered by nature—hoping that in some way we can “fix” fossil fuels and they will last for centuries without impacting biodiversity on earth. Myths are required to promote such narratives that is not support by facts.

Many scientists publish climate change models and make the data available to the public. These models range in complexity and their outcomes depends on policy scenarios investigated. The Climate Atlas of Canada accesses the data and through their website allows users to display the impact in any region in Canada due to climate change. Dr. Danny Blair explains how climate models work and how the results help to better understand the risks we are all taking by delaying our transition to a renewable energy world. From how many days above 34 degrees Celsius farmers will experience which will affect their crops, to changes in rain patterns, the atlas shows what will happen based on climate model predictions. It makes it real. The atlas is available at https://climateatlas.ca/

Myths on renewable energy are part of the Apartheid against renewables. The Apartheid remains strong. Robert discusses how advertising can be used to promote disinformation and weaponized information. Eric points out that the fossil fuel is well served by many people promoting these myths against renewable energy: that we cannot live without fossil fuels, we can make fossil fuel cleaner, electric cars do not work, renewable energy is expensive... Eric points out that addressing myths is an area where AI can sort information for us well and help us discredits such myths. For the meantime, Doctor Renewable can contribute to explain these myths.

Edward discusses how his company started after a few of his friends graduated from Simon Frazer University in Engineering and got together to find ways to repurpose EV batteries. After several projects and successful funding rounds of investment, Moment Energy is working on micro-grid projects across Canada. Robert asks questions regarding how to determine the state of degradation of the batteries and where Moment Energy get their used batteries from, while Eric is most interested in how battery repurposing can support the integration of renewable energy to increase the renewable energy ratio. Edward also discusses off-grid projects that assist remote communities to end their diesel dependencies.

Eric interviews a neighbour, and they get into a lengthy conversation. She discusses how she perceives climate change. Working with Indigenous communities across Manitoba, she also relates what she has observed in these communities and how Indigenous themselves may perceive climate change. Doctor renewable is committed to listen to what Canadians have to say about the transition to a renewable energy world away from fossil fuels in support of equity for both future generations and all biodiversity on earth. And yes, Eric should talk less during Street Talk interviews.

Kathy introduces us to Petropoetics which refers to poetry about fossil fuels representing an artistic visualization of the culture surrounding oil and gas. Kathy reads her poem entitled “Shell Queen" which was commissioned by Shell Canada and showcases the hardship of workers labouring in the Alberta tar sands. Kathy then reads her poem entitled “Always Knew (I Loved the Sky)” where she plays upon our infinite concept of sky we hold on to; through her poetic words, she tells us not is all well with Sky in the era of climate change. Things take a turn for the worst when Eric tries to introduce Renewpoetics and tries a poem of his own. Robert cries ouch…

Eric presents THE RED CUP energy policy. Here the focus is on our energy needs—Transportation, Heat and Electricity—the three levers to increase the fraction of recent sunlight—Renewables, Efficiency and Demand—and the three scales to bring change—Community, Utility and People. Doctor Renewable then showcases our first street talk interview where we ask people off the street what they think of climate change. Here a person reflects on her understanding of climate change and is introduced for the first time to the carbon clock.

A wise man once said that humans are the otters of the universe. And we do like to play during the era of climate change with energy concepts for the fun of it, even if they are impractical on an industrial scale. With Germany fighting electrification of vehicles and lobbing to allow internal combustion vehicles to continue beyond 2030 if they run on e-fuels, this news story from Quebec is well timed. Although the media has been poking holes at the e-fuel strategy, and with good reasons, e-fuels may have no purpose other than it’s a cool concept to work on. When you apply THE RED CUP, the E in RED stands for Efficiency and loss of efficiency in any process leads to GHG’s of the global commons. Robert’s excitement in this e-fuel technology is lessened by Eric, again. Reducing the fossil fuel train that goes 84 times around the earth year after year is not simple, even if we would allow the world’s best engineers to work on it and simultaneously remove interference from stakeholders. From Eric tone he knows e-fuel will not pass the test of time and economics.

Using solar heat is not supported in Canada. People have negative arguments like they do for electric cars. Daniel is here to explain how he installed three solar air panels on his house. He addresses the myths and negative perceptions. For example, air panels do not frost the glass when they heat moist building air. That is a misconception, as to prevent frost, solar air panels typically isolate the building air from the glass pane using a copper plate that is treated to absorb solar radiation. Daniel explains how he connected his solar system by drawing warm air from the top floor, then sends the collected air to the solar panels located outside to be heated, and then injects the solar heated air in his basement. The solar heated air then slowly rises in his house. This reduces his consumption of fossil fuels and increases the renewable energy ratio of his house. Eric points out that solar air panels are now less available on the market, signaling we are not serious about the decline of biodiversity from using fossil fuels that fills a train that goes 84 times around the earth each year. Many climate change stakeholders do not understand solar heating technology and how to install these.

The NRCan Home Energy Advisor program allows homeowners to hire a certified advisor to improve the efficiency of their home. An advisor comes to your home and performs a home assessment, and then provides a report that rates the energy efficiency of your home. Such assessment is required to then obtain Federal financial incentives to improve the energy efficiency of your home. The program promotes energy efficiency retrofits and to a small extent adding solar panels. The program is not designed to make your home 100% renewable energy as it mainly works on E in RED: adding Renewables, improving energy Efficiency and reducing Demand.

It is critical to educate the next generation of students in STEM so they develop the ability and interest to solve climate change. The energy transition will require technical people. With Canada stuck at a renewable energy ratio of 19% for many more years, and maybe decades, our response to climate change has proven to be slow. It will be up to the next generation to take charge and achieve results Canadians currently talked about. The student presents his understanding how geothermal works, focusing on making electricity from hot water trapped below the earth.

Doctor Renewable is based on THE RED CUP approach, discussed in Episode 2, to solve climate change and does away with carbon calculations. However, it is important to be understand how much carbon products and activities contribute to greenhouse gases. The author even considers how bad are bananas, to show how everything we buy adds to the carbon problem. The book gives an approximate carbon footprint of 100 activities, including sending a text message and the World Cup. This book helps people make informed decisions to reduce their carbon footprint. The book also compares methods of transportation, including walking and cycling. Eric and Robert then discuss with Nazim how we can contribute to solve climate change and discuss this with our children.

Bruce discusses how renewable energy projects can use CRCE to gain financing at the start of a clean energy project. This source of financing follows how the oil and gas industry obtain billions of subsidies from the Canadian tax payers without them really knowing how. This interview is an update to a previous interview on the subject where Eric and Robert try to better understand CRCE tax credit. Bruce tries to elaborate on this source of financing, this time adding how CRCE flow through shares can be combined with a donation to a charity. He explains that the CRCE tax credit is shared by the investor that has a tax liability and the final institutional investor owning at the end the flow through shares.

Shahab is working at developing a technology to be able to interrogate a battery and see it history. Very much like medical records for a patient, this information would reveal the battery history so that it can be used most appropriately after it is no longer needed in an electric vehicle. By repurposing batteries before they are eventually recycled, batteries can contribute not only to provide sustainable transportation, but also support intermediate wind and solar. Shahab is part of the next generation of professional developing solutions to address climate change.

Using solar heat is not supported in Canada. People have negative arguments like they do for electric cars. Daniel is here to explain how he installed three solar air panels on his house. He addresses the myths and negative perceptions. For example, air panels do not frost the glass when they heat moist building air. That is a misconception, as to prevent frost, solar air panels typically isolate the building air from the glass pane using a copper plate that is treated to absorb solar radiation. Daniel explains how he connected his solar system by drawing warm air from the top floor, then sends the collected air to the solar panels located outside to be heated, and then injects the solar heated air in his basement. The solar heated air then slowly rises in his house. This reduces his consumption of fossil fuels and increases the renewable energy ratio of his house. Eric points out that solar air panels are now less available on the market, signaling we are not serious about the decline of biodiversity from using fossil fuels that fills a train that goes 84 times around the earth each year. Many climate change stakeholders do not understand solar heating technology and how to install these.

Alberta is a great example of the Apartheid against renewables. With their open market, many developers recently installed wind and solar in Alberta while other provinces, except for Quebec, had their public utilities put barriers. However, several news stories have highlighted the inconsistencies of the Alberta Premier where she is working against the expansion of lower cost solar and wind and giving a voice to oil and gas to slow down the transition. Her approach is short sighted. In the end wind and solar will prevail. In the meantime, Albertans are economically impacted. Eric explains how wind and solar projects being renewable will not be decommissioned after 25 years, but rather upgraded with more efficient systems. The Alberta Premier seems to think that renewables are like oil wells and expire after 25 years so you must penalize renewables for ensuring they allow for decommissioning. In contrast oil and gas have a free pass and leave Canadians on the hook to pay for the 170,000 abandoned oil wells in Alberta. Alberta Premier is asking for 80% of the Canada Pension plan for herself not to clean up orphan wells, but rather as her war chest to fund oil and gas instead of letting market forces prevail.

Street Talk interviews provide a chance to learn from Canadians. In this interview we hear comments from a young women about how she understands the issues surrounding climate change, where she represents a voice from the younger generation. The interview showcases how she processes the upcoming climate change issues that will affect her generations. Eric does not hold back on his questions, and the women’s response are most appropriate, providing a spontaneous insight how younger Canadians think of climate change. As Canada remains stuck at 20 tons of GHG equivalent per Canadian and our population continues to grow, there is still no indication that Canada will make progress anytime soon to reduce its carbon footprint.

Nature is not an environmentalist and produces significant amounts of GHG’s every year. For simplicity, let’s say 20 times more than humans, as that is an easy number to remember. The real number is lower. Eric calls this the first phase, and in this phase, nature sequesters what it produces every year. This translates into a stable climate with GHG’s of 270 ppm before the industrial revolution. The second phase of GHG’s is the industrial revolution where manmade GHG’s that contains more isotopes of carbon markers C-13 and C-14 clearly show the human burning fossil fuels increase GHG’s. It’s a fact, like the earth is round and not flat. In phase 2 we are sitting at 420 ppm and increasing by 2.6 ppm every year due to fossil fuel burning and industrial agriculture. The third phase is now starting which is more complex. Nature is reacting to humans adding 50 billion tons of GHG equivalent every year from mainly burning fossil fuels. Now farmers may relate what they observe, but the third phase is only starting with data from marshes showing more methane production. The third phase has begun. Note scientists that invent cell phones and airplanes with great success are also applying themselves at understanding what is the impact of humans burning so much fossil fuels using the same scientific method. Shell and Esso scientists new about the impacts of fossil fuel use in the 60’s, so nothing is new, just more complex now as scientist have better tools. Lay people reading social media sites on climate change and coming up with conclusions that this is a hoax is irrelevant—their limited efforts and understanding is no match compared to millions of man-years of people dedicated to their profession working at deciphering of what is going on. To this we can add AI which will is now blending all our scientific knowledge to surpass us. One thing for sure, such news stories is just the beginning as we enter the third phase. The question is, when will the Apartheid against renewables be lifted, and who will be our Nelson to transition to a 100% renewable energy benchmark and leave net-zero behind? THE RED CUP is the path forward and the focus of this show.

Many people say that with more technology we will find more fossil fuels. That is not true. With more technology we find harder to extract fossil fuels like tar sands in Alberta. However, we have been very good at finding fossil fuel oil reserves. Any new discoveries can only provide enough fossil fuels to power the earth for a few extra months, that is all! We know Canada has found most of its fossil fuels as Canada removed the exportation tax credits in 2023 that went to subsidize fossil fuels exploration in Canada by tax avoidance of rich people and corporation—a scheme to hide this from the lay person. This year Canada added a new subsidy for carbon sequestration which will require more fossil fuel and decrease the energy efficiency in Canada, clearly working against THE RED CUP and increasing the fossil fuel train that currently goes 84 times around the world. The federal government wants to tax Canadians to be much less energy efficient and still emitting GHG’s. Afterall Cand mainly wants to subsidize carbon capture for processing tar sands and is helpless afterwards when combustion occurs.

Joan Thomas has frequent conversations with other authors about changing the narrative regarding humanity’s attitude to nature. Her novel, Wild Hope, centres on a chef and a visual artist, who question the script they grew up with about what constitutes success. The story she tells, a love story and a mystery, seeks to subtly convey the challenges and anxieties of our current crisis. Eric raises the issue of whether an author can assume readers will grasp a meaning that is allegorical, referring to the movie “Don’t Look Up,” a parody of the climate crisis, the meaning of which eluded many viewers. He also asks Joan how our frustration about the lack of progress from our governments that supports the fossil fuel industry can be transmitted through fictional characters. Joan describes how writers can create characters who play a role in the current crisis—for example, Jake’s father in Wild Hope, who was one of the disinformation specialists employed by Exxon in the 1980s. Joan observes that readers have responded positively to her novel and strike her as being hungry for stories that do not perpetuate the silence around the climate crisis.

A wise man once said that humans are the otters of the universe. And we do like to play during the era of climate change with energy concepts for the fun of it, even if they are impractical on an industrial scale. With Germany fighting electrification of vehicles and lobbing to allow internal combustion vehicles to continue beyond 2030 if they run on e-fuels, this news story from Quebec is well timed. Although the media has been poking holes at the e-fuel strategy, and with good reasons, e-fuels may have no purpose other than it’s a cool concept to work on. When you apply THE RED CUP, the E in RED stands for Efficiency and loss of efficiency in any process leads to GHG’s of the global commons. Robert’s excitement in this e-fuel technology is lessened by Eric, again. Reducing the fossil fuel train that goes 84 times around the earth year after year is not simple, even if we would allow the world’s best engineers to work on it and simultaneously remove interference from stakeholders. From Eric tone he knows e-fuel will not pass the test of time and economics.

During the review Eric brings up points that showcases how the author is preoccupied with energy usage and efficiency and tends to disregard renewable energy. The author prefers not to use renewable energy, as for him, it promotes use of mining and disregards the facts that fossil fuels employ more materials as it is wasteful. He supports living in tight quarters and use public transportation. His approach is still based on fossil fuel use. THE RED CUP approach showcases a world where if you use 100% renewable energy, then abundance is possible, and austerity does not have to dominate your approach. And no, we will not run out of lithium. The author does not mention that we have 10,000 more energy from the sun than we need, and we do not consume renewable energy. Such important concepts are missing in this book. Instead the opts to take the easier approach and support the apartheid against renewables.

During the book review Eric discusses an alterative lifestyle based on THE RED CUP which is a balance between renewable, energy efficiency and energy demand. THE RED CUP does not impose limits as we have enough renewable energy. Instead, it has people, communities and utilities come up with an approach that is based on using the renewable energy abundance we were given and leave fossil fuels in the ground. The only cost-effective sequestration process is to leave fossil fuels in the ground and move towards an exciting renewable energy future. Eric notes the author makes a mistake by quoting the GHG from meat as CO2 rather than CO2e, raising doubts on the GHG calculations to achieve a 1.5-degree lifestyle. This is a large mistake coming from a non-veg author as the GHG are thus 2/3 lower.

With remaining coal plants producing electricity in Canada being phased out before 2040, we do not need to pursue coal sequestration. For natural gas electricity, many of these plants will be peaking plants, acting as a battery to support wind and solar and it will be more difficult to sequester CO2 when loads are varying. The two sequestration plants that Eric knows about in the world are steady state and base loaded. Eric explains the error of the federal government for not implementing a 75% energy efficiency on all combustion systems by emulating many European countries. This would have required using combined heat and power technologies, thus reduce heating fuel requirements and increase energy efficiency. Energy efficiency policy is not high on our federal government agenda. In addition, grid interties were the first thing to implement to allow hydro and biomass power to support wind and solar across Canada to increase renewable energy and decrease the use of fossil fuels. Government policy instead focused to increase demand for fossil fuels and add even more subsidies on top of existing subsidies for fossil fuels.

One kilogram of beef produces one hundred kilograms of GHG’s. Eric argues no use buying an electric vehicle to reduce your carbon footprint if you continue eating beef, for example. With Canadians producing twenty tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, we can see that eating ten kilogram of beef produces 1 ton of carbon dioxide equivalent or about 5%. Now sheep produce less carbon equivalent at around six kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent. Breeding sheep that produces less GHG does contribute. Eric then interviews a young lady on street talk—to get a pulse how the younger generation think about climate change—and she stresses that education about climate change is a big part of arriving to a solution.

Robert Elms has been at the forefront of EV’s in Manitoba. With MEVA he has been able to promote EV’s with many government officials and the media. With Manitoba lagging in EV adoption and support, it is important to have people like Robert invest time to promote EV’s and educate people. Electric vehicles are very much part of THE RED CUP policy: you retire gasoline and create new renewable electricity to power electric cars. You gain by and increase in energy efficiency (E) and adding renewables (R). Eric highlights that having to add new renewable electricity is somewhat lost in EV discussions. Like a paycheck, you cannot use renewable electricity twice. Efficiency Manitoba and Manitoba Hydro are currently not active in EV’s—many stakeholders prefer to promote electricity exports rather have Manitobans pay less than $400 in electricity to drive an EV throughout the year. Moreover, nobody in Canada has a program to provide incentives for homeowners for electric vehicles and solar PV to increase the renewable energy ratio.

Reading such news articles on energy requires attention to details. As the case for these 2 articles, one is required to read between the lines. The article on modular reactors is well written and does not try to confuse nor advertise the technology. With over 2 million pages for the documents required for licensing, it is not possible to discuss how hard it is to license and build modular reactors. The article highlights that this is not the first modular reactor to get approved in the US. As Eric worked on small scale reactors, he relates some of his experience. The second article dealing with making hydrogen from renewables focuses on reusing natural gas infrastructure from existing natural gas pipelines and gas turbines to make power. Eric must extrapolate what the person interviewed may have tried to communicate to the reporter, demystify the information, and discuss what the article may be about.

There are many steps required to be taken to achieve a 100% renewable energy world and stop consuming fossil fuels equivalent to a train going 84 times around the earth every year. One of these steps is to provide opportunities to undergraduate engineers to be introduced to modeling renewable energy generation and apply their emerging engineering skills to apply THE RED CUP. This approach first reduces loads through energy demand reductions, and then by applying more efficient technologies. The final step is to generate the energy using only renewable energy sources. Charlie discusses what he learned during his project. He had the opportunity to design how he could convert his existing house to 100% renewable energy by apply THE RED CUP.

Ever wonder how the fossil fuel industry has been subsidized by tax payers to the tune of over 4 billion per year using flow through shares? Bruce discusses how the CEE that has been available to the fossil fuel industry is available through a similar version developed for the renewable industry called CRCE. Bruce presents his understanding of this tax credit, not a simple subject to learn and apply. Robert discusses how he is going through this program for a 100% renewable manufacturing plant, and Eric discusses that NRCAN rules on what expenses are applicable in clean energy projects are not simple, nor intuitive. Bruce explains how this tax credit works. However, this discussion will need to be continued as clean energy projects developers struggle to apply this tax credit, and it is hard to understand and apply. There are many expert’s accountant and lawyers across Canada that have experience in CEE for the oil, gas, and mining industries, but there a few experts with experience in the renewable energy industry to the delight of the Canadian Revenue Agency.

The letter is very clear. Toyota no longer deserves to be called a leader in sustainability and is actively working against solving climate change. Eric explains how THE RED CUP can be used to reach sustainable transportation and comments on how Tesla and IKEA are focused on active 100% renewable energy operation, forging the temptation to play the net-zero game with offsets and unproven costly technologies. We have 10,000 more energy from the sun than we need. Accessing 1 out of 10,000 is hard but a simpler path to solve climate change and address the fact that fossil fuels will come to an end as they are finite.

Eric goes through important concepts about energy efficiency. He repeats THE RED CUP policy, which is a sensible and better approach to solve climate change. Using present day net-zero policy masks issues concerning energy efficiency and thus promotes more energy consumption to favor fossil fuel companies. Eric makes it clear that before energy is commercially made from renewable energy, efficiency does not matter other than potentially affecting price and increase land and material use. However, the opposite is true once renewable energy is created: efficiency is most important. Although this sounds confusing, understanding this concept about energy efficiency will make solving climate change easier. Moreover, when hydrogen is used for transportation and when using more fossil fuels to sequester fossil fuels, people will get a deeper understanding of how governments are making climate change harder to solve by not considering energy efficiency in net-zero policy. Finally, Eric gives an Apartheid Against Renewable Award (AARA) to Bjorn Lomborg, the author of the book False Alarm, for the ignorance of energy efficiency he displays in his book.

Curt talks of the strategy to live fossil free, a strategy that is available in the recent Manitoba’s Road to Resilience document available online. Robert talks with Curt about how to address climate change in Manitoba. Robert likes the idea district energy systems using biomass and heat pumps to displace natural gas used for addressing building heat loads. As part of the strategy, he is working on, Manitoba needs to add more wind generation, better manage energy exports, add some solar, and battery storage. This plan will require to double the electrical generation in the province. Using fossil fuels for heat and transportation accounts for almost 60% of our GHG emissions in Manitoba which could be eliminated, as we need to find local solution rather than import fossil fuels. He notes that Manitoba is producing more greenhouse gases compared to 2005.

Jack explains how MEIA when the organization formed in 1991 it focused on environmental issues related to waste management and landfill but has evolved to also include other environmental goods and service businesses like clean energy sector. The environment affects all sectors including manufacturing, aerospace, and agriculture, where companies are looking at all aspects of their operational footprint. For example, MEIA has supported waste biomass resource assessments, for example, to find ways to help displace natural gas used for heating. They have supported training for geothermal heating as another example. They compliment these initiatives as the designated Sector Council for mining and energy in the province, so they look at the training requirements for trades to address the changing workforce. Based on trends and data Jack says demand cleantech jobs will increase by 30% in the province by 2030. Robert and Jack discuss the last MEIA Cleantech Conference, including the feedback regarding David Suzuki’s keynote address where he uses such platform to showcase the urgency for action on curbing GHG emissions and mitigating human impact on biodiversity.

This is an important Street Talk episode, where we not only get the pulse of the nation on climate change but get to hear from two women living in a First Nation community how they view climate change. There discussion centers around traditional knowledge looking at fire and water to shed light to what is happening to our planet. They present what is the role of women and men to address this global issue. We are presently in the seventh ring of fire, where the ancestors predicted the coming destruction from forest fires to loos of species. Corporate greed is at the source of the climate change problem where there is no respect for the earth. Mother nature provides abundance but with the over use of fossil fuels, the prophecy predicted by the elders is coming to the forefront to impact us all.

Mark relates his experience working on utility-based projects across the world. Mark gives his opinion on how Manitoba is left poorer overall with the shutdown of Manitoba Hydro International and comments on its demise. Solving climate change requires technical people and they need to gain experience. He comments that he typically finds much more interest in renewables outside Canada with many jurisdictions actively looking at moving away of fossil fuels and its high cost. He develops software to provide how much power could be generated from the building facade to displace the building’s electrical costs. Such an approach provides long term value for property managers. In addition, recladding of a building with photovoltaic is approximately the same cost as doing business as usual. He is presently working at the commercialization of a vehicle to home charging system.

Eric discusses why Europe is so far ahead in terms of the energy transition. Canada is stuck at 19% renewables for the last 3 decades and does not want to ditch the net-zero benchmark so it can promote using fossil fuels to fix fossil fuels to create more market for fossil fuels during the climate crisis. However, Europe is moving ahead with the renewable energy benchmark. It is now common in Europe to not use the net-zero benchmark and talk of the percentage of renewable benchmark, demonstrating a much better mastery of how to address the energy transition. Europe is having discussion that since they are achieving their targets for 2030, why not move the goal post to 45% renewables. Such discussion is beyond the reach of Canada as we try to decrease energy efficiency with hydrogen for vehicles and carbon capture to expand fossil fuel demand. Robert is excited about a new wind mill technology being presented in an article. Eric goes through the article highlighting certain aspects which makes the products not appear as rosy as Robert thinks it is showing there is work ahead for this company to achieve commercialization.

The Winnipeg article discusses how the city like Winnipeg wants to maybe add solar panels on its civic buildings. Here is a case where THE RED CUP is wanting to be applied. The (C)ommunity here is the city of Winnipeg which is looking at adding (R)enewables to address its (E)lectrical loads. Robert shows how old he is remembering that Jimmy Carter added solar PV panels to the white house only to be taken down later by another administration. Eric repeats the law of the common where we dump the GHG when burning fossil fuel into the atmospheric layer and any generation of renewables helps decrease GHG no matter where. Eric relates his experience with permitting from the city of Winnipeg for his Tesla and PV installation. Eric conducts two Street Talk interviews to see how the young generation is coping with the lack of progress to solve climate change.

Eric highlights that the authors significantly underestimate the remaining value of fossil fuels left to be extracted in the ground. As the world’s GDP is almost 100 trillion, and the fossil fuels extracted every year require an “equivalent” train that goes 84 times around the world to carry them, it does not take much understanding that the value of the fossil fuel before further processing is at least 5 trillion per year (5% of GDP). With the apartheid against renewable presently in full swing, and as we continue fossil fuel extraction for 50 years or more, then the value left to extract of fossil fuels is in the many trillions of dollars, not billion as mentioned by the authors. Moreover, linking the solution to solve climate change to other complex social issues that have been around for centuries does contributes to the apartheid against renewables. We need 40 TW at an average 25% capacity factor of renewable energy, and we receive 20,000 more energy than we need from the sun at the ground level, not counting geothermal, planets, and nuclear.

Terry discusses during the interview that the opportunities and challenges of formulating long-term strategic policies and programs to address climate change within a transportation government department is limited. As climate change policies and programs are traditionally compartmentalized within an environment portfolio, it is challenging to address climate change in transportation. Within the environment department, Manitoba has established a renewable fuel standard to blend ethanol with gasoline, biodiesel in diesel fuels, and participated in hydrogen bus demonstrations. Terry notes environment departments have no real mandate to address transportation policy and programs. Terry discusses how he looked at fuel efficiency in heavy duty trucking; participate in the international student-based solar car event; helped addressed transportation and climate change focused on urban freight movement and active transportation; facilitated cold weather testing of a hydrogen hybrid bus; and conducted a baseline analysis of transportation GHGs emitted within Winnipeg and the province. He relates how adapting to climate change means looking at provincial winter road system as they become shortened by warmer winters. Terry facilitated a temperature trend analysis that explains that shorter warmer winters are highly probable.

Mr. Yonza sets the record straight on what recalls mean for Tesla car owners where they receive over the air updates of the vehicle software which improves the car over time. He relates his experience of having his Tesla car serviced which is relatively simple and straight forward. You book an appointment from your car and go to the service center, or they come to service your car. Mr. Yonza discusses how Tesla has a strong focus on vehicle safety that is much better that traditional car manufacturers. He addresses media biases where for example over 80,000 internal gasoline cars burn up each year which never makes it on the news, but any time an electric vehicle catches fire it is all over the news. He explains how charging and range anxiety is overstated as the car software tells you how much you will have left when you reach your destination. It also tells you where you can charge. He explains that he gave up trying to get our province to support electric vehicles as there was no response, as our provincial government are not interested to support sustainable transportation. For the provincial government, adding electric loads in the province reduces exports revenues, a conservative mindset that goes against the role of any crown company with a monopoly.

Rob explains the ocean level variation that will occur due to climate change. There is an average height of the ocean regulated by global precipitation and evaporation patterns. With melting ice caps and glaciers, water volume will increase causing ocean levels to rise, possibly as much as 10 to 20 feet in some areas. This will have a significant impact on low lying coastal communities, and impact will be felt with coastal storms causing ocean water to move further inland. Moreover, warmer waters will lead to a longer hurricane season which can lead to a greater number of hurricanes, and an increased risk of more intense hurricanes. Rob explains how a two degree warmer planet holds 14% more water mass. This means the atmosphere will be able to hold more moisture, leading to heavier rainstorms in the future with more intense downpours and flash flooding events. As municipalities design their drainage system based on expected large downpours of the past, we know that most are not designed to handle much larger downpour events. Even more significant impacts are expected if the earth experiences a 4.5-degree Celsius warming by 2100. You will see less occurrence of cold temperatures; more severe heat and heat waves; melting of ice caps and raising sea levels; more wildfires; more droughts; more hurricanes; high precipitation events; and a fundamental shift in the planet's ecosystems, including changes in marine life and how insects impact forests. These are all impacts that will lead to social changes, including a mass exodus of people fleeing areas experiencing extreme weather. Not a pretty future all because we refuse to use 1 out of 10,000 energy from recent sunlight and stick to the apartheid against renewables.

Janine relates the history of how she became mobilized to fight for a new paradigm where our political structures can respect the earth and stop its continued exploitation. Janine is leading the fight to get more people interested in the environmental movement right here in Manitoba. Janine discusses the history of Manitoba Hydro where the development of dams caused a legacy of mistrust from the damage caused to First Nation communities. She adds, our approach to farming in Manitoba is heavily dependent on fossil fuels, including the refrigerant chain from our imported food. Her many years working in organic agriculture has made her aware of the significant greenhouse gas footprint farming has here in Manitoba and the challenges ahead. Our growth-oriented economy where more is better is leading us to destruction of biodiversity. Let’s create balance and equality in our production and implement green initiatives in sectors of our economy. This will move us towards closer to better health, ecology, and care for the planet.

Ray discusses how the Manitoba Hydro surplus electricity program is not clear for farmers who often want to apply to the program as they seek to decrease their reliance on fossil fuels. Ray discusses the general confusion of the program which traditionally was put in place to support farmers. Now it seems, listening to Ray, that the province is more favorable to export surplus electricity. Eric sees a similar pattern where Manitoba looks at electricity exports sales rather than to support electric mobility for Manitobans. Let us be reminded that a monopoly is given to provincial utilities so that they work in favor of its citizen they serve. Not having farmers increase their reliance on fossil fuel use seems to be a goal that a public monopoly should strive to achieve.

As the book review only has time to discuss the preamble, it will be continued on another show. The authors in the preamble demonstrate they are not energy experts and their first proposition to achieve net zero leads to a substantial decrease in energy efficiency, which is then followed by asking for a radical increase in energy efficiency. Luckily, their third point is to increase renewables which brings hope for the book. However, the authors are not able to understand their error as only through understanding of THE RED CUP and that the benchmark is to increase the renewable energy ratio, rather than decrease GHG, can you understand how net zero looks at using more fossil fuels to treat fossil fuels. Moreover, net zero does not attribute any short comings when decreasing energy efficiency, especially when using renewables energy inefficiently. The authors have fallen into the trap set up by the fossil fuel industry in the preamble even before the book starts. Eric explains THE RED CUP again, as repetition is part of the show’s objectives. Moreover, climate change policy will eventually migrate to tracking the percentage of renewable energy when the apartheid against renewables reaches its own tipping point. However, we are still decades away as can be clearly witness in the preamble of this book.

Dr. Kraj did her master in wind energy and her PhD in renewable energy integration. Upon graduation, she started her own consulting company. Robert asks Andrea what it is like to work in renewable energy and interact with communities integrating various renewable energy sources. He is most interested in seeing how as a young professional women Andrea works in this emerging technical field for which there is a tremendous demand as the new generation needs to support the energy transition to move away from fossil fuels. Eric asks how communities are reacting to this novel challenge. Robert and Eric have much to discuss still and invite Andrea to come back.

Myths on renewable energy are part of the Apartheid against renewables. The Apartheid remains strong. Robert discusses how advertising can be used to promote disinformation and weaponized information. Eric points out that the fossil fuel is well served by many people promoting these myths against renewable energy: that we cannot live without fossil fuels, we can make fossil fuel cleaner, electric cars do not work, renewable energy is expensive... Eric points out that addressing myths is an area where AI can sort information for us well and help us discredits such myths. For the meantime, Doctor Renewable can contribute to explain these myths.

Doctor Renewable provides a unique and rare insight into an indigenous couple views on climate change—human greed is destroying the earth and mother earth is not doing well. The world is far from the path indigenous elders left behind as an example to follow. As the damage to mother earth is being done rapidly, Indigenous people feel helpless, and default to focus on simple issues like recycling and withdrawing from consumer society. The couple replates how they feel impacted by climate change in a world that just does not care, more focused on silencing voices, and destroying biodiversity. As a result, the young are becoming unhealthier in First Nation communities as the modern world promotes the worst of the worst for the few rich so they can achieve economic success leaving our children the poorer for it.

The letter is very clear. Toyota no longer deserves to be called a leader in sustainability and is actively working against solving climate change. The letter is self-explanatory. Robert and Eric then discuss a scorecard as it relates to how much oil is left in the ground. Simple math shows that within 40 years we no longer have access to a large resource. The episode finishes with a women relating her thoughts on climate change via a street talk interview.

The New Climate War: The Fight to Take Back Our Planet is a 2021 book on climate change by the American climatologist and geophysicist Michael Mann. Robert relates how Mann discusses how the fossil fuel industry worked to delay action on climate change, then talks of the poor government response to climate change, and what are the good ideas to move forward. Mann is excellent at showcasing disinformation of the fossil fuel industry. Robert discusses that based on the book we need to seriously look at the impact on climate and move beyond the climate war that disrespects science. Again, Mann is a pro at exposing the architects of misinformation and misdirection.

Eric raises the issue that GM has been at the forefront of blocking EV’s development. Like other establish original equipment manufacturers, they were fighting EV and their managers saying that the transition will not occur anytime soon, ignoring the signs and simple math. Like Japan who may lose it car manufacturing industry during the transition, Canada needs to step up and work to address the EV transition. The Federal government was told more than 15 years ago that this was coming, and that that they need to distance themselves from hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and biofuels, but they have done relatively little to prepare for the transition. Like all other countries, Canada now sees the writing on the wall. This letter shows concern by the Canadian auto industry and the time to place roadblocks and having meetings is over; it’s time for real leadership.

This is an important news story. For one thing, the industry has known that exceeding 500 Wh/kg was within reach and that the batteries people purchase will outlive them. As vertical take off airplanes require 400 Wh/kg to be somewhat effective, this is great news to the aircraft industry. Eric points out that storage capacity is more limited by heat extraction and dendrite formation. Unlike internal combustion engines where we have approached the limit on thermodynamics, battery chemistries improvements have significant room to expand, a fact never discussed by those that exemplify the wrong intervention and the wrong action, supporting the fossil fuel industry and biodiversity destruction. Eric is quick to remind us that at 200 Wh/kg the internal combustion engine is already dead and the EV’s can take 100% of the market, up to a class 8 even at 200 Wh/kg. As battery capacity improves, this will make EV lower cost, lighter, and accelerates the pathway to a renewable energy transportation system at a much lower cost.

The book presents a history of climate change. The book discusses how man’s influence from mainly burning fossil fuels will overwhelm our climate. With many species already facing extinction due to the levels of greenhouse gases that will be experienced in the next few decades, Tim Flannery argues we are reaching a global climatic tipping point. He offers suggestions for action, from investing in renewable power sources, to presenting an action plan to reduce GHG emissions. Scientist Tim Flannery argues for the need to address what is clearly threatening survival of biodiversity on earth. From reading the book one gets a sense of urgency and lets us think what we can do to make a difference before it may be too late.

Edward discusses how his company started after a few of his friends graduated from Simon Frazer University in Engineering and got together to find ways to repurpose EV batteries. After several projects and successful funding rounds of investment, Moment Energy is working on micro-grid projects across Canada. Robert asks questions regarding how to determine the state of degradation of the batteries and where Moment Energy get their used batteries from, while Eric is most interested in how battery repurposing can support the integration of renewable energy to increase the renewable energy ratio. Edward also discusses off-grid projects that assist remote communities to end their diesel dependencies.

Derek discusses the micro-grid tests that integrated an SME Plat-II platform composed of six Schottel turbines, solar photovoltaic panels, lithium batteries, a diesel generator, inverters, and a BMT machine user interface. Tests were performed by selecting any one power source to set the grid frequency with the BMT controller then adjusting the power output of each generator to match the simulated community load. This tidal project came to a stop when SME pulled out of Canada after experiencing too many issues raised by the Department of Fisheries who refused to allow SME to install their tidal platforms in Nova Scotia. As we live in the apartheid against renewables, roadblocks that delay renewable energy penetration are favoured—there is no policy in Canada to increase the renewable energy ratio that stagnates at 19%, with a bias to support energy technologies that decrease the ratio instead. It takes a democracy to do renewable energy and only a dictatorship to block it.

Canada’s renewable energy ratio is stagnant at 19% when Europe is passing 40%. Moreover, Canada GHG equivalent keeps increasing and cannot be controlled. That is because we keep producing about 20 tonne per Canadian during the last 30 years and our population keeps increasing. Canada signs international agreements to reduce their GHG equivalent but cannot stabilize its value, yet decrease it. Canada is sitting on the fence for the last 30 years using 81% fossil fuel and pushing policies to increase that percentage even higher in the era of climate change. The US however decreased from 23 to 17 tonne per capita during the same period. Note countries in Europe are well below 10 tonne per capita. Eric is quick to highlight that Italy produces slightly more GHG equivalent per capita compared to France.

It is critical to educate the next generation of students in STEM so they develop the ability and interest to solve climate change. The energy transition will require technical people. With Canada stuck at a renewable energy ratio of 19% for many more years, and maybe decades, our response to climate change has proven to be slow. It will be up to the next generation to take charge and achieve results Canadians currently talked about. During the interview, Eric who worked on the Canadian MAPLE, SLOWPOKE and CANDU reactors discusses with the student how he thinks his generation is going to address Climate Change differently. It is crucial to involve young students as they will experience climate change impacts and will have to implement the renewable energy transition. Moreover, they may not buy into the concept that climate change can be solved mainly by using more fossil fuels as current stakeholders advocate. Note Doctor Renewable does not publish names of minors.

Doctor Renewable (dr@umfm.com) discusses the result of a survey that asked people how they perceive climate change. Eric and Robert get into a heated discussion. In addition to geothermal and nuclear energy, we have 5000 more solar energy than we need incident on earth’s surface. Why we are not moving decisively to a 100% renewable energy world and keep being stuck at 19% renewable energy in Canada remains a social issue that Robert cannot yet explain. It is apparent that Robert is afraid to discuss gender differences how men and women see climate change differently—maybe he got wise with age.

Ghassan Nimry joins us to discuss evaporative and adiabatic cooling technologies that grocery chain, hotels, and restaurants can immediately install as part of their corporate strategy to implement practical solutions to address climate change while saving money. Buildings operators can apply THE RED CUP to increase the percentage use of renewable energy by making roof-top-chillers and hot water heating systems more efficient, supporting the energy transition to help preserve biodiversity on earth. Moreover, system designs can be optimized taking advantage of heat sources in parking lots and rejected heat to further increase energy efficiency. Of importance is an improved approach of using both sensible and latent heat of water—less water is used and the relative humidity decreases inside the building showing us that thermodynamic is indeed very cool…

Eric interviews a neighbour, and they get into a lengthy conversation. She discusses how she perceives climate change. Working with Indigenous communities across Manitoba, she also relates what she has observed in these communities and how Indigenous themselves may perceive climate change. Doctor renewable is committed to listen to what Canadians have to say about the transition to a renewable energy world away from fossil fuels in support of equity for both future generations and all biodiversity on earth. And yes, Eric should talk less during Street Talk interviews.

Doctor renewable investigates how the application for THE RED CUP where a family can reduce their impact on biodiversity loss by producing their own food and live with more abundance. Thus, during the workday, Dr. Philip Ferguson specializes in spacecraft, drone guidance, navigation, and control for space and Arctic remote sensing. When he gets home, Philip relaxes on his farm and produces the food his family requires year-round. From chickens to vegetables, Philip has figured it out. Eric brings out his microgreen rack for the show and Robert starts to think he may buy basil plants this summer.

Eric brings other news stories from around the world to Robert’s attention to show how hydrogen fuel cell buses are a non-starter. From a French mayor to BC winter Olympics, it becomes clear that hydrogen fuel cell bus projects worldwide occur because governments are not goal oriented. Robert discusses the concept of “snake oil salesman” from the old cowboy movies to see if this can explain what is happening here. Eric makes a bet that the city will demonstrate 8 electric buses and 8 hydrogen fuel cell buses as, he deduces, the Federal government is in control as they must be footing most of the bill. This hydrogen fuel cell bus demonstration will be like the 80 million project fiasco during the BC Winter Olympics where the 20 fuel cell buses were designed to be converted easily to diesel buses, as many people already predicted the outcome. It remains unclear if the city of Winnipeg is proactive and is also ordering these 8 fuel cell buses to be converted back to diesel. Eric points to the fact that wasting renewable electricity in Manitoba increases not only generation, transmission, and distributions costs, but creates 600 to 1000 kg/MWh of GHG’s as Manitoba’s neighbours require to burn more fossil fuels to compensate for us wasting renewable electricity to support hydrogen fuel cell vehicles: GHG emissions has no borders.

Eric and Robert interview Lorna to better understand what is happening in residential solar in Manitoba and northern Ontario. Solar PV on houses is a great way for people to install renewables to address their residential electrical loads. Robert gets excited and wants to get solar PV panels installed on his house, in part to charge a Tesla car and forgo buying gasoline. Eric highlights that solar PV for residential homes is a great application of THE RED CUP policy to solve climate change. People themselves invest into solar energy to displace their own loads to support the energy transition, reducing the reliance on public funding and the lethargy of stakeholders. It remains that government and utilities do not yet seem to understand that, like renewable energy sources, loads are distributed, and our predicted 300 GW of capacity required by 2050 in Canada can be partly addressed with residential solar. All three scales in CUP need to contribute and barriers removed. Lorena discusses some of the challenges she faces in this industry. You can contact Lorena at https://evolvegreen.ca/our-com....

Canada's electricity is mainly from renewables: hydroelectricity, biomass, wind and solar. However, 17% of our electricity is from fossil fuels. Ottawa wants electricity generation to not produce emissions within a 12-year time. This requires replacing 12.5 GW of fossil fuel capacity starting now which is not happening yet. Moreover, in the article, Minister Freeland is saying that electricity capacity will need to double in Canada to not produce emissions by 2050. Eric points out that to double the electrical capacity supply in Canada—from 150 to 300 GW—this would require more than the 6.3 billion tax credit contained in the 2023 budget, as 150 GW will cost more than 1.5 trillion. Eric is skeptical of how much of this green incentive in the recent budget is targeted to what he calls “anything but renewables” where in most government programs renewables typically quickly are moved to the bottom of the pile. Eric discusses with Robert a few of his own numbers he calculated on the Shell's Quest project highlighting Canada’s commitment to continue to support the apartheid against renewables in the era of climate change (article available at https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/green-electricity-budget-2023-freeland-1.6793933).

Cain’s Quest is the longest and toughest snowmobile endurance race in the world. This year the race was cancelled midway, as ice openings made the trek too dangerous for racers. As part of the race cancellation, Doctor Renewable brings a few more ideas on the chess board as we work to improve energy literacy to better understand the renewable energy transition. We conclude with a Street Talk interview with a person having a technical background.

Many scientists publish climate change models and make the data available to the public. These models range in complexity and their outcomes depends on policy scenarios investigated. The Climate Atlas of Canada accesses the data and through their website allows users to display the impact in any region in Canada due to climate change. Dr. Danny Blair explains how climate models work and how the results help to better understand the risks we are all taking by delaying our transition to a renewable energy world. From how many days above 34 degrees Celsius farmers will experience which will affect their crops, to changes in rain patterns, the atlas shows what will happen based on climate model predictions. It makes it real. The atlas is available at https://climateatlas.ca/

Roberts goes to the dentist and ORPC saves the day! Fabienne from ORPC was in town and replaces Robert as co-host. Fabienne provides an update on the ORPC river turbine being tested on the Winnipeg River. This Canadian project builds upon the RivGen microgrid ORPC demonstrated in Igiugig, Alaska. The Indigenous community in Igiugig was able to significantly reduce their diesel consumption throughout the year, supporting THE RED CUP approach to transition to a renewable energy world.

Kathy introduces us to Petropoetics which refers to poetry about fossil fuels representing an artistic visualization of the culture surrounding oil and gas. Kathy reads her poem entitled “Shell Queen" which was commissioned by Shell Canada and showcases the hardship of workers labouring in the Alberta tar sands. Kathy then reads her poem entitled “Always Knew (I Loved the Sky)” where she plays upon our infinite concept of sky we hold on to; through her poetic words, she tells us not is all well with Sky in the era of climate change. Things take a turn for the worst when Eric tries to introduce Renewpoetics and tries a poem of his own. Robert cries ouch…

The NRCan Home Advisor program is back where a home owner contracts directly with an NRCan Home Advisor. That person comes to your home and performs a home assessment, and then provides a detailed report that rates the energy efficiency of your home. Such assessment is required to then obtain Federal financial incentives to improve the energy efficiency of your home. From adding more insulation, to changing windows, Ahmad discusses details of the program. Robert and Eric then review climate change song “Plus Rien” and “Despite Repeated Warnings”, two songs that stand as giants on the topic of climate change.

Eric presents THE RED CUP energy policy. Here the focus is on our energy needs—Transportation, Heat and Electricity—the three levers to increase the fraction of recent sunlight—Renewables, Efficiency and Demand—and the three scales to bring change—Community, Utility and People. Doctor Renewable then showcases our first street talk interview where we ask people off the street what they think of climate change. Here a person reflects on her understanding of climate change and is introduced for the first time to the carbon clock.

Robert and Eric introduce each other and show that they come from opposite spectrum on climate change. We cover the carbon clock and what it means. We introduce various concepts that are required to better understand climate change like the global warming potential. We cover various segways that we will use on Doctor Renewable. Of importance we set the tone to cover a difficult topic with humor for a wide audience.