A podcast about climate action in Newfoundland and Labrador
Our first 6-episode series is based on the Transition 2050 project. Let us know what you think! If you enjoyed listening, we’d love to hear about other topics you’d like covered in potential future episodes.
In this last episode of our Transition 2050 project series, Ashley Smith, Owner and Managing Director of Fundamental Inc., summarizes where we are, where we need to go, and how we can get there. Ashley narrows in on what an eco-asset management approach is and how it can increase community resilience to climate change impacts, reduce emissions, and reduce municipal spending across Newfoundland and Labrador. She also takes a step back, looking at the big picture and how public, private, and not-for-profit entities can work together to create the zero carbon future we need.
Small population, isolated location, aging infrastructure, changing climate. The struggle is real for many small Town’s across Newfoundland and Labrador – Baie Verte is certainly one of them. In this episode, Chief Administrative Officer, Amanda Humby, candidly describes the significant challenges Baie Verte is facing when it comes to infrastructure and sustainability. She talks about how a shared vision across all levels of government could help push forward the innovative solutions that we need to build climate resilience in our communities, no matter the size.
The Town of Stephenville on Newfoundland’s west coast has been actively pursuing environmentally friendly approaches to municipal service delivery for many years. In this episode, Ted Gracie, Director of Municipal Services, describes Stephenville’s journey and goals – from recovering from a catastrophic flood, to establishing a nature-based wastewater treatment system, to investing in community composting. He also provides some simple advice for other Town’s looking to take their first climate action steps.
Greenhouse gas (GHG) emission inventories can tell you a lot, and sometimes the results aren’t what you expect. Then Town of Paradise Manager of Engineering, Tracy Goosney, describes the process of creating the corporate GHG inventory for the Town and how the findings impact their decision-making. She goes over some of the projects that are being undertaken by the Town and how, along with the environmental benefits, the Town will ultimately save money by taking action.
The Town of Channel-Port Aux Basques on Newfoundland’s south coast is no stranger to high winds, coastal erosion, and storm surges – and climate change is making it all worse. In this episode, Town Manager Leon MacIsaac discusses how the Town is tackling this challenge from both sides: preparing for these extreme weather events and reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. He talks about how it can all come together when you take a strategic, long-term, asset management approach.
Mitigation? Adaptation? Lifecycle costs? Low-impact development? What does it all mean?! In this episode, Emma Power of Fundamental Inc. explains some climate action planning basics and takes us through a few examples of climate solutions that she’s been assisting Newfoundland and Labrador municipalities with, including community composting and nature-based stormwater management. She tells us why she believes municipal governments can move beyond talking about climate change, and actually walk the walk.
Walking The Walk is hosted and co-produced by Jess Puddister.
WTW is produced and edited by Luke Quinton of Electric Ocean.
Ashley Smith is Managing Director of Fundamental Inc.
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Our theme music is “Visions of This Earth Before Our Time” by Botany, courtesy Western Vinyl.
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This project was made possible through a grant from the T2050 initiative, in partnership with the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (now econext). The Transition 2050 initiative is offered through the Municipalities for Climate Innovation Program, which is delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and funded by the Government of Canada. This initiative contributes to the FCM-ICLEI Partners for Climate Protection program to help municipalities reduce greenhouse gas emissions and take action on climate change. PCP is a partnership between FCM and ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability.
