Rebalancing Act

23/05/2021

It’s and we are sharing some photos from our friends at who conduct long term studies on turtles in !

Ontario’s turtle species are at risk, primarily due to habitat loss and human actions.

You can listen to our episode with Jackie Litzgus of the AWRS about turtles, long term research and the benefits of long term research to addressing climate change.

04/05/2021

So what does this title mean and why should you care? PM2.5, refers to particulate matter (tiny bits of things) that come from air pollution and enter the air we breath. This study used US government information on emissions and census data to examine who and which communities are being the most impacted by particulates from air pollution.

And why does this matter? Not only does air pollution impact climate change by contributing greenhouse gases, it’s part of a public health crisis. This particulate matter contributes to health impacts such as premature death in people with heart or lung disease, heart attacks, irregular heartbeat and asthma.

This means that not only do renewable sources of energy help protect us from climate change, they also help protect are lungs and cardiovascular systems from disease and aggravation of underlying conditions allowing us all to live healthier lives.

But we can’t neglect to remember what this study found, BIPOC are disproportionately bearing the burden of this particulate matter. We need to ensure that the protections we apply to our environment and limits on air pollution, protect all of us and that non-white communities are not left to deal with the negative impacts of societies choices. We need to ensure we are supporting all communities, not just wealthy privileged communities, in transitioning to renewables, and we need to ensure that all communities have the tools to prevent pollution entering their air.

We talked about this last episode and are diving deeper into it on Friday’s episode.

https://advances.sciencemag.org/content/7/18/eabf4491

29/01/2021

It’s episode day! Our first episode of season two dropped this morning!

This season we are talking climate solutions around the four elements: earth, fire, air and water. For each element we will have 3 episodes, one general intro episode and then two deep dives!

We are starting with earth and this episode talks cheese, farming, soil and bogs.

03/01/2021

It's that time of year for . Are you the type to make resolutions? Are any of yours climate related?⁠⠀
⁠⠀
Some of ours are:⁠⠀
⁠⠀
- to only buy new clothes from companies with a proven environmental track record and otherwise by secondhand⁠⠀
- to continue to share climate solutions right here on Rebalancing Act⁠⠀
- to learn more about the most effective offsets for travel (for when we can travel again!)⁠⠀
⁠⠀
What are yours? Share them with us!⁠⠀
⁠⠀

08/12/2020

Have you signed up yet? Our monthly newsletter is full of news roundups, episode recaps, memes, and more!

https://tinyletter.com/RebalancingAct

08/12/2020

Exciting news! 🎉⁠⠀
⁠⠀
With this announcement, the Danish parliament is going beyond many others by not only committing to reduce carbon emissions, but to stop production. Danish Climate, Energy and Utilities Minister Dan Jørgensen is quoted as saying “When the calendar reads 2050, the oil and gas valves will be turned off for good,”.⁠⠀
⁠⠀
We hope the Danish parliament can be an inspiration to other governments and leaders by showing the world how ending production and finances a just transition can be done!⁠⠀
⁠⠀
⁠⠀

04/12/2020

HAPPY EPISODE DAYY⁠⠀
⁠⠀
Today on the pod we talk about energy democracy with Aaron Thornell, acting general manager of the Ottawa Renewable Energy Co-operative and CoEnergy Co-operative. What is energy democracy? ⁠⠀
⁠⠀
In short, it's a movement that aims to put control over the source and pricing of energy back in the consumer.⁠⠀
⁠⠀
In long? Well, you'll have to take a listen to our episode! And if you're interested in learning more about the CoEnergy Co-Operative, head to the link in our bio!

03/12/2020

Incredible!

Capturing some of the amazing wildlife right here in the KFLA region. This video captured near Harrowsmith, Ontario.

22/11/2020

Don't forget we are launching a monthly email newsletter!

Sign up here:
https://www.rebalancingact.ca/newsletter

Climate change is real, it’s here, and it’s the defining issue of our time - but that doesn’t mean we are helpless. The future of climate solutions is here, it’s just unevenly distributed. Join Rebalancing Act as we figure out how to achieve the changes we need to shape the future we want. L...

21/11/2020

Did you know the creation of the concept of the carbon footprints was a public relations campaign by BP? That’s right, an oil company gave us the idea of carbon footprints to help shift responsibility for the climate crisis in us. Listen to the latest episode to learn more!

06/11/2020

Our latest episode dropped this morning! While we are all still feeling that election anxiety and have spent the last few days imagining what our immediate future could look like, this episode dives into imagining what our long term future could look like and why it’s an important practice!
We have as a guest to talk to us about the game FUTURES he created and tell us about the film he’s working on!
Let us know what kind of futures you imagine after listening!

28/10/2020

Thank you AWRS for sharing our most recent episode with Jackie!

This week we talked turtles! The connection between conservation and climate change might not be obvious but conservation is crucial to support Natural Climate Solutions, climate mitigation and adaptation measures and to protect our biodiversity! Let alone the inherent value of turtles. Ways to Supp...

28/10/2020

Climate solution spotlight!⁠⠀⁠⠀
Electricity and water? Isn't that a mix we've all been taught to avoid?! Well, yes, in your personal life absolutely, but for scientists in a lab, they are the basis for a technology that may be a powerful climate solution! ⁠⠀⁠⠀
Some processes that are major greenhouse gas emitters, require hydrocarbons and can't simply rely on electricity, such as industrial production, types of transport and heating systems. Power-to-X refers to a process through which excess power could be used to split water into oxygen and hydrogen, through electrolysis. This hydrogen can then be used to create synthetic hydrocarbons.⁠⠀⁠⠀
Have you checked out our latest episode? You can find us on all your favourite podcast platforms with new episodes every second Friday!⁠⠀⁠⠀

26/10/2020

We're launching a newsletter! Sign up for news round ups, deep dive on some of the topics we cover in the podcast, spotlights on people to watch and, of course, MEMES!

https://tinyletter.com/RebalancingAct

26/10/2020

26/10/2020

Climate solution spotlight!⁠⠀⁠⠀
A study by Poore and Nemecek (2018) found that 24% of carbon emissions that come from food production comes from food that is lost in supply chains or wasted by consumers. Of that 24%, 15% of this comes from losses in the supply chain which result from poor storage and handling techniques; lack of refrigeration; and spoilage in transport and processing. The other 9% comes from food thrown away by retailers and individuals!⁠⠀⁠⠀
If we as consumers ensure we limit our food waste, and pressure producers and retailers to ensure they limit food waste at all stages of the process it can cut carbon emissions by up to 6% of all greenhouse gas emissions.⁠⠀⁠⠀
Have you checked out our latest episode? You can find us on all your favourite podcast platforms with new episodes every second Friday!⁠⠀⁠⠀

23/10/2020

New episode dropped this morning! We talk turtles with and ’s Professor Jackie Litzgus to learn about conservation, the benefits of long running research studies and how there is already evidence showing the effects of climate change right here in Ontario.
Plus hear Leslie Anne rant in climate allies about how mangroves are being under appreciated!

22/10/2020

In tomorrow's episode we ask Prof Jackie Litzgus of the what actions each of us can take to support conservation work, to hear the rest of her answer, and more (including why conservation is an important part of climate solutions!) don't forget to listen tomorrow!⁠⁠

21/10/2020

Climate solution spotlight!⁠⠀⁠⠀
⁠Rice production is responsible for at least 10 percent of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions and 9 to 19 percent of global methane emissions. Yikes. That is because of flooded rice paddies that are ideal anaerobic environments for methane-producing microbes that feed on decomposing organic matter, a process known as methanogenesis.⁠⠀⁠⠀
There are four general techniques, best used in combination, to improve rice production and reduce emissions:⁠⠀⁠⠀
🍚Water: Mid-season drainage and alternate wetting and drying improve aerobic conditions.⁠⠀
🍚Nutrients: More balanced application of nutrients reduces methane emissions while supporting yields.⁠⠀
🍚Plant varieties: Rice varieties (cultivars) that are less water-loving can be used in more aerobic environments.⁠⠀
🍚Tillage: Techniques for seeding rice without tilling the ground maintain stable soils.⁠⠀⁠⠀
These techniques can make rice production more efficient, helping to meet demand for this staple food, while limiting contributions to warming. Mid-season drainage alone reduces methane emissions by 35 to 70 percent.⁠⠀⁠⠀
Have you checked out our latest episode? You can find us on all your favourite podcast platforms with new episodes every second Friday!⁠⠀⁠⠀

19/10/2020

Climate solution spotlight!⁠⠀⁠⠀
Geothermal is one a hot climate solution if I've ever seen one 😉 According to the Geothermal Energy Association, 39 countries could meet 100 percent of their electricity needs from geothermal energy, yet only 6-7 percent of the world’s potential geothermal power has been tapped. This solution embraces the natural warmth of Mother Earth by drilling down to pull hot water from under Earth's surface to the surface to drive turbines that generate electricity.⁠⠀⁠⠀
Have you checked out our latest episode? You can find us on all your favourite podcast platforms with new episodes every second Friday!⁠⠀⁠⠀

15/10/2020

Wondering if Rebalancing Act is the podcast for you? What do we even talk about? Climate change is a huge topic? And who even are these girls?⁠⠀⁠⠀
Rebalancing Act is for anyone who is concerned about the climate crisis, but tired of fear inducing and anxiety triggering media. We won't sugar coat things, but we also want to ensure we are focusing on solutions. Yes, we need to act now or we will face catastrophe, but there is so much we can do, and so many solutions at our fingers tips, we just need to put them into action. We want you to finish an episode feeling energized to make change.⁠⠀⁠⠀
We, Kiran and Leslie Anne both recently graduated from law school, have backgrounds in political science, and a passion for helping society implement climate change solutions.⁠ This podcast is our way of sharing our passions with you and hopefully energizing you to take action about all of these incredible climate solutions!⁠⠀⁠⠀

14/10/2020

Climate solution spotlight!⁠⠀⁠⠀
While this solution may not be as exciting as some others we have featured, this is still incredibly important! Building retrofitting will have incredible impacts. Buildings account for almost a third of energy use worldwide, and making energy efficient retrofits can address the up to 80% of energy lost by inxffencies!⁠⠀⁠⠀
Have you checked out our latest episode? You can find us on all your favourite podcast platforms with new episodes every second Friday!⁠⠀⁠⠀

12/10/2020

Climate solutions spotlight!⁠⠀⁠⠀
What can crushed rock possibly do for us in terms of storing carbon? It's just a rock! But actually it can do a surprising amount!⁠⠀⁠⠀
Silicate minerals exposed to the weather have been sequestering atmospheric carbon since time immemorial but at a slow rate. However, scientists have figured out how to speed up this process! By grinding silicate rocks into powder and increasing the surface area and its contact with CO2 and spreading the rock dust on croplands to give it immediate contact with CO2 being produced by plant roots and soil microbes the process can speed up to 2 years!⁠⠀⁠⠀
Some studies even show that adding this powered silicate rock to farmers fields can increase the yield of the field! Providing an incredible incentive to farmers and what we at Rebalancing Act like to call a win-win-win.⁠⠀⁠⠀

10/10/2020

One our most recent we talk education and skill building for oil and gas sector workings as we transition to a low carbon future!!⠀⠀

09/10/2020

The fourth episode is out today! Kiran and Leslie Anne talk civil society (what even is civil society? And what does bowling have to do with it??), how civil society relates to democracy (and our love of thicc democracy) and how all this related to climate solutions!!!

09/10/2020

The Earl of Avoirdupois, bear 747, is crowned 2020’s Champion!

He will celebrate by waddling away from the river and enjoying a comfortable hibernation.

747 would like to thank the salmon for such high concentrations of fat, the clean cold water of the Brooks River for being a fabulous host, and all the little bears he pushed out of the way to gain access to the best fishing spot of them all.

Happy Hibernation!

NPS Photo/N. Boak

08/10/2020

Climate solutions highlight! ⁠⠀⁠⠀
Kelp is a special type of biological carbon sink! It's special because grows in the ocean, and unlike terrestrial plans and aquatic plants that grow in other areas, kelp grow in rocky and eroding areas where the biological material can be swept out to the deep sea. When the material ends up in the deep ocean, it is less likely to break down and release its stored carbon!⁠⠀⁠⠀
One of the reasons they can travel so far is because of their gas-filled bladders (the little floaty ball shaped parts of the plant!) that cause it to float along the surface travelling with the wind and currents. When these bladders eventually burst, the kelp sinks to the bottom.⁠⠀⁠⠀

06/10/2020

Climate solution spotlight!⁠⠀⁠⠀
Mangroves offer not only climate adaption benefits but are also an incredible climate solution! Mangroves have been shown to be 3-4 times more effective in storing carbon in their soils than those of tropical forests, and remain stable for up to 700 years. This is in part because they grow right in the water and so their biological material, which holds carbon, doesn't break down and release this carbon the someway biological material does on land! ⁠⠀⁠⠀
In addition, mangrove belts of only 100m have been shown to reduce wave heights by up to 66%, and mangroves reduce coastal flooding and protect shorelines.⁠ This makes mangroves an incredible source of climate adaption potential for impacts we are already feeling!⁠⠀⁠⠀

01/10/2020

As Ontario, like many jurisdictions, is looking at a second COVID wave, take a listen to our third episode on behavioural science informed policy and hear us talk COVID policy with an expert!

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/rebalancing-act/id1529614586

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4WeRu9srXOG5sc0HTlnox8

Others: https://anchor.fm/rebalancing-act

‎Nature · 2020

28/09/2020

In the last four years, the rat named Magawa has helped to clear over 1.5 million square feet of land. The animal has detected dozens of landmines in Cambodia and is believed to have saved lives.

25/09/2020

Don't forget over the weekend to check out our most recent episode that dropped this morning! We talk behavioural science, covid response and the climate crisis: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/rebalancing-act/id1529614586

‎Nature · 2020

25/09/2020

Another new episode with a super fun dropped today! We talk to a behavioural science informed policy expert about similarities and differences between the policy responses for both the and and learn about the benefits of behavioural science informed policy in general! Kiran and Leslie Anne talk about what they've learned about policy from Covid and how they hope to see it applied to climate policy. Lastly talks about the potential allyship we hope to see between epidemiologists and climate scientists!⁠⠀⁠⠀

22/09/2020

Have you listened to Epsiode 2, "How to make climate friends and influence people by.... listening to them? : An intro to motivational interviewing", yet? With a new episode coming out Friday don't fall behind!

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/how-to-make-climate-friends-influence-people-by-listening/id1529614586

‎Nature · 2020

18/09/2020

Last year around this time Leslie Anne was spending golden hour in with friends camping at the Achray campground. This Friday she is spending golden hour recording an interview with an expert in policy development chatting about what we can learn from the COVID crisis to apply to the climate crisis in terms of policy!⁠⠀⁠⠀

16/09/2020

Check out this break down of the basic steps of Motivational Interviewing! In our most recent episode we explored how motivational interviewing can be a tool for climate advocacy by using it to help change the minds of people who may not have considered themselves someone who cares about the climate. Have any of you tried it out yet??⁠⠀⁠⠀

15/09/2020

One of the co-hosts of was raised by a wildfire fighter. For as long as she can remember she has measured the start of the summer by the start of her father's deployments to fires across North America. While thankfully she has lived in areas that are not heavily impacted by fire most years, her life always has been. As climate change continues to make for worse and worse fire seasons, families across the world will be losing time with their loved ones, if not worse. During the Australian wildfire season in 2019-2020 several firefighters lost their lives, as casualties of the climate crisis. Our hearts are always with the firefighters, their families and the people and communities directly impacted by fires.⁠⠀⁠⠀
In our first episode we talk a little about wildfires and fire forest management to prevent fires, but it won't be the last time, as this issue is always on our minds, I'm sure it will be highlighted in many episodes in the future.⁠⠀⁠⠀
Photo: Josh Edelson (Getty Images)⁠⠀⁠⠀

12/09/2020

Check out the stats on reducing bird mortality when windmill blades are painted black in our latest episode! Links in bio!

11/09/2020

Our second episode dropped this morning! We talk motivational interviewing, the importance of relationships and a simple fix to bird mortality caused by windmills! Don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe!

08/09/2020

Next episode is coming Friday morning! Tune into Rebalancing Act on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts to learn about motivational interviews and how to change minds when it comes to climate change.