Climate Action Figures

In the season four premiere of Climate Action Figures, host John Whidden introduces guest Brittney and shares a “Quick Fix” from Genevieve in Medicine Hat: building “bug snugs,” tripod shelters filled with dried organic material for insects to overwinter. Brittney discusses her master’s research in the Bow Valley, funded in part by the Biosphere Institute, using interviews, walk-and-talks, and a photo-voice gathering to explore young adults’ work toward socioecological justice, and notes the Biosphere’s $1,000 youth microgrant. She recounts being named one of Canada’s top 75 youth environmental change-makers at the Starfish Changemaker Summit in Squamish, emphasizing climate justice, burnout...

In the season three finale of Climate Action Figures, host John Whidden welcomes back creative consultant Kayla, shares a Quick Fix from Linda in Rochon Sands about swapping chemical cleaners for vinegar and baking soda, and demonstrates homemade/refillable cleaning solutions. Kayla discusses an upcoming two-month trip to Japan, South Korea, and China and admiration for strong recycling and anti-littering cultures. John recounts attending the KEPA (Kainai Ecological Protection Agency) cross-cultural First Nations gathering and observing a tipi ceremony. They reflect on standout season three episodes, highlighting Piikani Nation guests, soil and agriculture conversations, returning guest Aryan, and Indigenous...

Host John Whidden welcomes Abhay to Climate Action Figures, beginning with Sophia’s Quick Fix on guerrilla gardening using indigenous plants. Abhay, a CBC What on Earth contributor on climate change and mental health, describes how a Students on Ice expedition to the Arctic and Greenland shaped his understanding of climate impacts, Inuit mental health challenges, and climate justice tied to colonialism. He explains how that experience led to founding Break the Divide, which began as high school video-call exchanges with northern youth and expanded into international connections, an art competition, and curriculum-based programming with mental health practitioners. Break th...

Host John Whidden welcomes 13-year-old Indian environmentalist Prasiddhi, founder of Prasiddhi Forest Foundation, who has planted 200,000 trees toward a goal of 10 million and built a global following to spread hopeful, action-focused climate messaging. She describes starting after the 2016 Varadhah Cyclone in Tamil Nadu, learning fundraising, creating a seed-collecting “kids army,” and growing a nursery capable of 30,000 saplings. Prasiddhi discusses attending UN COP conferences (including COP29), her UN-accredited NGO’s work helping youth attend, and her two illustrated books—"Prasiddhi’s Amazon Rainforest Adventure" and "Prasiddhi’s Great Barrier Reef Adventure"—which each fund one planted tree per purchase. She argues for bal...

Host John Whidden introduces a QuickFix from Janice in Calgary encouraging “no mow May” to protect invertebrates, then interviews Sophia, a third-year environmental engineering student focused on drinking water and microplastics. Sophia recommends boiling or filtering water and explains concerns about bottled water, including plastic-related endocrine disruptors and potential bacterial biofilms. She describes her microplastics research on how particle shape affects settling and treatment, noting flat plastics may slip through systems. Sophia also shares her youth transit advocacy, inspired by childhood mobility barriers, which helped make transit free for youth under 13 in Regina and expanded nationally. She discusses involving yout...

In the 77th episode of Climate Action Figures, host John Whidden welcomes Alice, a Switzerland-based veterinarian who no longer practices clinically and instead works toward One Health through policy and research. Alice explains that veterinary careers extend beyond treating animals into areas like food safety, prevention, research, and education, and describes moving from clinical work in Italy to policy work in Brussels via a veterinary trade association, then to research in Switzerland to build expertise for future policymaking. She outlines One Health as the interdependence of human, animal, and environmental health, citing food systems and climate-driven shifts in vector-borne...

John  hosts a unique episode of Climate Action Figures featuring his daughter, Twila. The QuickFix highlights “Adopt Don’t Shop,” encouraging pet adoption and volunteering at local shelters. Twila shares her climate actions, including conserving and reusing water (collecting shower warm-up water and catching sink water for plants), thrift shopping, growing herbs, using reusable bags and cups, combining errands into one trip, and installing solar panels. They reflect on John’s long-running environmental habits while Twila was growing up—cool house temperatures, composting, walking to school for rewards, bringing reusable containers to restaurants, and hang-drying laundry for calculated energy savings—alo...

Host John Whidden welcomes Gokul from Kerala, India. Gokul connects cultural practices to science and explains youth climate organizing through YOUNGO’s local, regional, and global Conferences of Youth ahead of COP. A final-year Ayurveda student, he describes how climate change disrupts Indigenous/traditional medicine by affecting medicinal plants, potency, treatment protocols, and trust, with implications like antimicrobial resistance. He presents Govardhan, an app envisioned as a global repository and “social media for biodiversity” to share medicinal plant uses across countries, and Climate Entertainment, a youth-friendly way to translate UN climate language. He also mentions COP participation via Ukraine and Eg...

Host John Whidden interviews Carter Mochinski from Lake Country, BC on Climate Action Figures. They discuss a QuickFix from Roger in Calgary about writing to companies as an investor, and Carter’s view that civic engagement with MPs/MLAs and corporations matters. Carter explains the Center for Global Education (CGE) and how it supports global climate education and youth participation. He shares highlights from attending COP30 in Belém, Brazil with CGE, including meeting Canada’s environment minister and interviewing a UNFCCC official, while criticizing limited youth access to negotiations and the presence of oil lobbyists. Carter describes nature-based AP Se...

In Season 3, Episode 20 of Climate Action Figures, host John Whidden welcomes Chris from the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) and shares a QuickFix from Shaurya recommending the Outrage and Optimism podcast for hopeful climate conversations. Chris explains CPAWS’s conservation advocacy and public engagement, then details CPAWS Southern Alberta’s Youth Conservation Collective (YCC), a program for 15 to 18-year-olds that supports marginalized youth and others with environmental passion through mentorship, networking, field trips, and youth-led conservation projects tied to CPAWS campaigns (e.g., coal mining impacts on waterways and trout, sustainable forestry and stewardship). YCC is funded primarily by E...

Climate Action Figures celebrates passing 2,500 podcast downloads, sharing a listener QuickFix from Linda in Indio, California about switching from plastic reusable bottles to aluminum, and discuss recycling energy savings. They interview grade 12 student Willow McGrath from St. John, New Brunswick, who describes how nature and camp shaped her environmental passion and her work leading Earth Ed Experiential Learning. Willow explains receiving a $3,000 Ocean Wise grant to run environmental education visits in local elementary schools, add green spaces like planters and an outdoor classroom, and create a 10-poster campaign with youth artists across Canada. She recounts representing youth at conferences...

On Climate Action Figures, host John Whidden interviews Paul Jenkinson. Paul explains how young people can connect with the climate movement through YOUNGO, the UN’s children and youth constituency, and describes co-facilitating YOUNGO’s Global Youth Statement—a major youth declaration with multiple versions (including five key demands) built from individual, organizational, and over 100 national youth conference inputs. He recounts presenting key demands to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and compares COPs in Dubai, Baku, and Brazil, calling Brazil the most chaotic logistically but more emotionally engaged politically. Paul also discusses European Young Engineers, his work designing net-zero-ready distric...

In the 70th edition of Climate Action Figures, host John Whidden welcomes Alice from Uganda’s Karamoja sub-region and shares a QuickFix from Linda encouraging thrift-store clothing and repurposing. Alice describes local wildlife near Kidepo National Park, current temperatures, and severe climate change impacts in Karamoja, including recurring food insecurity, water scarcity, long dry spells, strong winds, and declining soil productivity, and notes developed societies contribute to these effects. She explains her background in the Ik Indigenous community, their displacement from the park in 1957, and tensions between conservation benefits and loss of cultural sites despite compensation. As a 2024 Indigenous Yo...

In this episode of Climate Action Figures, John Whidden and Vaibhav discuss the urgent issue of global soil degradation, its impact on agriculture, and climate change. Vaibhav highlights the importance of sustainable farming practices and youth advocacy in addressing these challenges. He shares insights on soil health, the role of monoculture in soil degradation, and how more diverse, sustainable farming practices can regenerate healthy soils. They also touch on the significance of youth involvement in international climate negotiations and the Save Soil movement led by Sadhguru.

00:00 Introduction and QuickFix on Birds

01:20 Meet Vaibhav: Climate Advocate<...

Aryan returns to Climate Action Figures to discuss advancements in his microplastic-collecting robot, his awards at the National Science Fair, and his new project on pipeline inspection technology inspired by Calgary's water main break. 

00:00 Introduction and QuickFix Tip

02:10 Aryan's Microplastic Robot

04:09 Science Fair Success and National Recognition

07:24 International Exposition in Abu Dhabi

12:02 New Project: Pipeline Inspection Robot

18:16 Climate Action and Final Thoughts

Real Talk Interview:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFQehVNKuyU (11:00)

climateactionfigures@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/climateactionfigures

In this episode of Climate Action Figures, host John Whidden welcomes Kim from Guyana, a math teacher and advocate for climate action. Kim shares her experiences biking seven miles to school in Rupununi, the local community's approach to climate change, and the role of Indigenous knowledge in environmental conservation. She discusses her work with the Indigenous Youth Fellowship program, teaching students about traditional skills and environmental awareness, and her efforts to reduce plastic use. Kim highlights the importance of small actions and Indigenous perspectives in addressing climate change.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:47 QuickFix from Emma

In this episode of Climate Action Figures, hosted by John Whidden, guest Abby shares her experience from a science and leadership course in Costa Rica. Abby discusses the impactful conservation efforts by Osa Conservation, focusing on creating wildlife corridors and integrating sustainable agricultural practices with local communities. She emphasizes the interconnectedness of strong biodiversity and combating climate change. Abby also shares her unique approach to reducing unnecessary AI usage in Google searches. The episode concludes with an inspiring story from a community garden that highlights the power of human connection in challenging misinformation and fostering inclusive dialogue.

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In this episode, John Whidden introduces Hailey, a senior at U Chicago. They discuss practical air-cleaning tips, Hailey's Produce Peddlers initiative, her involvement in triathlons, and efforts in campus composting. Hailey emphasizes the self-serving benefits of sustainability and the value of community-supported agriculture programs. Lastly, she shares hopeful insights from her experience at COP 28.

00:00 Introduction and Milestones

00:51 QuickFix: Air Purifying Plants

01:27 Meet Haley: Background and Connections

03:22 Produce Peddlers: A Community Initiative

05:21 Triathlons and Environmentalism

07:03 Phoenix Sustainability Initiative

09:40 Composting Tips and Challenges

14:19 Community Supported...

In the first 2026 edition of Climate Action Figures, host John Whidden interviews Free Borsey. They discuss the YUKA app for assessing health impacts of food and cosmetics, Free's podcast series on indigenous and western sciences, the Land Back movement, and the importance of inclusive climate action.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:34 QuickFix: Eco-Friendly App Recommendation

01:18 Interview with Free: YUKA App Insights

02:45 Cultural Survival Program and Indigenous Knowledge

05:12 Understanding Indigenous Terminology and Borders

11:01 Land Back Movement and Environmental Stewardship

14:45 Indigenous Wisdom in Climate Crisis

23:32 Personal Connection...

John and creative consultant Kayla talk about audience favourite episodes. Featuring a discussion on pee cloths, COP 29 insights, and community feedback. Ends with a call for suggestions for a potential Season Four.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:54 Kayla's QuickFix: The Pee Cloth

03:07 Audience QuickFix Contributions

03:39 Favorite Episodes and Reflections

08:17 Listener Feedback and Highlights

14:26 Kayla and John's Favorite Episodes

16:26 Hope and Future of the Podcast

21:48 Conclusion and Call to Action

https://www.avenuecalgary.com/top-20-under-20/2025/aryan-sharma/

climateactionfigures@gmail.com
https...

Join John Whidden as he introduces Julia who delves deep into the complexities of food systems, shares her work with Food Futures in Ottawa, and connects these systems to climate change. Julia also discusses youth activism, sustainable consumption, and finding hope in climate action.

00:00 Introduction to Climate Action Figures

00:29 QuickFix of the Week

00:54 Meet Julia: Youth Activist

01:54 Understanding Food Systems

04:59 Food Futures Initiative

07:19 Youth Engagement and Political Change

11:25 Food Systems and Climate Change

13:23 Can the Climate Crisis Be Solved?

15:58 Julia's Journey...

Join John Whidden on this week's episode of Climate Action Figures as he introduces Alida, a proactive high school student from Palo Alto. Learn about her journey in environmental activism, from joining the Palo Alto Student Climate Coalition to writing legislative proposals and being involved in the Stanford Deliberate Democracy Lab. Alida shares insights into the benefits and concerns of AI, her passion for business and sustainability, and her efforts in community education and engagement.

00:00 Introduction and QuickFix Highlight

01:38 Meet Alida: Vegan Challenges and Green Team Initiatives

02:54 Palo Alto Student Climate Coalition

John  interviews Day and Colleen on their mentorship project with CPAWS. They discuss planting native lawns, environmental conservation, and hosting a workshop on November 16th. Also featured: Linda's QuickFix tip on bird and butterfly-friendly gardens. 

00:00 Introduction to Climate Action Figures

00:28 QuickFix from Linda: Bird and Butterfly Friendly Gardens

01:10 Meet Day and Colleen

01:41 Youth Conservation Collective: An Overview

02:41 Day's Journey into Environmentalism

04:21 The Native Lawn Project

05:02 The Social and Environmental Impact of Lawns

07:13 Promoting Native Lawns and Gardens

09:42 Personal Climate Actions and In...

In this episode of Climate Action Figures, host John Whidden introduces Emma, a representative from Re.Climate, an organization dedicated to climate change communications and research based at Carleton University in Ottawa. The discussion covers innovative recycling tips, effective communication strategies on climate change, and the importance of incorporating indigenous perspectives into climate action strategies. Emma shares her insights on a key project, Climate Ready Prairies, focused on helping communities adapt to extreme weather. She also delves into her PhD research on people's emotional connections with urban trees and their importance beyond environmental benefits. Emma emphasizes the role...