Dave tackles Canada's energy policy, Steve looks into Yellowknife's unique energy solution

Program Title: Terra Informa - Season 8, Episode 26 - Energy and the Environment
Description: This week, our science investigator, Rebecca Rooney, talks to Lisa Buckley, curator and collections manager at the Peace Region Paleontology Research Centre in Tumbler Ridge, B.C. about her Ph.D. research into an important paleontological dilemma. The way that we classify species of birds today, say using their feather colours or the song they sing, doesn't really apply when all you have to work with is a fossilized skeleton. So scientists use one method to classify living species and a totally different skeleton-based approach to classify extinct ones from the fossil record. Lisa's research tries to reconcile these two approaches, by classifying modern bird species using just their skeletons. Lisa is also involved in fossil conservation advocacy in British Colombia, and their conversation strays to the fossil resource management plan currently in development in B.C.

Energy seems to be Canada's biggest line of business these days. Oil, gas, coal, uranium - if you can burn it, we've got it. The Prime Minister, in particular, is enthusiastic about what further development of our energy resources will do for our economy.

But how will this fit in with our carbon reduction goals? And is it really that good for the economy anyhow. Correspondent Dave Kazcan takes an in depth look at Canada's energy future.

These days we hear a lot about our carbon footprints. The climate is warming, and if we don't do something to reduce the amount of CO2 we're releasing... well, it's bad news. But that can be easier said than done. Especially here in Canada, where a lot of our emissions are from heating our homes and offices.

Well, Yellowknife has come up with a pretty innovative solution. City councilors have a plan to cut the greenhouse gas emissions of the entire community. They want to convert an old unused mine near town into a brand new source of geothermal power. And it's got people talking. When you live as far north as they do, finding a cleaner way to heat your buildings can make a huge difference for the environment, and your pocket book.

Host(s): Alex Hindle
Featured Speakers/Guests: Lisa Buckley - Peace Region Paleontology Research Centre, curator; Tim Weis - Pembina Institute, policy researcher; Dr. Elro Bukus - King's University College, professor emeritus; Mark Heyck - Yellowknife City Councilor; Gordon Van Tighem - Mayor of Yellowknife

Credits: Producer - Michael Kingsley McNicoll

Contributors - Dave Kazcan, Rebekah Rooney, Steve Anderson, Jason Evans

Comments: Terra Informa can be reached by emailing terra@cjsr.com.