Shows
Engineering The FutureEpisode 45: SPOTLIGHT - OSPE's Climate Crisis Task ForceAt OSPE, advocacy is our cornerstone, driving us to create change and progress within the engineering community. To fulfill this commitment, we've established five task forces, each focused on conducting research and providing policy recommendations in areas critical to engineers in Ontario.In part two of our series, we spotlight the work being done by OSPE's Climate Crisis Task Force. Host Jerome James speaks with task force chair Geoff Sheffrin about important work being done to advocate for sustainable solutions and influence government policy to c...2024-08-0122 min
Mother Nature Doesn't Give a CrapHope for the FutureThey say hope is not a strategy, and in the face of climate change and its catastrophic impact on our planet, hope can be in short supply. But for every climate denier or fence-sitting politician, there are people, young and old, actively working to combat this crisis. From investments in green energy to advancements in technology, the battle to save Mother Nature is in full force. But is it enough to win the war?In this special year-end episode, hosts Peter Reynolds and Geoff Sheffrin reflect on the last 11 episodes and what more needs to be done...2023-12-1333 minMother Nature Doesn't Give a CrapToo little too late? Climate Tipping PointsFrom the collapse of the Greenland Ice Sheet to the die-off of the Amazon Rainforest, climate scientists have identified several "tipping points" that could lead to irreversible damage to the environment. Join Peter G. Reynolds and Geoff Sheffrin as they look at how close we are to the point of no return and what's being done to bring us back from the brink.Subscribe on your favourite podcast app and don’t miss an episode! Also available on Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkTMDHlF8N8lVIWzyPl4yhw?sub_co...2023-11-1346 minMother Nature Doesn't Give a CrapClimate Crisis: Engineering InnovationIn this episode, hosts Peter Reynolds and Geoff Sheffrin discuss the role engineers have played in contributing to the climate crisis. Engineers have historically focused on cost-effectiveness rather than environmental impact but can now become architects of change.Peter & Geoff are joined by Sandro Perruzza, CEO of the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE), to discuss the importance of organizations like OSPE empowering engineers in the fight against climate change and to highlight the proactive initiatives they're taking to ensure engineers' voices are heard at all levels of government.Subscribe on your favourite podcast app...2023-09-1338 minMother Nature Doesn't Give a CrapClimate Capitalism: Can Green Investments Really Save the Planet?From the creation of the International Sustainability Standards Board and conversion of coal fire power plants to investment in innovations like carbon-capturing concrete and potty-trained cows, join hosts Peter Reynolds and Geoff Sheffrin as they explore how financial markets, along with the government, can make a lasting impact in the fight against climate change.Subscribe on your favourite podcast app and don’t miss an episode! Also available on Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkTMDHlF8N8lVIWzyPl4yhw?sub_confirmation=1Follow on Facebook: https://ww...2023-08-0238 minMother Nature Doesn't Give a CrapWhen it Rains it Floods: Weathering the Storm of Climate ChangeIn this episode of "Mother Nature Doesn't Give a Crap," hosts Peter Reynolds and Geoff Sheffrin are joined by David Phillips, Senior Climatologist at Environment and Climate Change Canada, to discuss the profound influence of climate change on Canadian weather patterns. From hurricanes and wildfires to urban floods and bone-chilling cold snaps, they explore the alarming changes happening in our environment. David highlights key data on CO2 levels, ocean temperatures, and atmospheric conditions, emphasizing the urgent need to take action. Join them as they delve into the global picture of climate change and its impact on our daily lives. 2023-07-1052 minMother Nature Doesn't Give a CrapThe Doom and Gloom Episode: Understanding Our ExtinctionIn this episode of "Mother Nature Doesn't Give a Crap," hosts Peter Reynolds and Geoff Sheffrin discuss the worst-case scenarios for humanity. They explore the various ways in which we could meet our end, from natural disasters to human-made catastrophes, including the climate crisis. While the episode may seem all doom and gloom, the hosts emphasize the importance of understanding the severity of the situation so that we can take action before it's too late.Subscribe on your favourite podcast app and don’t miss an episode! Also available on Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/ch...2023-06-0341 minMother Nature Doesn't Give a CrapCaptain Crisis: Adventures in Climate ChangeIn this episode of "Mother Nature Doesn't Give a Crap," hosts Peter Reynolds and Captain Crisis (aka Geoff Sheffrin) discuss the progress towards meeting our 2030 carbon reduction goals in the fight against climate change. They revisit past topics such as global conferences, biodiversity, and nuclear power and assess what obstacles still need to be overcome. Despite these obstacles, the episode also highlights positive stories of people taking action worldwide. Correction: At 3:53 & 25:35 Geoff mistakingly says "parts per billion" instead of "parts per million".Subscribe on your favourite podcast app and don’t miss an ep...2023-05-0844 minMother Nature Doesn't Give a CrapThe Future of Nuclear Energy - Cleaner, Safer & Cheaper?In this episode of "Mother Nature Doesn't Give a Crap," Geoff Sheffrin and Peter Reynolds discuss the benefits of nuclear energy in combating the climate crisis. They are joined by David Tindall, Director of New Build Engineering at Ontario Power Generation, who talks about his company's vision to help Ontario achieve net-zero carbon emissions and reduce nuclear waste through innovative technologies, including SMRs (Small Modular Reactors). Tindall shares his over 25 years of experience in the nuclear industry, emphasizing the importance of embracing all forms of clean energy, including nuclear, in the fight against climate change.2023-04-0551 minMother Nature Doesn't Give a CrapDebunking Common Myths About Nuclear EnergyOn this episode of Mother Nature Doesn't Give a Crap, Geoff Sheffrin and Peter Reynolds are joined by Professional Engineer Matthew Mairinger, Vice President of NAYGN (North American Young Generation in Nuclear ) and board member with the Canadian Nuclear Association. They discuss the misconceptions surrounding nuclear power, demonstrate how it can be a safe, clean, and reliable source of energy and how it should be part of the solution to environmental issues. Geoff also discusses his new role as Chair of the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers' Climate Crisis Task Force and why it's important for all le...2023-02-2156 minMother Nature Doesn't Give a CrapBiodiversity - Saving the Planet, One Species At A TimeOn this episode of Mother Nature Doesn't Give a Crap, Peter Reynolds and environmental activist and professional engineer Geoff Sheffrin talk about COP 15, a UN-facilitated program which had 12,000 in attendance and is focused on protecting the planet's land, ocean, water areas and halving food waste. Jeff points out that COP 15 is more doable than COP 27, but is concerned about the lack of deliverables, timelines and accountability. He suggests solutions on how to strengthen the program, including providing a fund to help developing nations. Geoff also discusses new technology being developed to make nuclear energy safer and more efficient.2023-01-1739 minMother Nature Doesn't Give a CrapCOP OUT - You Need Teeth To Solve the Climate CrisisHost Geoff Sheffrin reviews the successes and failures of COP 27 and discusses Climate Tipping Points and the catastrophic impact they’ll have on the environment, according to the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He’ll also look at “green-washing” and how many corporations may be rebranding costs savings as environmental leadership. Subscribe on your favourite podcast app and don’t miss an episode! Also available on Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkTMDHlF8N8lVIWzyPl4yhw?sub_confirmation=1Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087081536326Follow on Instagram: h...2022-12-0139 minMother Nature Doesn't Give a CrapWhy Mother Nature Doesn't Give a CrapIn our premiere episode, Host Geoff Sheffrin provides an overview of the climate crisis and what’s being done, or not done, to address its growing impact on people around the world. He’ll give a sneak peak on what you can expect from future episodes, including innovative technology that seems more like science fiction, and discuss his Three Big Fixes: Technology, Leadership and Money. Subscribe on your favourite podcast app and don’t miss an episode! Also available on Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkTMDHlF8N8lVIWzyPl4yhw?sub_confirmation=1Follow on Face...2022-11-0136 minEngineering The FutureEpisode 22: Engineers and the fight against climate changeOn this episode of Engineering the Future, host Jerome James, P.Eng., speaks with Geoff Sheffrin, P.Eng., and why he believes engineers should be more invested in the fight against climate change. 2022-04-0824 min