The Cautious Climate Optimist came out of a desire to share conversations with the inspiring individuals behind many of the climate stories we’ve covered since 2023. In 2025, with Climate Stories Atlantic, we created a podcast for more personal and in-depth conversations with some of the people behind the projects helping us reach carbon reduction targets. Our goal is to fight climate anxiety with stories that help foster climate hope, and this podcast aims to continue that important work — all wrapped up in frank and revealing conversations. Visit us at climatestoriesatlantic.ca
Alex Whitworth & Rowan Norrad - a chat with two early career ocean professionals
So where would we be without upcoming generations taking the torch and running with vigour and hopeful optimism towards solutions to this fine mess we've found ourselves in. Nowhere good is the short answer. In this fourth episode in a limited six-part series looking at ocean (and river) related climate solutions (specifically alkalinity enhancement), I have a great chat with Alex Whitworth and Rowan Norrad - two inspiring young researchers who have decided to turn their passion for our beautiful natural world into a career in the oh-so-promising field of Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement...fortunately for us. Enjoy and thx. for listening.
31 Aug 2026
Jamie Snook - Executive Director of MEOPAR (and so much more)
Today I chat with a true man for all seasons, Jamie Snook. A recent transplant to Nova Scotia from Labrador, he's the Executive Director of MEOPAR, a non-profit ocean research funding agency. He also spent 15 years at the helm of the Torngat Wildlife, Plants and Fisheries Secretariat in Labrador, where he was responsible for implementing sections of the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement that focus on wildlife and commercial fisheries co-management; he also got himself elected mayor of Happy Valley/Goose Bay for one term, and well, much more. He's a gem of a guy, and we're lucky to have him here in Nova Scotia.
29 Jul 2026
Ocean Climate Research Series - episode two with Mike Kelland - CEO of Planetary Technologies
In this second episode of our six-part series focusing on ocean-climate research, and more specifically, Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement (OAE), I have a great chat with the very Canadian (an authentically nice guy who loves all things canoe) Mike Kelland, CEO and Co-founder of Halifax's Planetary Technologies. They're lucky to have Mike at the helm over there at Planetary. A true cautious climate optimist, he's a perfect fit for both our show and the fight ahead of him (and all of us) as we work to find solutions to get us out of this mess we call climate change.
8 Jul 2026
Ocean Climate Research Series - episode one with Miriam Zitner
In this first episode of our six-part series focusing on ocean-climate research, we reconnect with Miriam Zitner, of Carbon to Sea Canada, who kindly walks us through what's new in the field of Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement (OAE), which is, in a roundabout way, a method whereby we help oceans (and in some cases, rivers) increase their ability to help us fight climate change by lowering the acidity of the water to be able to absorb even more CO2 from the atmosphere. Confused yet? Sound more like science fiction than reality? Think again...and listen in. Miriam will explain all.
2 Apr 2026
Maggy Burns - Ecology Action Centre
Okay, so this one's long overdue, and in terms of our mandate here at the podcast, of covering good new climate initiatives, the Ecology Action Centre work clicks that box, big time. Maggy Burns, the Centre's Exec. Direc. is a lovely person with an easy manner but a steely spine, it would appear, with regards to what she holds most dear...the natural environment here in Nova Scotia, and the health of not only Nova Scotians, but all living things, and the environment as a whole. And really, shouldn't we all. We chat about the history of the EAC - had no idea it started at Dalhousie - and move on the address more pressing issues. What would we do without them, that's what I wonder, so glad to finally have the chance to chat.
6 Nov 2025
Will Burt - Planetary Tech
Will Burt from Planetary Tech discusses adding antacids to the ocean to help it absorb more CO2, highlighting innovative approaches to ocean restoration in this interview.
18 Sept 2025
Dan Roscoe - harnessing our NS winds
Dan Roscoe of Roswall Dev. discusses the potential of wind turbines and local ownership to accelerate the transition to 100% clean wind energy in Nova Scotia, in an interview with the host.
6 Aug 2025
Miriam Zitner - Carbon to Sea Initiative...and more
Miriam Zitner, General Manager at Carbon to Sea Initiative, discusses her work and experiences, including bringing a women's soccer club to Halifax, in an interview about climate optimism.
23 Jun 2025
Edmund (Eddie) Halfyard from CarbonRun
Edmund "Eddie" Halfyard of CarbonRun discusses his accidental discovery of a method for CO2 removal while researching water quality for salmon with Professor Shannon Sterling in this interview.
19 May 2025
NSCC's Wayne Groszko
A great chat with research scientist, Wayne Groszko - head of the Energy Research team at Nova Scotia Community College's Applied Research department. Wayne and I chat about the importance of portable mini wind turbines, how to turn abandoned mines into huge green energy storage tanks, and everything in between. A super smart guy with a really fun, really important job - taking smart green ideas and helping to make them real.
21 Apr 2025
Joe Nickerson (Sidewalk Development)
Join me for a chat with Joe Nickerson, from Halifax's coolest development company, Sidewalk. At Sidewalk, Joe and his partner Elliot are all about creating and revitalizing otherwise languishing urban neighbourhoods, as well as giving new life to old concrete buildings instead of building new. In so doing they both help the environment while also preserving the history and character intrinsically found in the cities' older buildings . A really interesting look into what could be a greener development option for us going forward.
5 Mar 2025
Bridgewater's Mayor David Mitchell
Well, what a fabulous guy, and an even better mayor, from all accounts. Join me as I have an open and frank chat with one of the province's most popular mayors. We cover everything from the oh so smart decision to purchase Ford Lightening EV trucks - both financially and in terms of the environment - and go off script to chat about the town's K9 (and no, my Scottish Terrier likely wouldn't be much of an asset to the unit). We finish on an inspiring message from David Mitchell on how we get through our current tough and worrisome times with good old fashioned Canadian grit and fortitude. Thanks for listening and enjoy the show!
18 Feb 2025
Kevin Boutilier - HalifACT
A conversation with Kevin Boutilier, Manager of Clean Energy with HalifACT, Halifax's long-term climate plan. During the podcast we talk about where things are at the five-year anniversary point for the plan, wins and challenges, as well as his hopes going forward - specifically around meeting HalifACT targets. Kevin talks about the importance of partnerships in achieving challenging goals - some of the more integral ones being with both the province and developers. We talk about how he's handling things - both personally and professionally - during the current geopolitical climate and what that may mean for the work of climate mitigation. All that, and much more, including the expansion of EV charging infrastructure around HRM.
24 Jan 2025
The Cautious Climate Optimist - trailer
The Cautious Climate Optimist came out of a desire to share conversations with the inspiring individuals behind many of the climate stories we’ve covered in Climate Story Network. In 2025, with Climate Stories Atlantic, we'll be delivering a podcast for more personal and in-depth conversations with some of the people behind the projects helping us reach carbon reduction targets. Our goal is to fight climate anxiety with stories that help foster climate hope, and this podcast aims to continue that important work — all wrapped up in frank and interesting conversations. For more info, visit us at climatestoriesatlantic.ca (First podcast and new site coming end of February 2025.)
Who has been a guest on The Cautious Climate Optimist
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Will Burt
Dan Roscoe
Miriam Zitner
Edmund "Eddie" Halfyard
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 9 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
4
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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