The Planetary Health Crisis

In this episode we examine the intertwined crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, water, food, and human health. Drawing on the IPBES Nexus Assessment and the Planetary Health Check, the discussion argues that these are not isolated problems but connected pressures on the systems that sustain life.

This video was recorded on September 9th, 2026, and published on September 13th, 2026, and represents the opinions of the discussion participants.

Regina brings the issue into human terms through the stories of Derek Phillips, a University of Iowa marching-band member who died after collapsing during extreme heat, and Rebecca Ochoa, who survived a severe heat illness during volleyball tryouts as a child but continues to experience health effects years later. The conversation considers how intensifying heat is changing the risks associated with outdoor sports, youth activities, and everyday life.

Paul and Herb explore planetary boundaries, ocean warming and pollution, ecosystem restoration, and the need to move beyond siloed thinking. They discuss the multiple benefits of measures such as green roofs, agroecology, and biodiversity protection, while the episode’s Climate-3 segment covers floating offshore wind, the proposed expansion of Heathrow Airport, and the climate benefits and limitations of wetland eco-restoration.

Links:

• Support Our Mission

• IPBES Nexus Assessment: Summary for Policymakers

• University of Iowa marching band member dies after collapsing at football game

• One Hot Day Can Change Your Body for Years

• Planetary Health Check

• Planetary Boundaries: Navigating Our Limits (CEF Video)

• IPBES - Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services

• Extinction is Forever - Biodiversity Is Collapsing (CEF Video)

• Ecosystem Restoration at COP15 in Montreal (CEF Video)

• Hot Water Horror - Marine Heatwaves (CEF Video)

• What is a Zettajoule?

• Plastic Planet - Climate Chaos (CEF Video)

• Hansen’s El Niño Warning (CEF Video)

• Canada’s Changing Climate Report 2026

• El Nino hammering Peru anchovy fishing: industry officials

• Super Duper El Niño and the Bigger Problem

• Are We Near the AMOC Tipping Point? (CEF Video)

• Offshore Wind Industry Posts Record Growth Amid U.S. Policy Setbacks

• ‘The economic case stacks up’: UK chancellor renews government backing for Heathrow expansion

• Greenhouse Gas and Climate Effects of Global Wetland Restoration Under Future Warming

Regular Panelists:

• Paul Beckwith - Climate Systems Scientist. Professor at the University of Ottawa’s Paleoclimatology Laboratory as well as at Carleton University.

• Regina Valdez - MS in Sustainability Management, Climate Reality Leader, GreenFaith Fellow and LEED Green Associate.

• Herb Simmens - Author, Co-founder of the Healthy Planet Action Coalition (HPAC), Climate Emergency Board Member and former college instructor.

Podcast Production:

• Charles Gregoire - Electrical Engineer, Webmaster and IT prime for FacingFuture.Earth & the Climate Emergency Forum; Climate Reality Leader

• Heidi Brault - Climate Reality Leader, BA(Psychology), Library & Information Technician Diploma - Video production and website assistant - Organizer and convener, Metadata technician, COP Team Lead for FacingFuture.Earth and the Climate Emergency Forum.

Attributions:

Background Music:

• Title: Through the City II
• Author: Crowander
• Source: crowander.com

Podcast thumbnail background image:

• Title: Space view - Planet Earth
• Author: João Dias
• Source: Source Link
• License: Vecteezy Pro