We break from our regular format to present the unabridged delivery of the internationally respected environmental columnist, George Monbiot. A writer at the United Kingdom-based newspaper, The Guardian, Monbiot is well known internationally for his strong and well researched positions on global warming. On account of the sky-high carbon footprint of jet travel, Monbiot has written that flying is, in his own words, “as unethical, in terms of its impact on human well-being, as child abuse.” It therefore raised eyebrows when he arrived from a transatlantic flight last month in part to give the speech we will present here today, an address to the fellows of Massey College. The exceptional need, as he described it, was to impart upon Canadians the gravity of our federal government’s efforts to derail climate negotiations on the international stage, and the changing view of Canada in the eyes of the world. On today’s show, we present the lecture he presented at Massey College as well as ensuing discussion with the Fellows of Massey College.

Not all renewable energies are created equal. REAP (Resource Efficient Agriculture Canada) should know. They created a system of metrics to better evaluate corn versus switchgrass biofuels, solar versus wind power, etc. Their metrics cover EROI (Energy Return on Investment), cost effectiveness, impact on GHG reduction, available subsidies, etc. REAP’s Stephanie Bailey-Stamler recently spoke with Green Majority producer Peter Stock about their Howe Institute report and why REAP feels the government of Canada has made a mistake in trying to back a “winner” (that is by REAP’s metrics a “loser”)

TGM reporter Joanna Dafoe speaks with Jordan Poppenk on the final day of UN climate change negotiations in Copenhagen. Speaking from the site of a protest at PM Stephen Harper’s hotel, Joanna reports on policy developments since the first week of the conference, resonance from public actions in Canada, and what is expected to take place following the conference.

Green Majority correspondent Joanna Dafoe reports live from Copenhagen, Denmark to deliver an update on the international United Nations climate negotiations taking place there. She speaks with host Jordan Poppenk about Canada’s political objectives, its changing international reputation, and climate negotiations in the media.

We live in a world where it is difficult to see the carbon, water, and electricity used to run our homes and offices. Reporter LeeAnne MacGregor speaks to Ron Dembo, CEO of the Toronto-based firm, ZeroFootprint, which leading developer of tools to measure and reduce the environmental footprint of individuals and organizations of all sizes. Mr. Dembo speaks to LeeAnne live from the climate negotiations in Copenhagen.

Kelly Drennan, founder of Fashion Takes Action, speaks with TGM reporter Danny Leskiw about eco-fashion trends, the social and environmental impact of operating a eco-friendly fashion based business, and the carbon footprint of fashion more broadly.

Slow Food Toronto believes that access to good, clean, fair food is an irrevocable human right. They aim to build food community networks that include producers, artisans, chefs, food activists, youth leadership, and consumers. On December 8th at Hart House, Slow Food Toronto presents a new cookbook “Earth to Table” by chefs Jeff Crump and Bettina Schormann. Details at the Slow Food Toronto website.

From zebra mussels to purple loosestrife, spiny water fleas to sea lampreys, the Great Lakes have had more than their share of invasive species. Now it looks like another one is on the horizon: the Asian Carp. News correspondent Tyler Irving speaks to Great Lakes United Campaign Director Jennifer Nalbone about the threat posed by this species and what action is being taken to protect the lakes.