Emergency Marker 1: Spend what it takes to win (w/ Caroline Brouillette & Seth Klein)

Episode 1 of our 6-part special series begins with the first marker of the climate emergency: spending what it takes to win. Host Erin Blondeau is joined by Seth Klein and Caroline Brouillette to explore what real, transformative climate investment would look like, drawing parallels to Canada’s WWII mobilization. Together, they break down why today’s spending falls far short, and why committing at least 2% of GDP annually is both doable and necessary. They dig into ending fossil fuel subsidies, taxing windfall profits, and creative revenue tools like aviation pollution charges. It’s a clear-eyed conversation about ambition, urgency, and the choices that define whether we win this fight.

Links & references:

• Spending What it Takes: Transformational climate investments for long-term prosperity in Canada - CAN-Rac
• Why aren’t we talking about war taxes? - Seth Klein (video)
• Why aren’t we talking about war taxes? - Seth Klein
• There’s always money for the military. But climate? - Seth Klein (video)
• There’s always money for the military. But climate? - Seth Klein
• Canada’s Fossil Fuel Funding in 2024 - Environmental Defence 

More on the 6 Markers of the Climate Emergency:

• Watch our video: 6 Markers of Climate Emergency Action  
• Listen to all 6 episodes of our special series & the 6-marker overview episode from March 2025.
• Learn more about the 6 markers at www.davidsuzukiinstitute.ca/6-markers-of-climate-emergency

Credits:
Produced by Erin Blondeau and Doug Hamilton-Evans. Written and hosted by Erin Blondeau. Music by Anjali Appadurai. Audio editing by Blue Light Studios. Artwork by Geoff Smith.