The Sunday Edition — May 6, 2018
On this week's episode:
Lyme disease -- the first epidemic of climate change
As global temperatures climb, disease-carrying ticks are moving into new areas. Lyme disease is hard to diagnose, and inflicts harrowing symptoms which can linger long after treatment. Journalist Mary Beth Pfeiffer reports on how human activity has propelled this growing menace, and how modern medicine has underestimated its danger.
What the Dutch can teach the world about managing floods
Tropical cyclones are routine in many parts of the world, but experts agree that Hurricane Harvey was intensified by the unusually high temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico's balmy waters. They also agree that there will be many more catastrophic weather events, as the world's climate continues to change. One country already has a great deal of expertise when it comes to keeping things dry. David talks to Dutch water expert Henk Ovink, who travels the world advising governments on how to reduce loss of life and property damage caused by floods.
An encounter with a creative genius
Twenty-five years ago, Curtis Barlow was Canada's cultural counselor in Washington. His mission was to elevate the profile of Canada, through the arts. His encounter with a determined woman who was at the time a relatively unknown Canadian painter, pushed him out of his comfort zone and into a new way of thinking. Curtis Barlow's essay is called, "The Artist."
At age 6 she escaped the Rwandan genocide, but the ghosts linger
Clemantine Wamariya was just 6 years old in 1994, when she and her older sister fled their Rwandan home to escape genocide. As many as a million people were slaughtered; two million were displaced. Clemantine's story is one of fear, deprivation and horror, but also of ingenuity, resilience and ultimately, of survival. Clemantine Wamariya is Laura's guest.
A mother-daughter bond strengthens during a gruelling trek along the Coastal Mountains
Tania and Martina Halik hiked for about 2,300 kilometres across some of Canada's most rugged terrain. The Haliks faced many challenges, including bitter cold, avalanche threats and perilous river crossings. They tell guest host Laura Lynch why they'd do it all again.
Canada's prison system should be radically reduced
Lawyer Paula Mallea has defended inmates in nine Canadian penitentiaries. Her experience has led her to the conclusion that punishment and incarceration are regressive, harmful measures for everybody involved. In her book, Beyond Incarceration; Safety and True Criminal Justice, she argues for a system where prison is no longer the default, other than for those who pose a danger to society.