Rojava: Social Ecology, Democracy, Feminism, & Community (Part 1)

Rojava: Social Ecology, Democracy, Feminism, & Community (Part 1)

Author: Sierra Club Canada January 28, 2026 Duration: 53:23

Conor talks with Arthur, a journalist working with the Emergency Committee for Rojava about Rojava's "experiment in feminism, pluralism, democracy and environmentalism" that includes a sweeping vision of social ecology. This podcast comes as Kurds and other cultural minorities in the area are being threatened with potential genocide by the new Syrian Government which has attacked the Rojava region. A follow up episode (Part 2) which will be out soon will get into what has happened since this episode was recorded on January 7th 2026.

The Canadian Government could also apply pressure to the Syrian Government to help facilitate a peaceful resolution if you'd like to call your MP.

The Environment in Canada Podcast often covers community solutions to environmental crises in Canada, giving communities more autonomy via renewable energy and mutual aid systems, and how organizing from the ground up can help Canadians reinforce our sovereignty and protect our environment. Rojava is a really important case study in these sorts of things being attempted at scale.

It also becomes apparent during this interview that when it comes to acting on climate change and adopting renewable energy - especially given upcoming demand decreases for oil and gas globally - there really is no excuse for us not to be taking climate and renewable energy action here in Canada and helping others around the world do the same.

Find out more about the Emergency Committee for Rojava: https://www.defendrojava.org/

Be sure to send us your questions at info@sierraclub.ca and sign up for email updates from us here: https://www.sierraclub.ca/subscribe-for-updates/

And don't forget to take action for the environment generally in Canada: https://www.sierraclub.ca/take-action/

Please note: The views expressed in these podcast episodes do not necessarily reflect those of the Sierra Club Canada Foundation, or those of our chapters or programs.

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Produced by Sierra Club Canada, The Environment in Canada Podcast digs into the stories and policies shaping our natural world. This isn't just a theoretical discussion; it's a grounded look at the intersection of ecology, economy, and community action across the country. You'll hear conversations that connect the dots between climate change impacts in our own backyards and global biodiversity loss, examining everything from local pollution challenges to the national shift toward renewable energy. The dialogue often ventures into how democratic processes influence environmental outcomes and explores the growing legal and ethical concept of the Rights of Nature. Each episode is built to inform and empower, offering a clear-eyed perspective on both the problems and the tangible solutions emerging from Canadian communities, businesses, and advocacy. By focusing on these interconnected themes, the podcast provides a crucial resource for anyone wanting to understand the full scope of environmental issues today. Weaving together news, science, and politics, this series goes beyond headlines to foster a deeper comprehension of our relationship with the land and water. Listening means engaging with the critical debates that will define Canada's ecological future, all through the trusted lens of one of the nation's most established environmental voices. The aim is to leave you not just better informed, but equipped with the context needed to participate meaningfully in the ongoing conversation about protection and sustainability.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 108

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