U.S. captures Venezuelan President, Power restored to Manitoba first nation, Climate goals in 2026, and more

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Your World Tonight (CBC)

Episode Date: January 3, 2026
Hosts: Stephanie Skenderas, Susan Bonner
Main Theme:
An incisive daily news roundup, with in-depth coverage and analysis of the world’s key stories—today focusing on the stunning U.S. capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, power restored to a northern Manitoba First Nation, Canada’s climate and energy crossroads, and notable developments in clean tech and city infrastructure.

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1. U.S. Military Operation: Capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro

[00:40] – [13:28]

The Operation and Its Fallout

• U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife overnight, an event characterized as a dramatic U.S. military incursion. The operation is justified by Washington as part of the "war on drugs," but also raises suspicion over control of Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.
• President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. will "run the country" until a safe transition can be made and warned Mexico, Cuba, and Colombia they might be next (05:00).

Notable Quotes:

• “He effed around and he found out.” – U.S. Defense Secretary, paraphrased by a commentator ([02:33]).
• “The oil companies are going to go in... we’re going to take back the oil that we should have taken back a long time ago.” – Donald Trump ([02:54])

Legal, Political, and Diplomatic Reactions

• Democratic lawmakers in the U.S. Congress blast the administration for acting without authority, claiming that previous briefings denied imminent military action.

  • “We were told no ... We’ve just been completely lied to.” – Rep. Seth Moulton ([03:41])

• International law and precedents:

  • “This is really the law of the jungle.” – Ben Roswell, former Canadian ambassador to Venezuela ([04:12])
  • “To all of us, every president and every prime minister is potentially a target of U.S. military action.” – Roswell ([04:44])

• Regional reaction:

  • Maduro’s Vice President, Delsey Rodriguez, calls the attack “an aggression without precedence” and demands Maduro’s release ([05:31]).
  • Trump’s claim that the Vice President has taken office is contradicted by Rodriguez’s defiance on state television ([05:31]).

Global and Diaspora Response

• World leaders’ response:

  • British PM Keir Starmer: "We should all uphold international law." ([08:35])
  • UN Secretary General warns the operation “sets a dangerous precedent.” Emergency Security Council meeting expected ([08:40]).
  • Russia, China, and Iran, allies to Maduro’s regime, all condemn the action; China says it is "deeply shocked" ([09:35]).

• Celebration among the Venezuelan diaspora in Canada:

  • “No words to express how we feel, actually a celebration on the streets.” – Venezuelan-Canadian in Montreal ([11:06])
  • “We’re just relieved and happy.” – Caroline Duran ([11:21])
  • Ernesto Gudino, president of the Venezuelan Canadian Association of Calgary: “We hope democracy will go back to Venezuela. That is the main thing we want.” ([12:32])
  • Duran on Trump’s role: “We are actually very, very grateful to President Trump… it was the only way to get them out.” ([13:19])

• Canadian officials:

  • PM Mark Carney calls for “freedom, democracy and peace for the Venezuelan people,” and stresses respecting international law ([12:40]).
  • Conservative leader Pierre Poliev congratulates Trump, saying Maduro should “live out his days in prison” ([12:40]).

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2. Power Restored to Northern Manitoba First Nation

[13:53] – [14:51]

• Pimichikamak Cree Nation is grappling with extensive infrastructure damage after a four-day power outage.
  • Over 100 homes severely compromised; many without running water due to burst pipes and sewage issues ([14:07]).
  • "Right now, the bare minimum, I'm looking at about $44 to $45 million dollars of repairs that are required." – Chief David Moneas ([14:28])
  • The federal government and military are being called in to help while timelines for evacuee returns remain uncertain.

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3. Trump’s Second Presidency: Pace and Style of Change

[15:50] – [18:55]

Use of Executive Orders and Governance

• Trump’s first year of his second term is marked by a record 220 executive orders—almost six times more than Obama’s first year ([16:39]).

  • Moves include withdrawing from WHO and Paris climate accord, rescinding birthright citizenship, dismantling the Department of Education, restoring the death penalty, expanding the travel ban ([17:16]).

• Analysis:

  • “I think you may have to go back to ancient Egypt, to the Pharaoh Akhenaten who radically transformed all of Egyptian society.” – Political analyst ([16:31])
  • "It's a sign of lawlessness." – Prof. Matthew Lebo ([18:13])
  • “How it’s been done, his style, his approach to it all—it’s like no other in American history.” ([18:32])

• Political ramifications:

  • Trump’s “obsession with the now and wielding every tool” has spooked voters, with approval ratings hitting new lows ([18:49]).

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4. Calgary Water Main Crisis

[19:20] – [20:08]

• A major water main break has prompted Calgary to declare stage four water restrictions and issue boil water advisories for four neighborhoods.
  • “Make no mistake, Calgary is sitting on a ticking time bomb… we’re going to have to build that replacement pipe faster than we’ve ever built anything before.” – Mayor Jeremy Farkas ([19:51])
  • Repairs are expected within 14 days of the initial break.

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5. State of Climate, Clean Energy, and Canada’s 2026 Goals

[20:08] – [26:40]

Global Climate Reality Check

• 2025 was the second-warmest year on record, nearly hitting the crucial 1.5°C threshold agreed to in the Paris Accord ([21:07]).
  • “The planet is continuing to bake.” – CBC Climate Reporter Inayat Singh ([21:07])
  • 2026 may be even hotter, further intensifying climate urgency.

Climate Diplomacy & Initiatives

• Formal international negotiations are faltering, with the U.S. turned toward fossil fuels and disengaged from global pacts ([20:08]).
  • However, “a group of like-minded countries… will be meeting in Colombia” to push for a fossil fuel phase-out, seeking progress outside of UN structures ([22:07]).

Clean Tech: China Leading the Charge

• China dominates the global renewable energy boom—with half of all cars sold now being electric and prices lower than gas equivalents ([23:04]).
  • “Thanks to that cheaper Chinese technology, other countries—Pakistan, South Africa, Brazil—are overtaking Western countries in solar and wind.” ([23:04])
  • 2/3 of developing countries now have more solar in their power grid than the U.S. ([23:59])

Canadian Energy & Emissions Policies

• Canada faces a crossroads: fast-tracking oil and gas projects, while also negotiating stricter carbon pricing and methane regulations ([25:10]).
  • Alberta will increase industry carbon prices and methane rules, key for reducing emissions ([25:10]).
  • Indigenous communities in B.C. are expected to have a decisive voice in future resource projects and their climate impacts.

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6. Clean EV Charging: New Incentives in Canada

[26:40] – [30:03]

• Home EV chargers can now earn owners money, thanks to government clean fuel regulations that allow companies like Switch Energy to pay households for charging their cars ([27:02]).

  • “For us, we’re charging two cars so it adds up… It’ll cover about three quarters of our cost.” – Urs Villiger, Toronto EV driver ([27:38])
  • Pembina Institute’s Chandan Bardwaj: “Ideally you would want them to reduce emissions by themselves, but sometimes allowing them to buy in credits facilitates EV adoption.” ([29:25])

• The credit system is proven to cut emissions and significantly offsets install and charging costs; consumers are urged to seek out such deals.

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Notable Quotes Overview

• “We hope democracy will go back to Venezuela. That is the main thing we want.” – Ernesto Gudino ([12:32])
• “I feel like a lot of Venezuelans have been waiting this for a long time.” – Caroline Duran ([11:30])
• “This is really the law of the jungle.” – Ben Roswell ([04:12])
• “Make no mistake, Calgary is sitting on a ticking time bomb.” – Mayor Jeremy Farkas ([19:51])
• “The planet is continuing to bake.” – Inayat Singh ([21:07])
• “Thanks to that cheaper Chinese technology, other countries… are overtaking Western countries.” – Inayat Singh ([23:04])
• “For us, we’re charging two cars so it adds up.” – Urs Villiger ([27:38])

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Maduro’s Capture: 00:40–13:28
• Manitoba Power/First Nation: 13:53–14:51
• Trump’s 2nd Presidency Analysis: 15:50–18:55
• Calgary Water Supply Crisis: 19:20–20:08
• Climate/Decarbonization Outlook: 20:08–26:40
• EV Charging Incentives: 26:40–30:03

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Tone:

• Urgent, analytical, and global in scope, the episode blends hard news with local and international reaction, robust criticism, hope, and skepticism about the world’s accelerating pace of change.

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Transcript

[Stephanie Skenderas]

At Charmin. We heard you shouldn't talk about going to the bathroom in public, so we decided to sing about it.

[CBC Podcast Host]

Light a candle, pour some wine, grab a roll.

[Political Analyst/Commentator]

The soft kind for a little me time. Charmin Ultra Soft smooth hair, wavy edges.

[CBC Podcast Host]

For my rear so let the softness caress your soul.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

Just relax, you're on a roll.

[Political Analyst/Commentator]

Let her rip.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

Charmin Ultra Soft Smooth Tear Charmin Ultra Soft Smooth Tear has the same softness you love now with wavy edges that tear better than the leading one. Ply Brand Enjoy the go with charming.

[CBC Podcast Host]

This is a CBC podcast.

[Political Analyst/Commentator]

So we are going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

U.S. forces carry out an overnight military operation in Venezuela, seizing President Nicolas Maduro and his wife and saying he will face narco terrorism charges in the U.S. it is. It's the big story on YOUR WORLD TONIGHT. I'm Stephanie Scanderas. We have full coverage of the situation in Venezuela, including reaction from the region and the country where the vice president is demanding Maduro's release. While Trump sends warnings to Mexico, Cuba and Colombia that they could be the next targets from Canada. I feel like a lot of Venezuelans have been waiting this for a long time. Like we want to go back to our country. We're just relieved and happy. The reaction from Venezuelan Canadians pours in as leaders offer messages of celebration and condemnation. In Caracas. At sound of the lightning fast overnight assault carried out by US Forces, the United States military stormed in and captured Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. A stunning culmination of a month, months long standoff between the two countries. US President Donald Trump now claims the country of Venezuela is being run by the United States. Karen Pauls brings us our top story from Washington.

[Political Analyst/Commentator]

But they were completely overwhelmed and very quickly incapacitated.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

US President Donald Trump flanked by officials describing the mission in a Florida news conference Saturday morning. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was given many chances to surrender.

[Political Analyst/Commentator]

He effed around and he found out.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

Maduro and his wife were arrested and have landed in New York where they face charges of narco terrorism and cocaine importation and conspiracy to use weapons against the U.S. officially, the justification is the war on drugs. But Venezuela has some of the largest reserves of oil in the world.

[Political Analyst/Commentator]

The oil companies are going to go in, they're going to spend money, they're going to, we're going to take back the oil that frankly we should have taken back a long time ago.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

Meanwhile, Trump says the US Will run the country until a transition can occur.

[Political Analyst/Commentator]

It's largely going to be for a period of time. The people that are standing right behind me, we're going to be running it.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

Trump was light on specifics, but says Venezuela's opposition leader, Maria Corino Machado, who won the Nobel Peace Prize last year, doesn't have the respect to rule.

[Political Analyst/Commentator]

This is illegal. It's unjustified.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

Congressional Democrats say the administration didn't have legal authority for its actions and say Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio lied to Congress in briefings last year. Seth Moulton is a congressman from Massachusetts.

[Political Analyst/Commentator]

When we had briefings on Venezuela, we asked, are you going to invade the country? We were told no. Do you plan to put troops on the ground in Venezuela?

[Freelance Reporter Cody Weddle]

We.

[Political Analyst/Commentator]

We were told no. Do you intend regime change in Venezuela? We were told no. So in a sense, we have been briefed. We've just been completely lied to.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

Rubio says they didn't have to notify Congress ahead of time because it's not a war. It's mostly a law enforcement mission.

[Political Analyst/Expert]

So it's the end of one dictator.

[Political Analyst/Commentator]

But it is not the beginning of democracy.

[Political Analyst/Expert]

I mean, this is really the law of the jungle.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

Ben Roswell is a former Canadian ambassador to Venezuela and a consultant with Catalyze4, a strategic advisor, advisory and leadership development firm. He says democracy doesn't seem to be on Trump's radar.

[Political Analyst/Commentator]

We have no sympathy for Nicolas Maduro. But the fact that the United States.

[Political Analyst/Expert]

Not only will enter the sovereign territory.

[News Anchor/Reporter]

Of another country and decapitate its government.

[Political Analyst/Expert]

Without any international legal cover, but also openly flaunting international law sends a signal.

[News Anchor/Reporter]

To all of us that every president.

[Political Analyst/Commentator]

And every prime minister is potentially a.

[Political Analyst/Expert]

Target of US Military action.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

Trump and Rubio are issuing warnings to other countries, like. Like Colombia.

[Political Analyst/Commentator]

He's making cocaine. They're sending it into the United States. So he does have to watch his ass.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

And Cuba.

[Political Analyst/Expert]

Yeah, look, if I lived in Havana and I was in the government, I'd be concerned at least a little bit.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

Suggesting they're not ruling out taking action there, too. Karen Paul's CBC News, Washington.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

So the capture of Nicolas Maduro is drawing a range of reactions in Latin America, from outrage to praise and defiance. Freelance reporter Cody Weddell is in Bogota, Colombia, with more. Cody, Nicolas Maduro's vice president, Delsey Rodriguez, has addressed the nation this afternoon. What did she have to say?

[Freelance Reporter Cody Weddle]

Well, I think, first of all, what was so striking about her appearance on TV was that she was surrounded by top members of the Maduro governments. These are People who, like Maduro, had bounties put on them by the US State Department, Interior Minister Diozalo Cabello, Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez. So clearly, for now, that inner circle of Maduro remains defiant and remains in Caracas. So she described that attack that happened. She called it, quote, an aggression without precedence. And she said that those who launched it will pay for it. She did not say that she has assumed the presidency. She actually said she demanded the immediate return and release of Nicolas Maduro. And that actually contradicts what Trump had said earlier in the day, said that she had been sworn in as the new president and that they were cooperating with her. But she appeared on TV and she was certainly defiant.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

Now, looking outside of Venezuela, what could these US Actions mean for the region, including where you are in Colombia?

[Freelance Reporter Cody Weddle]

So I think this represents definitely a major threat for allies of Venezuela around the region, certainly Cuba that has relied on Venezuelan oil over the past few decades, but also even countries like Colombia led by leftist Gustavo Petro. We've seen Trump and Petro really butting heads, really over the past year. Petro even had his US Visa revoked. Of course, Colombia is the largest producer of cocaine. And Trump has said that this is about narco trafficking. He certainly doesn't believe the Colombian government is doing enough to control narco trafficking. And Trump has continued to make those comments regarding Colombia.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

Cody, thanks so much.

[Freelance Reporter Cody Weddle]

Thank you.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

Freelance reporter Cody Weddle in Colombia. Still ahead, a dive into the state of the planet. At the start of this new year, we look at climate diplomacy, renewable energy, new resource projects, and just how hot it is. That's coming up on youn World tonight.

[Political Analyst/Commentator]

Foreign.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

Leaders around the world have been reacting to news of the U. S. Attack on Venezuela and the capture of President Maduro and his wife. Some are responding cautiously and diplomatically. Others are far more critical. Julia Chapman gauges some of that reaction from London.

[Julia Chapman]

Nicholas Maduro was not a president with many allies. Most of the Western world considered him illegitimate. But the brazen nature of his forceful ouster by a foreign army has been met with shock. Here's British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

[Political Analyst/Commentator]

I always say and believe we should all uphold international law.

[Julia Chapman]

Almost every response from world leaders includes a form of those words. For the most part, America's allies are expressing concern rather than criticizing its actions. But some, including Norway and Spain, accuse the US of breaking international law. United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres says the action in Venezuela sets a dangerous precedent. An emergency meeting of the Security Council is expected to be held on Monday. And the Global community is closely watching what happens next. The leaders of the eu, UK France and Germany say there should be a democratic transition. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk says today's attacks by American forces have an impact on the entire world. Some warn that they give impunity to autocrats that want to invade sovereign nations. In recent years, the Maduro regime grew closer to Iran, Russia and China. All three countries condemn the U. S. Action. Moscow says the pretexts used by Washington are unfounded. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has held a phone call with the Venezuelan deputy prime minister. China is the biggest buyer of Venezuelan oil and Maduro's last meeting was with a Chinese official. Beijing says it is deeply shocked by the use of force against a sovereign country. But among the Venezuelan diaspora, many are celebrating.

[Political Analyst/Expert]

It's a pity that another country had to come in to help us liberate, but we tried everything.

[Julia Chapman]

Alejandro Pena Esclusa is a political analyst and a former politician living in exile in Italy.

[Political Analyst/Commentator]

I'm very excited, very moved, because this.

[Political Analyst/Expert]

26 years of dictatorship has been very, very horrible for the Venezuelan population.

[Julia Chapman]

One world leader had a tongue in cheek response to events in Venezuela. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told reporters. If this is how you can deal with dictators, then the US Knows what to do next. Julia Chapman, CBC News, London.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

Venezuelans in Canada are reacting to the news of Maduro's capture. Hundreds took to the streets to hold rallies in several cities. As Alexander Silberman shows us, the response has been a mix of celebration and caution about the country's future. There is no words to express how.

[CBC Podcast Host]

We feel, actually a celebration on the streets of Montreal, dozens of Venezuelan community members gathering to share their joy after learning of the capture of President Nicolas Maduro.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

We're just relieved and happy.

[CBC Podcast Host]

Caroline Duran came to Canada from Venezuela as a refugee eight years ago. She says she saw no other solution beyond intervention by a foreign power.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

I feel like a lot of Venezuelans have been waiting this for a long time.

[CBC Podcast Host]

Maduro's government prompted one of the largest global migration crises in recent history. Over the past decade, nearly 8 million Venezuelans have left the country, according to the United Nations. Canada's Venezuelan community rallied after hearing the news. Many Venezuelans elated about the end of Maduro's grip on power. The socialist president is accused of human rights abuses against political dissidents and staging Sham elections. His 12 years of rule marked by deep economic collapse and extreme poverty. For the vast majority of residents, it's a happy situation. Ernesto Gudino is president of the Venezuelan Canadian association of Calgary. The city is home to thousands of Venezuelans who immigrated in the early 2000s to work in the oil and gas sector. Gudino says the removal of Maduro came as a surprise and leaves him optimistic.

[Political Analyst/Commentator]

We hope the democracy will go back to Venezuela. That is the main, the main thing that we want.

[CBC Podcast Host]

Canadian political leaders are also reacting. Prime Minister Mark Carney says he welcomes the opportunity for freedom, democracy and peace for the Venezuelan people. In a statement, he is calling on all parties to respect international law, adding, Canada stands by the Venezuelan people's right to decide and build their own future. Conservative opposition leader Pierre Poliev congratulated US President Donald Trump, saying Maduro should live out his days in prison. There remains caution and countless questions over what could come next. Duran says she supports US Involvement in the transition.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

So we are actually very, very grateful to President Trump. I know it's hard for a lot of people to understand that, but it was the only way to get them out.

[CBC Podcast Host]

With Maduro out, Venezuelan Canadians say they're now looking to the future with renewed hope for democracy. Alexander Silberman, CBC News, Edmonton.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

Power has been restored to a northern Manitoba First Nation after a four day outage, but the damage to the community is significant and thousands of evacuees are still out of their homes. Gavin Axelrod reports more than 100 homes.

[Freelance Reporter Cody Weddle]

In Pimichikamacre Nation are considered severely compromised in the aftermath of the power outage, damaged when pipes burst, sewage backed up.

[News Anchor/Reporter]

And most of the houses in the.

[Freelance Reporter Cody Weddle]

Community are without running water. Chief David Moneas has put out a plea for help with repairs of critical infrastructure for plumbers across the prairie provinces to help with repairs, and he's asking for support from the military.

[Political Analyst/Commentator]

Right now, the bare minimum, I'm looking at about 44 to 45 million dollars of repairs that are required.

[Freelance Reporter Cody Weddle]

Indigenous Services Canada has said it will provide financial support to Pimichikamak Cree Nation to address damaged infrastructure. In the meantime, Monia says there's still no timeline for when thousands of evacuees will be able to go home. Gavin Axelrod, CBC News, Winnipeg.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

Swiss authorities are investigating the two managers of a bar that caught fire during New Year's celebrations. They could face several criminal charges, including negligent homicide. The fire killed 40 people and injured more than 100 others. Police have so far identified four of the victims, two females aged 21 and 16, and two males aged 18 and 16. Investigators say the fire was likely caused by sparklers on champagne bottles that were carried too close to the ceiling. We've been talking earlier in the show about Donald Trump's sudden military actions inside Venezuela. It's one of his most dramatic acts since he burst on the political scene a decade ago. And it's the latest example of the fast pace of change in this first year of his second presidency that is unlike just about anything seen before. JP Tasker looks at how Trump has wielded executive orders to push through a radical overhaul of the American government.

[Political Analyst/Commentator]

This is a far better term than it would have been had I done it the more traditional way.

[News Anchor/Reporter]

At a pre Christmas rally in North Carolina, US President Donald Trump acknowledged his governing style is unorthodox. But political observers say the first year of his second presidency is more than that.

[Freelance Reporter Cody Weddle]

This has just been a remarkable presidency.

[News Anchor/Reporter]

Republican strategist Matthew Bartlett says the last year was unlike anything seen before in the nearly 250 year history of the American Republic. Tariffs, economic upheaval and immigration crackdown, not to mention mass layoffs in the public service.

[Political Analyst/Expert]

I think you may have to go.

[Political Analyst/Commentator]

Back to ancient Egypt, to the Pharaoh.

[Political Analyst/Expert]

Akhenaten who radically transformed all of Egyptian society.

[News Anchor/Reporter]

CBC News has crunched the numbers to find out just how much has really changed on Trump's watch. One figure stands out. Trump has issued more executive orders than any of his recent predecessors and it's not even close. Trump put pen to paper on an eye popping 220 such orders in the first year alone.

[Political Analyst/Commentator]

Just wants to sign executive orders all the time. No good. It's no good.

[News Anchor/Reporter]

And while he criticized his predecessor Barack.

[Political Analyst/Commentator]

Obama, you saw what he did today. Executive orders. He wants to know, wouldn't it be nice if they could actually get Congress together and, you know, do it the old fashioned way?

[News Anchor/Reporter]

Trump has so far churned out nearly six times more orders than Obama did in his first year in the Oval Office. On his first day, Trump used that tool to withdraw from the World Health Organization and Paris Climate Accord. He also rescinded birthright citizenship.

[Political Analyst/Commentator]

World health ripped us off. Everybody rips off the United States and that's it. It's not going to happen anymore.

[News Anchor/Reporter]

His use of the presidential pen hasn't stopped since Trump has dismantled the Department of Education, restored the death penalty and expanded his so called Muslim travel ban. The list goes on.

[Political Analyst/Commentator]

It's been an incredibly tumultuous year on just about every front.

[News Anchor/Reporter]

Matthew Lebo, a professor of US Politics at Western University, says this phenomenon is not one to be celebrated. It's a sign. Congress has all but abdicated its responsibility to legislate.

[Political Analyst/Commentator]

So it's not just that he has an expansive agenda, it's a sign of lawlessness.

[News Anchor/Reporter]

Presidential historian Barbara Perry says other presidents have been revolutionary or pushed through major reforms in their first year. Abraham Lincoln grappled with the US Civil War. But still, Perry says Trump stands alone.

[Freelance Reporter Cody Weddle]

In the pace of change. How it's been done, his style, his approach to it all, it's like no other in American history.

[News Anchor/Reporter]

Bartlett, the Republican strategist, expects more of the same in the year ahead.

[Freelance Reporter Cody Weddle]

The president continues to be obsessed with.

[Political Analyst/Expert]

The now and wielding every tool, even.

[News Anchor/Reporter]

He says, if the pace of change seems to be spooking some voters. Polls suggest Trump's approval rating just hit a new low. J.P. tasker, CBC News, Washington.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

Calgarians are being urged to continue to conserve water as the city works to repair a major water main break. The break happened on Tuesday and officials are still unsure what caused it. The city has enacted stage four water restrictions, asking residents to take shorter showers and only use dishwashers and laundry machines when necessary. Four neighborhoods have been put under boil water advisories. Calgary Mayor Jeremy Farkas says as crews work to patch the current break, a long term solution is coming.

[News Anchor/Reporter]

Make no mistake, Calgary is sitting on.

[Freelance Reporter Cody Weddle]

A ticking time bomb. This bearspaw feeder main will continue to break until a complete alternative is built. We're going to have to build that replacement pipe faster than we've ever built anything before and we're going to need to do it right the first time, farkas says.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

They are expecting repairs to be done within 14 days of the initial break. For climate advocates all over the world, 2025 wasn't easy. The US has firmly turned towards fossil fuels and pulled out of global climate diplomacy. Climate scientists and research institutions are under attack and the US Trade pressure on other countries has forced Europe and Canada to reorder their own domestic priorities. Canada is considering new pipelines, new resource projects, while attention is shifting away from its decade long climate change plan. So what is there to look forward to in 2026 when it comes to fighting the climate crisis? Well, a lot actually, and not all bad news, according to CBC climate reporter Inayat Singh, who joined us to talk about it. Anayat there's been a lot of focus on climate policy, fossil fuels, carbon taxes. But first, let's just take stock. What's the state of the planet as we head into 2026?

[Political Analyst/Expert]

Simply put, the planet is continuing to bake. So 2025 is now the second warmest year on record. It's tied with 2023. That's according to the European Union's Copernicus Climate Research Program world average temperatures have also been about 1.48 degrees above pre industrial levels. So that's almost at that 1.5 degrees Celsius limit that countries agreed to in the 2015 Paris Agreement. We're really close to there. And for 2026, the trend is expected to continue. So according to researchers at the UK's Met Office, 2026 will definitely, almost definitely be above 1.4 degrees. There's a chance that it'll even breach 1.5 degrees and could become one of the hottest years on record, if not the hottest. So that's something that we'll be watching for next year. But the trend is continuing.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

Okay, so things are getting hotter. Is there still any energy in climate negotiations to tackle the problem?

[Political Analyst/Expert]

It has been tough for climate diplomacy and you know, for people looking at these climate conferences, things have not been going well. Countries have not been able to come together. But there's a ray of hope. So next year, in April, a group of like minded countries are meeting in Colombia. In March, they're led by Colombia, the Netherlands, and they're going to be looking at a deal on phasing out fossil fuels. The idea is to bring together smaller groups of like minded countries outside the more formal UN climate conferences to come together, build some consensus and actually get some climate progress going. So here they're looking at a roadmap on phasing out fossil fuels. The idea, the hope, is to leave out petro states like the us, Russia, Saudi Arabia, that don't want such a deal.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

So still some initiative left in climate diplomacy. But beyond promises, what's happening in terms of actually moving towards renewable energy?

[Political Analyst/Expert]

That's actually one bright spot as we head into 2026. That's been a bright spot this year too. The good news story is the rise of China and especially Chinese clean technology. They are leading the world on everything from solar panels to electric cars to batteries, and they're bringing down the price of these technologies. So half of all cars sold in China now are electric, zero emissions. And more importantly, more interestingly, most of those electric cars on the market in China are cheaper than the gas equivalent. So they have made it the more cost effective choice. And thanks to that cheaper Chinese technology, other countries, developing countries, countries like Pakistan, South Africa, Brazil, they're all overtaking Western countries in terms of solar energy, wind power, your electric cars, your electric scooters, and this is bringing down emissions. So 2/3 of developing countries now have more solar in their power grid than.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

The US So where does that leave countries like Canada?

[Political Analyst/Expert]

That's going to be a tricky question for us heading into next year for Canada and other Western countries as well, who want to decarbonize but also protect their economies. So next year, the government, the federal government in Canada is reviewing its zero emissions vehicle sales mandate. This was a set of rules to kind of encourage carmakers to sell more electric cars in Canada. We will see what those rules will be in 2026 and how Canada aims to get more people into EVs. Also, another interesting trend is the warming of relations between Canada and China. This is coming after years of really difficult relations and a difficult trade situation between those countries. Mark Carney has actually accepted an invitation to visit Beijing from China's president. So a lot of climate change analysts are looking at whether this will lead to more trade deals and maybe open up a space for that cheaper Chinese clean technology to enter the Canadian market.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

Okay, it looks like developing countries, a big chunk of the world, are moving on decarbonization. What can we expect for Canada this year?

[Political Analyst/Expert]

We saw Mark Carney's government move forward on fast tracking major resource projects, a lot of them extractive projects. So they even signed an MOU with Alberta to get an oil pipeline built. This has alarmed environmental groups. There are worries that this will lead to an increase in emissions, but the details are still to be decided. So as part of this mou, Alberta, for example, has agreed to increase its carbon price, put a more stringent carbon pricing regime on its local industries, and the details of that will be hashed out in 2026. So we'll see what the impact on emissions might be. Alberta will also have to strengthen their methane regulations. Now, methane regulations are really important for bringing down methane emissions from oil and gas sites. It's a potent greenhouse gas. And reductions of methane have stalled in the past little while. So environmental groups are looking at strengthening those rules in 2026. That could have a big impact on emissions from the sector. And also there will be new environmental conditions on any new pipeline, any new LNG terminal. Those details are important for emissions. B.C. indigenous communities will also have a say in all of this. They will have to be convinced. And all this will be negotiated in 2026. So people are eagerly awaiting those details because despite all the recent moves, Carney's government has also said that it remains committed to Canada's climate targets.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

Inayat, thank you. That's CBC News climate reporter Inayat Singh. For many people, there is a big perk to owning an ev. You can charge it at home, and electricity is cheaper than gas. But your EV charger can do more than save money. Now it could potentially make you money too, emily Chung explains.

[Emily Chung]

Hoors Villiger plugs a charger into one of his family's two Tesla Model 3 electric cars. Originally, he went electric for environmental reasons.

[Political Analyst/Commentator]

A general discussion that I started having.

[Political Analyst/Expert]

With my wife about doing something against climate change.

[Emily Chung]

Since making the swap to EVs, though, he's been saving money on gas.

[Political Analyst/Commentator]

So it's really, really cheap to charge.

[Emily Chung]

The car and finding better and better deals. Recently he got a free, brand new Level 2 EV charger that's now plugged into the wall of his garage, and the company that makes the charger will pay him for charging his car.

[Political Analyst/Commentator]

For us, we're charging two cars, so it adds up.

[Emily Chung]

The payments will cover about three quarters of the cost of electricity for charging the car. Switch Energy is the Toronto company offering the deal. It launched its home charging program this month, and Villiger's family is among the first to join. Greg Overmans is the company's head of marketing.

[CBC Podcast Host]

This really helps cut off a lot.

[Freelance Reporter Cody Weddle]

Of the expenses to charge your car.

[CBC Podcast Host]

And just another way for people to see the transition to EVs being delightful.

[Emily Chung]

Switch is one of several EV charging companies offering this kind of deal listed on a new website from Plug and Drive, a nonprofit that aims to speed up the EV transition. Spokesperson Chad Yee says the page will be updated regularly.

[Freelance Reporter Cody Weddle]

We want to basically tell everybody that home charging is not only convenient, cost effective, but it's even better because you can actually get a great incentive or.

[Emily Chung]

But why are EV charging companies offering these kinds of incentives? It has to do with Canada's clean fuel regulations. They require companies that sell gas and diesel to cut their emissions intensity over time. One way is by buying credits from companies like Switch, generated from EV charging. Overmans said Switch had been selling credits from charging in commercial and condo buildings for a couple of years, and only.

[CBC Podcast Host]

Recently we thought, you know, let's extend.

[Political Analyst/Expert]

That offer and bring in a larger.

[Freelance Reporter Cody Weddle]

Group of people, people who are previously out of that market because they're too.

[Emily Chung]

Small homeowners like Filigreer. Chandan Bardwaj is with the Pembina Institute, a Canadian energy think tank. He says the clean fuel regulations do have more direct ways for companies to cut emissions from gas and diesel, finding lower carbon ways to make it, or blending in lower carbon fuels such as ethanol.

[Political Analyst/Commentator]

Yes, ideally you would want them to reduce emissions by themselves, but sometimes allowing them to buy in credits facilitates EV adoption.

[Emily Chung]

He said research in other countries has already shown that carbon credit systems like this do reduce overall emissions by encouraging investments in EVs and charging. He's also done an analysis showing that credits from the clean fuel regulations cut the cost of installing and providing EV charging by 25%, and customers should consider programs from EV charging companies that let them have a cut so like you.

[Political Analyst/Commentator]

Should demand more benefits from them, something.

[Emily Chung]

EV drivers like Urs Villiger are already taking advantage of. Emily Cheung, CBC News, Toronto.

[Stephanie Skenderas]

Recapping our top story, the U.S. overnight assault on Venezuela resulting in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. US President Donald Trump says Maduro will face narco terrorism charges in the US and that the US Will run Venezuela until a safe transition of power can happen. Many Venezuelan Canadians are celebrating the news while leaders offer support or criticism that the attack is illegal. Meanwhile, Mexico, Cuba and Colombia are some of the countries watching the situation closely and wondering if President Trump will make good on warnings that they could be targets. This has been youn World Tonight for Saturday, January 3rd. I'm Stephanie Skenderas. Thank you for being with us. Good night.

[CBC Podcast Host]

For more cbc podcasts, go to cbc ca podcasts.