Cut methane emissions now to fight climate change
Methane emissions largely from liquefied natural gas (LNG) and fracking are at least 2.5 times higher than the government estimates, meaning that the LNG/fracking industry is much dirtier than we have been told. Indeed, the oil and gas sector, which includes LNG and fracking, could be the largest source of climate pollution in British Columbia. […]
Sunshine and a relaxed Saturday create ideal conditions for Earth Day, Writers’ Festival kickoff
It was a gorgeous day on Saturday, April 22. I wore a light jacket, which was perfect as I walked to Christ Church Cathedral on Sparks Street in Ottawa to spend Earth Day hearing about the importance of protecting the planet with David Suzuki and other authors. The event was a kickoff to the Ottawa International Writers Festival, […]
How one lobby campaign won support of mining, environment, indigenous groups and MPs from all parties
It’s not every day that a lobbying campaign can claim success based on support from 49 MPs from all four political parties in the House of Commons as well as mining, environmental, and indigenous groups. While these camps may in other circumstances clash, they spoke with one voice in recent months to push the federal […]
Ease debt for countries hit hardest by climate change
Developing countries are collectively faced with a bill climbing into the trillions of dollars, to cover the costs of action on climate change, and on servicing foreign debt. While developed nations, including Canada, have committed to mobilizing U.S. $100-billion a year by 2020 to support developing countries in adapting to the adverse effects of climate […]
Don’t go back on carbon pricing; pendulum policies push away investment
Donald Trump is not much of a believer in human involvement in climate change—neither in its cause (or even just its acceleration), nor in slowing it down. But what he does in his own country clearly has global ramifications. His rejection of environmental policies such as carbon pricing have many on this side of the […]
No easy fixes for energy policy in Canada
As the federal government’s expert panels on environmental assessment and National Energy Board modernization wrap up their reviews, it’s tempting to think Canada’s energy challenges can be “fixed” by regulatory reform alone. If only it were that easy. Canada’s energy decision-making machinery—federal and provincial from policy through to regulation—was largely built between the 1950s and […]
The case for international environmental agreements
OTTAWA—We live in a magnificent world that is endowed with an amazing array of natural and environmental amenities whose proper and wise use can provide us with sustenance, fulfillment, happiness, and immense joy. These blessings of nature include the forests, lakes, rivers, oceans, fisheries, flowers, wildlife, fresh air, and various mineral deposits. As we enjoy […]
Canada’s role in preventing species extinctions
One of the most powerful tools of nature conservation in the 21st century is our ability to put the protection of Canadian species into a global context. By documenting Canadian species that are not just rare in Canada, but rare everywhere, we can better understand the role of Canadian conservation efforts in preventing global […]
Lobbying files show McKenna getting fill of energy companies, environmental groups
With some key decisions taken on pipelines, carbon taxes, a report last week about reforming Canada’s environmental assessment processes, and more, it’s logical that Environment and Climate Change Minister Catherine McKenna would be among the most lobbied ministers in the Trudeau cabinet. As of last week, 134 communication reports had been filed for contact with […]
Proposed navigation bill reforms amount to broken campaign promise: advocacy group, NDP
Critics are accusing the Trudeau government of breaking another high-profile campaign promise, after the Liberals on the House Transport Committee voted against recommending the repeal of Harper-era reforms that dramatically reduced the number of waterways under federal oversight. “We were really disappointed to see the recommendations. It really goes against what the Trudeau Liberals were saying […]
