Lytton, BC under evacuation threat again, as hundreds of wildfires burn across Canada

Canada's National Observer

This week marks the four-year anniversary of a deadly wildfire that destroyed the British Columbia village of Lytton and the community is again under threat, with a fire burning out of control north of the community, setting off evacuation orders and alerts. Story here.

On Carney's agenda, climate is nowhere and everywhere

Canada's National Observer

Throughout Mark Carney’s whirlwind first months on the job, two words have remained conspicuously absent from the prime minister’s messaging: “climate change.” Story here.

 Read Larry's book here. 

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View in Browser | Donate | Take Action It’s Time to Protect What Protects Us. Dear Larry, Over the past few weeks, the wildfires that forced evacuations across Manitoba have eased, and many communities are finally welcoming their people back home. While the smoky skies are clearing, the fires have left a vivid reminder that the climate crisis is no theoretical threat.  It’s already reshaping lives and landscapes here in Manitoba.  Yet even as we breathe a collective sigh of relief, the province is pressing ahead with the prospect of a pipeline partnership with Alberta that would deepen our dependence on fossil fuels instead of charting a safer, nature-first path forward. That’s why now, more than ever, we need a Plan for Nature. The Missing Piece: A Plan to Protect Our Lands and Waters Summer in Manitoba is a time of abundance. Green forests, flowing rivers, singing birds, and families heading outdoors to hike, paddle, and reconnect with nature. But amid all this renewal, one thing is missing: a coordinated provincial strategy to conserve the very landscapes we love and depend on. The Manitoba government has plans for housing, healthcare, childcare, critical minerals, and more. But for nature? Nothing. No plan. There have been encouraging steps, like supporting the Seal River Watershed Indigenous Protected Area initiative, but isolated wins won’t get us where we need to go. We need a bold, cohesive plan to reach Manitoba’s commitment to protect 30% of lands and waters by 2030 (30x30). A plan rooted in science, Indigenous leadership, and meaningful action, not just promises. "We wouldn’t build a house without a blueprint or a bridge without an engineering plan. And yet, when it comes to protecting the ecosystems that sustain us, Manitoba still lacks a coordinated, long-term plan.” Nature is Our Foundation Nature isn’t a luxury. It’s a life-support system. Manitoba’s lands and waters filter our drinking water, regulate our climate, grow our food, and protect our communities from floods and fires. When we fail to protect nature, we risk everything. A comprehensive conservation plan is essential to ensure future generations can enjoy clean water, thriving wildlife, and the outdoor traditions that define who we are. A Powerful Climate Solution Right in Our Backyard The newly released Hudson Bay Lowlands Ecosystem Valuation confirms what many have long known: the Hudson Bay Lowlands is one of Canada’s most powerful natural climate solutions. Commissioned by CPAWS Manitoba and authored by the Manitoba based International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), the report reveals that the Hudson Bay Lowlands: Provide nearly $250 million/year in ecosystem services, including hunting, tourism, and mental health benefits Store an estimated 7 billion tonnes of carbon with a global carbon storage value of over $1.2 trillion This intact wilderness, covering nearly 10% of Manitoba, is ecologically and culturally vital. Five Indigenous Nations are working together here to establish a large Indigenous Protected Area to safeguard its waters, wildlife, and way of life for future generations. This is exactly the kind of initiative a Manitoba conservation plan should support and build upon.

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Wildfires could be harming our oceans and disrupting their carbon storage

University of British Columbia.

Wildfires pollute waterways and could affect their ability to sequester carbon, new University of British Columbia research shows. Story here.

Wildfire smoke over Calgary.

Neonics Threatening Our Pollinators

PAN

A social wasp (Vespula germanica) Photo by Alvesgaspa.

Over the last two decades, neonicotinoid pesticides, or neonics, have swiftly become the most widely used class of insecticides globally. Unfortunately for our pollinators, neonics are very efficient at dealing death. Story here.