PLANET IN PERIL

Dear PLT readers, I'm again involved in researching an in-depth magazine article which will be appearing in the new year. Will tell you more as the time approaches. And, of course, there's Christmas and all that that involves! So I won't be posting as often as I normally do. Anyway, things should get back to normal in the next few weeks. Meanwhile, have a great holiday season and the very best in 2013! Sincerely, Larry

CBC Radio - Sunday Edition Over the past century, Christmas has become an annual excuse for frenzied, even pathological consumerism. Sure, it helps businesses big and small, but do we really need all that stuff?  Listen here.

George Monbiot Pathological consumption has become so normalised that we scarcely notice it. Full story here. PLT: Get a talking fish toy for your loved one this Christmas! What a catch!

Alternet A highly secretive trade agreement aims to penalize countries that protect workers, consumers, and the environment. Details here. PLT:  Luckily, there's growing opposition to this slimy deal which our very own King Stephen is in the middle of. What's that green stuff on your hands, Prime Minister?

Cdn. Youth Delegation - Climate Conference, Qatar An hour ago, two members of the Arab Youth Climate Movement were  arrested. They held up a banner in the COP18 conference centre that read, “Qatar, why host, not lead?”. Onlookers erupted in cheers as... Details here.

Alternatives Journal - Alana Westwood Canadians are apologetic people. Yet, navigating the halls of the COP18 climate negotiations as a member of the Canadian Youth Delegation (CYD), the “sorry”s I gave weren’t stereotypical Canuck politeness. Instead, they were apologies of shame for... Details here.                      East-Central SK, 2011. PLT photo