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China Has Good Reason to Embrace a Carbon Tax

By: Gwynne Dyer The announcement last week by China’s ministry of finance that the country will introduce a carbon tax, probably in the next two years, did not dominate the international headlines. It was too vague about the timetable and the rate at which the tax would be levied, and fossil fuel lobbyists were quick to portray it as meaningless. But the Chinese are deadly serious about fighting global warming, because they are really scared. Details here.

Unsung Victims of the XL Pipeline

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by Larry Powell It's nothing but another act of criminal negligence. I n their coverage of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) into the proposed Keystone XL pipeline,  our corporate media have flagrantly ignored the lowly creatures we share Planet Earth with; creatures which will be pushed closer to extinction if this project proceeds. According to that same EIS, no less than 13 animal species, already declared endangered under federal "laws," "could be impacted" by the proposed project.  Impacted? They're already endangered! Ah, what the Hell! Let's run 'em down! They don't count anyway!  Here is the havoc this massive, misguided project will wreck on the plants and animals of our natural world which happen to be in its way. Remember, the passages below are taken directly from the EIS. "• Habitat loss, alteration, and fragmentation;  • Direct mortality during construction and  operation, including collision with

Pressure Mounting to Ban Bee-Killing Pesticides

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Glasgow Herald Scottish ministers are under mounting pressure to defy the Westminster government and back a European ban on toxic pesticides which are blamed for killing bees. Details here. Bumble Bees on sunflower. PLT photo PLT; At least civilized societies such as this see the need for action. Sadly, here in Canada, the hearts and brains of the Harperites turned to stone long ago.

A Better Plan Than 'Endless Growth': Enough Is Enough

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Common Dreams by Rob Dietz and Dan O'Neill The World Economic Forum held its annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland last month.  The official theme was "Resilient Dynamism," a catchphrase that makes about as much sense as... Details here.

Loss of Wild Pollinators Serious Threat to Crop Yields, Study Finds

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the guardian                                                          Photo credit: Graham Powell photography. Wild bees and other insects are twice as effective as honeybees in producing seeds and fruit on crops.  Details here.

Manitobans Want a Pesticide Ban

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