Once-in-a-Millenium Rainfall Descends on Maryland, Killing 2

CommonDreams

'It looks like a war zone.’ Story here.

Stephen Harper Transforms Canada (and not in a good way). (Editorial)

(I wrote the following at least two years ago, while Stephen Harper was still Prime Minister of Canada. Due to technical limitations, I can't seem to keep it in its chronological place on the blog. So I'm leaving it where it is. Just know Harper is (mercifully) long gone from his post.)

by Larry Powell

Sad, isn’t it? 

Canada’s days as an honest broker and a respected, neutral middle power, are over. Prime Minister Harper has transformed my country from a kinder, gentler peacekeeping nation, which strives to mediate disputes and stay out of despicably unjust wars like Iraq, into a would-be petrostate that takes sides, “smites” our enemies, intimidates those whose views differ from his own and sows seeds of hatred based on culture, religion or gender. He actually declared jihadi terrorists (as brutal and evil as they clearly are) as “the most dangerous enemy our world has ever seen.” Has he already forgotten the millions of allied troops who died fighting far bigger enemies in the great wars of the 20th century? 

USDA Confirms Unapproved GMO Wheat Found in Washington State

THEWESTERN

PRODUCER

Genetically modified wheat developed by Monsanto Co, and never approved by federal regulators, has been found growing in a Washington state farm field, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said on Friday. Story here.

Five Things to Consider After 14 Months in a Row of Record Heat

EcoWatch

There is just so much to digest in the latest release of monthly global temperature data by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), I thought I needed to say something. I just don't know where to start, so bear with me, please, as this news of temperature records being broken (yet again) is profoundly sobering and worth understanding in detail. It is all hard to grasp and chew on, so I will try to go bit by bit here …Story here.

First Nations in Manitoba Keep Wary Eye on Saskatchewan Oil Spill

CBCnews

Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs calls for boycott of Husky Energy. Story here.

Is the Canadian Chamber of Commerce on the Wrong Side of History, Once Again? (Opinion)

by Larry Powell

Has that old siren-song of industry hit a sour note? You know the one. If we spend too much money trying to reign in climate change, it will only damage jobs and the economy. In fact, here is a direct quote from the website of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce earlier this year.

With Planting Season Weeks Away, Millions in Drought-Hit Southern Africa Need Support – UN

UN News Centre

Some 23 million people in southern Africa are in need of urgent support to be able to produce enough food to feed themselves…Story here.

Landmark Human Rights Complaint Lodged Against World's Worst Polluters

COMMONDREAMS

In unprecedented case, Filipino governmental body accuses carbon-polluting corporations of violating people's rights to "life, food, water, sanitation, adequate housing, and to self determination.” Story here.

Scorching Global Temps Astound Climate Scientists

CommonDreams

As wildfire rages in California, flooding affects millions in India and China, and eggs are fried on sidewalks in Iraq, scientists say global climate catastrophe is surpassing predictions. Story here.

Energy East Opposition Wants City of Winnipeg to Review Pipeline Risks.

CBCnews

PinP photo.

Pipeline puts Winnipeg water supply in jeopardy, Manitoba Energy Justice Coalition says. Story here.

'You Cannot Explain it by Chance': Climate Crises Can Fuel Armed Conflict

CommonDreams

New research adds to argument that extreme weather is linked to deadly violence, particularly in fractured countries. Story here.