United Nations Calls Canada's Pullout From Drought Convention 'Regrettable'

United Nations

The United Nations says it's 'regrettable' that the Government of Canada is withdrawing from the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the only legally binding instrument that addresses desertification, land degradation and drought. Details here.

Related story: Desertification Too Important For Canada To Ignore - Suzuki

Fish Deformities Linked to Oil Pollution in U.S. and Alberta

CBC News

Alberta scientist calls for research on fish malformations in Lower Athabasca River. Details here.

Cheaper Green Energy Storage Solution Invented by Calgary Professors

CBC News

Chat over beer generates lower-cost way to make hydrogen from water. Details here.

Saskatoon Scientist Breaks Silence About Muzzling

CBC Radio

A retired federal researcher based in Saskatoon is going public with concerns Ottawa is muzzling scientists like her. Details here.

Not a Robin, But, I'll Take It!

Not exactly the harbinger of spring we look forward to most. I spotted this "gopher," actually a Richardson's ground squirrel, in a field near Roblin, (western) Manitoba today. PLT photo.

Top Water Specialist Ties Into Harper Government For Killing the Experimental Lakes Area (podcast)

CBC Radio - As It Happens

As we've discussed on the program this week, federal funding for the Experimental Lakes Area in northern Ontario will be cut off at the end of March. And scientists will not be allowed to conduct research at the facility this summer, even those with their own funding. David Schindler is the founding director of the world-renowned freshwater research facility. He is best-known for his research on phosphates, and on the environmental impact of the oilsands. Listen to the interview, here.

Backers of the Experimental Lakes Area Question Ottawa's Intentions

Winnipeg Free Press

Skeptics wonder about the sincerity of the federal government to get a new operator for ELA. Details here.