Posts

Tar Sands Even More Harmful That Previously Believed?

Image
Dear Larry, New  Ecojustice research confirms  that upgrading oil extracted from  Alberta’s oilsands is indeed a nasty bit of business that puts waterways,  fish and people at risk. The burning and combustion required to transform raw bitumen into  synthetic crude oil comes at a heavy cost: the release of airborne  pollutants — some of which have been found to cause cancer in humans  and impact the development and survival of fish.  Our research shows that these toxic substances are making their way into  the Athabasca River, contaminating a waterway that holds ecological,  cultural and commercial significance for the people who live along its  shores. The river is also a vital life source for many wildlife species; it is  home to more than half of the province’s fish species. Learn more about Ecojustice’s research here But that’s just part of the story. Because even though the oilsands are one  of the biggest industrial projects on the planet, the federal

While Canada Drags its Feet, US and Russia Unite in Bid to Strengthen Polar Bear Protection

Image
the guardian Proposal to ban international commercial trade in polar bear products sets up showdown with Canada over a key vote. Full story here. PLT: Once again, the "regressive Conservatism" of the Harperites rears its ugly head. When, oh when will we be rid of them?

Ice Melt to Expand Arctic Shipping by Midcentury

Los Angeles Times Loss of sea ice due to global warming could open new seasonal shipping lanes through the Arctic Ocean by midcentury, sharply reducing transit times and opening a Pandora's box of safety, environmental and legal issues, according to scientists. Full story here.

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

Image
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

Image
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

Image
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

Image
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

Image

Save Lake (Winnipeg) Or Live By 'Open-Air Sewer'

Winnipeg Free Press. Author warns province of growing threat. Full story here.

Manitoba Bans Peat Mining In Parks

Image
as well as the site nominated for the UNESCO world heritage  site. Government of Manitoba. No New Peat Licences in the Province  Until Peatland Stewardship Strategy in Place Manitoba is banning peat mining in provincial parks and in the nominated  UNESCO World Heritage Site on the east side of Lake Winnipeg as one of several new peatland protection initiatives through TomorrowNow - Manitoba's Green Plan, Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Gord Mackintosh announced today. Peat bogs (r.) provide habitat for rare plants.  They also store vast amounts  of carbon,  which  helps  mitigate  the impacts of climate change.  Source:   Wilderness Committee.    "I am proud of our record on parks and protected areas.  Seven million hectares of land, which amounts to almost 11 per cent of the province, are already fully protected and we will continue our work on reducing industrial developments in parks," said Mackintosh.  "While I recognize the