Biodiversity
The Canadian Environmental Network’s (RCEN) 2010 Conference
Guest Post
The Canadian Environmental Network’s (RCEN) 2010 Conference will take place at the Grand Plaza Hotel in downtown Montreal, from September 17-19.
For over 30 years, environmental NGOs have attended this annual event to meet their colleagues, share stories and strategize around the most pressing environmental issues. As long-time [...]
Linking opposition to megaprojects: the Solidarity Caravan sets off in March
The Committee for Human Rights in Latin America (CDHAL) begins its Solidarity Caravan tour March 8, 2010. Already in its 5th year, the Caravan will tour communities on the eastern shore of Québec from Montreal to Sept Iles to raise awareness about the impacts of megaprojects for local communities in the Americas. This year will [...]
Oil spill in Timor Sea raises concerns for marine life
For the past nine weeks an oil rig off the north-west coast of Australia has been leaking approximately 2000 barrels of oil a day. The 25 cm wide hole has caused Australia’s most damaging oil spill in 25 years, putting at risk many humpback whales, endangered turtles, dolphins and other marine life. See more here [...]
Cosmic rays impact tree growth
A new study in the New Phytologist shows that cosmic rays may influence tree growth more than changes in temperature and precipitation. Although the effects of solar cycles is a “controversial” topic and the impact of solar rays’ density on biological material not well understood, data shows tree growth follows the Sun’s 11 year activity [...]
UN adds 22 New Biosphere Reserves
Although it has no legal weight, the UN has named 22 new biosphere reserves to its 511 in place around the world. From South Africa to North Korea the reserves are meant to promote sustainable human-nature interaction. One such reserve is located in Germany’s Bliesgau region and includes one densely populated town, introducing the concept [...]
Laval citizens demand the conservation of the Saint François archipelago
Sauvons nos trois grandes îles (Save our three great islands), a Laval citizen group founded in 1990, has presented a conservation plan for the preservation of the Saint François archipelago that straddles between Terrebonne and Laval. In 2001 the City of Laval adopted a plan for residential development on the three islands that make up [...]
Australian oil spill an ecological disaster
230 tons of oil spilled off the cost of Queensland from a Hong Kong-registered ship on Wednesday. The 60km stretch of beaches has been declared a disaster zone. Worst hit is the marine sanctuary Moreton Bay, home to a variety of species of dolphins, turtles, pelicans and other sea birds. The cost of the clean-up [...]
Is Canada’s Minister of the Environment position cursed?
Ever since the Tories have come to power in Canada, our country has lost its environmental lustre. It first started with Minister Ambrose who got lambasted first by the opposition for cutting Liberal climate change programs, then by environmentalists over the weak emission intensity targets under the Clean Air Act, and finally for retracting on [...]
Harper government to slacken the Environmental Impact Assessment Act
Every time one hears ‘streamline’ and ‘cutting red tape’ from a minister, you can be sure something more significant hides behind promises of government efficiency. If you are worried that the recent economic turmoil will push governments to slacken environmental regulations you can count in Canada to take the lead. Le Devoir has revealed that [...]
Balancing conservation and economic development in Wemindji
One of the most important issues of today’s generation is whether our descendants will enjoy at least the same level of well-being as us. Reconciling present needs with those of generations to come is not an easy task, and more often seems to get diluted in a strange yet rehearsed political dance.
Some of these issues [...]
