Greenspiration News & Events: Climate Solutions Gaining Ground

[Angela Bischoff - OCAA]

Hi friends. 

This is my last newsletter until Sept. Enjoy, and mark your calendars. 

Happy summer!

-angela

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Ukraine’s communities need support for their green recovery

Political solidarity means reconstructing the country with independent energy supplies, modern infrastructure and a sustainable economy. Rebuilding a prewar version of Ukraine would be unthinkable. An old-style economy based on fossil fuels means fragile sovereignty. Renewables, however, are aligned with peace, security and independence for Ukraine. They are the building blocks of a modern economy, attracting private investment and positioning the country alongside its European neighbors. An energy system powered by wind and sun isn’t just greener in the long term, it’s also helping Ukrainians get through the war right now.

https://www.politico.eu/article/ukraine-support-green-recovery-solar-wind-power/

 

To the people who are people pushing Ukraine to negotiate with Russia - 1 min. video illustration

You cannot negotiate with someone who came to kill you 

https://twitter.com/rshereme/status/1671942614906535961

 

Excess Parking Produces Land Loss, Flood Woes, Heat Islands for Cities

Depaving paradise—which would ultimately mean fewer cars on city streets—would reduce pedestrian fatalities, alleviate urban blight, and slash air pollution. It would also help battle the urban heat island effect and make shedding water much easier.

https://www.theenergymix.com/2023/06/18/excess-parking-produces-land-loss-flood-woes-heat-islands-for-cities/

 

The First Nations at the front line of Canada’s fires

As smoke and smog choke the Northeast, Alberta’s Indigenous nations face down apocalyptic wildfires and the provincial government’s “let-it-burn” climate policy. In May, roughly 2.7 million hectares of forest — an area equal to about five million football fields — were burned to the ground in Canada…Over the last 10 years, the average number of hectares burned in the same month was just 150,000.

https://therealnews.com/canada-fires-first-nations-indigenous-smoke-air-quality?mc_cid=6a0a0538b6&mc_eid=773035152a

 

Protect the Breathing Lands (includes the Ring of Fire)

A powerful coalition of Indigenous Nations are joining forces to push back against unilateral decision-making over natural resources by the Ontario government. The Ontario government is still trying to fast-track rapid industrial development on Indigenous lands, pushing for permits to mine, deforest, build roads, and dam rivers without the consent of Indigenous Nations.   

https://raventrust.com/campaigns/breathing-lands/

 

4 families in Elliot Lake, Ont., demand radioactive mining waste be removed from their properties

Radioactive waste rock was used on some properties in the Elliot Lake area prior to 1976 when uranium mining was regulated solely by the provincial government.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/elliot-lake-radiactive-waste-1.6881433

 

Proposed Chalk River nuclear dumpsite violates UNDRIP, says Algonquin chiefs 

‘We never agreed to this and it continues to be operated on our unceded territory.’ Algonquin First Nations are calling on the federal government to abandon a proposed radioactive waste dump site on their unceded territories 1 km off the Ottawa River just upstream of Ottawa.

https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/chalk-river-nuclear-site-violates-undrip-says-algonquin-chiefs/

 

Doomed Titan Submersible Was Showpiece for Deep Sea Oil Industry

Running macabre tours of the Titanic wreck for rich tourists was just a side gig for OceanGate Inc. The company's end goal was to help extreme fossil fuel companies explore the deep ocean. 

https://energymixweekender.substack.com/p/doomed-titan-submersible-was-showpiece

 

Climate Solutions Are Gaining Ground. Now It’s Time to Scale Up in Canada

Governments, investors, and project managers are finally pivoting from ‘what’ to do to ‘how’ we get it done. But we need more of everything—policy, finance, training, and results—and we need it now.

https://energymixweekender.substack.com/p/climate-solutions-are-gaining-ground

 

Wind Power Seen Growing Ninefold as Canada Cuts Carbon Emissions

https://financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/wind-power-seen-growing-ninefold-as-canada-cuts-carbon-emissions

 

It's time to lift the moratorium on off-shore wind in the Great Lakes - send your message here

https://www.cleanairalliance.org/offshore-wind/

 

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EVENTS

 

Mayoral By-Election Day in Toronto - Vote Olivia Chow for Mayor!

A second chance to create a more liveable city for all 

Mon. June 26, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. ET

https://www.socialplanningtoronto.org/municipal_election_resources  

https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/elections/by-election/by-election-voter-information/myvote-by-elections/  

 

https://twitter.com/BradfordFactsTO

Toronto Environmental Alliance (TEA) Environmental Platform Analysis

https://election.torontoenvironment.org/where_do_candidates_stand_key_environmental_issues 

Toronto Climate Action Network (TCAN) Mayoral Candidates Questionnaire (with responses)

https://www.tcan.ca/candidates

Toronto Alliance for Safe and Active Streets Candidates’ Survey

https://safeandactivestreets.cycleto.ca/candidate_responses_2023

 

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Reducing Emissions from Ontario's Electricity Grid: Review of IESO's Pathways to Decarbonization Report

Mon. June 26, 1 p.m. ET or

Tues. June 27, 7 p.m. ET

At the end of 2022, the IESO released their Pathways to Decarbonization Report, which presents one decarbonization scenario that heavily emphasizes nuclear and hydrogen to meet projected electricity demand. This webinar will have Yuill Herbert and Ralph Torrie from Sustainable Solutions Group (SSG) speak to the Assessment of IESO’s Pathways to Decarbonization Study: From the Perspective of Municipal Climate Action Plans report that outlines the strengths and weaknesses of the assumptions that fed into the IESO report and provides recommendations for how municipal Climate Action Plans and the IESO/Province of Ontario need to work together to manage electrical demand and advance decarbonization actions at the local and provincial level.

June 26, 1 p.m.: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYpf-Ctqz8vG9KqlFiQTEihd1VrDaAgPPBD#/registration or

June 27, 7 p.m.: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-C5zB9QJRia5cj8pjVRUgg#/registration

 

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Industrial Logging, Biodiversity and the Climate Emergency

Tues. June 27, 7 p.m ET

Given the increased incidence of dangerous and damaging spring wildfires across the country, this is a timely opportunity for a conversation about how the industrial logging industry fuels these fires, drives up GHG emissions and makes achievement of Canada's emission reduction targets that much more challenging. Featuring Nature Canada’s Michael Polanyi on how industrial logging is putting the climate and biodiversity at serious risk.

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMtdu2rpzMjGta8xFNkLBDnJhNbAiVxvdmx#/registration  

 

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Bus Rapid Transit (BRT): a low cost, rapid implementation, high impact mode

Tues. June 27, 11 a.m. ET

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT): What is it? Why it’s relevant for your city? How to get it done?

Guest: Dario Hidalgo, professor of Transportation, U. Javeriana, former CEO of Bogota’s BRT Transmilenio, has advised multiple city systems around the world.

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Zv3TXENcRYaPFv8cLcDTFg#/registration 

 

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Fashion Reimagined

Mon. June 26, Tues. June 27, Fri. June 30

Bloor Hot Docs, Bloor and Bathurst, Toronto

Fashion designer Amy Powney of cult label Mother of Pearl is a rising star in the London fashion scene. Raised off-the-grid in rural England by activist parents, Amy has always felt uneasy about the devastating environmental impact of her industry. When she wins the coveted Vogue award for the Best Young Designer of the Year, which comes with a big cash prize, Amy decides to use the money to create a sustainable collection from field to finished garment, and transform her entire business. Over the following three years, her own personal revolution becomes the precursor of a much larger, societal change.

https://hotdocs.ca/whats-on/films/fashion-reimagined

 

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Canada is Burning Day of Action - Day of Action

Wed. June 28 

In Toronto, meet at noon outside MP Julie Dabrusin's office, 1028 Queen East

Also in Toronto, meet at 4 p.m. outside MP Christia Freeland's office, 393 Bloor west.

Communities across Canada are rising up to demand an immediate end to fossil fuel subsidies and a just transition to 100% renewable energy. Find an event near you. Together we can bring the intensity of the climate crisis to the government's doorstep. 

https://350.org/canada-burning/ 

 

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The State of Energy in Quebec and its Implications for Canada 

Wed. June 28, 12:30 - 2 p.m. ET 

Many studies on potential pathways to decarbonization and net-zero for Ontario and Canada assume the availability of hydro-electric and other renewable energy resources from Quebec for grid balancing and storage purposes. What is the current state of Quebec’s energy and electricity systems, and what are the implications for its role in decarbonizing electricity systems in neighbouring jurisdictions? With Pierre Olivier Pineau, Chair in Energy Sector Management, HEC Montréal, Co-Author: The State of Energy in Quebec (Annual); The State of Energy in Eastern North America (2022). 

https://yorku.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYuduGhqzssEtVCZP6Nr2KP0145X5elxfRc 

 

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The Walrus Talks Artificial Intelligence

Wed. June 28, 7 p.m. ET

Isabel Bader Theatre 93 Charles St W Toronto AND Livestreamed

At The Walrus Talks Artificial Intelligence, experts representing different industries come together to expand on the rapidly changing phenomenon of AI. Whether you are for AI or against it, there are a lot of questions about the technology: can it help save lives when used in medical settings? Will it destroy white collar job markets? Whose ethics are being implemented in its programming parameters? What kind of regulations are needed to safeguard us from potential harm? And, perhaps most importantly: where do we find the middle ground?

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-walrus-talks-artificial-intelligence-tickets-634048124007?aff=ENewsletterMay25  

 

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What Can We Make of the Alberta Election? Implications for Canada

Wed. Jun 28, 1:30 ET

Is the political froth that marks Alberta politics today, just froth? Or is it a sign that we are into deeper trouble than our leaders seem not to understand and certainly do not acknowledge nor address, at least in public? If the latter, where is the trouble we see in Alberta leading us? Why? Why now? And what does all this imply for our future?  These are the issues Ruben Nelson will chew on with us. Ruben was born and raised in Calgary, and educated at Queen's University, Kingston, Queen's Theological College, Kingston, and United Theological College, Bangalore, India. Today, Ruben is the Executive Director of Foresight Canada.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88279645253?pwd=eWkycGJxMnhHdW1nK3RNMFdmalFjUT09

 

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Why Are We Still Going Nuclear?  

Thurs. June 29, 8 p.m. ET

The vast military/industrial/academic/congressional infrastructure needed for the nuclear enterprise to continue developing and producing new nuclear weapons and reactors for the nuclear Navy is driving the current international nuclear arms race. Civilian nuclear power is an “essential enabler” of U.S. nuclear weapons and our nuclear-powered navy. If we want to eliminate the existential threats posed by the nuclear enterprise, we need to understand the fundamental drivers behind it, currently being expressed by the well-coordinated promotion of Small Modular Nuclear Reactors. This understanding is essential for influencing the trajectory of new nuclear development—our future hangs in the balance. With Alfred Meyer.

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZctcuyqpjstHdUNFNDGtMBJVSw1J2eGGHfd#/registration 

https://mailchi.mp/2385674bc97f/optdwdhz7v-15515308?e=57a60c6a72 

 

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Urban Noise and Noise Cameras

Thur. June 29, 7 p.m. ET

Join Ingrid Buday (No More Noise Toronto campaign founder) and Nick Ferenchak (Assistant Professor at The University of New Mexico and much more) who is an expert on noise cameras to talk about how we can reduce the #2 Urban Environmental Health Hazard: Noise. There has been lots of discussion regarding noise cameras and how they can help reduce excessive vehicle noise. We hope you join us to learn more and get your questions answered from someone in the know.

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/urban-noise-and-noise-cameras-tickets-650232822877?aff=oddtdtcreator

 

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>From Budapest to Washington: Examining the Erosion of Democracy

Fri. June 30, 11:15 a.m. ET

This captivating webinar brings together two distinguished global security leaders to share their perspectives on crucial security topics. They will discuss integrity in the 2024 US and European Parliament elections, the potential ramifications for democratic values of China's increasing global influence, TikTok's potential risks to privacy, and the intricate dynamics between global powers.

https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/8182927704643439709   

 

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Toronto Fringe Festival

July 5 - 16

Over 1,200 artists will participate in performances across the city that include comedy, drama, musicals, improvisation, storytelling, children’s theatre, dance, and much more. More than 100 shows to choose from. 

https://fringetoronto.com/ 

 

The Fourth R: reduce, reuse, recycle, Revolutionize

July 6 - 16

Factory Theatre Studio, 125 Bathurst St. Toronto

THE FOURTH R: reduce, reuse, recycle, REVOLUTIONIZE is an interdisciplinary presentation that fuses climate science, dance and video projections together.

https://fringetoronto.com/fringe/show/fourth-r

 

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Keep your cool for the climate – all about heat pumps

Tues. July 11, 7 p.m.

Experts will address the advantages of heat pumps – for cooling as well as heating – for our climate and our wallets. Hosted by the Ontario Clean Air Alliance

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/663062737497/

 

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Paying Homage

Tues. July 11, 7 - 9 p.m. ET

A zoom event to honour those who have passed that inspire us most including: Tooker Gomberg, Loenard Cohen, Don Weitz, Bonnie Burstow, and so many others. Everyone present will be encouraged to shine a light on those who have contributed to our lives. Hosted by the Friendly Spike Theatre Band.

Register at mailto:friendlyspike at primus.ca  

 

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Say NO to the Portlands Gas Plant Expansion on Toronto’s Waterfront

Wed. July 12, 7 p.m.

Ralph Thornton Community Centre 765 Queen Street East, Toronto

And Livestreamed

The Ford Government and OPG plan to increase the generating capacity of the Portlands gas plant in South Riverdale, allowing them to ramp up the burning of polluting gas on the hottest, smoggiest summer days. To their credit, Toronto City Council has said no again and again. While the much of the world phases out dirty fossil fuels, what can the citizens of Toronto do to stop this climate betrayal?

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/653209817147/ 

https://twitter.com/ONcleanair/status/1671956368100655106

 

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Socialism 2023

September 1 - 4 

Chicago 

Grassroots movements for social change confront a critical juncture today. We need visionary politics, collective strategy, and compassionate communities now more than ever. In a moment of political uncertainty, the Socialism 2023 Conference will be a vital gathering space for today’s left.

https://socialismconference.org/  

 

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Two Row on the Grand

We are committed to paddling the wampum belts from Cambridge to Port Maitland this coming summer in a full 10 day paddle, sharing the river, meals, campgrounds and cultural/environmental teachings each day. Last weekend of Sept.

http://www.tworowonthegrand.com/

 

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For the best Canadian climate and energy news, visit and subscribe to the Energy Mix newsletter.

http://theenergymix.com/  

 

Democracy Now Daily Show - global peace, justice and enviro news

https://www.democracynow.org/   

 

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Submissions, subscribes, unsubscribes, and comments: mailto:angela at cleanairalliance.org  

 

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