📌 United We Stand for Old Growth Forests! - Organizational sign-on to the Declaration
From the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, Elders for Ancient Trees, Sierra Club BC, Wilderness Committee, Stand.earth and others: There’s a call-out for organizations to sign onto our Declaration. Can you ask your group to sign on? The Super-Rally will be on Saturday February 25 at the Legislature in Victoria. Is your organization able to donate towards our expenses? The costs of building and staging a big rally add up big time! Here are 3 ways to donate: Send an e-transfer to oldfolksforoldgrowth@gmail.com; Write a cheque to Elders for Ancient Trees, #2-730 Sea Terrace, Victoria, V9A 3R6; or donate online here.
After the BC NDP Leadership Race, What's Next for B.C.'s Climate Movement?
From Dogwood: An online town hall featuring Dogwood staff and special guests Ashley Zarbatany, Sonia Theroux and Dinï Ze’ Na’moks discussing opportunities for climate organizing within the BC NDP, the BC Green Party and outside the political system.
📌 Tell Your MP and Trudeau to Deliver a Youth Climate Corps
From the Climate Emergency Unit: Climate mobilization in Canada has yet to feel like a grand societal undertaking. The Youth Climate Corps is an invitation to the country’s youth to mobilize to confront today’s gravest threat: the climate emergency. It would put thousands of young people to work in rapidly curbing emissions, preparing our infrastructure for its coming impacts, and responding to current climate emergencies. Can you send a message to key cabinet ministers and MPs, demanding a Youth Climate Corps?
82,622 Canadians Call for the Federal Government to Reign in Big Oil’s Climate Pollution
From Environmental Defence: Organizations delivered petitions to the Prime Minister’s Office today, asking that the federal government follow through on its COP26 promise to implement a strong, ambitious cap on oil and gas emissions. Read more.
From WE-CAN: The Climate Action Provincial Assembly (CAPA) is an opportunity to meet fellow climate activists, learn about and contribute to current campaigns, and work together on areas of shared interest. The CAPA will include facilitated breakout groups in these areas: Pressing the ‘new’ NDP/Eby government for more urgent climate action; Food security; Working to end fossil fuel extraction projects in BC; Getting natural gas out of buildings; Forest campaigning; Municipal climate action; Transportation initiatives; and Group capacity-building.
Any group, organization or business with three or more members whose leaders or Board agree with our Members’ Agreement can apply to become a member here. We welcome Save Old Growth as a new member!
With each year the climate crisis grows stronger, our commitment to halt it must grow stronger too. Will you put your purse behind your passion, and join “100 Friends of WE-CAN”, pledging a steady monthly donation? If there are a hundred of us, we can become the financial wind beneath WE-CAN’s wings.
PS: If you have become a monthly donor directly through Vancity, can you contact our treasurer, Lily Mah-Sen?
😡 Resistance 💚
Climate Activists Arrested After Blocking Private Jets in Amsterdam Airport
From The Guardian: Dutch border police arrested hundreds of climate activists who stormed Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport and sat in front of the wheels of aircraft to prevent them from leaving. More than 100 protesters, wearing white suits, entered an area where private jets are kept on Saturday as part of a day of demonstrations in and around the airport organised by environmental groups. Read more.
The RCMP’s Secrecy on Coastal GasLink Attack Fuels Rumours and Fears
From The Tyee: An arson attack on RCMP vehicles in Smithers has renewed speculation and conspiracy theories. Read more.
“We are in the fight of our lives. We are on the highway to climate hell, with our foot still on the accelerator”. Watch more.
‘As Worrying as Big Oil’ — Big Meat Fighting to Keep Beef on the Menu at COP27
From National Observer: Lobbyists for Canada's meat and dairy industries are showing up with unprecedented visibility at COP27. The industries have at least one representative on the official Canadian delegation, a position that gives easy access to negotiators and closed-door meetings, and have embarked on a charm offensive to convince the climate crowd that meat can be a climate solution. Read more.
There’s One Big Subject Our Leaders at COP27 Won’t Touch: Livestock Farming
From George Monbiot, The Guardian: It’s on course to guzzle half the world’s carbon budget, so why are governments so afraid to discuss it? Read more.
COP 27 Coverage from The Energy Mix
As the world gathers for COP27, The Energy Mix has all the climate news. Read more.
From Common Dreams: "Tobacco lobbyists wouldn't be welcome at health conferences," said a corporate watchdog coalition. "Those perpetuating the world's fossil fuel addiction should not be allowed through the doors of a climate conference." The provisional attendance list for the conference shows that 636 fossil fuel lobbyists have registered at the talks, up 25% from last year's COP26 conference in Glasgow. Read more.
From CANET: Rich countries’ fossil fuel addiction, inaction, and delay are causing suffering and losses across the globe, fuelled by colonialism and corporate greed. As countries gather in Sharm el-Sheikh, Canada must offer real solidarity to Africa and the Global South and stand up for climate justice and human rights. Global cooperation and accountability from developed nations is imperative in order to build a better world for all. Read more.
COP27: Lula Brings Brazil Back into Climate Fold with Pledge to Save Amazon
From The Independent: Expectations are high for Brazil’s newly elected president to reverse years of climate damage. Read more.
🌱 Climate Solutions 🌱
Seven Ways to End the Climate Crisis
From Corporate Knights: Guy Dauncey’s Big Solutions. The climate crisis is a massive global problem, which we are totally failing to get to grips with. The solutions are remarkably simple, if only we’d get on with them. Will the United Nations COP27 climate summit in Egypt starting November 6 bring any new breakthroughs? Based on past experience it seems unlikely, but miracles can happen. UN chief António Guterres has warned that ‘we will be doomed’ if nations do not achieve a historic climate pact. Read more.
France to Require All Large Car Parks to be Covered by Solar Panels
From The Guardian: Legislation will apply to existing and new car parks with space for at least 80 vehicles. The owners of car parks between 80 and 400 spaces have five years to comply; operators with more than 400 spaces have three years. The French government believes the measure could generate up to 11 gigawatts of power. Read more.
Renewable Energy Transition in 5 Charts
From Deutsche Weld: Heat waves, floods and tropical cyclones will grow increasingly violent if the world fails to clean up its electricity supply, research shows. Here's where we stand now. Read more.
A Mountain, a Tower, a Thermos of Molten Salt
From VOX: These are the batteries that could power our renewable future. Climate change is pushing the power grid to the limit. Energy storage could help. Read more.
North Coast Local Partners Team Up to Pursue Renewables on Watson Island and Area
From City of Prince Rupert: “Pattern Energy is excited to work with the City of Prince Rupert to unlock the enormous potential for a world-class green hydrogen facility at one of Canada’s largest ports.” “Green hydrogen is the new frontier that will lead the world’s growing commitment to clean energy. Together with Metlakatla and Lax Kw’alaams First Nations, the City of Prince Rupert, Prince Rupert Legacy, BC Hydro, and the Province of British Columbia, we have the opportunity to create good-paying local jobs and enhance BC’s economy.” Read more.
David Suzuki Shares 5 Books that Influenced His Life's Work
From CBC: While reflecting on this period in his life and the new edition of his book, the Vancouver-based environmentalist spoke to CBC Books about the books that have inspired, changed and reaffirmed his life's work. Read more.
Capital Region District of BC Launches Home Energy Navigator Program for Home Retrofits
From CRD/City Green: The Home Energy Navigator Program supports residents to undertake low carbon home energy retrofits and take advantage of incentives. Participants are connected with an Energy Concierge, who is available throughout a retrofit to provide support. The Navigator is a free program created by the CRD, being executed by City Green Solutions, based in Victoria. The program is a key action in the 2021 CRD Climate Action Strategy. Read more.
Belgian Parliament Votes To Recognise International Crime Of Ecocide
From Stop Ecocide: The Belgian parliament has adopted, by a strong majority, a resolution by the Ecolo-Groen parties aimed at recognising an international crime of ecocide. Read more.
Norway’s Vehicle Fleet Transitions To Electric — How Long Will It Take?
From Clean Technica: As of the end of Q2 2022, Norway’s passenger vehicle fleet comprised 24.4% plugin vehicles (18% full electrics), up from 19.3% (13.6%) year on year. What is the trajectory of Norway’s vehicle fleet, and how long will it be before most car journeys are made on electricity? Read more.
Which Countries Buy the Most EVs?
From Canary Media: The top spots are dominated by Nordic nations — while the U.S. barely makes the top 20. Read more.
In Barcelona, Kids Bike to School in Large, Choreographed Herds
From Reasons to be Cheerful: Hop on the ‘bicibús,’ a highly replicable model that makes getting to school fun, safe and sustainable. With breakfast finished and backpacks prepped for the day, children across Spain’s Barcelona province strap on their helmets and head to school not by bus or car, but in a critical mass of bikes dubbed “bicibús.” Parents, teachers and volunteer adults ride, too, to ensure the kids’ safety. Read more.
🌲Forestry Impacts, Science & Politics 🌲
B.C. Hasn’t Taken $50 Million Federal Offer for Old-Growth Forest Protections
From The Narwhal: Ottawa’s offer to fund the protection of B.C.’s vanishing old-growth forests is a ‘game-changer,’ but so far the provincial government hasn’t made a matching commitment. Read more.
🌎 Climate Impacts, Science & Politics 🌎
Enbridge Green-Lights $3.6 Billion Gas Pipeline Expansion in B.C.
From Vancouver Sun: It will serve customers in the Pacific Northwest and southern B.C., as well as the Woodfibre LNG project that Enbridge bought a $1.5 billion stake in earlier this year. Read more.
Antarctica’s Collapse Could Begin Even Sooner Than Anticipated
From Scientific America: Two expeditions to the Thwaites Ice Shelf have revealed that it could splinter apart in less than a decade, hastening sea-level rise worldwide. Read more.
Climate Crisis: Past Eight Years Were the Eight Hottest Ever, Says UN
From The Guardian: Report at Cop27 shows the world is now deep into the climate emergency, with the 1.5C heating limit ‘barely within reach’. Read more.
Climate Progress? Someone Forgot to Tell the Atmosphere
From National Observer: The world’s nations are gathering in Egypt this week to embark on their fourth decade of global climate meetings. Atmospheric levels of all three major greenhouse gases — carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide — are rocketing upwards, unchecked. Combined, they cause 90% of global heating. Here’s a climate-eye’s view of where we are today globally. Read more.
Catherine McKenna Just Upped the ‘Price of Admission’ for Making Net-Zero Promises
From National Observer: “If you're going to make a net-zero commitment, you can't just say that you have a 2050 target; that's the easy part,” McKenna told the National Observer. McKenna stressed that net-zero commitments require actually reducing planet-warming emissions, and organizations making net-zero pledges can’t also be supporting the expansion of coal, oil and gas. Read more.
Liquified Natural Gas Is No Solution to the Energy Crisis
From Treehugger: The reason can be summed up in three words: boil-off gas. All these ships just sitting around and waiting to unload are exacerbating a fundamental problem with LNG: boil-off gas. This is the release of methane into the atmosphere as the tanks warm up, as well as the losses when loading and unloading LNG at the ports. Read more.
Climate Crisis and Youth Mental Health Study
From the Green Technology Education Centre: GTEC and SFU’s Mental Health Climate Change Alliance have formed a partnership to investigate the mental health impacts of the climate crisis, particularly on younger people aged 16 to 24. Read more.
📹 Videos, Podcasts, Art & Creativity 🎨
The Great Transformation Part 3 – The Disruption of Energy
From Tony Seba,YouTube: why solar and wind will sweep the world.
It was Like an Apocalyptic Movie’: 20 Climate Photographs that Changed the World
From The Guardian: They are the images that made us sit up and take notice. As world leaders gather for COP 27, these pictures prove that global heating isn’t a distant possibility – it’s already here. Read more.
Latest News: Oil and Gas Windfall Profits Tax
From the Ministry of Just Transition (350.org): We’re accelerating Canada’s clean energy transition while taking care of workers and communities. That starts with holding Big Oil accountable, but we need your help. Watch our new video here. Spread the word here.
COP 27 Creative Videos from CANET:
The New Pathway to True Net Zero Means Stopping All The Greenwashing: Enjoy the goofy video here!
What Would a Successful COP27 Look Like? Watch here.
Every Sunday and Wednesday, 1-2pm - Stop TMX: Stoney Creek Salmon Tours
From Stop TMX: The salmon are running at Stoney Creek!! Come to witness this spectacle while supporting your local frontline and building community. Every Sunday and Wednesday, Protect the Planet offers educational tours highlighting the salmon run. Assemble at our camp, set up on the Burnaby Mountain Urban Trail, under Lougheed bridge. Approach from East Lake. Read more.
From the Tamarack Institute: A two-day learning experience designed to centre equity in climate transition work. Join 100 diverse changemakers from across North America and beyond as we discuss the importance of collective work in bringing about transformative change, and how to develop climate actions that are fair and just in building a brighter future. Keynote address from Elizabeth May. Workshops, masterclasses, opportunities for coaching. $399. Scholarships available. Tamarack is offering one free place to someone from a BC climate action group. Email guy@westcoastclimateaction.ca if you’d like to take it up. Register here.
Tuesday November 15, 12-1:30pm - COP27 Live!
From the Sustainability Hub at UBC: Join UBC students, staff, and faculty on-the-ground at COP27 in conversation with CBC News climate journalist Lisa Johnson for an inside view of the negotiations, discussions, and emotions of the conference. With Gideon Berry, Rudri Bhatt, Simon Donner, Abul Bashar Rahman, Veronica Relano, Pasang Yangjee Sherpa, and Rynn Zhang. Free on Zoom. Register here.
Wednesday, November 16, 4-6pm - The Hitchhiker's Guide to Climate Action From
Environmental Defence: Join us for a virtual gathering of climate solution explorers, an entertaining evening filled with thought-provoking conversations from leaders, artists and change-makers who are steering the energy transition in Canada. Together, we will explore how cleaner solutions are up and running in Canadian neighbourhoods, how we can make this happen across the country, and what’s stopping us. By donation, pay what you can. Register here.
Saturday November 19, 10am-Noon - CLIMATE ACTION PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLY (CAPA)
From WE-CAN: The Climate Action Provincial Assembly is a participatory forum where BC’s climate action groups can meet together to develop mutually supportive plans for the future. The Assembly will meet four times a year in January, April, July and October. Register for the November CAPA here.
📌 Monday November 21, 11am Minister Heyman — Stop Tilbury LNG! In Vancouver
From the Wilderness Committee: Tilbury LNG would create as much climate pollution as all of Vancouver, and now is our chance to stop it forever. Minister George Heyman is due to make a decision about the proposed jetty in the Fraser River by November 25. It will be the first test of Premier David Eby’s commitment to climate action, and we need to show that the movement is paying attention. Join us outside his constituency office to demand that the provincial government protect British Columbians from climate disasters and reject the Tilbury Marine Jetty. 642 West Broadway, Vancouver. Read more.
Tuesday November 22, 6:30 – 8:30pm - Addressing Climate Anxiety and Ecological Grief
From UVic Continuing Studies: Human health is threatened by pervasive global challenges: zoonotic viruses, extreme heat and wildfires, flooding, displacement, and substantial loss of biodiversity. This course will review evidence-based research about the mental health impacts of climate change and environmental degradation and explore possible community responses to climate anxiety and ecological grief. $65. Register here.
Wednesday November 23, 5:30pm The Grace of Interior Forests: A Conversation with Suzanne Simard
From The Sierra Club BC: While coastal forests are often in the spotlight, their Interior neighbours are just as spectacular. From Douglas-firs to Ponderosa Pines to ancient cedars, Interior old-growth forests in B.C. contain some of the rarest ecosystems in the world. There is much these vibrant forests have to teach us if we only take the time to listen. UBC Professor Suzanne Simard is author of Finding the Mother Tree. Free, on Zoom. Register here.
Thursday November 24, 1-2:15pm - How to Effectively Work with Your Local Government to Push for Ambitious Climate Action
From Climate Caucus: This webinar will provide you with guidance, tips and resources to effectively work with your local government to push for ambitious climate action. During our panel discussion, you will hear from a local elected leader, a youth group, and a climate hub that have all successfully worked with their communities and moved things forward! Register here.
Thursday November 24, 6:30 – 8:30pm - Addressing Climate Anxiety and Ecological Grief
From UVic Continuing Studies: Human health is threatened by pervasive global challenges: zoonotic viruses, extreme heat and wildfires, flooding, displacement, and substantial loss of biodiversity. This course will review evidence-based research about the mental health impacts of climate change and environmental degradation and explore possible community responses to climate anxiety and ecological grief. $65. Register here.
👷🏽♀️ Jobs, Opportunities & Grants💰
Energy Transition Fund, Three Positions by November 12
The Energy Transition Fund is hiring for three new exciting positions. EFT is a funder collaborative that supports regional and global strategies to create the conditions for a just and equitable phase-out of oil and gas production, in line with the Paris Agreement. Canada Programme Officer here. Offshore Programme Officer here. Public Finance Programme Officer here.
Ancient Forests Alliance Communications Coordinator - By November 15
From AFA: The AFA is seeking a person with a passion for ecology and is a prolific communicator to draft persuasive and highly accurate communications materials in support of our campaign and to contribute to content relating to fundraising. Full-time, permanent position based on Vancouver Island or Lower Mainland (home office). Willing/able to travel to the office in Victoria and sites across the province. Read more.
Climate Communications Specialist – by Tuesday November 20
From WCEL: This is an immediate opening for a part-time (2.5 days/.5 week) staff position working remotely or at our Vancouver office. The Climate Communication Specialist will support the Sue Big Oil campaign with communications, digital outreach and the creation of materials. Apply here.
Become An Indigenous Clean Energy Catalyst – by November 30
From ICE: We accept 20 participants per year into the Program. If you are interested in applying to the 2023 program, take a moment to join the ICE Network, participate in our monthly ICE Power Hour and complete the application form here.
Call for Environmental Law Centre Applications - By December 1
From UVic ELC: The Environmental Law Centre is a non-profit society that operates at the University of Victoria, Faculty of Law. Operating under the supervision of a senior lawyer, ELC Clinic students provide legal representation and legal assistance to community/conservation groups and First Nations; produce citizen handbooks and other public legal education materials; and advocate on a wide range of environmental law reform issues. Interested in having the ELC Clinic tackle your public interest environmental law issue? Learn how we select cases and what you need to do for us to consider your case. Read more.
Engagement Producer for Dr. Britt Wray’s Mental Health and Climate Change Project
As the engagement producer for Dr Wray’s public communication efforts, it will be your top priority to create and disseminate thought provoking, well written, visually appealing, and scientifically credible content for several platforms. Full-time, remote, preferably west coast. Details here.
Executive Assistant for Dr.Britt Wray’s Mental health and Climate Change Project
As the executive assistant to Dr Wray, it will be your top priority to help Dr Wray navigate the high demands on her time that stem from her multiple roles at the forefront of climate change and mental health. 4 days/week, remote, preferably west coast. Details here.
Climate Transition Cohort – New Intake, Apply Here
From Tamarack: Our Community Climate Transitions team is launching the second Climate Transitions Cohort––and you're invited to apply. The Cohort is a unique opportunity for communities across Canada to learn from some of the most promising emerging solutions and collaborative governance innovations, and to build or advance a climate action plan unique to your local needs. Read more.
Living Oceans Society Communications Manager - By December 12
Living Oceans has been working to protect the health of oceans and coastal communities since 1998. We pride ourselves on developing sound policy options based in science and communicating them clearly to policy makers and the general public; on raising awareness where it's needed most; and advancing our solutions collaboratively. We seek an experienced communications manager to fill a one-year contract position, starting in December.
Indigenous Resilience Fund
From Community Foundations: Any Indigenous-led organization working to foster resilience in Inuit, Metis and First Nations communities anywhere in Canada can apply for resiliency support ranging from $5,000 to $30,000. Learn more here.
Schools Environmental Action Conference - Call for Speakers, Workshops
From the Independent Schools Association of British Columbia: We are planning an Environmental Education Conference on February 24th 2023, at UBC, in person. We are looking for keynote speakers, organizations or individuals who might be interested to offer a session focusing on inspiring actions for students. Roughly 200 students are anticipated to attend the conference. We are looking for hands-on experience that can inspire students to make change in their schools and communities. Contact Mark Frank, Department Head of Science at Fraser Academy, mfrank@fraseracademy.ca.
Communication Director - Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative
From the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty: We are seeking an experienced and strategic communication director to lead the communication effort and team for the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative. Full-time, remote. Read more.
We Help You Find a Way to Work on Climate
From Work on Climate: We are an action-oriented Slack community for people serious about climate work. Find climate jobs. Build climate companies. Find your people. 10,000+ members. Join the community. Share your journey, find collaborators, and celebrate each other's wins. Explore our programs. Find the right community offering for where you are on your path. Meet climate experts. Drop in to meet our friendly climate experts during regular office hours. Read more.
Graduate Student Opportunities
From the Climate Research Lab at SFU: We are seeking Master’s and Doctoral students interested in pursuing research in the areas listed on the Research site. Inquiries are welcomed from students of a variety of science backgrounds, including atmospheric science, oceanography, earth science, physical geography, physics or related disciplines. Read more.
From CleanBC: A simpler way for local governments and Indigenous communities to find funding for their climate action projects. Maybe you’re a grant writer looking for funding to add heat pumps to a community building. Or a mayor preparing your town to cope with future wildfires. Or a sustainability manager implementing active transportation projects. Read more.
Work to Grow
Created in partnership with Parks Canada, Work to Grow connects Black, Indigenous and other racialized youth to jobs that promote or protect nature and offers funds of up to 50% of wages for individuals employed through the program. We’re looking for partners offering meaningful work for the next generation of nature lovers. There’s still time for organizations to get involved for the Fall and Winter terms! Do you know an organization or youth that could benefit? Read more.
From Indigenous Climate Action: Indigenous Youth who have been engaged in climate justice organizing or frontline activism can apply to help alleviate financial pressure while trying to prioritize their wellness. $250 financial award. Read more.
