From the Wilderness Committee: Sign our petition to the provincial government to protect communities from climate disasters by ending fracking for fossil gas. in British Columbia.
📌 Call on the BC Government to Ban Gas from New Buildings - Call for Organizational Sign-On
From Dogwood: Burning gas to heat homes and buildings represents a major source of B.C.'s carbon emissions. Requiring new buildings to be powered by clean electricity rather than polluting gas should be step one for any government claiming climate leadership. But the B.C. government continues to allow FortisBC to hook up 10,000 new buildings each year to gas lines. We cannot move forward on the urgent task of transitioning to a zero-carbon economy if new buildings continue to make the situation worse.
From Jane Devonshire: A living document that will be periodically updated. Hope this will prove helpful. Read more
📌 Heads-Up: FortisBC Presentations on the Wonders of "Renewable" Natural Gas (RNG)
From Jane Devonshire: FortisBC is going to local councils to sell them on RNG as a way to stop motions to end the use of fracked gas. They want councils to recognize RNG as low carbon energy; remove language that signals electrification as the only path to low emission buildings; support FortisBC’s Renewable Gas application to the BCUC; and collaborate with FortisBC to promote energy efficiency programs. In April, Nanaimo Council turned them down. If you see Fortis presenting on your Council agenda, fill in an application to speak, and prepare by watching the video of the Nanaimo meeting. Fortis presents at 1:33:30. Councillors’ questions, Nanaimo Climate Hub, Council of Canadians, and Nanaimo Unitarians at 1:59:09; Dr Deborah Curry from CAPE at 2:15:16, especially her response on RNG. Watch the video here. Watch the FortisBC presentation to Colwood here (25.45’ mark, 10 minutes).
📌 BC Flood Strategy: Public Engagement Now Open - By January 6 2023
The Province of British Columbia is gathering feedback through an Intentions Paper on a proposed Flood Strategy to manage flood safety risks. The purpose is to re-engage First Nations, Indigenous organizations and local governments to identify policy direction for actions; and to engage the public, industry, business, NGOs, professional associations, and academia on the Intentions Paper. You can fill in the survey, and make a written submission.
📌 Call on Canada to Pass a Strong Nature Protection Law – Sign the Petition
From Greenpeace Canada: Canada’s current legal landscape allows governments to consistently prioritize corporations over Indigenous rights and a healthy environment. We need a strong Nature & Biodiversity Act that protects nature right across the country, partnership with Indigenous peoples.
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!
100 Friends of WE-CAN: Would you be willing to give a steady monthly donation to WE-CAN? If there are a hundred of us, we can become the financial wind beneath WE-CAN’s wings.
😡 Resistance 💚
Police Officer Quits Task Force Over Concerns About RCMP Tactics at Fairy Creek
From National Observer: At least one police officer joined protesters, journalists and politicians raising alarm bells over RCMP enforcement tactics during the peak of conflict at the Fairy Creek old-growth blockades in B.C. during the summer of 2021. Read more
🐦 Build the Climate Twitter-Storm! 🐦
🌱 Climate Solutions 🌱
The Earthshot Prize Cohort
From Earthshot: This team of 30 finalists and winners includes incredible leaders, inspiring activists, brilliant innovators and a forward-thinking city making a real difference. All finalists and winners will receive tailored support to help scale their solutions and realise an even greater impact with their ground-breaking work. Read more
Heat Pumps Primed for Take-Off, Could Cut 500M Tonnes of Carbon by 2030
From The Energy Mix: Sales of the devices were already taking off in 2021, increasing by 15% globally and 35% in the European Union, with sales volumes doubling in some European countries in the first half of 2022. Read more
EV-Maker Rivian Begins First International Deliveries in Vancouver
U.S.-based Rivian Automotive began its first international deliveries in B.C. after getting the nod from Transport Canada to sell their pickup truck and SUV models. Much of Rivian’s Canadian staff are based in Vancouver, where about 150 software and customer engagement employees work out of its downtown office. B.C. deliveries will accelerate in 2023. Read more
🌲Forestry Impacts, Science & Politics 🌲
Retired Forester Blasts Professional Association in Resignation Letter
From The Tyee: After 40 years, Herb Hammond says he’s done. He resigned his membership with the Association of BC Forest Professionals in a 2,000-word letter addressed to its president, saying he could no longer remain silent on the “degradation and frequent destruction of natural forest[s]” as a result of forestry activities. Read more
Giant Trees Still Fall Amid Old-Growth Funding Lag for B.C. First Nations
From The Star: British Columbia has asked First Nations if they want old-growth forests set aside from logging, allowing time for long-term planning of conservation and sustainable development, but it has yet to fund the process on a large scale, advocates say. In the meantime, some of the biggest and oldest trees are being cut down. Read more
🌎 Climate Impacts, Science & Politics 🌎
The Staggering Price of Climate Inaction
From The Tyee: In BC, 2021’s heat, fire and floods cost the economy $10.6 billion to $17.1 billion, a report calculates. Read more
Severe Climate Events Cost BC Economy Billions More Than Reported Estimates
From CCPA-BC: New research finds the economic costs of 2021’s extreme weather events could hit $17 BILLION, making it the most expensive climate year in Canadian history. It’s a wakeup call for action. Read more
B.C. Climate Accountability Report Shows Province Set to Miss Key Climate Targets
From EcoJustice: The B.C. government’s 2022 climate change accountability report reveals that the province is on course to miss its near-term climate targets in 2025 (by 15%) and 2030 (by 35%). The report also fails to explain how the province intends to achieve its climate targets due in 2040 and 2050. For the crucial target in the oil & gas sector, the government continues to rely on “plan to make a plan”. Read more
Is Fossil Gas Green or Greenwashing?
From The Tyee: The feds are investigating claims made by the Canadian Gas Association about its product being ‘clean’ and ‘budget-friendly.’ In late September the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment filed a complaint with Competition Bureau Canada. In early November the bureau notified the association that it was going ahead with an investigation. Read more
Will BC Support Future Pipeline Development?
From The Tyee: Former premier John Horgan said CGL is ‘fully permitted’ and DRIPA is ‘forward looking.’ So what about the three other projects authorized for the North? Read more
Three UK Universities Ban Fossil Fuel Industry Recruiters From Campus
From Common Dreams: The University of the Arts London, University of Bedfordshire, and Wrexham Glyndwr University have all adopted new policies barring fossil fuel companies from working with their student recruitment services. Read more
The Price of Making Peace with Nature
From Corporate Knights: In the face of climate chaos, Corporate Knights’ Climate and Economic Renewal Plan lays out a pathway to peace based on energy efficiency, electrification and expanding the supply of carbon-free energy. Read more
The Dirty Dozen: ‘Carbon Bombs’ Threaten to Blow up Canada’s Climate Commitments
From Ricochet: Canada wants to be the last country producing fossil fuels, even if it kills us. Twelve Canadian fossil fuel projects, all planned to operate past 2050, could release enough carbon to effectively “doom humanity.” Read more
BC Investment Misses Opportunity for Climate Leadership with Disappointing 2022 Climate Action Plan
From Shift Action for Pension Wealth & Planet Health: The $211-billion asset manager that owns billions of dollars in oil and gas assets and continues to invest in fossil fuel expansion. BCI’s 2022 Climate Action Plan has no commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050 or sooner; no interim targets for reducing total portfolio footprint; no targets for investments in climate solutions. Read more
Greta Thunberg Joins 630+ Young People in Landmark Climate Lawsuit Against Sweden
From Common Dreams: Climate leader Greta Thunberg was among 636 young adults and children who submitted a class-action lawsuit against the Swedish government, arguing that the country's right-wing leaders are failing to obey the Swedish constitution as they continue allowing planet-heating fossil fuel extraction. Read more
‘Extinction is on the Table’: Jaron Lanier Warns of Tech’s Existential Threat to Humanity
From The Guardian: The American computer scientist who coined the term ‘virtual reality’ cautions against online ‘psychological operatives’. The stakes are high. “I still think extinction is on the table as an outcome. Not necessarily, but it’s a fundamental drama. If we can coordinate ourselves to solve the climate crisis it’s a fundamental sign we haven’t become completely dysfunctional.” Read more
Climate Change Amplifies Risk of ‘Insect Apocalypse’
From The Energy Mix: One of the latest alarms comes from Professor William Laurance, a scientist at James Cook University in Australia, and co-author of a major international study on the future of insects under climate change scenarios. What is happening to insects will radically alter the environment and mean a drastic reduction in the ability of humans to build a sustainable future. Read more
📹 Videos, Podcasts, Art & Creativity 🎨
Webinar Recording: How to Electrify Your Municipal Fleet
From FCM: Learn how to electrify your municipal fleet of vehicles, leading to reduced GHG emissions and healthier communities.
📢 Events, Protests and Rallies 📢
All times are PDT Pacific Daylight Time
Tuesday December 6, 4pm - Media Training for Bank Campaigners
From For Our Kids: Looking for more media attention at your local actions? Want to start building relationships with journalists? Join us for a short media training to learn more about the media landscape and how to get your actions covered! Register here.
Thursday 8 December, 11am-12:30pm - Greta Thunberg in Conversation with Naomi Klein
From The Guardian: A conversation between Greta Thunberg and Naomi Klein, joined by Saleemul Huq, Director of the International Centre for Climate Change and Development in Bangladesh, Pakistani climate justice advocate Ayisha Siddiqa, and Kate Raworth, author of Doughnut Economics. £1 from every ticket donated to Fridays For Future. £11- £31. Book here
Sunday December 11, 11am – 3pm The Burnaby Mountain Festive Hug
From ProtectThePlanet/StopTMX: A Festive Hug brings more love to Burnaby Mountain—rain, shine or snow! Creating earth friendly crafts, we will bring wonder and beauty to the trees as we stand in unity against the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion project. Community feast, music, speakers, ceremony. Forest Grove Park, Burnaby 200 Soccer Field (8505 Forest Grove Dr). Read more
Tuesday January 24st and 31st, 10am-Noon - How To Talk To Anyone About Climate Change
From ElderCollege: Conversations about climate change can be challenging. This course will give you the tools you need, derived from experts in values research, storytelling and communications; we will learn how to talk about climate change as if it mattered to everyone. Patricia Lane has been studying effective climate communications since 2012 when she helped to found LeadNow. Online $23.33+GST. Register here.
Thursday January 19 to Feb 16, 1pm-3pm - Climate Action Workshop
From ElderCollege: During this five-session workshop a wide range of solutions to global warming will be discussed. Participants will develop climate action plans for individuals, family and friends, community, and/or policy levels. Expect to meet with people who are curious and caring, who roll up their sleeves to take action to heal our precious planet. $39.05+GST Online Register here
February 7-10 - SUMMIT 2023 A Local Climate Leaders Collaborative
From Climate Caucus: This important annual event brings together local elected leaders from urban and rural communities across Canada to workshop practical local climate solutions. Register here.
👷🏽♀️ Jobs, Opportunities & Grants💰
Join Coop Housing Federation’s BC’s Climate Emergency Task Force - By December 5th
From CHF: We’re looking for co-op members who are keen to get involved. By working together, we can do our part to ensure our housing co-op communities adapt and thrive. Read more
Clean Electricity Campaign Specialist
From David Suzuki Foundation: The Clean Electricity Campaign Specialist is responsible for organizing, driving and growing the campaign and mobilization elements of DSF’s clean electricity program. This role will coordinate campaign strategies and tactics, identify key campaign moments and rapid response opportunities. Read more
Senior Communications Specialist, Climate & Executive Director Support
From David Suzuki Foundation: You’re an experienced senior communications specialist who is adept at responding quickly to breaking stories. In this role, you will lead communications responses for a variety of projects under DSF’s Climate Solutions Portfolio and provide communications support for our Executive Director. Read more
Digital Specialist, Mobilization & Engagement
From David Suzuki Foundation: As the Digital Specialist, Mobilization & Engagement, you’ll play an integral part in supporting our ambitious goal of 1.5 million people taking action against the environmental crisis. Read more
Social Media Specialist
From David Suzuki Foundation: You are a collaborative, creative, and solutions-oriented Social Media Specialist who will play a critical role in the success of our national Communications and Digital teams. Read more
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.
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.
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.
