Welcome to EcoWest News, a weekly round-up of news and resources that you can put to use in addressing environmental issues and protecting the wild in your community.
Across the West
John Pomeroy, UNESCO Chair in Mountain Water Sustainability, refers to snow as “white gold,” noting its critical role in replenishing Saskatchewan’s water supply. [USask]
Alberta’s Environmental Law Centre is offering a webinar on Dec. 17 on the Centre’s Model Endangered Species Act that seeks to address both provincial and federal deficiencies. [ELC]
The Alberta government has passed Bill 35 enabling the development of year-round, privatized resorts in parks and on Crown lands without land-use planning, review, and approval. [CPAWS Southern Alberta]
Canada isn’t doing enough to protect endangered plants. Increased public awareness could help conservation efforts. [My Lethbridge Now]
Over a billion litres of mine waste is dumped into the Fraser River every day, but there is no monitoring of the cumulative effects. [Vancouver Sun, Environmental Law Centre]
What happens to the netting, the buoys, the PVC piping, and more when a fish farm closes? Clean-up is costly and requires oversight. [Hakai Magazine]
Around the World
Four policies could eliminate 91% of plastic waste by 2050: cap plastic production at 2020 levels; require new products to be made with 40% post-consumer recycled plastic; a small fee on plastic packaging; and invest significantly in waste management, especially in lower-income parts of the world. [Anthropocene]
A group of experts from around the world has identified 15 conservation issues, outlining both the problems and possible solutions. [The Revelator]
Transportation
The US Department of Transportation has developed a Climate Strategies that Work Playbook listing 27 transportation-related emission reduction strategies (benefits, implementation steps, and resources). [USDOT]
A new report from the Union of Concerned Scientists demonstrates that public transit, walking, and biking are good for the environment, the economy, and social equity. [Planetizen]
Energy Savings
The 2024 Energy Efficiency Scorecard identifies BC as the province making the greatest efforts to achieve energy efficiency. Manitoba is doing well. Alberta and Saskatchewan are last. [Energy Efficiency Canada]
Six jurisdictions, including California, Ireland, and Germany, have demonstrated that wind and solar can be an integral part of reliable, affordable grids. [Pembina Institute]
Deep retrofits and bio-based insulation materials in our homes and offices will not only save energy but keep us healthier and more comfortable as well. [Knowable]
Biodiversity
Frogs and other amphibians were already endangered. Then along came a deadly fungus that threatened to wipe them out entirely. A small group of fungus-resistant frogs instills hope for the future. [Anthropocene]
Most landowners aren’t aware there are endangered plants on their land. Increased public awareness could help conservation efforts. [My Lethbridge Now]
Should non-native populations of species that are endangered in their native range be protected or combated? [Phys.org]
Making a Difference
Everett, Washington, has granted legal status to part of the Snohomish River watershed. “If a court finds that the Snohomish River watershed’s rights have been violated, the perpetrator could be required to pay damages to the city and the funds would be used to restore the ecosystem to a healthy state.” [Inside Climate News]
While many people wouldn’t be open to discussing climate action, they might be open to supporting stronger regulations to protect nature. [The Energy Mix]
Nature’s Wonders
Ethiopian wolves lick nectar from red-hot pokers and may contribute to pollination as they pick up pollen on their jaws and move from flower to flower. [Science News]
Photo credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/apmckinlay/33024290682
EcoFriendly West informs and encourages initiatives that support Western Canada’s natural environment through its online publication and the Nature Companion website/app. Like us on Facebook, follow us on BlueSky, X, and Mastodon, or subscribe by email.