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
Three years later, coal mine development is still not prohibited in the headwaters of Alberta’s Eastern Slopes. [CPAWS Northern Alberta]
Indigenous Climate Action is hosting a panel discussion on Who is financing the destruction of our lands? in Saskatoon on April 4. Livestream is available. It will feature panelists involved in water and land protection from RBC-backed fossil fuel projects. [ICA]
Manitoba’s Healthy Environment, Healthy Neighbourhood report amplifies the challenges faced by Winnipeggers who live near industrial sites. [Manitoba Eco-Network]
Engineers at the University of British Columbia have developed a new water treatment that removes “forever chemicals” from drinking water safely, efficiently – and for good. It could be particularly useful in smaller communities. [UBC]
The Village of Radium, BC, is accepting donations to construct a highway overpass and install tall wildlife fencing to protect the local bighorn sheep. [Columbia Valley Pioneer]
Marine animals rely on sound to communicate, find food, and protect themselves from predators. In an increasingly noisy underwater environment, kelp forests may provide a refuge by dampening noise pollution. [The Narwhal]
Across Canada
One Ontario couple won the right to rewild their front yard. Others in their community are now following their example. [Rewilding]
An interesting comparison of Canadian and American progress on climate action. [440 Megatonnes]
Around the World
The Green Infrastructure Toolkit is designed to help municipalities implement nature-based solutions to manage stormwater, reduce urban heat island effects, and promote biodiversity. [Placemakers]
Field margins are key to protecting both local and landscape scale diversity but in different ways. [Conservation Corridor]
Organizers of the 2024 Paris Olympics are hoping to keep world athletes cool during the summer using an underground water-cooling system rather than air conditioners. [Gizmodo]
Italy’s renewable energy communities tackle energy habits, monitor usage, and set up solar panels. In the process, they address poverty and promote job creation. [Yes Magazine]
Nature’s Wonders
Beetles can pull in moisture from the air through their rectums and convert it into a fluid that is then absorbed into their bodies, a useful approach when living in a very dry climate. [Live Science]
From birding to herping: keeping an eye out for reptiles will open up a whole new area of the natural world. [Audubon]
Photo credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/apmckinlay/52698471964
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 Twitter, or subscribe by email.