EcoWest News, October 22, 2024

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

Hundreds of tankers carrying liquid natural gas will soon thread their way through the Kitimat fjord, a deadly threat to fin whales who have just begun to recover from whaling. [Hakai Magazine]

The Heiltsuk Nation of British Columbia are integrating “relatively new techniques, like DNA analysis, with ancient ones, like the use of traditional fish weirs, so they can study — but not impact — the ecosystem.” [Live Science]

Industry groups in Alberta are promoting carbon capture and storage but are unwilling to put up their own money, assume legal risks, or undergo an environmental assessment. [DeSmog]

A Collaborative Vision for Alberta’s Nature Strategy, prepared by a coalition of environmental organizations, urges the government to adopt: Comprehensive land use planning, an expanded network of parks and protected areas, Indigenous-led conservation, habitat conservation and restoration, sustainable economic opportunities, and nature-based climate solutions. [CPAWS Northern Alberta]

Concerns continue to be raised about the impact of the Lake Diefenbaker irrigation project on water quality and quantity as well as environmental impact. [The Narwhal]

Adopting the federal Clean Electricity Regulations would change electricity rates only marginally as compared to rates under SaskPower’s baseline scenario for achieving net zero electricity by 2050 or sooner. [The Road to Net Zero Electricity in Saskatchewan, Canadian Climate Institute]

The Manitoba Affordable Energy Plan intends to keep energy rates low by strengthening building energy codes, introducing an Indigenous loan guarantee program, and refurbishing hydro generating stations. [Manitoba] Sustainable Building Manitoba has developed a list of key recommendations to supplement the plan. [SBM]

Across Canada

The federal government will meet or beat its goal of reducing emissions by 40% from federal buildings and cars. They’re switching to EVs, renewable energy and heat pumps, and selling off surplus buildings. [The Narwhal]

The Canada Water Agency, headquartered in Winnipeg, will guide water policy and administer funding to programs that protect, rehabilitate and respond to emerging issues in Canada’s 8 major watersheds. [The Narwhal]

Scientists in Ontario are developing an early-warning system to make sure tap water isn’t contaminated by toxic blue-green algae. [CBC]

Making a Difference

Kernza, a perennial wheat-like crop, and perennial rice are raising awareness of a new form of agriculture. [Anthropocene]

Long-duration energy storage and bi-directional EV charging (returning energy to the grid or as an alternative to back-up generators) is bringing us closer to a clean energy transition. [Union of Concerned Scientists]

Deconstruction can reclaim valuable building materials ranging from lumber and steel to windows and trim, kitchen cabinetry, and bathroom fixtures – and create new green jobs. [Anthropocene]

Both solar panels and wind turbines are 85-90% recyclable. Some business owners, in both Canada and Europe, view this as an opportunity. [CBC, Earthbound Report]

DIY

Have a bird-friendly Hallowe’en: Avoid fake spider webs that entangle small birds, decorate your windows to prevent collisions, find a spot where your discarded pumpkin can serve as a food source, and go natural, not fake. [Audubon]

A comic strip looks at how hard it is to get rid of used clothing. [Patagonia]

Nature’s Wonders

“Many people find plants unworthy of their consideration … People are failing to prioritize conservation or protect local areas because they don’t see the plants as important.” [The Revelator]

Chile and the UK will be co-sponsoring “a pledge for fungal conservation” at COP16. “Mycologists say that without fungi, most plants are unable to live outside water and therefore life on Earth as we know it would not exist.” [The Guardian]

Photo credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/apmckinlay/54078904274/

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 Mastodon, or subscribe by email.