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
Schools, groups, and individuals are invited to contribute to an art installation highlighting the beauty of Saskatchewan’s Dumble Forest as a step towards preventing clearcutting. [Protect Our Forest]
Edmonton’s geography and climate have made it a haven for urban wildlife. As the climate warms, the city will be more hospitable to wildlife than more southern cities. [CBC]
“Conservationists and landowners are gearing up for another epic battle to keep coal mining out of the eastern slopes in the Rocky Mountains,” a critical watershed for the Prairie provinces. [The Tyee]
The Changing Currents: Tribal Water Summit brought professionals, youth, and leadership from Indigenous communities together to discuss opportunities to restore and protect the Columbia River. [The Starfish]
Across Canada
Government climate policies have traditionally focused on achieving emission reductions at the lowest cost to the economy. An alternative approach focusing on equity would provide low-emissions options for low-income Canadians. [The Energy Mix]
Emissions from oil and gas as well as buildings are driving up Canada’s emissions. Another area of concern is agricultural emissions. [440 Megatonnes]
Roads drive grizzly bears away from areas with good food sources and increase the risk of death by putting them closer to people. Shutting down portions of back country roads would address the problem. [Popular Science]
Around the World
Agriculture uses 12 million tons of plastic annually in plastic seed and fertilizer coatings, sheeting and netting, irrigation pipes, etc. As the plastic breaks down, it enters the soil, releasing toxic chemicals, degrading soil fertility and microbial communities. Scientists have developed a manifesto for tackling the problem. [Anthropocene]
Aluminum is a key component in solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicles, but the industry must modernize to reduce air and water pollution. [Inside Climate News]
There are 4 dimensions to creating flood-resilient cities: getting out of the way, accommodating, resisting, and communicating. [The Verge]
A little human intervention may help some migratory birds move further north to synchronize their arrival with peaks in the food supply for their fledglings. [Anthropocene]
Volunteer Youth Opportunity
15–30-year-olds are invited to join the Canadian Council on Invasive Species’ Youth Nature Keepers Network. You’ll receive training in habitat restoration and invasive species management, lead and/or participate in a community project. [Canadian Council on Invasive Species]
DIY
Two artists in a London suburb decided to bypass the political system and successfully crowdfunded to install solar panels on their street and local school. [Reuters]
Students in the University of Waterloo’s Water Institute graduate program discussed innovative ways in which researchers can contribute to water policy and protection. [Water Institute]
The Capital Regional District (Greater Victoria) provides some handy tips for painting without pollution:
Use water-based paints and citrus-based paint removers whenever possible.
Use dry methods to clean up spills if possible to avoid pollutants entering waterways.
Wet scraping and installing a curb or berm when using high-pressure water will also avoid water pollution. Try directing the wash water onto a landscaped area.
Never pour excess paint or wastewater from cleaning brushes down a storm drain. [Capital Regional District]
On the Bookshelf
Not one but two books for kids and young adults about wildlife rescue and rehabilitation:
Saving the Spotted Owl profiles the work of the Northern Spotted Owl Breeding Centre in Langley, BC. [KidsCan Press]
An Owl Without a Name is the story of a young owl’s journey from mishap to a life in the wild. [Heritage House]
Nature's Wonders
By working together as a team, insects escape floods, deter predators, and stay connected. [Smithsonian]
Photo credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/apmckinlay/8531817061
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.