Greenspiration News & Events: Happy earth day!

Mon Apr 17 09:11:50 EDT 2023

The clean energy milestone the world is set to pass in 2023

Greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector, the largest source of the world's emissions, are expected to fall for the first time, according to London-based think tank Ember. That's despite the fact that the world's demand for electricity is still growing. Emissions are set to fall because expansion in renewable energies such as solar and wind is outstripping that growth in demand.

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20230414-climate-change-why-2023-is-a-clean-energy-milestone

IPCC Synthesis Report - two discussion with authors - recordings

“The fossil fuel industry has declared war on people and planet.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQ2Lu4OT7Ew 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmc5GyKmFnQ

Wind & Solar Power Now The Clear Champions On Cost

Wind and solar are far and away the least expensive sources of electricity available today, leading to major increases in both.

https://cleantechnica.com/2023/04/15/wind-solar-power-now-the-clear-champions-on-cost/

Over and out: Germany switches off the last of its remaining nuclear plants

“Nuclear power supplied electricity for three generations, but its legacy remains dangerous for 30,000 generations.”

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-over-and-out-germany-switches-off-the-last-of-its-remaining-nuclear/

The German nuclear phase-out is a victory of reason over the lust for profit; over powerful corporations and their client politicians. It is a people-powered success against all the odds.

https://www.greenpeace.org/international/story/59219/tschuss-atomkraft-end-nuclear-power-germany/

https://freepress.org/article/worlds-fourth-largest-economy%E2%80%94-germany%E2%80%94-now-post-nuclear

Indigenous peoples protest possible licence renewal for world’s largest uranium mine in northern Saskatchewan

“The Athabasca River basin is under siege. The people here have had enough of this industrial colonialism that is going on.”

https://www.ipolitics.ca/news/local-indigenous-peoples-protest-possible-licence-renewal-for-worlds-largest-uranium-mine

RBC was the world's top fossil fuel funder in 2022

Canada’s largest bank provided more money to the fossil fuel sector last year than any other bank in the world. In 2022, RBC financed coal, oil and gas companies to the tune of US$42.1 billion, bringing RBC’s total financing of the fossil fuel sector to US$254 billion since the Paris Agreement was signed in 2015. More than 90% of RBC's financing is going to Canadian and U.S.-based oil and gas companies. RBC’s investments in fossil fuels compared to renewable energy paint a stark picture: for every $99 RBC invested in fossil fuels from 2016 to 2022, $1 was invested in renewables. "This is why we need regulators to step in and regulate the banks into taking real climate action.”

https://www.nationalobserver.com/2023/04/13/news/rbc-takes-fossil-fuel-funding-crown-2022  

Indigenous communities fight Canada’s ‘holy shit’ fix for tar sands wastewater

Water protectors, environmentalists, and scientists are campaigning to stop Canada’s plan to release treated tar sands tailings waste into the Athabasca River

https://breachmedia.ca/alberta-tar-sands-tailings-ponds-plan/

A Fossil Fuel Economy Requires 535x More Mining Than a Clean Energy Economy

https://www.distilled.earth/p/a-fossil-fuel-economy-requires-535x

How Helsinki and Oslo cut pedestrian deaths to zero

They cut speed limits, changed street design, removed space for cars and generally made life harder for motorists.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/16/how-helsinki-and-oslo-cut-pedestrian-deaths-to-zero

Bike Lanes Belong on Bloor / Danforth

Please send a message to City Councillors in support of the extension of the Bloor bike lane westward from Runnymede Road to the city border with Mississauga. 

https://www.communitybikewaysto.ca/we-belong-on-bloor  

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Mountain

Bloor Hot Docs (Bloor and Bathurst, Toronto)

Apr. 17 and 21

Mountain is a dazzling exploration of our obsession with mountains. Mountain shows us the spellbinding force of high places—and their ongoing power to shape our lives and our dreams.

https://hotdocs.ca/whats-on/films/mountain 

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Beyond Gas Power: Ontario's Energy Future

Tues. Apr. 18, 7 p.m.

Join experts exploring renewable energy solutions for a thriving livable future as the alternative to gas-fired electricity in ON. With Stanford U energy researcher and author Dr Mark Z. Jacobson (No Miracles Needed) and local experts Jack Gibbons (Ontario Clean Air Alliance) and Gaby Kalapos (Climate Caucus and Ontario Clean Air Partnership)

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beyond-gas-ontarios-energy-future-tickets-592182743527 

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Imperialism and the Political Economy of Global South’s Debt - book launch

Tues. Apr. 18, 8 - 11 a.m. ET

With declining export earnings and tax revenues, many countries in Africa, Latin America and Asia have found themselves unable to service their foreign currency debt. This situation, reminiscent of the international debt crisis of the 1980s and 1990s, is the backdrop of new book edited by Ndongo Samba Sylla.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/book-launch-imperialism-and-the-political-economy-of-global-souths-debt-tickets-591764141477

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Free the Santa Marta Water Defenders!

Tues. Apr 18, 5 p.m. ET

Learn the Santa Marta 5 story and how its connected to the broader struggle of the Salvadoran people. You will hear how to become allies in defending peace accords and water and how to take action wherever you are. This webinar is organized by the Americas Policy Group (APG) and the International Allies against mining in El Salvador and will take place in Spanish and English.

https://united-church.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcpdOGqrDgsH9XIUn06kExay6PuNEmroOWF#/registration

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Pulling Back the Curtain: The Strategy, Tactics and Tools of Canada’s Fossil Fuel Greenwashing

Tues. Apr. 18, noon ET

Key narratives and lobbying by Canada's oil and gas industry are weakening climate policy and jeopardizing Canada's ability to meet net zero targets by 2050. While corporations position themselves as climate allies, research shows Canada’s six largest companies also work to actively oppose climate policy, advocate against regulation to reduce emissions, and push for oil and gas expansion. Re.Climate’s expert panel will pull back the curtain and examine the strategies, tactics and tools of greenwashing Canada's fossil fuel corporations. Join us for an information-packed webinar featuring findings from a recent report followed by a panel discussion with leading climate disinformation researchers.

Event: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GVyldW85QGCJ-4zLmpJmgA 

Report: https://influencemap.org/site/data/000/021/Canada_Report_-_Main_Briefing_Feb21st_2022.pdf 

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The Energy Transition

Tues. April 18, 2 - 3 p.m. ET

Learn about what the shift to a zero-carbon economy will look like (including debunking common myths), understand the major milestones we need to meet in Canada, and get an overview of the different levers that can help us meet our goals.

https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/6b3542be-e0b2-4f14-a057-ace984b8c794  

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Medellín case study. Architecture, Urbanism and Planning

Tues. April 18, 11 a.m. ET

Guest: Jorge Perez. Medellin, from being known as the 'world's drug capital' to become a model for innovative equitable urbanism. 

https://bit.ly/3IrmoOd  

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We Don’t Have Time - Stockholm Climate Week

Apr. 18 - 22

We bring you four days of climate solutions, willingness, dedication, and human ingenuity. The solutions for massive emissions reductions are available and affordable, but they need scaling up - fast.

https://www.wedonthavetime.org/events/stockholmclimateweek

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Corporate interference and the climate crisis

Wed. April 19, 7:30 pm ET

Foreign interference has made headlines in Canada lately – but what about corporate interference? Corporate interference – or corporate capture – refers to the means by which large corporations can (and do) influence politicians and political decision-making. You don’t hear about it too much in mainstream media – but it’s unfortunately alive and well in Canada. We have to wonder: how does corporate Interference affect the climate crisis in Canada?

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kyNTeayvSmSlfW94GxqOjQ#/registration 

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Generous Futures: Demanding Climate Justice

Wed. Apr. 19, 1 - 2 p.m.

How effective is charitable giving in advancing climate justice? We have reached a breaking point; natural disasters, receding glaciers, famines, drought, rising ocean levels, species extinction, and loss of life. These are only a few examples of the devastating impacts of climate change. Join us for a panel that will explore the ethics of philanthropy in light of the movement for climate justice.

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/generous-futures-demanding-climate-justice-tickets-468528319817 

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Curb your (green) enthusiasm: German Greens keen to govern, faced with a war in Europe and coalition drama

Wed. April 19, noon - 1:30 pm ET

The German Green party has doubled its membership in the last decade and with a charismatic and popular leadership received their best result in the federal election 2021 so far. Subsequently, the party played an active role in forging the first ever Social Democrat, Green, Liberal coalition government in Germany with a self-ascribed vision of a Fortschritt (progress) alliance. However, the attack of Russia on Ukraine fundamentally changed parameters and the goal of achieving a carbon neutral society/economy was superseded by the need to secure energy supply at all. The ongoing war adds pressure to an already difficult coalition constellation, where the Liberals often feel as the odd-man out. How does the three party alliance work together, what signature policies did they enact to date and will the novel coalition last?

https://www.brandeis.edu/cges/news-events/spring-2023/230419-nikoswitek.html 

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2023 Sustainable Cities Index

Thur. Apr. 20, 10 - 11 a.m.a.m. ET

Hear from city leaders about what they are doing to make their cities climate resilient, low carbon, and circular.

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/8316813971835/WN_Cr-rPt4GQl62vcP8OsJ1VQ#/registration 

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Launch Party for We Go Where They Go: The Story of Anti-Racist Action

Thur. Apr. 20, 6:30 p.m. ET

Sneaky Dee's, 431 College Street, Toronto

Come celebrate the launch of We Go Where They Go: The Story of Anti-Racist Action with a reading and discussion followed by live music. We Go Where They Go recounts the thrilling story of Anti-Racist Action (ARA), a rebellious youth movement that arose from the punk and hardcore scenes in the late 1980s and 1990s to take on racism and fascism across North America.

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/launch-party-for-we-go-where-they-go-the-story-of-anti-racist-action-tickets-593407687367 

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Where is the Land we Need for Housing?

Thur. Apr. 20, 4 p.m. ET

Kevin Eby (Registered Planner, Former Director of Planning, Region of Waterloo) will discuss his recently published report and other data on land availability, and his experience building housing in downtown Kitchener. Cherise Burda (Executive Director, City Building, Toronto Metropolitan University) will discuss the different types of housing Ontarians need and where to build it.

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_94ZuW1vqRzivFMV6HUlmQg 

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Earth Day - Before They Fall

Fri. Apr. 21, 3 - 4 p.m. ET

Moving beyond conversation – a panel on old-growth forests, Indigenous rights, and action. Stream the documentary film Before They Fall at your convenience, then join us on April 21st for a guided discussion. Learn about the Fairy Creek blockade, and about old growth logging and Indigenous land protection.

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/earth-day-before-they-fall-tickets-602789939937   

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Yours To Protect

Friday April 21 - Sunday April 23

All sorts of Earth weekend environmental events being held in SW Ontario - climate fairs, bike rides, rallies, and much more. We’re rallying for:

    - Protecting Wetlands, Lakes and Rivers

    - Repealing Bill 23

    - Protecting the Greenbelt

    - Stopping Sprawl

    - Stopping Highway 413 and the Bradford Bypass

    - Building Housing in Walkable Communities

    - Implementing Stronger Climate Policies

https://environmentaldefence.ca/ytpweekend2023/ 

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Climate: All Hands On Deck Earth Day Teach-in 

Hosted by the Green Party

Sat. April 22, 1 – 4 pm ET

Friend House 60 Lowther Ave (just east of St George and north of Bloor), Toronto

Who: Greens, Green friendly persons and families

Speakers include Tim Grant on local actions, Maureen Curran on international and national actions, Angela Bischoff on moving Ontario onto a 100% renewable future, and Josn Matlow on the Toronto Charter, with seed ball making and more!

RSVP to Christine.elwell at greenparty.ca <mailto:Christine.elwell at greenparty.ca>)

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International Vegan Earth Day March

Sat. Apr. 22

Toronto: https://www.facebook.com/events/1133794680672199 

Ottawa: https://www.facebook.com/events/623495639614604/

Winnipeg: https://www.facebook.com/events/744315473762629

Saskatoon: https://www.facebook.com/events/924048308694742/

Edmonton: https://www.facebook.com/events/600689582117815/

Be part of a historical day of action with cities all over the world as we collectively demand a societal vegan paradigm shift that normalizes non-violence, sustainability, and collective liberation for all earthlings through the immediate development and transition to a plant-based veganic food system.

International website: https://www.veganearthdaymarch.org/ 

Learn more about the Plant Based Treaty: https://plantbasedtreaty.org/ 

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Free Willy 

Sat. April 22, 2:30 p.m. ET

Bloor Hot Docs (Bloor and Bathurst, Toronto)

A 12-year-old street kid. A 3-ton orca whale. A friendship you could never imagine. An adventure you'll never forget. A family event.

https://hotdocs.ca/whats-on/films/free-willy 

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Youth Unstoppable

Sat. Apr. 22, 5:30 p.m. ET

Bloor Hot Docs (Bloor and Bathurst, Toronto)

Youth Unstoppable documents the struggles and events of the largely unseen and misunderstood Global Youth Climate Movement.

https://hotdocs.ca/whats-on/films/youth-unstoppable 

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In Concert With Creation - and Mass for the Endangered

Sat. - Sun. Apr. 22 - 23

Trinity-St. Paul's United Church and Centre for Faith, Justice and the Arts, 427 Bloor Street West, Toronto

This will be a weekend-long event focusing on climate justice, its intersections with Celtic and Indigenous spiritual traditions, and the interplay of music, art and faith. The weekend culminates in concert with full orchestra: Mass for the Endangered on Sat. night, 7 p.m., and a Sunday morning worship service at 10:30 a.m. focused on Earth Day and Creation, followed by an Eco-Fair showcasing the climate justice and ecological works of many organizations in our community-at-large.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/in-concert-with-creation-tickets-538039850677 

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Do We Need to Scale up Nuclear Power to Combat Climate Change? A Public Debate

Tues. Apr. 25, 5 - 7 p.m. ET

Hybrid event - in person at University of Ottawa AND online via zoom

The U of O's Centre for International Policy Studies is hosting a public debate with implications for a major question of our time: how will Canada respond to the climate crisis? The stage will feature moderator Patricia Fuller, University of Ottawa Senior Fellow and former Ambassador for Climate Change, in conversation with two high-profile champions on each side of the nuclear debate: Dr. Gordon Edwards, President of the Canadian Coalition for Nuclear Responsibility, and Dr. Chris Keefer, President of Canadians for Nuclear Energy.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/do-we-need-to-scale-up-nuclear-power-to-combat-climate-change-tickets-596055978477 

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Red Light for Nuclear Build Up

Tuesday, April 25, 10 am. ET 

Eternal Flame, Parliament Hill, Ottawa

Gathering at the eternal flame on Parliament Hill to remind our government that we have grave concerns about nuclear waste and the government's plans to expand nuclear reactors into communities across Canada. The Raging Grannies will join us for an anti-nuclear singalong. Signs will be provided, but you’re encouraged to bring your own too. Organized by the Council of Canadians Ottawa Chapter. Come help us get this issue on the evening news!

https://stop-smrs.weebly.com/not-nuclear.html

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Is New Nuclear a Smart Climate Solution?

Thur. Apr. 27, 7 - 8:30 p.m. ET

Watch online OR attend at the Ottawa Quaker Meetinghouse, 91-A Fourth Ave. Ottawa

As the nuclear industry declines worldwide due to an aging inventory, high costs, and increased security risks, the industry is now pegging its hopes on "small modular nuclear reactors" (SMRs) to save the day.

Since they are lower carbon emitting than fossil fuels, the Canadian gov't, as well as AB, SK, ON and NB provincial gov'ts, are all promising to spend billions on new nuclear to meet their climate commitments.

Why should Canadians be concerned about this new direction in energy policy? How do these new reactors compare with renewables on cost, reliability, danger, and security? Are there connections to nuclear weapons? Are there health concerns? And what are the impacts on First Nations?

Hear leading Canadian anti-nuclear voices:

- Dr. Gordon Edwards, Canadian Coalition for Nuclear Responsibility

- Dr. Dale Dewar, author of 'From Hiroshima to Fukushima to You – a primer on radiation and health'

- Candyce Paul, English River First Nation

- Angela Bischoff, Ontario Clean Air Alliance

All welcome. Free. ** This will be a hybrid event – both online and in person at the Ottawa Quaker Meetinghouse, hosted by the Peace and Social Concerns Committee of Ottawa Quakers. When you register, you will be prompted to state whether you'll join virtually or in person.**

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/is-new-nuclear-a-smart-climate-solution-tickets-605041444247 

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For the best Canadian climate and energy news, visit and subscribe to the Energy Mix newsletter.

http://theenergymix.com/ <http://theenergymix.com/  >

Democracy Now Daily Show - global peace, justice and enviro news

https://www.democracynow.org/ 

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Submissions, subscribes, unsubscribes, and comments: mailto:angela at cleanairalliance.org 

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