Greenspiration News & Events: All good things must begin

Mon Nov 27 09:28:31 EST 2023

UN report says world is racing to well past warming limit as carbon emissions rise instead of plunge

To have an even money shot at keeping warming to the 1.5-degree Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) limit adopted by the 2015 Paris climate agreement, countries must slash their emissions by 42% by the end of the decade, said the U.N. Environment Program’s Emissions Gap report issued Monday. Carbon emissions from the burning of coal, oil and gas rose 1.2% last year, the report said.

https://apnews.com/article/climate-change-carbon-emissions-global-warming-98b96100fca83641c77a52928e303e10

Superb weekly climate news roundup from [Zero]Carbon 

Lots this week on big oil, Canada's fiscal update, heat pumps, EVs, solar, private jets, China, breaking records and more.

https://mailchi.mp/nationalobserver/px2x77h4w7

Canada oil and gas firms to drill 8% more wells next year as emissions target slips

Producers take advantage of new shipping options, including government-owned Trans Mountain pipeline, to boost exports. “Canada is the only G7 country that has not achieved any emissions reductions since 1990.” Canada is the world’s fourth-largest oil producer.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/24/canada-oil-gas-more-wells-trans-mountain 

The Ford Government Doubles Down on Climate Denial

Using the “Independent” Electricity System Operator (IESO) to defend the province’s commitment to burning more gas, the Ford government is pushing the federal government to water down its draft Clean Electricity Regulations by extending the 2035 deadline for phasing out gas plants.

https://www.cleanairalliance.org/ontario-doubles-down-on-climate-denial/

Killer Water: The toxic legacy of Canada's tar sands industry for Indigenous communities

New documentary

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRuV6eOqp6Q

Chernobyl, site of world’s worst nuclear disaster, could soon be home to massive wind farm

Chernobyl, the site of the world’s most well-known nuclear disaster, has been essentially abandoned since the infamous reactor meltdown of 1986 because of radiation contamination. 

https://news.yahoo.com/chernobyl-world-worst-nuclear-disaster-213000130.html 

Big costs sink flagship nuclear project and will sink future small modular reactor projects too

SMRs are touted as a climate action strategy although it is becoming clearer by the day that they will delay a possible transition to net-zero energy and render it more expensive.

https://nbmediacoop.org/2023/11/23/big-costs-sink-flagship-nuclear-project-and-will-sink-future-small-modular-reactor-projects-too-commentary/

Tackling the climate crisis by addressing food consumption

Food is the second largest source of global climate emissions. To combat the climate crisis, we must curb industrial meat, dairy and unnecessary foods privileged by corporations. Instead, we must give priority to the production and consumption of local, healthy foods, through new forms of organising. Read GRAIN’s analysis of how we can act on climate by addressing food consumption, collectively.

https://grain.org/e/7061

Women Enter the Putin Regime’s Crosshairs  

As a result of rapidly declining population since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Russia's targets are Russian women and Ukrainian children. Anti-abortion measures are taking effect, and thousands of children have been abducted. 

https://cepa.org/article/women-enter-the-putin-regimes-crosshairs/

UN finds further evidence of Russian war crimes in Ukraine

Report points to ‘willful killing, torture, rape and other sexual violence, and the deportation of children to the Russian Federation’

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/21/un-finds-further-evidence-of-russian-war-crimes-in-ukraine

New report reveals large-scale, organised Russian plan to systematically pillage Ukraine’s grain, using proceeds to fund occupation and illegal war

https://globalrightscompliance.com/2023/11/16/new-report-reveals-large-scale-organised-russian-plan-to-systematically-pillage-ukraines-grain-using-proceeds-to-fund-occupation-and-illegal-war/

Why Israel was Originally Attacked

What seems to be just a conflict between two countries involves dozens of other countries and conflicts all over the world. Doc.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Jyc-LzXqk0

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EVENTS

Budget TO - What matters to you?

Mon. - Thur. Nov. 27 -30, Virtual and in-person meetings 

Share your ideas about the Toronto's 2024 Budget at virtual and in-person consultations and through an online survey and tool. This is a unique opportunity to shape the city's budget priorities. 

https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/budget-finances/city-budget/how-to-get-involved-in-the-budget/getting-what-matters-to-you/

Please participate in a short ideas survey at this link:

https://my.thoughtexchange.com/scroll/647888257/welcome

Toronto Environmental Alliance (TEA) tips for the budget consultation https://www.torontoenvironment.org/share_your_wish_list_for_torontos_next_budget

Let's Advocate for Toronto's Net-Zero Climate Action Strategy in the Nov 2023 Budget Consultations 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VDCJeoRbFc

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Townhill on OPG's Gas Plant Expansion Proposal in Halton Hills and Napanee

Mon. Nov. 27, 7 - 8 p.m. ET

Ontario Power Generation wants to build a large new gas plant (265 megawatts) in Halton Hills and also one in Napanee. These will lead to more illnesses (e.g., asthma attacks, heart and lung diseases) for residents and more climate damage everywhere. Learn more and find out how you can engage in the issue.

https://act.environmentaldefence.ca/page/139068/event/1?val&ea.tracking.id=HHPartner 

https://www.cleanairalliance.org/giant-new-gas-plant-proposed-for-torontos-western-edge/

https://www.cleanairalliance.org/opg-offers-greater-napanee-4-8-million-inducement-to-support-its-proposed-new-gas-plant/ 

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All Good Things Must Begin: A Climate Cabaret

Monday, November 27, 8 p.m. ET

Theatre Centre, 1115 Queen St. W, Toronto

An evening of short plays that dare to imagine a just and regenerative world. Hosted by Artists for Climate & Migrant Justice and Indigenous Sovereignty (ACMJIS)

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Jobs, Justice and Climate – Atlantic Workers' Webinar

Tues. Nov. 28, 7 - 8:30 AT

Join us for a regional webinar series featuring conversations with workers impacted by the climate crisis and energy transitions. They will discuss their hopes, fears, and demands as the world addresses the impacts of climate change and shifts away from fossil fuels.

https://canadians.org/webinar/climate-workers-webinar-series/ 

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Starvation as a weapon of war

Tues. Nov. 28, 1 p.m. ET

90 years since the Holodomor famine, experts discuss the weaponisation of hunger in Ukraine and globally.

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/ukrainianinstitutelondon/1059393

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Funding an Equitable City - a City Budget primer

Tues. Nov. 28, 6:30 - 8 p.m. ET

Toronto is growing rapidly along with the needs and challenges of its residents, particularly those living in low-income communities and in the inner suburbs. Affordable housing, public transit, and community infrastructure are some of the core services that residents rely on, but how does the City ensure that these services are prioritized? How is funding to maintain these services secured for the long-term? And, how do these plans affect Black, Indigenous, People of Colour (BIPOC), newcomers, people with disabilities and low-income communities? Join Social Planning Toronto and community partners as we learn about Toronto’s Budget process and the City’s Long-Term Financial Plan.

https://www.socialplanningtoronto.org/budgeting_for_an_equitable_city_a_workshop_series_2 

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Climate collateral: Exposing the role of militarism in the climate crisis

Tues. Nov. 28, 10:30 a.m. ET

This webinar, jointly hosted by the Transnational Institute, the Climate and Community Project, Win Without War, and Common Wealth, will present findings from recent reports on the scope and impact of emissions from militaries and related industries in the US, UK, and across NATO member states. The webinar will examine options to channel wasteful, harmful military spending toward repairing both acute and diffuse socio-environmental harms and repurposing parts of the  military industrial complex to drive the clean energy transition.  

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rwePXEZuTwiLKYe7jx8O-A#/registration

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Groundswell's 2024 Fundraising Kick-Off Event

Tues. Nov. 28, 7 - 9 pm

Danu Social House, 1237 Queen Street West, Toronto

Come prepared to hear from guest speakers and to donate to Groundswell through a live fundraiser. At this event, we are prioritizing raising funds for Palestinian solidarity efforts. Your $25 ticket includes one free drink of your choosing and refreshments.

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/groundswells-giving-tuesday-fundraiser-tickets-742768349127 

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Bob Bossin performing Davy the Punk

Tues. Nov. 28, 7 p.m. ET

Bob will discuss Davy the Punk, his award-winning book about his father’s life in Toronto’s gambling Underworld of the 1930s and ‘40s.

https://twhp.ca/davy-the-punk/ 

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Making Room in Housing: Taking Your Voice to City Hall

Tues. Nov. 28, 7:30 pm ET

A FREE online workshop for women and gender-diverse people fighting the housing crisis brought to you by Pan-Canadian Voice for Women's Housing, Progress Toronto, and Women Transforming Cities. Where do decisions about housing get made in your community? Most often - it’s at City Hall. We know that the voices of women and gender-diverse people are missing when decisions are made about housing - where it’s built, how it’s paid for, and who gets to live there. That’s why we are inviting YOU to join our experienced activists, from different communities across Canada, who will show you the way in, share insights and experiences to help you become an effective housing advocate in YOUR hometown. 

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcqceurqDooH9Kw_RtBWF7204T08TMqsqkz#/registration

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Ontario's Private Clinics Fiasco - Higher costs, corruption

Tues. Nov. 28, 7 p.m. ET

On November 2nd, a new report, At what Cost? Ontario hospital privatization and the threat to public health care confirmed the negative impact of the Ford government’s plans on Ontario’s public hospitals and patients. Report author Andrew Longhurst of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) rebuts the government’s rationale for privatization by showing that sufficient funding for public hospitals can significantly improve surgical backlogs. Hosted by The Greater Toronto Health Coalition & the Ontario Health Coalition.

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEpdemrrzwtHNL1RXFYd_uZv7woAZRskSPf#/registration

No public money for private care

https://act.leadnow.ca/ON-Privatization/?source=1

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Reclaiming Your Community. 'Nobody should have to move out of their neighborhood to live in a better one'

Tues. Nov. 28, 11 a.m. ET

Guest: Majora Carter - Real Estate Developer, Author, Consultant. Majora is quoted on the walls of the Smithsonian Museum of African-American History and Culture in DC

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6oTD29pNSHyLGmxEEzAOng#/registration

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Psychiatree Small Group

Tuesdays Nov 28 until Feb 27

Are you concerned about wildfire smoke? Record heat levels? War breaking out in many parts of the world? Join Dr. Nate Charach and Neighbourhood’s Tony Rapoport in a small group that will empower you to engage in meaningful action to address the challenges of our time while preventing burnout when taking action.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1P4uqi7cUl3rR8byUOYZw8Wzda3Mo8vNf/view?pli=1 

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Great Lakes and the Line 5 pipeline: An ecological disaster in the making and a violation of Indigenous rights

Wed. Nov. 29, 10 a.m. ET

The Line 5 pipeline crosses through the heart of the Great Lakes, putting 84% of North America/Turtle Island's freshwater at imminent risk. It has already spilled at least 4.5 million litres of oil; it's not a matter of if another spill will occur, but when and how devastating it will be. Anishinaabeg Tribes and First Nations across the Great Lakes are fighting to shut it down in the name of protecting water and life. Great Lakes environmental advocacy groups, grassroots groups, and human rights lawyers have joined Indigenous nations in the call for the closure of the pipeline. Join Environmental Defence and CELA for this two-hour, in-depth conversation about the Line 5 pipeline.

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcuceGhrzgsHdORoB4SjnSieulwijOLSuNn#/registration 

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Inside the Inventory: Results and Recommendations

Wed. Nov 29, noon ET

The Carbon Emissions Inventory for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area provides analysis on emissions trends and progress in the region. Report authors will present the latest results, and TAF's policy team will share recommendations for policymakers and corporate leaders. Come with your questions for the Q&A. Hosted by TAF (The Atmospheric Fund)

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ExN3UTDiScitFaNRxDP_3w#/registration 

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Effective Climate Messaging for Seniors: What the Latest Research Tells Us

Wed. Nov. 29, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. ET

Canadian Seniors’ interest in climate change extends far beyond feeling a greater connection with the natural world. More than seven in ten (74%) express that the government should be doing more to tackle climate change, and seven in ten (70%) believe they can personally help to reduce emissions. It’s clear that seniors are ready to act, and many will bring decades of experience to any climate action they undertake. If you would like to improve your messaging and better tailor your work to engage seniors, we hope to see you there.

https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/2d4666cc-1db0-4ea4-bf7c-bf1ec9d22077 

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Can electric vehicles save the planet?

Wed. Nov. 29, 6 - 8 p.m. ET

Delta Hotel by Marriott, 75 Lower Simcoe St., Toronto

Are EV's all hype or a silver bullet for the climate crisis? Join fellow U of T alumni for a panel discussion with the experts.

https://alumni.utoronto.ca/events-and-programs/can-electric-vehicles-save-planet

Article: https://magazine.utoronto.ca/research-ideas/can-electric-vehicles-save-the-planet/

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GeoThermal in Multi-Family Buildings

Thur. Nov. 30, 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. ET

With Tim Weber, co-founder of Diverso Energy, which builds geothermal systems that use the earth’s storage capacity to heat and cool buildings. Tim has more than 25 years in the HVAC industry with 15 of those focused exclusively on geothermal. Geothermal energy systems use the earth’s storage capability to heat and cool buildings and to supply hot water.

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/geothermal-in-multi-family-buildings-tickets-754647028577  

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Climate Cafe: Dance Floor Edition

Thur. Nov. 30, 7 p.m. ET

Join us for an opportunity to express your climate emotions through movement and music. This event is all about connecting with others in a way we usually don't get to in climate spaces: by dancing together! Our theme for this event is "Gathering". We'll share three songs that connect to this theme in some way, and then open the floor for conversation and sharing. You are invited to come as you are and participate according to your own preferences and abilities.

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwvceqtrDgsHdfKIk5xEocNYDE1FS5Vfeah#/registration 

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Faithful Responses to Eco-Anxiety

Thur. Nov. 30, 1 p.m. ET

No matter how different people are impacted by environmental destruction or the climate crisis, these experiences can cause high levels of anxiety for everyone. How can we cope, body, mind and spirit? What are faithful responses to eco-anxiety?

https://presbyterian.ca/2023/10/25/upcoming-webinar-faithful-responses-to-eco-anxiety/

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Exploring Tritium Dangers: Health and Ecosystem Risks of Internally Incorporated Radionuclides

Thur. Nov. 30, 8 p.m. ET

Dr. Makhijani (pictured above) argues that harms to pregnant women, mitochondrial DNA damage, early failed pregnancies and serious birth defects are all harms that indicate tritium poses far greater dangers than has been realized. 

https://beyondnuclear.org/night-with-the-experts-exploring-tritium-dangers-health-and-ecosystem-risks-of-internally-incorporated-radionuclides-november-30-7pm-cst/

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Deep Canvassing on Climate – The Power of Listening to Persuade

Fri. Dec. 1, noon ET

“Deep canvassing” is an outreach method that persuades by listening to people’s mixed feelings and thoughts without judgment, giving people a safe conversational space to resolve their internal conflict on an issue. Having success on several fronts, Neighbours United is now scaling this approach in Canadian and American communities to cut giveaways for the oil and gas industries and build support for electrification and rural clean energy development.

https://yale.zoom.us/webinar/register/9216982451021/WN_55bLxdl7TVGU3GpLTErLuA#/registration 

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Healthy Planet, Healthy Lives

Fri. Dec. 1, noon ET

Experts discuss the intersection of planetary and human health, as well actions health care professionals - and the health systems in which they work - can take to contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future.

https://alumni.utoronto.ca/events-and-programs/healthy-planet-healthy-lives 

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Real World Regeneration - Permaculture 

Fri. Dec. 1, 9 p.m. ET

Explore the reality of making regenerative projects work on the ground in real time with permaculture designers Erik Ohlsen & Starhawk.

https://earthactivisttraining.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYpd--sqDMpEtQmiOOWpM30X9QM1m-bh8nZ#/registration

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COP28 Climate Hub

December 1–11

Daily live broadcasts from COP28 in Dubai.

https://www.wedonthavetime.org/events/cop28

COP28 Youth Empowerment Hub - Future Voices

December 1-11

Our digital COP28 Youth Engagement Hub brings together young people from all over the world to make their voices heard in our global broadcasts during the UN Climate Conference COP28 in Dubai.

https://www.wedonthavetime.org/events/youthhub-cop28

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Is the Ukrainian Resistance at a Crossroads?

Sun. Dec. 3, noon ET

Ukrainian speakers will update on a critical moment in the military and political situation of Ukraine’s struggle against the Russian Invasion. They will cover internal political developments in Ukraine and Russia, the state of the frontlines, morale in both armies, military logistics, and the geopolitical situation confronting Ukraine in the face of Israel’s war against Palestine and growing political turmoil in the United States.

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZElfuqoqDosHNChbR-tW9mGQ17zbxDtqSVi#/registration

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Save Ontario Place Telethon with Ontario Place for All

Sun. Dec. 3, 12 - 8 pm ET

West End Phoenix Central, 3 Bartlett Avenue, Toronto

The Ford Government intends to turn over a sizeable portion of park space, cutting down over 1500 trees and destroying the beloved waterfront park in favour of a massive, unwieldly and unnecessary mega spa. We say no! We are hosting this live telethon with a revolving cast of favourites including Sarah Harmer, Kevin Hearn, Jason Collett, Rheostatics, and many more alongside the WEP house band: Goodtimes — Badtimes. All that plus arborists, ornithologists and architects on the value of preserving Ontario Place!

https://www.westendphoenix.com/events/save-ontario-place-telethon-with-ontario-place-for-all

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

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  

Share this newsletter on social media using this link: http://greenspiration.org/news-events/  

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