Greenspiration News & Events: the Great Energy Transition

Tue Apr 15 12:57:18 UTC 2025

INTERNATIONAL

The Great Energy Transition: A Future Worth Building

This 6-minute film transports you to a future where we made the right choices during the critical energy transition period. Not a how-to guide, but a powerful glimpse of what's possible if we prioritize renewable energy systems over fossil fuels.

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

Paris residents vote in favour of making 500 more streets car-free

The 500 additional streets to be pedestrianised will bring the total number of these so-called "green lungs" to nearly 700, just over one-tenth of the capital's streets. In addition, 10,000 more parking spots in Paris will be eliminated, adding to the 10,000 removed since 2020. Car traffic in the city has more than halved since the Socialists took power in the capital at the turn of the century. Last year Paris citizens voted to triple parking charges for large SUVs.

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/paris-residents-vote-favour-making-500-more-streets-pedestrian-2025-03-23/

100% Renewable Energy: myth or reality? 

According to Mark Jacobson, a professor at Stanford University and one of the world's leading energy experts, we already have 97% of the necessary technologies. And we don’t need gas, nuclear, CCS, or other false solutions

https://www.rinnovabili.net/business/energy/100-renewable-mark-jacobson-explains-the-transition-without-miracles/

Fukushima World

The case against nuclear energy that is made here can be roughly divided into six points.

https://worldbeyondwar.org/fukushima-world/

CANADA

Global solar boom leaving Canada in the shade — but federal shift could change sector fortunes

“This is an amazing political opportunity for Canada. This is a technology transition. It’s happening all over the world. If the government turns its back on solar, it will certainly be left behind.”

https://www.nationalobserver.com/2025/04/11/analysis/global-solar-boom-canada-shade-federal-shift

The global network that ties Pierre Poilievre to Jordan Peterson, Trump, Farage and Kenny

Their conferences promote a political vision that downplays or denies the existential danger of climate change, seeks to replace secular values with Christianity, is anti-immigration and rails against so-called “wokeism.”  Themes of austerity, hypernationalism and resource development come up again and again.

https://www.nationalobserver.com/2025/04/08/analysis/international-network-pierre-poilievre-jordan-peterson

Podcast: https://www.nationalobserver.com/podcast/the-takeover

Canadian mayors push federal leaders for action on climate, not pipelines

Open letter proposes national grid, high-speed rail, disaster resilience strategy. 

https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/letter-mayors-federal-leaders-1.7507440

https://elbowsupforclimate.ca/

Will pumping out more oil really save Canada from Trump?

Don’t believe the hype: there is no untapped export market just waiting for Canadian fossil fuels. Oil demand has peaked and we're on track for a global oil glut. China and India are skipping over LNG and transitioning from coal directly to renewables. Renewables produce the cheapest electricity on the market and are the most efficient solution to ensuring Canada’s future energy security and political sovereignty.

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/commentary/article-will-pumping-out-more-oil-really-save-canada-from-trump/

FEDERAL ELECTION

Email federal party leaders to take climate action—we want climate action on the ballot—and we’ll vote for it! 

https://cape.ca/action/meet-the-moment-and-defend-climate-progress/

Don't Trump Canada - Protect Canada from Maple MAGA's Control

Pierre Poilievre - for the billionaires, banks and big polluters. Order your FREE stickers here.

https://act.greenpeace.ca/en-ca/donttrumpcanada

Don’t Get Played by Pierre - Help us counter Pierre’s deception

Pierre pretends to be a friend to young people and workers struggling with economic uncertainty, but we can expose him for who he is: an Elon Musk-endorsed ally of the corporate billionaire class who would slash social programs at the first opportunity. Find resources to share here.

https://dontgetplayed.ca/get-involved/  

My Climate Plan Impact Voters https://myclimateplan.typeform.com/to/cWqAEtV6  

Leadnow Election Squads https://leadnow.ca/campaigns/squads/  

Council of Canadians movement unity campaign https://canadians.org/unite-for-the-canada-we-want/  

Cooperate for Canada https://cooperateforcanada.ca/federal-unity-candidates/  

Poll Tracker breaks down where the polls stand in the lead up to a federal election

https://newsinteractives.cbc.ca/elections/poll-tracker/canada/

Compare the election promises of Canada’s major parties

https://newsinteractives.cbc.ca/features/2025/federal-party-platforms/#federal-2025-climate-change-energy

Vote Compass is a tool developed by political scientists to help you explore how your views compare with those of the parties.

https://votecompass.cbc.ca/

Vote for Rights

The 2025 Federal Election is a defining moment for Canada. Climate justice, Indigenous rights, corporate accountability, affordable housing, racial justice, gender equality, refugee protection, and human rights in Canada and around the world are all at stake.

https://amnesty.ca/vote-for-rights/

Made-in-Canada Climate Solutions - Climate Action Network Canada's Election Priorities

https://climateactionnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/CAN-Rac-2025-Election-Priorities-1.pdf

ONTARIO

Ontario must reduce its dependence on U.S. energy imports

It is time for Premier Ford to invest in made-in-Canada renewable energy to reduce our dependence on American energy imports and create jobs

https://www.thespec.com/opinion/contributors/ontario-must-reduce-its-dependence-on-u-s-energy-imports/article_ecb29cd2-f4ec-50b5-8c61-4f8bdf751a48.html

It is time for Doug Ford to end electricity separatism

It's time to end Canadian electricity separatism and start working with our fellow Canadians to secure a reliable, low cost, renewable electricity system.

https://www.cleanairalliance.org/end-electricity-separatism/

Ford Watch: Ontario is Missing from Climate Goal Setting

https://seniorsforclimateactionnow.org/ford-watch-ontario-is-missing-from-climate-goal-setting-by-david-robertson/

Northern Ontario Alliance Asks Candidates Where They Stand on Nuclear Waste Concerns

https://wawa-news.com/index.php/2025/04/14/northern-ontario-alliance-asks-candidates-where-they-stand-on-nuclear-waste-concerns/

Doug Ford’s 401 tunnel fantasy sure is taking the long and winding road to get to where we all know it leads

https://www.thestar.com/opinion/star-columnists/doug-ford-s-401-tunnel-fantasy-sure-is-taking-the-long-and-winding-road-to/article_57a5a038-c50c-4865-ae34-2393f922d74e.html

TORONTO

Advocates say bike lanes are a matter of Charter rights. How much do you know about them? - Quiz

https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/advocates-say-bike-lanes-are-a-matter-of-charter-rights-how-much-do-you-know/article_a38a0d9b-e6a4-41b2-9b0b-c1dfd2aef95e.html

Report: over 2,000 cyclists DAILY on Bloor Street W. in deep winter during our 7-day, 168-hour video count 

Also lots of illegal parking in bike lanes but zero ticketing of drivers. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f07a2d573d2c84a1c7508e6/t/67f72937ba755a0c821150b0/1744251193406/TCBC+WINTER+bike+count+2025+February+5-12.pdf

______________________

______________________

EVENTS

Voting for the Canada We Want

Mon. Apr. 14, 7 p.m. ET

Why are so many people disengaged from voting? A recent Angus-Reid poll stated 48% of Canadians say they don’t have a voting option that “really represents” their views. And yet, poll after poll shows a majority of Canadians support a just transition. Economist Jim Stanford and the Director of Strategy with the Climate Emergency Unit, Seth Klein, will examine the issues Canadians truly care about – good jobs, decent housing for all, affordable groceries, and universal public services in every community – and explore what an alternative economic and political agenda could look like, with real climate action, and respect for all, without prejudice or intolerance.

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/YdiRiig3QbCkZP7QQHWcpg

______________________

______________________

Talk Climate to Me

Monday, April 14, 8 - 9:30 p.m. ET OR

Tues. Apr. 15, noon ET

This course with Project Neutral will take you on a journey through climate impacts and, most importantly, climate actions for anyone curious to learn more (and those who might need a boost of optimism/motivation).

https://talkclimatetome.ca/take-the-course

______________________

______________________

Night Train to Odesa: Covering the Human Cost of Russia’s War

Mon. Apr. 14, 4 pm ET

Author Jen Stout tells the stories of ordinary people fighting to survive and defend their country, with vivid tales from the front lines, Ukrainian cities, and everyday life amidst Russian aggression against Ukraine. Her first-hand account highlights personal relationships, struggles, and larger questions of identity and history.

https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/event/night-train-to-odesa-book-talk/

______________________

______________________

Home Gardening for Small-Scale Food Production

Mondays 4 - 5 pm ET, Apr. 14 - July 14

Through a series of 12 online sessions, Dr. Javad Mozafari — Sunshine Garden and Community Garden Coordinator at FoodShare — will take folks, step-by-step, through the process of home vegetable gardening in small plots or containers. Free. Questions? Email mailto:growing at foodshare.net

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScfZ7_gr7JQeBg2j4qFdG8syKYL1CYYVAILYyl8RniLHSECAw/viewform   

______________________

______________________

The Heart of Place: Active Participation & Sense of Belonging

Tues. Apr. 15, 11 a.m. ET

This talk explores how active participation in your community serves as a catalyst for cultivating a profound sense of belonging.

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ciFFfhu7TLidgRgVG3aD2w#/registration 

______________________

______________________

Rally for Bike Justice

Tues. Apr. 15, 6 p.m. ET

361 University Ave.

Internal documents that were revealed in court in March reveal that the province knows that their anti-bike lane legislation is arbitrary and not in the public interest. The documents show what we’ve been saying all along: ripping out three Toronto bike lanes won’t reduce congestion, a key claim repeated by the province without evidence to justify the legislation, and it will put lives at risk. Join with Cycle Toronto and city cyclists on the eve of their Charter Challenge case against Bill 212.

Charter challenge hearing

Wed. Apr. 16, 10 a.m. ET

Canada Life Building, 330 University Ave, Toronto, Courtroom 8-1, Room 8-4 reserved as an overflow room

Hear Cycle Toronto's legal team make the case that bike lanes save lives and ripping them out is a violation of our Charter protected rights.

https://www.cycleto.ca/charter_challenge_hearing

______________________

______________________

Off the Hill: Election 2025, what's next for Canada?

Wed. Apr. 16, 7 p.m. ET

In the midst of a US-Canadian trade war, threats to our sovereignty, uncertainty around carbon taxes, and the rise of far-right movements worldwide, Canadians will head to the polls for a federal election on April 28, 2025. In preparation for this election, join rabble.ca and its guests as we explore the key issues and what this election means for working people, the environment, social justice and democracy in Canada.

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_pN1bs4ACQ7-8YwYXLX0qWA#/registration

______________________

______________________

Ontario Place For All - Community Meeting

Wed. Apr. 16, 7 - 9 p.m. ET

Sanctuary (the main church) at Roncesvalles United Church, 240 Roncesvalles Ave., Toronto

We'll discuss pressing issues around Ontario Place, how we got to this point, and what we know about the current redevelopment plans. We'll look at the impacts of this megaspa plans on sewage in Lake Ontario, traffic on the lakeshore, coyotes in Liberty Village and the giving away of public land to foreign-owned companies. Taxpayer costs to the Therme-Live Nation-Ontario Place deal have ballooned to over $2.237B, which represents $400 per household and approximately $20M per riding. 

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/ontario-place-for-all-community-meeting-tickets-1314995128829

______________________

______________________

Hydrogen, Pension Fund Investments and the future of Gas Infrastructure

Wed. Apr. 16, 12:30 - 2 p.m. ET

Hydrogen has been widely promoted as a potential substitute for fossil gas in the decarbonization of energy systems. The repurposing of fossil gas infrastructure to transport hydrogen has been proposed as part of these strategies. 

Other argue that the use of hydrogen as a replacement for fossil gas faces intractable financial, physical, and technical barriers, and that its role on the decarbonization pathways is likely to be far more limited than its proponents suggest. 

The Canadian research organization Shift: Action for Pension Wealth and Planetary Health, recently published a report on the financial risks and climate impacts associated with Canadian pension funds’ multi-billion-dollar investments in fossil gas infrastructure, and their proposals to repurpose that infrastructure to transport hydrogen,

Join us for a discussion of this research and its implications for investment and energy systems transitions.

https://yorku.zoom.us/meeting/register/tygw45M0STG8ljcfkGjNqQ#/registration 

______________________

______________________

Educating for the World We Need

Wed. Apr. 16, 2 p.m. ET

Thais Mantovani, Environmental activist, educator, co-founder of EcoUniversidade, focuses on how to rethink education and the global economy through a lens that honours life, connection, and community. This session will examine how traditional education systems have contributed to our challenges today, often overlooking values like nurturing, collaboration, and ecological balance. Participants will engage with actionable strategies for systemic change, fostering education that nurtures caring communities, a healthy planet, and a thriving, inclusive future.

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/femininefutures/1525531  

______________________

______________________

Folding health and health equity into climate action and adaptation plans

Wed. Apr. 16, 1 p.m. ET 

In collaboration with the collaboration with the Canadian Health Association for Sustainability and Equity (CHASE), this project will allow municipal staff and local stakeholders to identify, prepare for, and minimize the health risks that climate change presents for high-risk populations within Canadian cities. 

https://umontreal.zoom.us/meeting/register/UhHkwjqLQsS3YoOld3L8RA#/registration  

______________________

______________________

Singing Back The Buffalo

2024 ‧ Documentary ‧ 1h 38m

Wed. Apr. 16, 6 p.m.

Toronto Public Library, Lillian Smith Branch, 239 College

Award-winning Cree filmmaker Tasha Hubbard’s feature length Singing Back the Buffalo follows Indigenous visionaries, scientists and communities who are rematriating the buffalo to the heart of the North American plains they once defined, signaling a turning point for Indigenous nations, the ecosystem, and all of our collective survival.

Also at theatres across Canada, on CBC Gem and Youtube.

https://buffalosong.com/ 

______________________

______________________

Elbows Up for Canadian Culture

Wed. Apr. 16, 7 p.m.

Scotia Bank Theatre, John and Richmond, Toronto

Join us for a Town Hall-style event featuring Yannick Bisson, Don McKellar, Mary Walsh, and Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers (Blackfoot/Sámi). Hosted by Ali Hassan, the special guests will share the Canadian films that have impacted them, and engage in a dialogue about what Canadian culture and stories mean to us. Admission is $12, with all ticket proceeds going to The Council of Canadians.

https://canfilmday.ca/event/elbows-up-for-canadian-culture/ 

______________________

______________________

Think Global - Act Local

Wed. Apr. 16, noon ET

Think Global - Act Local, is a virtual lunch and learn series that aims to introduce Canadian audiences to global movements and their stewards. What can we learn to enrich our response to local challenges?

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/nayW3PBARXab60UCEqKFqQ#/registration

______________________

______________________

National Canadian Film Day

Wed. Apr. 16

More than 2000 free Cdn film screenings around the country - find one near you

https://canfilmday.ca/attend-an-event/find-a-local-event/ 

______________________

______________________

Important Election Dates

April 16 – Federal leader debate in French

Thur. Apr. 17 – Federal leader debate in English 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqmPWdfR4BA

April 18 - 21 – Advance polling stations are open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

April 22 – Deadline to apply to vote by mail using the special ballot process

April 28 – Election Day!!

https://www.elections.ca/home.aspx

______________________

______________________

Water is Love - Film Screening & Guest Speakers

Sun. Apr. 20, noon - 2:30 p.m.

Evergreen Brick Works, BMO Atrium, 550 Bayview Ave, Toronto

Watch this award-winning film about inspiring communities coming together to regenerate degraded landscapes into thriving, productive and life-enhancing bioregions through stories that come from Portugal, Kenya and India. Then hear about some of what's happening in our own bioregion—where a fifth of Canada’s population lives—and have a real conversation about how you can become part of this regenerative process. Co-hosted by Water Docs & Regenerating Toronto.

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/water-is-love-film-screening-guest-speakers-registration-1295184956069 

______________________

______________________

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/ 

CBC World Report

https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-10-cbc-news-world-report 

_______________________

_______________________

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

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

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://list.web.net/pipermail/greenspiration/attachments/20250415/ee6d0a69/attachment-0001.htm>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image001.jpg
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 54217 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <http://list.web.net/pipermail/greenspiration/attachments/20250415/ee6d0a69/attachment-0001.jpg>