Greenspiration News & Events: Community power!

Wed Jul 2 15:37:14 UTC 2025

Hello Greenspiration friends,

I'll be taking the summer off from my weekly newsletter. See you in Sept. 

May you experience the peace of nature this summer.

=angela

INTERNATIONAL

Damaging and Deadly Heat Domes Nearly Tripled, from Europe to the U.S.: Climatologist Michael Mann 

15 min. video interview

https://www.democracynow.org/2025/7/1/heat_dome_climate_crisis

Climate Change Documentary: 10 Most Impacted Places - 45 min. doc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xo4e3PDjLSk

How Local Community Power is Central to a Just Renewable Energy Transition

By The Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN) International

https://www.wecaninternational.org/renewable-energy-report

‘It’s death by a thousand cuts’: marine ecologist on the collapse of coral reefs

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/ng-interactive/2025/jun/25/tipping-points-coral-oceans-climate-crisis-marine-ecologist 

War! What is it good for? Absolutely Nothing!

Edwin Starr – original music video 1969 - perhaps the most popular protest song ever

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01-2pNCZiNk

Europeans oppose following Trump if he pushes Ukraine to cede territory, lift Russia sanctions, poll finds

https://kyivindependent.com/europeans-oppose-following-trump-if-he-pushes-ukraine-to-cede-territory-lift-russia-sanctions-poll-finds/ 

Fact check

Viral fake news on social media, false claims on COVID-19 or disinformation on elections — DW's fact check team debunks, explains and uses in-depth research techniques to separate fact from fiction.

https://www.dw.com/en/fact-check/t-56584214

How Mamdani connects climate policy to his affordability agenda as he runs for New York mayor

His growing political influence is a clear win for communities demanding a just transition: renewable power, democratic control and relief from crushing energy costs.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jul/02/zohran-mamdani-climate-policy

History teacher explains psychology behind Trump cult - 5 min. video 

https://substack.com/home/post/p-167049100?r=29nqq

Bikenomics: Rethinking Transport Infrastructure Investment

https://dutchcycling.nl/knowledge/best-practices/bikenomics-austrian-journal/

ASOG - a docu-drama about climate change in The Phillipines

Coming to Cineplex cinemas across Canada this summer

This is the story about a remarkable victory of society’s poorest over entrenched corporate interests. The Philippines has the dubious distinction of hosting the most child climate refugees—a record 9.7 million child displacements from 2016 to 2021, owing partly to 60% of the population living by the ocean—more people than live in Canada—as well as sea levels rising at up to four times the global average.

https://www.asogfilm.com/

CANADA

Why did Canada just cave to Trump by scrapping the Digital Services Tax?

https://www.policyalternatives.ca/news-research/why-did-canada-just-cave-to-trump-by-scrapping-the-digital-services-tax/

In Ontario’s north and south, Indigenous groups protest new laws designed to fast-track infrastructure

Ottawa’s Bill C-5 and Ontario’s Bill 5 were both passed in June, and both allow for unchecked development, bypassing existing laws and regulations, in the name of economic prosperity and national interest.

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-in-ontarios-north-and-south-indigenous-groups-protest-new-laws

First Nations opposition to Bill C-5 draws comparisons to Idle No More movement

https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/bill-c5-first-nation-idle-no-more-1.7574417

Tell PM Carney You Support Renewable Energy and Oppose Federal Investments in New Nuclear Reactors

https://stop-smrs.weebly.com/renewablesnotnuclear.html

ONTARIO

Bill 5 prioritizes profits over environmental and Indigenous rights

The law empowers the province to create special economic zones where companies or projects don’t have to comply with provincial regulations or municipal bylaws.

https://euc.yorku.ca/research-spotlight/canada-is-not-for-sale-but-new-ontario-law-prioritizes-profits-over-environmental-and-indigenous-rights/

The Future is Renewable – Not Nuclear, Not Gas

Please ask Premier Ford and Energy Minister Lecce to direct OPG to get to work on solar and wind power, and not waste time on another expensive, risky, giant nuclear station or more polluting gas plants.

https://www.cleanairalliance.org/no-nuclear-yes-solar-wind/

https://www.cleanairalliance.org/lambton-gas/

Ontario Community Changemakers is a multi-generational leadership and micro-grant program for people with bold ideas to activate public space, enhance civic engagement, and foster social inclusion in their communities. The 2025 application launch July 2, deadline to apply is August 25.

https://ontariocommunitychangemakers.org/

TORONTO

Incinerating Toronto's garbage releases more climate warming emissions than sending the same waste to landfill, and far more emissions than diverting and reducing waste in the first place.

www.torontoenvironment.org/comparing_the_climate_impacts_of_incineration_vs_landfill

My friend is looking for a new Toronto home, living in community with others. She can help with caregiving, cooking, gardening etc.

- Pei/Petra   TEXT :: 416.732.8965 Email :: pei.czech at gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/PeiCzech/posts/pfbid02cycN43hP8ocpFLKgvoosAqqu9gSdmUCQwD4HuVfLef7cdvd6dZzxLQaz15nRSFpjl

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EVENTS

Toronto Fringe Festival

July 2-13, 2025

The Toronto Fringe Festival is Ontario's largest performing arts festival and a platform for innovative theatre and performance. Shows are selected by lottery or first-come-first-served processes, and all ticket revenue goes straight to the artists. The place for indie theatre & performance in Toronto.

https://fringetoronto.com/fringe/about 

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The True Nature of Environmental Racism

Thursdays July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 1 - 2 p.m. ET

This 5-part learning series seeks to examine the ways the fight against systemic racism/for social justice and environmentalism are linked. $50.

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/sustainabilitynetwork/1668102 

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No Nuclear Waste in Treaty 3 Rally

Fri. July 4th in Thunderbay

Join First Nations communities and allies in saying “no” to the proposed nuclear storage facility in Treaty 3. Grassy Narrows is concerned about this project as it is proposed to be at their headwaters.

https://freegrassy.net/no-nuclear-waste-rally-thunder-bay/ 

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1024419059795245&rdid=NFglA4gMJhjdquP4  

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The Great Picnic 

Sat. July 5

Centennial Park at Exhibition Place, Toronto

Join the giant community picnic with nothing but a blanket and snack foods. About 2,000 locals are expected to take over Centennial Park, where attendees can look forward to meeting new friends, sharing food, and supporting tons of small homegrown businesses too. Live DJs, yoga sessions, volleyball nets, as well as a gardening workshop and Henna designs are just a few of the offerings.

https://nowtoronto.com/news/a-2000-person-picnic-is-headed-to-toronto-in-july-for-strangers-to-make-friends/

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Hiroshima Appeals Poster Exhibition

Apr. - Dec. 2025

The Japan Foundation, 2 Bloor Street East, Suite 300, Toronto

In commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the entire annual series of the Hiroshima Appeals poster project is exhibited. The series, consisting of 28 posters, headed by Kamekura Yūsaku’s masterpiece “Burning Butterflies” 1983, continued with an unbroken sequence of works of high artistic excellence. The series demonstrates remarkably sustained continuity and ongoing efforts of world-wide compassion.

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/design-exhibit-double-bill-architecture-hiroshima-appeals-posters-tickets-1247224625429 

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Rethinking Smart Cities. Leaving no-one behind 

Tues. July 8, 11 a.m. ET

Over the past decade, "Smart City" has become a widely used term. But what does truly define a Smart City? Is it merely a marketing buzzword, or does it represent a genuine opportunity to improve urban life? This session invites a critical exploration on Smart Cities and the role technology plays in shaping the cities of tomorrow. Can technological innovation drive progress toward more liveable, sustainable, and inclusive urban environments — or are we facing a future where technology distances us further from our humanity? With Guest: Cristina Garrido CEO, Anteverti, Curator Smart City

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_EIXDdGZGT0ClOXx-Gxg3sQ#/registration

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Bill 5 Explained: What it Means and What We Can Do Now

Wed. July 9, 7 p.m. ET

The sweeping Ontario bill amends several pieces of legislation and creates new laws. Most significantly, it eliminates the Endangered Species Act and replaces it with a much weaker and performative Species Conservation Act. It also creates the Special Economic Zones Act, which allows Cabinet to exempt projects from all provincial laws, regulations and municipal bylaws with no guardrails or criteria. We will present what the Bill means for Indigenous rights, environmental protections and democratic transparency.

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_SU_VEC2kRIONS5ILK3wj3g#/registration

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CLAMOR: How Noise Took Over the World – and How We Can Take It Back - Book Launch

July 17, 7 p.m. ET

Join us to hear from Chris Berdik, a science journalist and a former staff editor at the Atlantic and Mother Jones about his new book and why he wrote it. There will be a presentation from Chris, followed by Q &A. 

He argues that noise is one of the most pervasive, yet underacknowledged, pollutants in our daily lives―one that we neglect, both individually and systemically, at our peril. Drawing on extensive research and original reporting, Berdik shows how a too-limited understanding of noise, focused on loud sounds and decibel counts, has undermined a century of noise-control efforts and obscured the full toll noise exacts on us and the environment. Berdik introduces us to the researchers, rock stars, architects, and many others who are finding surprising ways to make our world sound not only less bad, but better. Rising above the ever-increasing racket, Clamor is an urgent―and ultimately inspiring―call to finally take noise seriously and harness sound’s great potential.

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

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Steeped in Peace: A Feminist Gathering for Disarmament & Connection

Sat. July 19, 1 p.m. ET

Join Canadian Voice of Women for Peace for a virtual gathering and fundraiser in support of our Disarmament Education Program, developed in partnership with International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War – Canada.

- Connect with peace folk across Canada

- Hear powerful storytelling for peace and disarmament

- Learn about our national initiative to bring disarmament education to secondary schools

- Bring your tea and join us in building a culture of peace

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/LW1kPTIfSk6dJwpPb58VmQ#/registration  

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Going for Zero: Decarbonizing the Built Environment on the Path to Our Urban Future

Tues. July 22, 11 a.m. ET

Decarbonizing how buildings are designed, constructed, and operated is a sea change that is already altering professional principles and practices. During this session, Carl will address how buildings and cities can and must help resolve the looming climate emergency. Carl Elefante is an author, former president of American Institute of Architects (AIA), currently Principal Emeritus with Quinn Evans.

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_CxqjT_METOKSkWCBp-zgKg#/registration

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Streetfight: Handbook for an Urban Revolution 

With Guest, Janette Sadik-Khan

Tues. Aug. 5, 11 a.m. ET

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_WgPvt0VxTGCcGZ_ao2DH0g#/registration       

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80 years of the Nuclear Age: Commemoration Ceremony of the Bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki

Wed. Aug. 6, 4:30 - 9 p.m. ET

Peace Gardens, Nathan Philips Square, Toronto City Hall                             

The world could be on the brink of a new era of nuclear weapons proliferation. All nine nuclear armed states are modernizing and expanding their nuclear arsenals and six non-nuclear states have signaled interest in developing their own nuclear weapons.

https://hiroshimadaycoalition.ca/

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The Green Summit

August 14

Metro Hall, Toronto

The Green Summit is an annual, one-day networking event dedicated to driving sustainability, innovation, and collaboration with meaningful discussions and actionable solutions for a more sustainable world. It connects change-makers, and industry leaders from diverse sectors to accelerate green transformation.

https://www.thegreensummit.ca/  

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An evening with Arundhati Roy to celebrate her new memoir Mother Mary Comes To Me

Fri. Sept. 12,  5:30 pm - 9 pm ET

Convocation Hall, University of Toronto

Tickets $15 general admission, or $50 Book and Ticket

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/arundhati-roy-toronto-book-launch-tickets-1400633044139 

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For more Toronto events, check out: http://www.Showuptoronto.ca 

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  

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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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