Greenspiration News & Events: Nuclear Hopium

Mon Feb 23 16:57:32 UTC 2026

INTERNATIONAL

Why Cuba is betting on renewables - US sanctions, power cuts, climate crisis

https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2026/feb/18/us-sanctions-power-cuts-climate-crisis-why-cuba-is-betting-on-renewables  

Bill McKibbon on the Rise of Solar Power - 50 min. podcast

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6c7JMMFW5zQ

Incidence of Cancer Shown to Increase with Proximity to Nuclear Power Plants

https://www.sierraclub.org/atlantic/finger-lakes/blog/2026/02/incidence-cancer-shown-increase-proximity-nuclear-power-plants

The Dark Side of Data Centre Exponential Growth on Electricity Grids, Water Usage, and Climate

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhZbaxg7hsM

CANADA

Trump sees big, ugly windmills. Canada sees opportunity

As Trump, Ford, Smith and Moe try to shut down the renewables industry for their fossil fuel and nuclear buddies, Nova Scotia wants to build offshore wind farms, and Ontario should build out wind power in the Great Lakes. Offshore wind power is half the price of new nuclear.

https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.7099937

Should Canada Cancel Billionaires? 

Linda McQuaig discusses her book, “Cancelling Billionaires Before They Cancel Us: The Urgent Case for a Wealth Tax,” whether billionaires should exist, how current levels of inequality can lead to “revolution,” how Canada’s tax system needs to change, the politics around bringing in a wealth tax, and if it would cause the rich to leave Canada. They also discuss the alternate option of a universal basic income, the problem with philanthropy and foundations in Canada, and the growing conservative support for a wealth tax.

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

Stop the 6 Bell AI data centres from being built across Canada

https://www.change.org/p/stop-the-bell-fabric-ai-data-centre-from-being-built

ONTARIO

Ontario’s Latest Nuclear Megaproject Confronts Soaring Cost Concerns

https://www.theenergymix.com/ontarios-latest-nuclear-megaproject-confronts-soaring-cost-concerns/

101 on AI Data Centres: What they are, why they are energy intensive and why it matters for Ontario

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=qcThx3j5ww0&feature=youtu.be

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EVENTS

Organizing Under Authoritarianism: Immigration Justice

Mon. Feb. 23, 6 p.m. ET

Do you work in the climate movement and are alarmed about ICE kidnappings and violence and want to learn more about opportunities for solidarity and proactive work for immigrant justice? Join us to learn skills to build the power we need to protect our neighbors, push back on authoritarianism, take proactive steps to challenge the detention industrial complex, and continue to build power on climate. As we bear witness to both the devastating state violence and the incredible organizing in Minneapolis and beyond it is important for us to recognize our power and work in solidarity against the billionaire, violently racist, Trump regime.

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Vb5H7jXoRAyTnai_CTxvAQ   

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Ending Canada's Complicity in the Genocide of Palestine

Mon. Feb. 23, 8 p.m. ET

Join Avi Lewis, Dr. Yipeng Ge and Jehad Aliweiwi for a critical conversation on Canada’s complicity in Israel’s genocide, the rise of anti-Palestinian racism, and what we can do collectively to end the occupation and fight for liberation and return.

https://act.lewisforleader.ca/pal-solidarity-session

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My Dear Theo - Special film screening dedicated to the 4th ann. of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine

Mon. Feb. 23, 7 p.m.

Bloor Hot Docs (Bloor and Bathurst), Toronto

How do you explain to a five-year-old child why mom traded a cozy room for a cold dugout, and a camera for a rifle? The documentary project by director Alisa Kovalenko is not just a chronicle of combat. It is an intimate video diary filled with pain, hope, and boundless love, addressed to her son Theo. This film is a manifesto of the generation fighting today so that their children may live in peace tomorrow. It is a story about how to remain a mother and an artist even when the world around you is falling apart.

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/my-dear-theo-special-film-screening-toronto-tickets-1982309025658

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Women Changing Cities: Global Stories of Urban Transformation

Tues. Feb. 24, 11 a.m. ET

The future of cities is female. As cities around the world face mounting crises - climate change, traffic congestion and growing inequity - the need for bold, people-first solutions has never been greater. Enter the women leading the charge. Melissa and Chris Bruntlett highlight the groundbreaking work of female mayors, planners, advocates, and policymakers in reshaping urban spaces for the better. From Paris to Bogota, Manila to Montreal, these leaders are reclaiming streets, reimagining mobility, and designing safer, more inclusive public spaces, despite fierce opposition.

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qNdSXca8QFa9cqaUt5OwkQ#/registration  

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Climate Budget Series: City of Edmonton

Tues. Feb. 24, 1 p.m. ET

The Climate Budget series showcases municipal approaches to climate budgeting, answering key questions related to staff engagement during development, generating buy-in, and overall budget effectiveness. In the session of the Climate Budget series, City of Edmonton will share their journey, highlighting key challenges and lessons learned since implementation.

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_J9sobhPHRZ6BTiaSkEJdmg#/registration  

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AI Data Centers & Their Climate and Community Impact

Tues. Feb. 24, noon ET

The tech industry's insatiable interest in AI is driving a data center boom in the US that shows no sign of slowing down; nearly 3,000 are under construction, adding to the more than 4,000 already in operation. The environmental footprint of these facilities is immense: A single AI-focused data center consumes as much electricity as 100,000 households, the largest ones under development are expected to use 20 times as much. Much of this power comes from fossil fuels with new gas (and nuclear) power generation doubling over the past year, driven by AI’s need for energy, when we need to be lowering emissions. Once touted by tech companies for their potential boon to stimulate local economies with short-lived construction jobs, these proposed facilities have seen nationwide pushback from across the political spectrum for driving up electricity prices, which are now climbing more than twice as fast as inflation, and for their local environmental impacts. This discussion will equip you with the fundamental understanding of the economic and climate impacts stemming from AI’s vast power use, explore how to investigate data centers in their area, and highlight unique story ideas to tackle this growing issue playing out in communities across the world.

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_SCHwUFBsQ4mrSw5KDaAS-w#/registration  

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The Misinformation Challenge – How to Rebuild Trust in a Post-Truth World

Tues. Feb. 24, noon ET

According to Canada’s Foreign Interference Commissioner, misinformation and disinformation pose the single greatest threat to Canadian democracy today, an ongoing problem that has been amplified in recent years by emerging technologies, shifting socio-economic trends, and polarizing political shifts. To better understand the scale of misinformation in Canada, Evidence for Democracy’s launched its latest report, which highlights the evolution of misinformation across Canada, and provides important policy recommendations for addressing misinformation challenges and concerns. Join Evidence for Democracy’s expert panel for a discussion exploring how the rapid spread of misinformation has undermined public trust, and impacted across sectors and communities.

https://evidencefordemocracy.ca/webinar-the-misinformation-challenge-how-to-rebuild-trust-in-a-post-truth-world/  

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Run Where You Are - Say Yes!

Tues. Feb. 24, 5 - 6:30 p.m. ET

An inspiring virtual event to help women and gender-diverse folks in Ontario take the leap into municipal leadership.

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/run-where-you-are-say-yes-tickets-1981741901374

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Tues. Feb. 24 - the 4th anniversary of Russia's full scale invasion of Ukraine. 

The Ukrainian communities across the world will be commemorating those who have fought, died or been injured, including tens of thousands of civilians, in Russia's genocidal war. 

Grief Songs Circle

Tues. Feb. 24, 7 p.m. ET

Donald Burwash Room (2005) - Hart House 7 Hart House Circle, U of Toronto

Kosa invites you to gather in community to honour the pain and loss that persist, to witness one another’s experiences, and to nurture connection, resilience, and hope.

https://www.kosafolkarts.org/events/event-2026-02-24

BBC interview with Zelensky on the occasion of 4 years of Ukrainian defense:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-C5PZW9_CV8

Four years on: justice, accountability and peace for Ukraine

https://www.coe.int/en/web/portal/-/four-years-on-justice-accountability-and-peace-for-ukraine

The number of abducted children returned to Ukraine reached 2000. There are still almost 20,000 children known to be abducted by Russia and separated from their families.

https://bsky.app/profile/24hoursukraine.bsky.social/post/3mf3mk6tgy22f

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Where Do We Go Next? A Climate Conversation with Steven Guilbeault, MP

Wed. Feb 25, 6:30 p.m. ET

Join SCAN (Seniors for Climate Action) in a discussion with Steven Guilbeault, MP as we explore a way forward for climate concerned citizens in a global and Canadian context where silence on climate issues is pervasive. We will explore how to focus our work in 2026, what policies, strategies and global efforts are being made to continue or just transition away from fossil fuels to sustainable energy. We will learn and we will share ideas and opinions.

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nCISYf9VT7KzrvzIhKKFkQ  

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Integrating Natural Assets into Municipal Asset Management

Wed. Feb. 25, 11 a.m. ET

Incorporating a Natural Asset Inventory into municipal asset management helps municipalities recognize and protect the essential services that natural systems provide, while reducing long term costs and strengthening overall service reliability. In this webinar, Patrick Wong, Senior Natural Heritage Planner at City of Markham will share about the findings and recommendations of Markham’s Natural Assets Inventory and Evaluation Study. The session will highlight key components of the natural asset inventory—including asset valuation, condition, and levels of service—and provide an overview of how these assets contribute to municipal climate resilience and municipal service delivery. 

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_P_0J3bRpSCGBAQAyK9F-KA#/registration  

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FilmSocial: The Organizer

Wed. Feb. 25, 7 p.m.

Eyesore Cinema, 1176 Bloor St W, Toronto

The Leo Panitch School for Socialist Education is very pleased to present The Organizer (1963). Set in Turin, Italy at the turn of the 20th century, the story follows the workers of a textile factory, one of whom suffers a serious injury caused by exhaustion at the end of 14-hour shift. When workers stage a walk out after the factory owners refuse to shorten the workday, determination wanes as they begin to fear for their jobs and return to their work benches. It’s not until a labour activist (Marcello Mastroianni) on the run from Genoan police appears and passionately shares from past organizing experience that the workers are emboldened to go on strike, and in the process begin to understand the sacrifices that come with holding their ground. Balancing humour with the realities of the economic climate at the onset of Italy’s industrial revolution, this historical drama directed by Mario Monicelli takes an honest look at early labour struggles. Free/PWYC

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/panitchschool/2063913 

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Rock Solid: A scientific review of geological disposal of radioactive waste

Thur. Feb. 26, noon ET

The 2025 update of Rock Solid examines the current state of scientific evidence regarding the geological disposal of spent nuclear fuel and other high-level and long-lived radioactive wastes in a deep geological repository (DGR) around 500m underground. Analysis of the existing scientific evidence shows there are many difficulties with the claim that there is a consensus in favour of deep geological disposal. Presentation followed by conversation with author Dr. Helen Wallace.

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Fj_t3UCXQ1eLJ6mpjR3ZoQ#/registration  

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Debunking New Nuclear Hopium

Thur. Feb. 26, 2 p.m. ET

Dr. Gordon Edwards discusses Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMNRs), Advanced Nuclear Reactors (ANRs), and Fusion.

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_pSCyQydeQdKvOlWsi0rZNg#/registration

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Climate Conversation with Faith based community

Thur. Feb. 26, 12:30 p.m. ET

We will use a simple new resource that draws on wisdom from the Faithful Climate Conversations and the Jesuit Forum to offer a straight-forward circle process to discuss climate issues. In small groups, through a series of rounds, participants will answer questions that help to break open feelings and thoughts about climate change and what we could do about it. The method could be used to explore a variety of climate issues. For the sake of example, and because we are interested in supporting a conversation about fossil fuel phase out, we will lead these two conversations on the topic of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.

https://fortheloveofcreation.ca/event/climate-conversation-equipping-event-daytime-option/   

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Rally to Stop Bill C-12, Cut Canadian Ties to ICE

Thur. Feb. 26, noon ET

Hootsuite Toronto HQ, 200 Wellington St W, Toronto

Canadian companies like Hootsuite, GardaWorld & Roshel are arming and enabling ICE's raids, kidnappings, killings and detention camps in the US. Meanwhile in Canada, PM Carney is pushing ahead Bill C-12 which would let the government cancel immigration status for entire groups overnight and deny rights to refugees. Join us for an emergency lunch time rally - Migrants on both sides of the border need us in the streets.

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Toronto Climate Film Festival Presents: A Night on Renewable Energy

Sat. Feb 28, 6:30 p.m. ET

Friend's House, 60 Lowther, Toronto

Climate Fast and the Toronto Climate Film Festival is excited to present a trio of short films centered on the renewable energy transition. The event is being co-sponsored by Toronto East Residents for Renewable Energy. Films to be screened:

- The Great Transition (2025–2050), Part I - A glimpse into our energy future (2025)

- Power Play: Transforming Australia's Biggest Climate Polluter (2022)

- Power to the People E8 “Six Nations”

Light refreshments will be provided. Raffle for Here Comes the Sun: a Last Chance for the Climate and a Fresh Chance for Civilization by Bill McKibben.

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/toronto-climate-film-festival-presents-a-night-on-renewable-energy-tickets-1981396782113  

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#DisruptPDAC 2026 – Mining is Not the Future

Sun. March 1, 1 p.m ET

Simcoe Park (across from 255 Front St W), Toronto

The world’s largest mining convention is coming to Toronto again this year, to sell their vision of a future of war, environmental destruction and greed. Join us outside of their convention to show your support for the future we want and need. Land back. Defend land defenders. No more war.

https://mininginjustice.org/pdac2026/  

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More Toronto events 

https://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/ 

Tooker Tapes Archive Project - Youtube Playlist

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3IwhNn-WrINTQz2fBNayDoBWLW0y59le 

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

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