Greenspiration News & Events: World shift to renewables is unstoppable

[Angela Bischoff - OCAA]

Earth’s ‘vital signs’ worse than at any time in human history, scientists warn
Their report found that 20 of the 35 planetary vital signs they use to track the climate crisis are at record extremes. 
Many climate records were broken by enormous margins in 2023, including global air temperature, ocean temperature and Antarctic sea ice extent. The highest monthly surface temperature ever recorded was in July and was probably the hottest the planet has been in 100,000 years.
The scientists also highlighted an extraordinary wildfire season in Canada that produced unprecedented carbon dioxide emissions. These totaled 1bn tonnes of CO2. They said the huge area burned could indicate a tipping point into a new fire regime.
“Without actions that address the root problem of humanity taking more from Earth than it can safely give, we’re on our way to the potential collapse of natural and socioeconomic systems and a world with unbearable heat and shortages of food and freshwater. By 2100, as many as 3 billion to 6 billion people may find themselves outside Earth’s livable regions, meaning they will be encountering severe heat, limited food availability and elevated mortality rates.”
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/oct/24/earth-vital-signs-human-history-scientists-sustainable-future

 

World shift to renewables is unstoppable, IEA report says

The world is on an "unstoppable" shift towards renewable energy but the phase down of fossil fuels is not happening quickly enough. The International Energy Agency, the global energy watchdog, predicted renewables would provide half of the world's electricity by 2030.

https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-67198206 

 

Golden age of gas. C’est fini

Montreal just took a stand against methane gas. The city is banning gas hookups for most new buildings. “The transition to clean energy is happening worldwide and it’s unstoppable,” says IEA chief.

https://mailchi.mp/nationalobserver/g62jixyxnd?e=8e3339a0e2

 

Meet the man fighting city hall to change the term "natural gas" to "fossil gas"

https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.7001520

 

Nuclear Energy and the Bomb 

The link between nuclear energy and nuclear weapons is something many of us know something, but not much, about. If you'd like a good explanation, check out this recent presentation by M.V. Ramana from UBC who clearly explains the links between the two.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pIlwyicW3E&t=8s

 

Ford Government ignores clean energy transition, expands gas and nuclear plants

https://thepointer.com/article/2023-10-28/ford-government-ignores-clean-energy-transition-expands-existing-gas-plants-to-produce-more-electricity

 

East Toronto groups to hold rally protesting Portlands gas plant expansion

https://beachmetro.com/2023/10/27/east-toronto-groups-to-hold-rally-protesting-portlands-energy-centre-expansion-plans/ 

 

Voice of Women for Peace' Statement on the Israel-Palestine Conflict and Action Alert - Call for a Ceasefire on Gaza

https://secure.vowpeace.org/civicrm/mailing/view?id=50&reset=1

 

Stop Highway 413

Highway 413 is driven by the same destructive planning approach as the Greenbelt removals and the provincial government should cancel it immediately. Send your letter here.

https://act.environmentaldefence.ca/page/136179/action/1

             

Urge Ontario to follow through with expanded deposit return for beverage containers

https://act.environmentaldefence.ca/page/137484/action/1

 

Time for a tax system that delivers on equality and climate action

https://www.taxfairness.ca/en/act/take-action/time-tax-system-delivers-equality-and-climate-action

 

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Rendezvous with Madness Festival

Oct. 27 - Nov. 5

In person (Toronto) and online

Rendezvous with Madness is the first and largest arts and mental health festival in the world. Using art as the entry point to illuminate and investigate the realities and mythologies surrounding mental illness and addiction, Rendezvous With Madness spotlights the human capacity for endurance in the face of great challenges. This year’s tagline “Mind the Gaps” considers gaps in infrastructure and the systematic “cracks” people, particularly those with lived experience of mental health and addiction, fall through. It is a call to think through what is missing and how things could be better.

https://workmanarts.com/rendezvous-with-madness/  

 

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Beyond Net Zero In-Person Symposium

Mon. Oct.30, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Centennial College, Progress Campus, Scarborough

Our symposium will include several keynote presenters as well as panels of green energy experts who will equip you for the new and rapidly growing in our sustainable energy sector.

https://ontario-sea.org/event-5381417  

 

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Lessons from first 50

Tues. Oct. 31, 11 a.m. ET

Special session by Gil Penalosa, Founder & Chair of 8 80 Cities, Founder #Cities4Everyone, Creator & Host of this webinar series 

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

 

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Ontario Place for All 

Rally outside Toronto City Hall

Tues. Oct. 31, 1 p.m. ET

Rally in support of Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik's motion to consider The Ex's Better Living Centre as an alternative to Ontario Place for the MegaSpa. Learn more in this newsletter which includes articles, videos, events and actions about the privatization and public subsidization of Toronto's waterfront jewel that the Ford gov't is gifting to a private business for 95 years.

https://us21.campaign-archive.com/?e=4037765861&u=ee8ca2c1e0e62a2b66512d8cd&id=28f2303fff

Watch the 1 min. video about Ontario Place - Enough already! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyCIgEeBNs4 

 

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Balancing Farmland Protection & Housing Supply

Tues Oct. 31, noon ET

The increasing demand for housing supply and affordability in Ontario is leading to pressure on municipalities to develop their shrinking agricultural land base. At the same time, the need to preserve these food-producing landscapes is becoming increasingly critical in the face of climate change. This session explores the challenges and opportunities faced in balancing the need for housing with farmland protection while contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies for municipalities.

https://form-can.keela.co/oft-webinar-registration-balancing-farmland-protection-and-housing-supply  

 

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Environmental Psychology, Climate Change, and the Benefits of Nature with Lindsay McCunn

Wed.  Nov. 1, noon - 2 p.m. ET

This talk will offer a brief overview of the discipline of environmental psychology, before describing a compelling psychological construct that associates with both climate anxiety and pro-environmental attitudes and behaviour: sense of place. Dr. McCunn will also discuss some of the latest research found in the body of environmental psychology literature concerning how beneficial nature can be for human mental health and wellbeing.

https://www.environment.utoronto.ca/events/environment-seminar-series-environmental-psychology-climate-change-and-benefits-nature  

 

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Global Burning: National Media Coverage of Climate Change and Wildfires in Canada

Thur. Nov. 2, noon ET

How are the Canadian mainstream media covering the urgent challenges of climate change and climate-related extreme events? And are they doing enough to inform people of the necessary climate action? Join the research and comms team at Re:Climate as they reveal the findings of their Fall 2023 national media roll-up, and engage in a conversation about messaging, strategy, and tips for responding to climate change, wildfires and other extreme events.

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ucraHKoKRaaKNwV6C-poIA#/registration  

 

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>From Ukraine to Palestine, Occupation is a Crime

Thur. Nov. 2, 2 - 3:30 p.m. ET

Israel has launched a genocidal war against Palestine at the very same time as Russia continues its imperialist attempt to annex Ukraine. This panel will challenge the selective solidarity that haunts the left and argue for solidarity between Palestine and Ukraine’s struggle for liberation and self-determination.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/from-ukraine-to-palestine-occupation-is-a-crime-tickets-744468313767

 

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How to Talk about Climate Change Without Overheating - Online Course

Thursdays Nov. 2, 9, 16 and 23, 9 - 11 p.m. ET

What is stopping decision makers from moving faster when it comes to stopping climate change? The best advice is to talk about it, but extreme weather, biodiversity loss or our own anxiety isn't very appealing. In this course, you will learn about behaviour change science and skills so you can effectively engage with others. Together, our stories can shift decision making to protects us and our future.

https://continuingstudies.uvic.ca/science-and-the-environment/courses/how-to-talk-about-climate-change-without-overheating/

 

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Global Power Up for Climate Solutions!

Friday November 3 & Saturday 4 

All around the world, people will come together to power up the global renewable energy revolution. Let’s shift money and political influence away from fossil fuel companies and towards a clean and equitable future for all! Join an action near you.

https://globalpowerup.org/ 

 

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Phase Out Gas, Power Up Renewables!

Sat. Nov 4, Noon

Jimmie Simpson Park, 872 Queen St. East, Toronto

Join Toronto East Residents for Renewable Energy (TERRE) to demand:

- No expansion of the polluting Portlands gas plant in our East End neighbourhood and phase out the plant by 2030

- Rapid powering up low-cost renewable energy sources in Ontario

- Strong government action on clean electricity and climate justice

The event will include speakers, art, music, kids activities, and a short march in the neighbourhood. Join us to create a healthier, more affordable, and livable future.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1539443660229543/ 

 

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Good Green Jobs For All

Sat. Nov. 4, noon

Toronto City Hall, Nathan Phillips Square, Queen and Bay, Toronto

Join The Climate Emergency Unit, 350 Toronto, CUPE-Ontario, and the Seniors for Climate Action Network as part of a global day of action to #PowerUp a just, affordable, renewable world. The event will offer you the chance to imagine, act out, and demand your green job of the future, with interactive photo booths, digital actions, and speakers from the Canadian labour movement and the campaign for a Canadian Youth Climate Corps. Every young person in Canada who wants a good, green, unionized job should be given one.

https://act.350.org/event/global-power-up/25875

 

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EcoFair Toronto

Sun. Nov. 5, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. ET

Artscape Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie St, Toronto

Celebrate the people behind local environmentally-friendly businesses and organizations and get informed and be inspired to make greener choices in your life, home, and community. Enjoy fun interactive activities for kids and adults alike, as well as good food.

https://ecofairtoronto.org/ 

 

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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 

 

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