Greenspiration News & Events: Enviro costs of war

Tue May 21 10:13:11 EDT 2024

Decarbonization Running ‘Faster and Deeper’ than Expected, Transition Expert Says

With the cost of electric vehicle batteries and solar panels falling 90% in recent years, we can now plan to decarbonize economies faster and cheaper than we dared think was possible in 2008

https://www.theenergymix.com/decarbonization-running-faster-and-deeper-than-expected-transition-expert-says/

The New Nuclear Push 

29 min. video interview with Kevin Kamps of Beyond Nuclear. The nuclear industry is involved in a “propaganda campaign” attempting to validate itself by citing climate change. Kamps refutes the claim of the nuclear industry that nuclear power is carbon-free. He tells of how the nuclear and fossil fuel industries “have done their best to sabotage renewable energy because they don’t want the competition.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psPv71EODOE

Choosing nuclear over renewables and efficiency will make climate crisis worse

“Nuclear power has no business case or operational need. It offers no benefits for grid reliability or resilience justifying special treatment. In fact, its inflexibility and ungraceful failures complicate modern grid operations, and it hogs grid and market space that cheaper renewables are barred from contesting.” - Amory Lovins

https://reneweconomy.com.au/picking-losers-choosing-nuclear-over-renewables-and-efficiency-will-make-climate-crisis-worse/

Canada’s plutonium mishap in India was 50 years ago this week – is history repeating itself now?

Any country with a nuclear reactor can extract plutonium from the fiercely radioactive used fuel and secretly make a nuclear bomb – as did India in 1974, and North Korea, Pakistan and Israel – all non-nuclear weapons states. Plutonium, when extracted from the fuel – referred to as reprocessing – can be used as a nuclear fuel or to produce a nuclear bomb. Canada had banned this. Now New Brunswick wants in the plutonium reprocessing game to export around the world. Canada’s support for reprocessing is sending the wrong signal to the world and threatening the already fragile global non-proliferation regime.

https://nbmediacoop.org/2024/05/16/canadas-plutonium-mishap-in-india-was-50-years-ago-this-week-is-history-repeating-itself-now/

Ontario’s nuclear option is the wrong path to meet green energy targets 

The province should focus on cost-efficient wind, solar and hydro expansion, as well as increased interprovincial transmission.

https://policyoptions.irpp.org/magazines/may-2024/ontario-nuclear-option/

He floated banning fossil fuel ads in Canada. Then came the threats.

MP Charlie Angus says his proposed Fossil Fuel Advertising Act is designed to take on "the lies" of oil and gas, in much the same way parliament zeroed in on Big Tobacco decades ago

https://www.corporateknights.com/category-climate/fossil-fuel-ad-ban-canada-charlie-angus/

Become a Climate Change Influencer

Talk About Carbon and Soil - free online climate course

https://www.udemy.com/course/become-a-climate-change-influencer/  

$2.2 billion contract to build a new polluting gas peaker plant in Napanee, Ontario when clean alternatives are a fraction of the cost

Send your message to the Auditor General here.

https://www.cleanairalliance.org/leadership-needed-for-a-gas-free-ontario-cloned/

Ford Gov't Steps Up for Its Friends - Again

This new law will ensure that all ON gas consumers will pay for expanding the Enbridge Gas distribution system. Heat pumps are a smarter, cleaner, and lower cost way to heat and cool homes than gas.

https://www.cleanairalliance.org/ford-govt-friends/

The LCBO puts $2.5 Billion of revenue into Ontario’s public services every year

The money from their alcohol sales goes toward health care, education, housing, public infrastructure and more. Privatizing the LCBO is Ford's next move. Don't let him give more money to his rich buddies.

https://sofundme.ca/

Pope Francis joins more than 250 peacebuilding organizations and supporters in calling on G7 Heads of State to center civil society peacebuilding at the G7 Summit

https://www.allmep.org/news/pope-francis-joins-more-than-250-peacebuilding-organizations-and-supporters-in-calling-on-g7-heads-of-state-to-center-civil-society-peacebuilding-at-the-g7-summit/

The Dutch turned the Netherlands into a bicycle utopia. Here’s how we can do the same in other countries

https://www.globalcyclingnetwork.com/lifestyle/interviews/the-dutch-turned-the-netherlands-into-a-bicycle-utopia-heres-how-we-can-do-the-same-in-other-countries

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EVENTS

Nuclear Waste: Where's the Fairness in the NWMO's "Willing Host" Decision?

Tues. May 21, 7 p.m. ET

The Nuclear Waste Management Organization has announced (repeatedly) that it will select its preferred site for a deep geological repository in which it will place all of Canada's high-level nuclear fuel waste (that's 60,000 tonnes and counting). The NWMO claims it will only proceed with an "informed and willing host". The final decision to approve the site, the design, and the operation will be made by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. With speakers Ole Hendrickson and David Donnelly.

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_RQ5UYvoQS4q4oqEoNIaNCg#/registration   

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Empowering Tomorrow: Activating Youth for Climate Action

Tues. May 21, noon ET

Join the Yale Center for Environmental Communication for a webinar on how young people are grappling with climate change and efforts to engage them on the topic.

https://yale.zoom.us/webinar/register/6517150234810/WN_3nx5yEznQECTp_tUYrHq_g#/registration 

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City Hall Trivia Night

Presenter: Comedian Kalin T. Spence

Tuesday, May 21, 7pm ET 

In-person - Location: Sin & Redemption (136 McCaul St)

Get the details and register:

https://www.progresstoronto.ca/spring-training-series-may-21-2024

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Civil disobedience: a moral obligation - With Matthew Behrens

Wed. May 33

The climate crisis is already causing profound damage as the average global temperature has reached about 1.2C above the pre-industrial average over the last four years. A recent Guardian survey of hundreds of the world’s leading climate experts, 77% of respondents believe that number will reach at least 2.5C, with almost half thinking it will be more than 3C. How can we contribute to that fight? Not everyone is prepared to be arrested, like Hamilton 350's Elders 4 Climate Sanity. But for those who want to ratchet it up a notch, this Action Update is for you.

https://9v0pg.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/mr/sh/SMJz09SDriOHUnfsAosStnpUisZ3/kfweRL1904Et

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Solidarity With Grassy Narrows

Wed. May 22, 7:30 p.m. ET

The devastating mercury crisis in Grassy Narrows First Nation has persisted for decades, ever since 9 tonnes of mercury was dumped upstream in the 1960s. To this day, most Grassy Narrows members get no compensation for the serious impacts of the ongoing mercury crisis on their health, culture, and livelihoods. To make matters worse, Ontario is still allowing mining exploration on Grassy Narrows lands against Grassy Narrows’ will. Join other Grassy Narrows supporters to learn how they can take action to support Grassy's demands for justice.

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_b5u-t3IDSpqyOm_Z-bcUXA#/registration

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Wheeling Through Toronto

Wed. May 22, 6:30 - 8 p.m. ET

PEDAAL bike shop, 168 Brunswick Avenue (at Harbord), Toronto

Join us for the launch of Albert Koehl's book "Wheeling Through Toronto" by doing just that: wheeling through Toronto! Follow Albert Koehl, an environmental lawyer described as "synonymous with cycling in Toronto," as he takes us on a talking tour full of moments in Toronto Bicycle history. Learn about Toronto's Antelope bikes, the proposed city cycling circuit of 1896, and why cyclists were tempted to ride along the "devil strip." Come early to PEDAAL for a free safety check, and when the ride is over, stay for a beer (compliments of Left Field Brewery), a Q&A, and a book signing.

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/pedaal-presents-wheeling-through-toronto-tickets-904711003967

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What Lies Beneath: Pathways Alliance, Greenwashing, Networks, and Narratives

Thur. May 23, noon ET

Join Re.Climate Researchers as they share findings from their newly published paper, “Greenwashing, Net Zero, and the Oil Sands in Canada: The Case of Pathways Alliance.” Their research develops a framework for identifying net zero greenwashing, reviews the evolution of oil sands narratives and campaigns since 2021, and proposes solutions that can ensure free and fair public debates about the energy transition in Canada.

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__Vzxf4lvQzKJ3byY09lSew#/registration 

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Let's Talk Housing with BC housing minister Ravi Kahlon

Thur. May 23, 7 - 8 p.m. ET

BC has been busy. From establishing an agency to build housing for middle class renters on public land, to clamping down on short term rentals in investment properties, to proactively and comprehensively changing zoning rules to speed up the construction of missing middle housing and apartments in towns and cities, the BC government is showing leadership on addressing one of the defining issues of our time; the high cost of housing. What can Ontario learn from the BC NDP government? Join NDP MPP Jessica Bell and the BC Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon for a virtual discussion on what his NDP government is doing and what we can learn from them to address Ontario’s housing affordability crisis and housing supply shortage.

https://www.jessicabellmpp.ca/housingtalk 

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Frack-Free BC Climate Action Provincial Assembly

Thursday May 23, 6 - 8 pm PT

If all of BC’s six planned LNG plants go ahead, they will require a massive increase in fracking to provide the fossil gas. In 2021, the BC Energy Regulator said there were 8,200 active fracked wells in northeast BC. Each creates climate, health, environmental, water-use, noise pollution, light pollution, and earthquake hazards. If all the LNG projects go ahead, BC will need 70,000 more fracked wells. This is climate lunacy. Join Dogwood, the Wilderness Committee, and Stand.earth, for this assembly on how we can end fracking in BC, and with it, the associated LNG projects and their pipelines.

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcrc-ioqDktHdECsJTnArPyhdTyPMxmmx8s#/registration 

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Carbon Pricing, Federalism and the State of Canadian Climate Policy

Fri. May 24, 12:30 p.m. ET

Join researchers from across Canada for a discussion on the future of Canadian climate policy, 

https://yorku.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJArcOirrDsoHNdnbNgluxRW0KaEYnCDARIU#/registration 

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On To Ottawa Peace Caravan - Toronto Dinner 

Sat. May 25, 6 - 8:30 pm ET

60 Lowther Ave., Toronto (2 blocks north of St. George Station_

With optional art-making from 5 – 6 pm 

With peacemakers:

- Lyn Adamson, Canadian Voice of Women for Peace

- Cathy Walker, Strong Hearted Woman Of Mohawk & European descent Founder of Giwaabamin Street Clinic

- Ellen Woodsworth, Women’s Int’l League for Peace & Freedom

- Lorelei Williams, Skatin and Sts'ailes First Nations

- Setsuko Thurlow, Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons

- Judy Rebick, on women’s peace organizing history

- Rachel Small, World Beyond War organizer, Gaza arms embargo

- Music by Arnd Jurgensen of the Pickle Juice Trio. 

All Welcome. Refreshments provided, Donations welcome. Organized by the Canadian Voice of Women for Peace. 

https://vowpeace.org/

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Sing On! With Common Thread Community Chorus

Sat. May 25, 3 and 7 pm performances

Church of the Redeemer, 162 Bloor Street West, Toronto

Common Thread is a sixty-five voice choir that sings for social justice and to build community. Come to their 25th Anniversary Concert.

https://commonthreadchorus.ca/

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Doors Open Toronto

Sat. Sun. May 25-26

Over 150 remarkable spaces to discover. Talks. City Hall Hub. Neighbourhood tours. Free.

https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/doors-open-toronto/

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Manufacturing the Threat

Sun. May 26, 4 p.m. 

Hot Docs, 506 Bloor St W, Toronto

Shining a light into the murky world of police infiltration, incitement, and agent provocateurs, Manufacturing The Threat shows how Canada’s policing and national security agencies, granted additional powers after 9/11, routinely break laws with little to no accountability or oversight. Screening followed by panel including director, producer and writer Amy Miller.

Tickets: https://hotdocs.ca/whats-on/films/manufacturing-the-threat

Exclusive discount code: $10: MTT10

Trailer: https://youtu.be/hZthwbWgjk4?si=pjaF5oA3vIa5gpxm

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Environmental Costs of War and Genocide: Ukraine, Palestine, Syria, and Lebanon

Sunday May 26, noon ET

Genocidal wars conducted by Russia, Assad, and Israel/US have devastated not just people and cultures, but also the land. This forum will:

- Draw links between environmental and climate justice work and support for all people directly affected by war, genocide, and occupation.

- Alert us to propaganda that seeks to undermine international climate solidarity by pitting conflicts against each other.

- Highlight the work of Ukrainian, Syrian, Palestinian, and Lebanese climate justice organizers and environmentalists and will include discussion on how to move these shared struggles forward together. 

http://bit.ly/WarAndClimateForum

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Human Transit: How Clearer Thinking about Public Transit Can Enrich Our Communities and Our Lives

Mon. May 27, 3 p.m. ET

Transportation expert Jarrett Walker believes that public transit can be simple, if we focus on the underlying geometry that all transit systems share. Jarrett’s gift is being able to break down the basic principles of transit so that you may have the tools necessary to clarify and advocate for your own values.

https://transportfutures.ca/mc/

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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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