Greenspiration News & Events: Green Conscience

Mon Dec 1 16:48:16 UTC 2025

INTERNATIONAL

Why Bill McKibben thinks solar energy could save the world - 20 min. audio podcast

https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-63-the-current/clip/16183803-why-bill-mckibben-thinks-solar-energy-save-world

Solar is Surging - The Big Picture

https://ember-energy.org/latest-insights/global-electricity-review-2025/the-big-picture/

The nuclear mirage: why small modular reactors won’t save nuclear power

https://www.climateandcapitalmedia.com/the-nuclear-mirage-why-small-modular-reactors-wont-save-nuclear-power/

Can Fascism Happen Here? By Robert Reich

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

CANADA

Danielle Smith’s love tap

Canadian and global climate news and views 

https://mailchi.mp/nationalobserver/danielle-smiths-love-tap?e=02591b0337

Mark Carney lost the minister who was the green conscience of his government. Here’s how it happened

https://www.thestar.com/politics/political-opinion/mark-carney-lost-the-minister-who-was-the-green-conscience-of-his-government-heres-how/article_8cad78e1-592c-4ce9-9b5f-3e9edc78b1e6.html

Read Steven Guilbeault's statement here

https://x.com/s_guilbeault/status/1994161758148399593

The method to Mark Carney’s madness

The MOU, then, is textbook Carney. By telling a political adversary what they wanted to hear, he’s gotten them to agree to something he needs. He’s effectively daring Danielle Smith to do the work required to get her coveted pipeline built, knowing full well she can’t actually do it.

https://www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/27/opinion/method-mark-carney-madness

We keep repeating the same, depressing tale when it comes to pipelines - by the David Suzuki Foundation

https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/we-keep-repeating-the-same-depressing-tale-when-it-comes-to-pipelines/article_aa24ccca-1438-4ea3-9e5e-d06f560adb5c.html

Canada Calls Its Reactors Peaceful. It’s Not So Simple

The only way that we can delink nuclear power from nuclear weapons is to ban them completely.

https://ecosocialistsvancouver.org/article/canada-calls-its-reactors-peaceful-it%E2%80%99s-not-so-simple

How solar panels on Alberta farms can help increase crop yields

https://theconversation.com/the-gift-that-keeps-on-giving-how-solar-panels-on-farms-can-help-increase-crop-yields-269264

ONTARIO

Notes on the Pickering B Refurbishment by Dr. Mark Winfield

Based on that capital costs, the electricity costs from a refurbished Pickering B would likely be in the 20 c/kwh range, well above the costs of renewables + storage, DERs, or energy productivity/efficiency, and likely too high to be a viable export option to the US. These additional costs will undermine affordability, competitiveness and decarbonization.

https://markwinfield.substack.com/p/notes-on-the-pickering-b-refurbishment

Environmental Defence Response to Ontario Greenlighting the Pickering $26 B nuclear rebuild

https://environmentaldefence.ca/2025/11/26/ontarios-nuclear-announcement-locks-us-into-a-high-cost-high-risk-energy-path/

Ford's nuclear push will backfire with higher bills, US gas reliance: report

https://nbmediacoop.org/2025/11/27/fords-nuclear-push-could-backfire-with-higher-bills-us-gas-reliance-report/

https://www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/25/analysis/ford-energy-plan-nuclear-gas

Ford government dives into municipal business as it eyes water services

The Ford government gave itself sweeping new powers to seize control over municipal water systems, one of Ontario’s largest public assets worth $175.8 billion, raising fears the move could pave the way for privatization, higher water bills and weaker oversight.

https://www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/28/news/ford-water-services-municipal

Number of speeding drivers increased by 90% after Premier shut down speed cameras

https://speedcamerassavelives.ca/2025/12/01/number-of-speeding-drivers-increasing-as-premier-shuts-down-the-cameras/

TORONTO

Will Mayor Chow shut down Toronto’s dirty power plant?

https://www.cleanairalliance.org/will-mayor-chow/

Toronto can breathe easier if Council backs Dianne Saxe's motion to phase out the Portlands gas plan

Send your message here:

https://www.cleanairalliance.org/saxe/

Support a Strong Climate Action Plan for Toronto 

https://you.leadnow.ca/petitions/support-a-strong-climate-action-plan-for-toronto

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EVENTS

The Pipeline Debate

Mon. Dec. 1, 3 p.m. ET

On Thursday, the Governments of Canada and Alberta announced a memorandum of understanding that could pave the way for a new pipeline to the West Coast. Join Max Fawcett and Chris Hatch from Canada's National Observer, who will engage in a lively discussion moderated by Supriya Dwivedi as they assess the political, environmental, and economic implications of the announcement — and where it could all lead.

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/9017643550607/WN_ExArW4XRQRKekWkmUPBx8Q#/registration

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Interested in influencing decisions at Toronto City Hall? 

There are some important motions being discussed at Infrastructure and Environment Committee on Dec. 4 including TransformTO Net-zero strategy, Blue Box, cycling network plan, food banks, and Toronto's electricity plan. See the full agenda for the day here and consider submitting comments or deputing:

https://secure.toronto.ca/council/#/committees/2566/25844

Deputation Trainings:

Mon. Dec 1, 7 p.m. ET

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87688689276?pwd=8kH3NPIVLEmuPNgFxthQqjUqbbHEV7.1

Tues. Dec. 2, noon ET

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89348930235?pwd=nFYIjhEFmGAM22xDdC3tQOe84IFobV.1

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Liars, Grifters, Martyrs, and Fait Accomplis: Thomas Mann’s Antifascist Radio Addresses, 1940–1945

Mon. Dec. 1, 12:30 p.m. ET

The German author and novelist Thomas Mann, winner of the 1929 Nobel prize for literature on the strength of his monumental novels Buddenbrooks and The Magic Mountain, chose exile upon Hitler’s ascent to power in 1933, moving with his family to the United States in 1938. From 1940 to 1945, he authored and narrated a series of anti-Nazi radio addresses that were broadcast to Germany by the BBC; German listeners risked severe punishment. Mann’s radio addresses constitute his most sustained contribution to the Allied war effort. In them, Mann comments on the progress of the war, contrasts fascism with democracy, measures Hitler against Roosevelt, and counters German propaganda with international consensus.

https://brandeis.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_NhCPJSIeR8SDCcZ_GXn5Eg#/registration

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Fast track? Unpacking Carney’s major projects push

Tues. Dec 2, noon ET

Prime Minister Mark Carney seems intent on building his political legacy around getting major development projects built — and establishing Canada as an energy superpower. His controversial Bill C-5 created a pathway for projects to avoid certain regulatory requirements, and he’s sent about a dozen proposals — in mining, energy, electricity and transportation — to the new Major Projects Office in hopes they can be sped along. So far, though, not one has been officially designated as a project in the “national interest,” and not one has been given any special ability to bypass regulatory hurdles. What’s really happening with these projects, and how is the Major Project Office actually involved? Hosted by The Narwhal.

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/6017636650105/WN_YliUOzeLRDW51GU4MngFzw#/registration

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The World Wars of Disinformation and Demagoguery, Then and Now

Tues Dec. 2, 12:30 - 2 pm ET 

Carolin Lange, Jamie McSpadden, and Thomas Weber discuss Weber’s contention that we should turn to the interwar years for inspiration to strengthen our democracy, as we are experiencing once again a World War of Disinformation and Demagoguery, akin to the one of the interwar years.

https://www.brandeis.edu/cges/news-events/fall-2025/251202-democracytwo.html

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Radioactive waste on public roads through Ottawa? Let’s discuss that.

Tues. Dec. 2, 4 - 6 pm ET

Ottawa Public Library Main Branch, 120 Metcalfe St.

The US-led, multinational consortium running Canada's nuclear laboratories is transporting radioactive waste, including high-level irradiated nuclear fuel waste, on public roads, through the City of Ottawa to the Chalk River laboratories upstream of Ottawa. This is part of the consortium's long-term strategy to consolidate federal radioactive waste from Manitoba, Quebec and southern Ontario at the Chalk River campus, on the shores of the Ottawa River. Chalk River is a poor location for storage or disposal of radioactive waste, because of its fractured bedrock, proximity to the Ottawa River and earthquake-proneness. A 2021 City of Ottawa Resolution specifically asked for radioactive waste imports to the Ottawa Valley to stop, yet imports continue and transport of these dangerous materials on public roads is increasing. Please join us to discuss the problem and what might be done to stop it.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1JJuHvUEVw/

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2025 Report Card on Physical Activity for Adults

Tues. Dec. 2, 1 p.m. ET

Join us to explore ParticipACTION's 2025 Report Card on Physical Activity for Adults - the most comprehensive assessment of adult physical activity in Canada!  Containing evaluations of 17 indicators, including total daily steps, sport participation, facilities and infrastructure, government strategies and investments and others, the third edition of the Report Card, "Moving Beyond Stagnation: Elevating Physical Activity in Canada", highlights a costly stagnation in physical activity levels and an important opportunity to leverage movement as a nation-building tool.  

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_cBpERryoQAqcxLLM_DArsw

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Decolonizing our Energy Futures: Nuclear as a Path Forward?

Wed. Dec. 3, 8 p.m. ET

To operate a nuclear plant is to implicitly commit to an energy infrastructure that generates waste for which effective long-term solutions do not exist. Whatever benefits we may gain from reduced carbon emissions, stable energy supply, and reduced air pollution, in this talk, we argue that choosing nuclear energy creates new forms of settler colonialism that compel us to continue consuming land to absorb the waste. While claiming that nuclear power helps prevent the hierarchical relations common in fossil fuel extraction, the nuclear industry makes invisible new forms of pollution and erasure. We will ask whether nuclear energy may colonize energy futures by yoking us to new forms of “forever waste,” which have not been managed successfully by any nation. Does nuclear offer a path forward, or does it promote a new type of settler colonialism that colonizes our energy futures?

Speakers: Yui Fujiki & Dr. Ann-Elise Lewallen

Hosted by International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War Canada

https://zoom.us/meeting/register/C9sb5NwcSNmtj_fiWwSbcQ#/registration

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Climate Emergency Unit Farewell Celebration

Wed. Dec 3, 7 p.m. ET

In this webinar, join the Climate Emergency Unit team and special guests for an entertaining and inspirational look back at the past five years and what we’ve accomplished together.

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/kgk76_EMRtypNsoyIlXomg#/registration        

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We Learn through Struggle: Reflections 2 Years After the Indigo 11 Raids

Wed. Dec. 3, 6:30 – 8 Panel followed by dance party

It’s OK Studios, 468 Queen St, Toronto 

Two years ago police raided the homes of the Indigo 11, attempting to scare all those organizing for a free Palestine. Two years later, we’re still fighting and we’ve learned a lot along the way! The roundtable discussion will include lessons on the policing of protest, organizing amidst repression, and the struggle for a free Palestine. Then we dance. All proceeds go to the Toronto Community Justice Fund.

https://actionnetwork.org/ticketed_events/we-learn-through-struggle-lessons-two-years-after-the-indigo-raids/

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Building Youth Power

Wed. Dec. 3, 8 p.m. ET

Join Karishma Porwal (aka. Karishma Climate Girl), Armaan Singh, and Avi Lewis for our second Solidarity Session on Building Youth Power. We’ll talk about the challenges confronting young people today, how youth are resisting the status quo, and how we can bring young people back into the NDP by going head-to-head with those foreclosing on our shared future — the billionaire class and their political allies.

https://act.lewisforleader.ca/solidarity-session?r=B2t-je8O 

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The Clean Power Opportunity - with David Suzuki

Thur. Dec 4, 4 p.m. ET

David Suzuki will speak with three leaders dedicated to improving lives and protecting the planet through clean electricity. They’ll discuss how the creation of an east-west electricity grid powered by Indigenous- and community-led renewables could benefit communities from coast to coast to coast — and what it will take to make this exciting opportunity a reality.  With:

- Melina Laboucan-Massino, Sacred Earth Solar   

- Stephen Thomas, David Suzuki Foundation   

- Jordyn Burnouf, Metis Nation-Saskatchewan 

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/3217618612392/WN_S_N8WcaxQZO11fSq3nHQPw#/registration

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Inside a Kyiv Bomb Shelter: Reflections of a Former Pacifist

Thur. Dec. 4, 4 p.m. ET

Marci Shore received her BA from Stanford University, her MA from University of Toronto, and her Ph.D from Stanford University. After completing her doctorate, she was a postdoctoral fellow at the Harriman Institute of Columbia University and subsequently assistant professor of history at Indiana University from 2002 to 2006. She is currently on leave from her position as Professor of History at Yale University and will begin teaching at the Munk School in the 2025-2026 academic year. Hosted by Science for Peace.

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/kuyQLCLqRh2miXZrKGk-xA#/registration

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Thorium – game-changer or hype?

Fri. Dec. 5, 1 p.m. ET

With Dr. Gordon Edwards, CCNR.org

There has been an upsurge of promotion of thorium as a nuclear fuel as if it were a brand new discovery with astounding potential. Some describe it as a nearly miraculous and hitherto overlooked material that can provide unlimited amounts of problem-free energy. Gordon Edwards believes these claims fly in the face of the historical record and basic scientific facts. Join us as we unpack this issue. Presentation followed by Q and A. Co-hosted by Canadian Coalition for Nuclear Responsibility, Coalition for Responsible Energy Development in New Brunswick, Regional Environmental Action Committee (Alberta), and Ontario Clean Air Alliance.

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/MAhiZtcfQOiy6KJw1OVVyw

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Environmental Coffeehouse interviews Kelly Green about the Tooker Tapes Archiving Project

Fri. Dec. 5, 9 p.m. ET

Watch live or later.

https://www.youtube.com/@EnvironmentalCoffeehouse

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The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

Sat. Dec. 6, 11 a.m. observe a moment of silence

It has been over 30 years since the murder of 14 young women at Polytechnique Montréal (December 6, 1989). This act of violent misogyny shook our country and led Parliament to designate December 6 as The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. As we mourn their loss and remember their lives, we reaffirm our commitment to fight the hatred that led to this tragedy, and the misogyny that still exists today. In Canada and around the world, women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals face unacceptable violence and discrimination. On this day, we wear a white ribbon to honour the victims and call for an end to gender-based violence.

https://www.canada.ca/en/women-gender-equality/commemorations-celebrations/16-days/national-day-remembrance.html

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6th annual Cycling Good Cheer

Sun. Dec. 7, 1. - 5 p.m. ET

Meet at Raccoon Park, 86 Soudan Ave., (Yonge and Eglinton), Toronto

Or meet at a feeder ride from Scarborough, High Park, St. Lawrence Market, North York

HO, HO, HO, it’s time for our 6th annual Cycling Good Cheer bicycle parade! The bicycle parade starts with bells and festive music, riding south on Yonge to Biidaasige Park arriving at approx. 2:30pm after a 10-km ride. Kids can enjoy the playground while our picnic features barbecue-prepared S’mores. The parade is free, fun, and for families! Last year we had over 100 people of all ages in our parade on bikes, ranging from wee bicycles to cargo bikes with kids & dogs! The ride by Community Bikeways is sponsored or supported by PEDAAL (offering free coffee and cookies at Biidaasige Park), Curbside Cycle, and Cycle Toronto.

https://www.communitybikewaysto.ca/events/roqzijbovnaaa6t243n3f1xggq8mkk

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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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