Greenspiration News & Events: Techno-Fascist Nightmare

Mon Feb 2 15:55:03 UTC 2026

INTERNATIONAL

Wind and solar overtook fossil fuels for EU power generation in 2025, report finds

Researchers say event described as ‘major tipping point’ for clean energy in era of destabilised politics

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/jan/22/wind-and-solar-overtook-fossil-fuels-in-power-generation-for-eu-in-2025-report 

Wind & Solar Overtake Fossil Fuels in Europe

8 min. video podcast with The Electric Viking

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVYqkN9cOI

Global Warming At 3 °C By 2050? What’s Behind The New German Climate Warning

German scientists warn global warming is accelerating faster than expected, raising the risk of a 3 °C rise by 2050 and forcing Europe to confront unthinkable adaptation plans.

https://worldcrunch.com/focus/green-or-gone/global-warming-at-3c-by-2050-what-s-behind-the-new-german-climate-warning/

German scientists issue stark climate warning - By David Suzuki 

German scientists are warning that global warming is accelerating, that the planet could heat by as much as 3 C over pre-industrial levels by 2050 — just 24 years from now — and that we could exceed 5 C of warming by the century’s end.

https://davidsuzuki.org/story/german-scientists-issue-stark-climate-warning/

Ukraine deploys 1.5 GW of solar in 2025

The Solar Energy Association of Ukraine estimates around 1.5 GW of solar was added in the country last year, driven by growing interest in projects co-located with battery energy storage systems across market segments.

https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/01/26/ukraine-deploys-1-5-gw-of-solar-in-2025/

The Trump administration has secretly rewritten nuclear safety rules

The sweeping changes were made to accelerate development of a new generation of nuclear reactor designs. The changes are to departmental orders, which dictate requirements for almost every aspect of the reactors' operations — including safety systems, environmental protections, site security and accident investigations. Two thirds of the original departmental documents were deleted. "They're taking a wrecking ball to the system of nuclear safety and security regulation oversight". 

https://www.npr.org/2026/01/28/nx-s1-5677187/nuclear-safety-rules-rewritten-trump

Nuclear industry 'is fizzling out'

Don't believe the hype - nuclear power is 'fizzling out'. Nuclear accounted for just 9% of global electricity generation last year, down from 17.5% in 1996. Meanwhile renewables are exploding, now 32% and rising fast. Ontario is the outlier.

https://theecologist.org/2026/jan/28/nuclear-industry-fizzling-out

“Prevent the Bloodshed”: Filmmaker Sepideh Farsi on Iran Protests & U.S. Threats of Military Strikes

https://www.democracynow.org/2026/1/30/iran

Cycling in Asia - with Tooker and Angela 

Watch 13 min of raw footage of our cycling trip through Vietnam, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan in 1998, back when cyclists ruled the streets.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9I0Wp1GZpQ&list=PL3IwhNn-WrINTQz2fBNayDoBWLW0y59le&index=4

CANADA

Mark Carney’s pact with Danielle Smith is climate carnage

Author and analyst Seth Klein joins Desmond Cole to break down how Carney and Smith have fulfilled Big Oil’s entire wish list. Full transcript and 45 min. interview.

https://breachmedia.ca/mark-carneys-pact-with-danielle-smith-is-climate-carnage/

The hidden debt behind fossil fuels

https://mailchi.mp/nationalobserver/ccyf50elri?e=02591b0337

Carbon pricing was at the core of Canada's climate action plan until it became a political albatross. In her memoir, Run Like A Girl, ex-environment minister Catherine McKenna tells how that happened.

https://energymixweekender.substack.com/p/hard-things-are-hard

Debunking Myths: “Critical Minerals” and the Energy Transition

https://reformbcmining.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Debunking-Myths-Critical-Minerals-and-the-Energy-Transition_BC-Mining-Law-Reform.pdf

Nova Scotia confident it can meet 2030 coal exit strategy as wind projects pick up

https://www.ctvnews.ca/atlantic/nova-scotia/article/nova-scotia-confident-it-can-meet-2030-coal-exit-strategy-as-wind-projects-pick-up/

ONTARIO

Is the world’s largest nuclear station coming to Ontario?

The Ford government and OPG hope to build the world’s largest nuclear station east of Toronto. This gargantuan undertaking would have up to 10 reactors and occupy hundreds of acres of waterfront land in Port Hope, a town already dealing with a legacy of radioactive contamination. Watch our webinar and learn more how you can have your say.

https://www.cleanairalliance.org/tonight-webinar/

Why environmental and health experts are concerned about the Brampton waste incinerator

The UK and Sweden produce half the waste/capita of Ontario and recycle more — it can be done. Burning is not the answer.

https://www.nationalobserver.com/2026/01/30/opinion/ontario-brampton-incinerator-health-concerns

TORONTO

Toronto cyclists say police charged riders instead of the driver after a group was hit by a car, raising concerns about anti-cyclist bias and trust in law enforcement.

https://nowtoronto.com/news/toronto-cyclists-file-complaint-after-police-charged-riders-in-crash-raising-concerns-about-anti-cyclist-bias/

Fish are flooding back into Toronto’s Don River

https://www.nationalobserver.com/2026/01/26/news/toronto-don-river-fish-recovery

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EVENTS

Unarmed Civilian Defense Instead of War - 6 wk online course

Feb. 2 - Mar. 15

This course addresses a central challenge facing societies today: What can unarmed civilians do when militaries attack, invade, or occupy their communities? What real alternatives exist beyond fighting back with violence? This course responds to that need by exploring the why, what, and how of Unarmed Civilian Defense (UCD) — a proven, people-powered approach for safeguarding civilians and resisting violence without weapons.

https://worldbeyondwar.org/unarmed-civilian-defense-instead-of-war-an-online-course/

Social Defence - Online book

https://www.bmartin.cc/pubs/19sd/19sd.pdf

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AI and the Techno-Fascist Nightmare

Wed. Feb. 4, 3 p.m. ET

Artificial Intelligence is increasingly being used to deport migrants, replace workers, predict “crime,” dox activists, and target weapons. Meanwhile, its energy consumption continues to exacerbate the climate crisis and nuclear risks. This panel will explore these harms and discuss how to abolish this techno-fascist nightmare.

https://events.haymarketbooks.org/events/haymarketbooks/2029954

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Extraction Extinction: Ending the Fossil Fuel Era 

Wed. Feb. 4, 7 p.m. ET

Join this powerful conversation with global and national human rights leaders as they reflect on what UN Secretary General Antonio Guterrez called the ‘madness’ of expanding fossil fuel projects during a climate emergency – and how Canada must show global leadership by immediately ending all public financing of these projects. You’ll leave the webinar with the tools you need to speak with your friends and family about this issue and to convince your MP to speak up in favor of ending Canada’s bankrolling of fossil fuels projects. Sponsored by Amnesty International, Decolonial Solidarity Network, and Amnesty’s volunteer-led Climate Justice Specialized Team.

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kDlkqOTwSamhVN84ehENDw#/registration

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Electrification (with the Experts): Heat Pump Prep

Wed. Feb. 4, 6:30 p.m. ET

When the furnace finally gives out on a cold night in February, most Torontonians panic and replace it with another gas furnace. But you're thinking ahead. This webinar shows you how to prep your home for a heat pump—from electrical panel capacity to insulation gaps to ductwork tweaks.

https://www.thenetwork.to/event-details/electrification-with-the-experts-heat-pump-prep 

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Nuclear Waste Burial & the NWMO

Thur. Feb. 5, 7 p.m. ET

An overview and update on the Nuclear Waste Management Organization's efforts to develop a deep geological repository for all of Canada’s high level nuclear fuel waste, now proposed for the Revell site in northwestern Ontario. The webinar will provide an update on the NWMO technical program and promotional activities, including their plans for transportation, nuclear fuel waste transfers, and the deep geological repository itself. The session will include a status report and next steps on the federal review of the NWMO’s waste processing facility and deep geological launched on January 5th and on the NWMO’s intended additional repository for intermediate and “other” high-level radioactive wastes.

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0WlH5Ph7TCqYJbsr_izcpw#/registration 

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Will the U.S. invade?

Thur. Feb 5, 3 p.m. ET

As tensions rise south of the border, questions about Canada’s sovereignty are no longer theoretical. From Arctic control and economic pressure to political interference and regional separatism, the risks facing Canada are no less consequential than a conventional invasion. On February 5, Canada's National Observer will examine what a real threat from the United States could look like, how vulnerable Canada truly is and whether the federal government is prepared to defend the country’s interests. We'll unpack the uncomfortable scenarios and what Canadians should be watching next.

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lfofVD3wRD6MJrR7DbYjyA#/registration

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A Celebration of Black History through Music

Thur. Feb. 5, 6:30–9:30 p.m. ET

In-person or Livestream. Free. 

Join Dr. Trineice Robinson-Martin, visiting Guest Scholar, Clinician, and Performer (Berklee College of Music), for an immersive evening exploring the heritage, techniques, and styles of Black American music.

https://alumni.utoronto.ca/events/lecture-recital-series-celebration-black-history-through-music  

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A Charged Conversation: An E-Micromobility Device Expert AMA

Thur. Feb 5, 1 p.m. ET

Transportation and planning staff at cities are increasingly being tasked with micromobility governance. For many municipal staff, knowing what matters in policies, regulations, and programming involving electric micromobility might seem daunting given the pace of the evolution of e-devices. With this Ask Me Anything (AMA) session, we’re providing a judgement-free space for you to speak with experienced e-device practitioners and get your questions — from device specifications, to batteries, to charging, to safety — answered. In this AMA session, our featured expert is e-bike expert and sustainable mobility educator Dani Griscti of Toronto's Curbside Cycle.

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/1z-RA46mTEuiQKAvfsnvNA#/registration 

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Eco Craft Art Workshop/Art Competition 

Fri. Feb. 6, 3 - 6 p.m. ET

U of T, Earth Science Building Room 1042

Eco Craft is a youth-led sustainability initiative, local to Toronto, open to anyone, and under one of UNA-Canada's youth programs. Our mission is to highlight creative ways to reuse fabric and other materials by reimagining them into crafts. We aim to reduce environmental impact while inspiring mindful consumption. Sign up with this link to attend the Craft Workshop or be a participant in the Art Competition! https://forms.gle/4mRP4ViJgujTTbmq6 

Follow our Instagram for more updates - @ecocrafttoronto

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Yonge Street Mission’s Winter Walk for Neighbours in Need

Sat. Feb. 7, 4 - 7:30 p.m.

St. Paul’s Bloor Street, 227 Bloor St. E., in midtown Toronto

Yonge Street Mission (YSM) is an organization with a bold vision: A city where people, and not poverty, thrive.  Our Winter Walk is YSM’s annual fun, family-friendly fundraising walk. By participating, you’ll generate support for vulnerable youth, families in crisis and adults experiencing long-term poverty, who are served by YSM. Help us raise $145,000 so we can support as many community members as possible – while it’s cold and at a time when need for programs and services is at an all-time high. There are two ways for you to participate: 

    1)   In-person: join our YSM event at St. Paul’s Bloor St., 227 Bloor Street E., following the 2 or 5 km routes 

    2)   Remote: Choose your own 2 or 5 km route and walk in your community. 

https://www.ysm.ca/event/winter-walk/ 

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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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