Greenspiration News & Events: Who the hell cares

Mon Feb 9 17:25:56 UTC 2026

INTERNATIONAL

My Favourite Solar Stories of 2025

Solar power has been lighting the way toward climate action and energy independence.

https://www.greenergood.news/p/my-favourite-solar-stories-of-2025

The City Where Traffic Fatalities Vanished

For nine straight years, Hoboken, New Jersey hasn’t seen a single fatal crash. Here’s how they did it.

https://reasonstobecheerful.world/the-city-where-traffic-fatalities-vanished/

It’s 85 seconds to midnight

The collapse of the New START Treaty hasn’t helped but there is still time to turn things around

https://beyondnuclear.org/on-the-road-to-nuclear-war/

The risk of nuclear war is rising again. We need a new movement for global peace

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/feb/08/nuclear-war-risk-rising-global-peace

Nuclear power was born as an afterthought of manufacturing nuclear weapons. It should remain an afterthought

“Each added amount of radiation causes damage to the health of human beings all over the world … The entire nuclear power program was based on a fraud — namely that there was a ‘safe’ amount of radiation, a permissible dose that wouldn’t hurt anybody.” It’s still a fraud.

https://www.deseret.com/opinion/2026/02/01/nuclear-power-utah-expensive-unsafe/

The Stewards of Chernobyl Are Passing Mutations Down to Their Children

The DNA of Chernobyl cleanup workers and others exposed to high doses of radiation showed mutations that were also evident in the genes of their children.

https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/a70189122/chernobyl-dna-generations/

Reza Pahlavi calls for ‘day of action’ in world's major cities in support of what he termed Iran’s “Lion-and-Sun Revolution”

https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-885435

The toxic legacy of genocide - burning plastic

https://electronicintifada.net/content/toxic-legacy-genocide/51217

AI and the Techno-Fascist Nightmare 

Recording of the webinar: 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 explored these harms and discussed how to abolish the techno-fascist nightmare.

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

Under Putin’s Thumb: War, Repression, and Resistance - 70 min. podcast

Russian activists Ksenia Kagarlitskaya and Ilya Budraitskis explain the nature and evolution of Putin’s regime, the plight of its political prisoners, and the prospects for antiwar resistance and class struggle.

https://podcasts.apple.com/ni/podcast/under-putins-thumb-war-repression-and-resistance/id640534918

Energize Ukraine

Help energize Ukraine with renewable energy systems for schools, hospitals, and communities.

https://energizeukraine.com/

CANADA

Solar, Wind Emerge as Canada’s Cheapest New Power as Prices Fall by Half

https://www.theenergymix.com/solar-wind-emerge-as-canadas-cheapest-new-power-as-prices-fall-by-half/

Ottawa Science Cuts Threaten Canada's Ability to Confront Climate Crises After Hottest Year On Record

https://thepointer.com/article/2026-02-03/ottawa-science-cuts-threaten-canada-s-ability-to-confront-climate-crises-after-hottest-year-on-record

What On Earth with Laura Lynch: What Ottawa’s job cuts may mean for oil spills and forecasts

https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-429-what-on-earth/clip/16195285-what-ottawas-job-cuts-may-mean-oil-spills

Canada’s auto strategy is driving blind

https://mailchi.mp/nationalobserver/9ieups5r5y?e=02591b0337

5 more First Nations join legal challenge against Bill 5 and C-5

Fast-tracking development laws give governments 'absolute power,’ says lead counsel

https://t.co/1Zo3VyDhoh

How a Small Canadian City Tripled Cycling Rates in Just 11 Years

Video: Victoria, British Columbia has rapidly become "the strongest cycling city in North America that isn't widely known for it."

https://nextcity.org/urbanist-news/how-a-small-canadian-city-tripled-its-cycling-in-just-11-years

Who the hell cares about industrial carbon pricing? Well, you should.

While Canada slumbered over the past five years, governments around the world have been creating and expanding their carbon pricing systems.

https://markhamhislop.substack.com/p/who-the-hell-cares-about-industrial

A Tax-Plan for the 99% - by Avi Lewis

A bold, winnable plan to tax the ultra-rich and raise the floor for all of us

https://lewisforleader.ca/ideas/tax-policy

Alberta Is the Frontline for Democracy

Alberta's separatist movement provides MAGA an opportunity to destabilize our nation.

https://charlieangus.substack.com/p/alberta-is-the-frontline-for-democracy

ONTARIO

Have Your Say: World’s Largest Nuclear Station

Ontario Power Generating (OPG) wants to build the world’s largest nuclear station in Port Hope on the shore of Lake Ontario.

The federal Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) is currently accepting public comments on OPG’s proposal — until Feb. 11.

https://www.cleanairalliance.org/have-your-say/

Growing stockpiles of radioactive waste beside the Ottawa River upstream of Parliament Hill causing widespread concern

https://concernedcitizens.net/2026/02/03/growing-stockpiles-of-radioactive-waste-beside-the-ottawa-river-upstream-of-parliament-hill-causing-widespread-concern/

Transit over Traffic: Hard Truths for Addressing Gridlock in the GTA

Ontario's proposed highway projects (Highway 413, the Bradford Bypass, and the 401 Tunnel) are estimated to cost taxpayers $80 billion. These highways will do nothing to ease congestion, which is already costing Ontarians $45 billion per year. Instead they will worsen pollution, gridlock, and cost of living. If this money was spent on transit instead, we could move double the amount of people per hour. $80 billion could build enough light rail to connect Toronto to Sudbury!

https://environmentaldefence.ca/report/transit-over-traffic-2025-highway413/

https://thepointer.com/article/2026-02-02/transit-over-traffic

Ford’s rush to ‘protect’ Ontario puts democracy and the environment at risk

https://www.thespec.com/opinion/contributors/opinion-ford-environment/article_3f21e67c-1ada-58f6-a9cc-63cecefda889.html

TORONTO

Join Green Neighbours Network in building a greener, healthier, and more sustainable Toronto. Take part in our second annual silent auction to bid on eco-friendly items and unique experiences, or consider donating an auction item or making a financial donation to further our mission, making this a regenerative and thriving community. ♻️

https://can.givergy.com/gnntoronto/?controller=home

TOOKER

The Power of One Vote - 1 min. video

There's one time when you have as much power as the richest - Election Day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Gvo1Mf8Ld8&list=PL3IwhNn-WrINTQz2fBNayDoBWLW0y59le&index=3

Orange Zones for a Safer City - 1 min. video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLnf3sNnyZs&list=PL3IwhNn-WrINTQz2fBNayDoBWLW0y59le&index=1

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EVENTS

Rally to Save Public Health Care

Tues. Feb. 10, noon - 1 

Parliament Hill, Ottawa

Public health care is under attack, we must stand up and fight back! Join the Canadian Health Coalition – a coalition of 3 million health care workers and advocates to send a loud message to the Carney government that our public health care system must be built up, not torn down, expanded and not cut.

https://www.healthcoalition.ca/

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Fund Our City: Toronto Budget Rally

Tues. Feb. 10, noon

Nathan Phillips Square, Queen and Bay, Toronto City Hall

On Feb. 10, Toronto City Council will be voting on the 2026 City Budget. Social Planning Toronto and partners are organizing a community rally outside City Hall to let Council know this is no time for cuts. This year's proposed budget strengthens vital community programs and services, including increased tenant supports, extended library hours, and TTC fare capping. Still, key areas require deeper investment and faster action, particularly on affordability measures. We are asking City Council to build on this progress and commit to fully funding critical programs and services that people rely on. It's time to send a strong message: we need to fund a city where everyone can thrive.

https://www.socialplanningtoronto.org/save_the_date

Learn more about our 2026 budget priorities, developed in partnership with our Budget Coalition (a group of over 150 community and grassroots organizations).

https://www.socialplanningtoronto.org/the_budget_committee_needs_to_hear_from_you

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E-bikes: an evening discussion with Curbside Cycle & Community Bikeways

Tues. Feb. 10, 7 - 8 p.m.

Curbside Cycle, 412 Bloor St. W, Toronto

Join us for a lively evening of discussion about e-bikes! Why we love them and love to hate them. We want to see e-bike potential maximized, but how do we deal with the problems, including powerful, heavy, speeding e-bikes in bike lanes that intimidate other riders? How should regulation distinguish between pedal-assist e-bikes and moped- and motorcycle-like e-bikes? Speed? Weight? Power? Acceleration? Or something else? Our panel of experts will focus on e-bike technologies, existing regulation and regulation from other jurisdictions, batteries, the food courier business, and children on e-bikes.

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/e-bikes-an-evening-discussion-with-curbside-cycle-community-bikeways-tickets-1981253301960  

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Towards a Multi-Party Approach to Electoral Reform in Ontario

Tues. Feb. 10, 7 - 8:15 p.m. ET

This webinar on electoral reform will bring together Chris Glover for the NDP, Mary-Margaret McMahon for the OLP, Mike Schreiner for the Green Party and Réal Lavergne for Fair Vote Canada to discuss ways forward for achieving proportional representation in the province of Ontario.

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_N3QXMux2SZmzgIHf-d75-w#/registration 

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Last Child in the Street? Building the case for cities that truly put kids before cars

Tues. Feb. 10, 11 a.m. ET

The movement for more child-friendly cities is growing fast, with local schemes numbering in the thousands, alongside multi-million-dollar global philanthropic programs, and a handful of trailblazing municipalities including Paris and Barcelona. Yet despite this progress, the vast majority of the world’s children are set to be reared in captivity, in car-dominated places. 

Tim Gill argues that this will only change if we fundamentally reframe the way we think about cars, streets and neighborhoods.

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_e0xi7oz4SXmsvAmancBJ6w#/registration 

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Science for Peace Student Conference

Tues. Feb. 10, 4 - 7 p.m. ET

60 Lowther Ave, Toronto       

Climate change, conflict, security and more.

https://www.scienceforpeace.org/events-1/science-for-peace-student-conference

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Meeting the Moment: Resistance, Abolition, & Disarmament 

Wed. Feb 11, 8 p.m. ET

We will bring together two speakers to create a space together where we can centre connection, resistance, and agency, in order to make sense of and confront militarism in our present moment. Lovely Umayam will present on "Resistance, Art, and Research in a Fracturing World". Ray Acheson will present on "Disarming State Violence with Abolition". Hosted by International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War.

https://zoom.us/meeting/register/Mw7DqEsmQyS9twtJNSMYdA#/registration

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The Big Push: New Nuclear Projects in Canada 

Thur. Feb. 12, 7 p.m. ET

>From construction underway for not-so-small “Small Modular Reactors” at the Darlington site to plans for new mega-reactors at the Bruce Nuclear Generating Station, Peace River and now Port Hopee, the nuclear industry is running a seeming juggernaut nuclear expansion campaign and governments are on nuclear spending sprees. Join this session to hear about nuclear expansion plans in Canada, from New Brunswick to Alberta.

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ZfWOf1GITqSRIZX8CB-A9w

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Solutions Journalism: How Climate News Builds Momentum for Action

Thur. Feb. 12, 1 - 2 p.m. ET

Finding a steady foothold is challenging in the midst of a global climate and affordability crisis, cascading mis/disinformation, and alarming attacks on democracy and Canadian sovereignty. Independent journalism, practiced from a base of deep energy and climate expertise, is crucial to that effort. This session will cover:

- The line between climate journalism and advocacy—and why it matters;

- Why reliable, independent news reporting is an essential bulwark for democracy and Canadian sovereignty, an antidote to mis/disinformation, and a basis for communities to rebuild trust;

- How ENGOs and other changemakers can use climate and energy journalism as a proof point for their own work.

Hosted by The EnergyMix

https://www.sustainabilitynetwork.ca/events/the-energy-mix-on-solutions-journalism-how-climate-news-builds-momentum-for-action?trk=_publishing-image-block#register 

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Low Carbon Buildings Series: University of Toronto Project Leap

Thur. Feb. 12, 11 a.m. ET

Join us for our Low Carbon Buildings Webinar to explore University of Toronto's Project Leap! Scott Hendershot, Senior Manager of UofT's Sustainability Office, will share insights on campus-wide sustainability initiatives - including expanding the campus’s ability to capture and store heat through a new geoexchange system beneath Front Campus, phasing out natural gas in favour of electrification for heating, upgrading to energy-efficient LED lighting in 38 buildings, and optimizing energy used for air distribution systems in key research laboratories. Together, these efforts will reduce nearly 50,000 metric tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year, equivalent to the energy use of more than 10,000 homes. Explore the drivers that made this project feasible and how similar approaches could be applied to your community.

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_tuha80SlSXaKWtbo-wDCtQ#/registration 

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Canadians still care about climate change: so why are we acting like they don't?

Thur. Feb. 12, noon ET

With economic uncertainty weighing on Canadians, many wonder, have climate advocates lost the public to other priorities? New national research from Re.Climate and Abacus Data shows that despite affordability pressures, Canadians still care about climate change—and talking about it actually increases support for renewable energy and preparing for climate impacts. There are, however, still warning signs. Compared to 2023, more Canadians think climate change’s impacts are exaggerated and there’s more evidence that conspiracy thinking is playing a role in shaping public perceptions. But the fact remains: Canadians want to build out renewables, they would feel more pride in the country if it was a renewable energy super power and want to see politicians keep their climate promises. Public support hasn't disappeared, so we shouldn't act like it has. 

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VrruNPuSR8Se91co9-pt1w#/registration

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Resist and Reimagine: Lessons from Minnesota on Fighting Authoritarianism

Thur. Feb. 12, 7 p.m. ET

Organizers and community members in Minnesota are transforming crisis into action and tragedy into solidarity. Join us for a conversation with labor and community leaders from Minnesota including Reps. Ilhan Omar (MN-5), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and special guests. They’ll share practical lessons for fellow organizers on organizing in the midst of crisis, rapid response, economic solidarity actions, and how Minnesota’s experience can help other communities prepare to protect each other.

https://www.crowdcast.io/c/reimagine/register?utm_id=WBPminnesota

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Volunteer Assembly & Celebration - Avi Lewis Team

Thur. Feb. 12, 7:30 p.m. ET

Come join Avi Lewis and team as we celebrate the wins of the membership drive in phase one. We want to thank our supporters from all across Canada and share with you the next phase of the campaign and how you can help us turn this growing momentum into an unstoppable force.

https://act.lewisforleader.ca/volunteer-assembly-celebration?r=wtwQ5Vks

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Why Nuclear Power is NOT a Climate Solution

Fri. Feb. 13, 4 p.m. ET

This webinar will focus on why nuclear power is neither low carbon or emissions-free, with presentations by environmental attorney Susan Shapiro and radioactive waste expert Marvin Resnikoff. Moderated by Lance Gould of Brooklyn Story Lab.

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_iAz24GIjQnWM30KsTPCJTg#/registration

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Venezuela in Crisis: US Imperialism, Maduro, and the Neoliberal Turn

Sat. Feb. 14, 3 p.m. ET

Join four left Venezuelan voices for an urgent discussion of the neocolonial US intervention and kidnapping of Nicolás Maduro on January 3 and its aftermath. The event will examine the evolution of the Bolivarian process and its neoliberal turn under Maduro, along with the weakening of the social forces within Venezuela capable of resisting imperialist invasion. As the situation changes rapidly, speakers will also assess the post-invasion configuration under Delcy Rodríguez, the collaboration with U.S. imperial power, oil concessions, and the consolidation of a “Madurismo without Maduro.” The discussion will challenge both pro-invasion narratives and apologetics for the Venezuelan state, advancing a left, anti-imperialist critique rooted in sovereignty, democracy, and working-class self-determination.

https://events.haymarketbooks.org/events/haymarketbooks/2041410

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Global Day of Action in support of the protests in Iran

Sat. Feb. 14, 1 p.m. ET

Yonge St & Steeles Ave, Toronto

Standing in Solidarity with the Lion and Sun Revolution in Iran

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The Changing Climate Course: A Canadian Perspective

Starting February 17 for 8 weeks 

Climate Action for Lifelong Learners (CALL) is thrilled to present an inspiring and accessible climate course with Dr. Martin Bush, a leading expert in climate science and renewable energy. In this engaging series, you’ll learn what’s driving climate change, how it’s affecting Canada, the latest solutions in clean energy, and what we can all do to make a difference. Perfect for anyone curious, concerned, or eager to get informed before Earth Week. $25.

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ES1nOd-iRpif6zitB-P1Cg 

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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 

Share this newsletter on social media using this link: http://greenspiration.org/news-events/ 

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