Peace and Environment News — Insider, April–June 2012

by Mike Buckthought

Action for Clean Air

Starting this summer, Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux and five other French cities will be taking action to restrict polluting motor vehicles. The cities will establish zones d’action prioritaires pour l’air (ZAPA) which will exclude vehicles that produce high levels of emissions. Restricted vehicles that enter a zone could face fines of 68 or 135 euros, depending on the size of the vehicle. Each community will determine the size and location of its zone, and the conditions of access. Vehicles will be rated on a scale of A to D, according to their emissions. Cities will use the classification scheme to determine which vehicles will be restricted. Road tolls will also be used to reduce levels of air pollution. In accordance with a new decree published on March 7, 2012, highway tolls will be lower for the cleanest vehicles. (Le Monde, March 13, 2012)

Québec Invests in Electric Buses

The Québec government has announced the launch of a $73-million project that will focus on the design and manufacture of electric buses. The development project will be coordinated by a non-profit organization, the Electric Bus Consortium. The first prototype will be unveiled in June 2014. Two models will be developed for use in cities: a standard-sized model, and a mini-bus. Québec has set an ambitious goal: by the year 2030, 95% of all public transport trips will be made in electric vehicles. Reducing the use of fossil fuels will lead to substantial reductions in emissions of greenhouse gases. (Québec Le Soleil, March 8, 2012; 2011–2020 Action Plan for Electric Vehicles, April 7, 2011)

Mining Ban

The Ontario government has banned mining in a large area of land, in response to efforts to protect the traditional territory of Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) First Nation. A total of 23,000 square kilometres of land will be protected from future mining claims. However, the new restrictions do not apply to an existing mining project. The gold mining corporation God’s Lake Resources plans to start drilling in the First Nation’s traditional territory. On March 6, 2012, members of the KI First Nation held a protest at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada’s annual conference in Toronto. (CBC News, March 5, 2012; KI Lands and Environment Unit http://kilands.org/)

Don’t Water Down Fisheries Act

A former Progressive Conservative fisheries minister is speaking out against proposed changes to Canada’s Fisheries Act. In remarks published by Postmedia News, Tom Siddon says there is “no justifiable excuse” for removing provisions that protect the habitat of fishes. Siddon served as fisheries minister from 1985 to 1990, under the Mulroney government. Scientists are also speaking out against proposed changes to the Fisheries Act. The Canadian Society for Ecology and Evolution sent a letter to Fisheries Minister Keith Ashfield, on behalf of the organization’s 1,000 ecologists and evolutionary biologists. The proposed changes will “severely impact” Canada’s ability to protect species and their habitats, says Jeffrey Hutchings, the organization’s president. (Postmedia News, March 16–19, 2012)

Climate Foundation Closes

On March 31, the Canadian Foundation for Climate and Atmospheric Sciences closed its doors for good. The foundation played an important role in supporting research into ozone depletion, climate change and air quality for over a decade. However, the Harper government cancelled funding. The foundation provided most of the $1.5-million annual budget for the Polar Environment Atmospheric Research Laboratory (PEARL) in Eureka, Nunavut. PEARL’s scientists monitored the ozone hole over the Arctic and studied climate change, providing important contributions to international research projects. Canadians have donated $10,000 to help support the continued operation of the research station. (Toronto Star, March 4, 2012; CBC News, February 28 and March 16, 2012)

Mike Buckthought writes about environmental issues.

Published in the Peace and Environment News Insider, Volume 27, Number 1, April–June 2012, page 6.

Peace and Environment News — Insider, February–March 2012

by Mike Buckthought

Gateway to disaster

According to records filed with the U.S. government, subsidiaries of Enbridge Energy have reported more than 170 pipeline leaks and spills in the United States since 2002. The incidents have included a 2007 leak in Minnesota that killed two workers and led to $2.4 million in fines. The Calgary-based energy company has been in the news recently, thanks to its plans to build a pipeline from Alberta to the Pacific Ocean. If constructed, the Northern Gateway pipeline would bring bitumen from the tar sands to the port of Kitimat, BC. Supertankers would travel through narrow fjords. A spill would have catastrophic impacts, jeopardizing the ecosystems of the Pacific coast. (Ottawa Citizen, January 12, 2012; Sierra Club BC, www.sierraclub.bc.ca)

Public transit in Gatineau Park

The National Capital Commission (NCC) is developing a sustainable transportation plan for Gatineau Park. The NCC is encouraging members of the public to provide comments using an online questionnaire. At the moment, it can be difficult to visit Gatineau Park without a car. Are you concerned about the lack of public transit and the increased greenhouse gas emissions from cars? You can provide your comments before February 19. Visit the NCC online at www.canadascapital.gc.ca. You can also comment on the NCC’s Cultural Heritage Plan and Outdoor Recreation Plan. (National Capital Commission, January 13, 2012)

Nuclear-free Alberta

In December, Bruce Power announced that it has cancelled its plan to build nuclear reactors in northern Alberta. The company had proposed to construct a $10‑billion nuclear plant near Peace River, about 480 kilometres northwest of Edmonton. In 2009 the company abandoned its plan to construct a nuclear plant on the shores of Lac Cardinal. It proposed a second location, about 30 kilometres north of Peace River. However, there was strong opposition from residents who were concerned about the health impacts of radioactive contamination of drinking water supplies. (CBC News, December 12, 2011; Edmonton Journal, December 13, 2011)

BC’s Fish Lake threatened

BC’s Teztan Biny (Fish Lake) is threatened once again. After an extensive environmental assessment, the federal government rejected Taseko Mines Limited’s proposal to drain the lake. Unfortunately the company has come up with a new proposal, the so-called “New Prosperity” gold-copper project. Under the new plan, the lake would not be drained. However, it would be surrounded by an open pit mine and mountains of toxic tailings. First Nations were not consulted. A new review panel is considering the project. (MiningWatch Canada, November 29, 2011)

Going to court to support Kyoto

A Université de Montréal law professor is taking legal action against the Harper government in an attempt to overturn its decision to drop out of the Kyoto Protocol. Professor Daniel Turp says the government’s decision to renege on its international commitments is unconstitutional, and it breaks a federal law, the Kyoto Protocol Implementation Act. Constitutional lawyer Julius Grey will ask the Federal Court to determine whether or not Canada’s withdrawal from the Kyoto Protocol violates the country’s laws. The legal action is supported by L’équipe Kyoto, a student group at Université de Montréal. (Montreal Gazette, January 13, 2012; Association québécoise de lutte contre la pollution atmosphérique (AQLPA), January 13, 2012)

Low-carbon future

The European Union is looking into making deeper cuts in emissions of greenhouse gases. According to a new analysis, the EU’s existing target of a 25% reduction from 1990 levels by 2020 is easily achievable with existing policies. A number of member states, including Denmark, the UK and France, are pushing for deeper reductions of 30% by 2020. A draft low-carbon plan recommends reducing emissions by 60% by 2040. Making the transition to a low-carbon economy will cost about 1.5% of GDP annually over the next 40 years. Around the world, investments in renewable energy reached a new high of $260 billion US in 2011. Investments in solar energy have increased dramatically, reaching $137 billion US last year. (The Guardian, January 12–18, 2012; February 14, 2011)

Mike Buckthought writes about environmental and human rights issues.

Published in the Peace and Environment News — Insider, Volume 27, Number 1, February–March 2012, page 7.

Peace and Environment News — Insider, November 2011–January 2012

by Mike Buckthought

Environmental Network Loses Funding

The Canadian Environmental Network (RCEN) was forced to lay off its staff, after the federal government abruptly cancelled its core funding. The national network includes over 640 environmental groups across the country, and has played a vital role in raising awareness about environmental issues over the past 34 years. If the network closes its doors, it would be a serious setback for environmental organizations across Canada. “The Network forms an invaluable and irreplaceable grid of communication among environmentally concerned Canadians and the Government of Canada,” said Larry McDermott, Aboriginal Representative and Director of the RCEN. (CBC News, October 14, 2011; RCEN, October 19, 2011)

Paying the Price

A new report by the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy (NRTEE) estimates the economic impacts of climate change in Canada. By 2075, the annual costs of climate change could reach $51–$221 billion, depending on economic growth and increases in greenhouse gas emissions. It is important to reduce emissions now, because “lower global emissions levels reduce the risks of extremely high costs of climate change.” Climate change will lead to warmer summers and smog, resulting in increased death rates in major cities. It will present a “growing, long-term economic burden for Canada” with average costs equivalent to 0.8% to 1% of GDP by 2050. (NRTEE, September 29, 2011)

EU Includes Tar Sands in Fuel Law

The European Commission has decided to include oil from the tar sands in a proposed ranking of fuels. The ranking of fuels will help industry choose the most climate-friendly options. Environmental groups have praised the decision. European Union Climate Commissioner Connie Hedegaard faced strong opposition from Canada’s oil industry. Oil from the tar sands will be rated at 107 grams of carbon per megajoule, much higher than conventional crude oil, which will be rated at 87.5 grams per megajoule. (Globe and Mail, October 4, 2011)

Emerald Ash Borer

The emerald ash borer infestation has spread across Ottawa, from Orléans to Kanata. The invasive wood-boring beetle attacks all species of ash trees. Since 2002, the beetle has killed millions of ash trees in Ontario and the United States. Ash trees make up about one quarter of Ottawa’s urban and rural forest cover. The emerald ash borer was discovered in Ottawa’s east end in July 2008. (CBC News, October 18, 2011; Environment Committee, October 18, 2011)

Mike Buckthought writes about environmental and human rights issues.

Published in the Peace and Environment News Insider, Volume 26, Number 6, November 2011–January 2012, page 7.

Peace and Environment News — Insider, July–August 2011

by Mike Buckthought

Ban Asbestos

The Harper government has rejected advice from Health Canada experts who recommended that asbestos should be added to the Rotterdam Convention’s list of hazardous materials. The federal government has opposed international efforts to regulate the carcinogen. Because of this lobbying, asbestos is still not on the Rotterdam list — and there are devastating consequences for people who develop diseases following exposure to the material. “Canada is the only Western democracy to have consistently opposed international efforts to regulate the global trade in asbestos,” states the Canadian Medical Association Journal in an editorial. (CBC News, June 13, 2011)

Nuclear-Free Italy

Italians have overwhelmingly rejected nuclear energy in a recent referendum. About 95 percent of voters supported a ban on nuclear power in Italy. “We must probably say goodbye to the possibility of nuclear power stations and we must strongly commit ourselves to renewable energy,” said Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. Meanwhile, Germany’s coalition government has decided to shut down all of the country’s nuclear plants by the year 2022. Seven of the country’s oldest nuclear reactors have already been shut down. (Reuters, June 13, 2011; CBC News, May 30, 2011)

Cuts to Peacekeeping

The Pearson Peacekeeping Centre will close its office in Cornwallis, Nova Scotia due to cuts in funding from the federal government. The training centre has supported peacekeeping efforts around the world by providing essential research and education. It has trained thousands of civilians, police and military personnel from Canada and other countries. The Harper government has informed the training centre that its $4 million annual core funding will be cut off by the spring of 2012. (Ottawa Citizen, June 10, 2011; Canadian Press, June 13, 2011)

Auto-Free Market

A small pedestrian zone has been created in the ByWard Market, many years after members of Auto Free Ottawa urged the city to encourage walking there. People have been flocking to the car-free intersection at William and York streets. The city is looking into expanding the pilot project. However, some business owners have expressed concerns about increased traffic congestion on neighbouring streets. People can contact Jasna Jennings, Executive Director of the ByWard Market Business Improvement Area (bia@byward-market.com) to express their support for a pedestrian zone in the ByWard Market. (Ottawa Citizen, June 1–8, 2011)

Costa Rica Protects Marine Environment

Costa Rica has established a large marine protected area around Cocos Island in the Pacific Ocean. The Seamounts Marine Management Area encompasses nearly one million hectares, and will offer protection for many endangered marine species including leatherback turtles and hammerhead sharks. The protected area was established on March 3 through an executive decree signed by Costa Rican President Laura Chinchilla Miranda. Conservation International applauded the creation of a protected area around a seamount, saying it sets an important precedent. Seamounts support species that migrate over long distances, including sharks, turtles, tuna and whales. (Conservation International, March 3, 2011)

Mike Buckthought writes about environmental and human rights issues.

Published in the Peace and Environment News — Insider, Volume 26, Number 4, July–August 2011, page 2.

Peace and Environment News — Insider, May–June 2011

by Mike Buckthought

Clayoquot Sound Threatened

The rainforests of Clayoquot Sound are once again under threat following a permit issued by the BC government for a logging road on Flores Island. Logging could start by the summer, if the province fails to protect the island’s temperate rainforests. Iisaak Forest Resources received the permit on April 1. In 1999, Iisaak signed an agreement with environmental groups, promising not to log in Clayoquot Sound’s intact rainforests. Now Iisaak is applying for another permit, which would allow it to build a dock at the start of a logging road. Friends of Clayoquot Sound is asking people to write to the BC government. (Friends of Clayoquot Sound, April 4, 2011 www.focs.ca)

Nuclear Phaseout

Opposition to nuclear power has been growing following the explosions and fires at Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant. On April 9, over 17,000 people joined rallies in Tokyo to voice their opposition to nuclear plants. On March 26, around 200,000 people protested against nuclear power in Germany. German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced the shutdown of seven nuclear plants at least until June. Meanwhile, the Ontario government plans to construct two new nuclear reactors at Darlington. The estimated cost is $33 billion, but the actual expense could be two or three times higher, with the usual cost over-runs. (Kyodo News Agency, April 10, 2011; Der Spiegel, March 17, 2011; BBC, March 26, 2011; Ottawa Citizen, March 18, 2011)

Fallout from Fukushima

One month after the start of Japan’s nuclear crisis, the country’s Nuclear Safety Commission released some information highlighting the severity of the disaster. The commission rated the accident’s severity as level 7 on the International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale (INES), the same level as the Chernobyl disaster. According to its estimates, emissions have totalled 630,000 terabecquerels. Radioactive iodine-131 is contaminating fish and seawater, and levels of 88.5 becquerels per litre have been measured in the ocean 30 kilometres east of the nuclear plant. Trace amounts of radioactive materials have been detected in Ontario and other provinces. (Kyodo News Agency, April 12, 2011; New York Times, April 12, 2011; NHK, April 13, 2011; Globe and Mail, April 12, 2011)

Rights for Nature

Bolivia is passing a law to ensure that the natural world is given the same level of protection as humans. The Law of the Rights of Mother Earth establishes eleven rights for nature, including: the right to life and to exist; the right to clean water and air; and the right to be free from genetic modification. The new law will help communities take action against polluting industries and mining corporations. Bolivia is urging the United Nations to follow its example by taking steps to recognize the Earth as a living being with the same rights as humans. (The Guardian, April 10, 2011; Ottawa Citizen, April 12, 2011)

Arctic Ozone Hole

The atmosphere over the Arctic lost a record amount of ozone during the past winter. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reports that levels were down by 40 per cent. An ozone hole stretched from the Canadian Arctic to Russia. Ozone-depleting chemicals such as chlorofluorocarbons are responsible. The Montreal Protocol phased out the use of chlorofluorocarbons, but it will take decades for the ozone layer to stabilize. With the depletion of the protective ozone layer, ultraviolet radiation increases in intensity. Exposure to ultraviolet light can lead to skin cancer or cataracts. (CBC News, April 5, 2011)

Mike Buckthought writes about environmental and human rights issues.

Published in the Peace and Environment News — Insider, Volume 26, Number 3, May–June 2011, page 6.