A warm summer day, a cold drink and fish on the grill. It doesn’t get much better. But how do you know if your fish is sustainable? It can be a challenge—especially considering SeaChoice found just 11 percent of seafood available in Canada in 2016 was rated as a “best choice.” Many retailers have sustainable […]
David Suzuki
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SCIENCE MATTERS: Caribou science denial cripples conservation efforts
To its credit, the Forest Products Association of Canada recognizes climate change is a serious threat to forests and habitat, and has vowed the sector it represents “is doing its part to fight climate change through work in our forests, at our mills and through the products we make.” But it appears the association has […]
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SCIENCE MATTERS: Energy efficiency and technology squeeze the carbon bubble
The carbon bubble will burst with or without government action, according to a new study. That will hurt people who invest in fossil fuels. As energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies improve and prices drop, global demand for fossil fuels will decline, “stranding” new fossil fuel ventures—likely before 2035, according to the study in Nature […]
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SCIENCE MATTERS: Carbon pricing is an important tool to tackle climate change
One of the world’s best-known climate scientists is discouraged that almost 40 years of study and warnings haven’t convinced humanity to adequately address the climate crisis. But James Hansen understands why we’ve stalled. “As long as fossil fuels seem to be the cheapest energy to the public, they’ll keep using them,” Hansen recently told Bob […]
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SCIENCE MATTERS: Don’t water down marine protection
Will Canada finally inspire a wave of celebration on World Oceans Day, June 8? Prime minister Justin Trudeau promised to lead G7 nations on global marine protection during Canada’s presidency this year, a welcome change after decades of inaction left just one percent of our oceans formally safeguarded. The government is charging ahead to meet […]
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SCIENCE MATTERS: Mobility pricing relieves congestion, helps people breathe easier
By 2002, drivers in London, England, were spending as much as half their commuting time stalled in traffic, contributing to much of the city centre’s dangerous particulate pollution. To deal with a growing population, increasing gridlock and air quality concerns, the city implemented a congestion charge, using a photo-based licence-recognition system. Between 7 am and […]
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SCIENCE MATTERS: Climate change drives disease-spreading arthropods into new territory
According to an African proverb (and the Dalai Lama), “If you think you’re too small to make a difference, try sleeping in a closed room with a mosquito.” The saying implies that even when we feel insignificant and powerless, we can create a buzz. But mosquitoes and other tiny critters can literally have a huge […]
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SCIENCE MATTERS: Degree sparks necessary debate
Shortly after completing my PhD in the U.S., I taught in the University of Alberta’s genetics department. It’s also where I started my broadcasting career. I’m honoured that the university is giving me an honorary degree for being “the face of environmental consciousness to generations of Canadians as well as viewers in more than 40 […]
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SCIENCE MATTERS: Curbing industry’s methane emissions gives Canada a leading edge
Canada has taken a major step in cleaning up its oil and gas sector. We’re the first country to commit to methane emission regulations for the industry, marking an important shift toward climate protection. The new regulations help uphold a major plank in the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, under which Canada […]
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SCIENCE MATTERS: Cutting through polluted public discourse
“We’re not going to get off fossil fuels overnight!” How many times have you heard that? Over the decades I’ve been hearing it, we’ve increased exploration and development, continued to build infrastructure that locks us in to fossil fuels for years to come, increased greenhouse gas emissions and pollution, and failed to conserve energy and […]
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SCIENCE MATTERS: Better vehicle standards drive innovation and benefit citizens
Transportation accounts for about a quarter of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions, making it the second-highest source, slightly behind the oil and gas industry. In the U.S., it’s the largest source of emissions and pollution. Despite continued improvements in personal vehicle fuel standards since 1975, Canada’s transportation emissions grew by 42 percent from 1990 to 2015, […]
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SCIENCE MATTERS: Kinder Morgan pipeline controversy proves need to shift course
On March 31, an underwater pipeline carrying oil to a refinery in Balikpapan, Indonesia, broke, spreading crude over 20,000 hectares of Balikpapan Bay. Some of it ignited, killing five fishermen. Area residents experienced health problems including nausea, vomiting and respiratory difficulties, and marine life and mangroves were also devastated. In mid-January, an Iranian tanker carrying […]