AstroTurf looks and feels like grass—in an all-too-perfect way. But it’s not grass. Now the well-known artificial turf’s brand name has taken on a new meaning, referring to purported “grassroots” efforts that are actually funded and supported by industry and political entities. Some people, organizations and campaigns around everything from forestry to fossil fuels look […]
Climate change
Posted inNews + Opinion
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 […]
Posted inNews + Opinion
No consent, no pipeline
The year I was born, atmospheric carbon dioxide levels were 356 parts per million. The safe upper limit was 350 ppm. Since then, globally, we have increased that concentration to 410 ppm. This is a climate changed. When I heard about Justin Trudeau’s decision to buy out the Trans Mountain pipeline from Kinder Morgan, I […]
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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: 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: 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: 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 […]
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Plenty to protest as Trudeau comes to Halifax (again)
From pipelines to airstrikes, Justin Trudeau will arrive in Halifax later this week still dealing with the fallout from a week of controversial political decisions. The prime minister will join hundreds of other Party faithful attending the Liberal’s national convention, which takes place Thursday through Saturday at the newly opened and already burdensome Halifax Convention Centre. Trudeau […]
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SCIENCE MATTERS: Audit exposes Canadian climate failures
Scientists, academics, environmentalists and communicators have urged governments to take the climate crisis seriously for decades. We’ve outlined the overwhelming evidence, generated discussion and offered myriad solutions. We’ve confronted politicians who refuse to accept that a problem exists, or that we can do anything about it if it does. That’s frustrating and disheartening, especially for […]
