Environment
Whistler's BioBlitz Uncovers Several New Species
Whistler's annual BioBlitz invites local and non-local scientists to participate in a species treasure hunt. Scientists snap photos and collect samples of species found in the Whistler Resort area. This year's event resulted in a collection of over 700 plant and animal species and 100 of them are thought to be new. Read more here.Tyee Reports Uncomfortable Facts About the Tar Sands
The Tyee reports that the Federal Government has killed a report examing the environmental impacts of Alberta'sTar Sands. According to the evidence presented by several reputable scientists, the industry is rapidly poisoning and depleteing the Province's water supply. Read article here.Toronto Makes Room for Bike Parking
Majority of Americans Believe Climate Change is Real
Despite attempts from the US media to discredit climate change science, recent polling in the states revelas that the majority of Americans (74%)believe climate change is occurring. Seventy-six percent believe the governemnet should limit emissions. Read more here.A Tale of Three CIties
Recent study by the Neptis Foundation studies three very different trends in city planning and growth. The study examines Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary. Read Globe and Mail article here.
Canadian Opera Company is Abuzz with Bees
The Canadian Opera Company in Toronto is doing their part to stop the decline of bee populations in North America. They have installed two honey bee hives on the roof of their building. Recent studies have shown that urban bees often fare better than their rural counterparts due to lower pesticide exposure. Read Globe and Mail article here.
Michael Posner
From Thursday's Globe and Mail Published on Wednesday, May. 19, 2010
UN Report on Biodiversity Predicts Collapse of Many of the Worlds Plant and Animal Species
A recent UN report highlights a dramatic loss in global biodiversity. It points to the collapse of coral reefs, harvesting of the rainforest and the decline of many fresh water lakes. Global leaders are being urged to make a concerted effort to preserve biodiversity and to make preservation a fundamental priority in any development planning. Read Globe and Mail article here.
Vancouver to go on a Road Diet
In an effort to boost cycling as a mode of transportation from 3.7 percent to 10% the city of Vancouver is allocating $25 million dollars towards a two year plan, that will include a reduction in road space for cars. The City has already converted a lane of traffic from the both the Burrard Street Bridge and the Georgia Viaduct to cycling lanes, with very little fuss. Drivers have adjusted to these changes easily.
Vancouver Becomes Canada's First Fair Trade City
Vancouver has signed on to be Canada's first Fair Trade City. With an ethical purchasing policy already in use, this move further establishes the city's commitment to buying products that were made with fair and sustainable labour practices. Read more in the Vancouver Sun.
To view Vancouver's Fair Trade resolution, click here.
Offshore Drilling Put on Hold
The massive oil spill off the coast of Louisiana has promted the White House to put on hold all offshore drilling projects. This comes after Obama recently lifted the moratorium on offshore drilling in Alaska in an attempt to encourage Republicans ito sign on to his Climate Change bill. Read article in Globe and Mail here.
