Climate Change
Declining bee populations linked to climate change
A new study suggests that a decline in bee pollination may be due to climate change rather than declining bee populations. The study points out that flowers are blooming earlier in Spring while bee populations are not yet active.
Local Government Toolkit for Sustainable Food Production
Equilibrium Green Home Project generates its own power.
Kamploops BC is home to one of the most energy-efficient homes in the world. The newly built 3,000 square foot home is so efficient, builders predict that annual energy costs will be zero. Using solar power technology, geothermal and hot water recovery, the home's green technologies cost an additional $100,000. It is expected that these costs will go down as green technology is more widely adopted.
Read article in Vancouver Sun here.
Community Energy Association releases its 2010 Funding and Resource Guide
The Community Energy Association has just released a guide providing information on over 60 funding programs and resources that provide financial and educational support to Bc local governments and climate change initiatives.
To access the guide click here.
2010 Energy & Climate Action Awards Competition
Reminder ... The August 20 application deadline for 2010 Energy and Climate Action Awards is fast approaching!
The Community Energy Association, in partnership with the Union of BC Municipalities, Province of British Columbia and BC Hydro, is pleased to invite all BC local governments to participate in the 2010 Energy & Climate Action Awards competition. The awards celebrate leadership shown by local governments taking action on climate change and sustainable energy and are offered annually to a municipality or regional district implementing a project or program that best integrates energy and climate action into community planning and development or corporate operations.
Past winners have come from all sizes of communities - leadership demonstrated to overcome challenges is an important judging criterion. Please download the electronic application from the Community Energy Association website at www.communityenergy.bc.ca. Applications must be submitted electronically to awards@communityenergy.bc.ca by 5pm Friday, August 20.
Winners will be announced at the end of the Cabinet Panel Session on Wednesday, September 29, 4:15 pm at the Union of BC Municipalities 2010 Convention in Whistler.
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.Decline in Phytoplankton Linked to Climate Change
BC Targets Industry in Program to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
BC will be joining 10 other provinces and states in developing a cap and trade system that will reward companies who reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions while imposing financial penalties on companies who continue to exceed emission limits.
While cap and trade is viewed as an important strategy in ghg emssions reduction, critics argue the continued expansion of BC's oil and gas sector will contribute to an overall increase in GHG emissions.
Read "BC moves to hit industrial air polluters where it hurts," in Vancouver Sun
Read "BC's dishonesty on climate change" in Vancouver Sun
June Temperatures Set Another Record
Last month's June temperatures were the highest on record. As a result, sea ice is at its lowest level ever. In fact, sea ice levels have been steadily declining, with 19 consecutive years of below-average levels for the month of June. Read more in the Globe and Mail.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.