In Memory of Sherri Watson

April 3, 1944 - March 27, 2023
 
Among the myriad of activities Sherri undertook and at which she excelled, was the role of co-chair of the Environmental Action Group, or as she liked to call us, her EAG Family. 
 
She was dedicated to and worked unstintingly for the natural environment and a wide range of environmental issues, for social justice, for the congregation, Ajashki and much more.
 
She was a skilled leader and had a talent for balancing an unwieldy number of tasks and handling a challenging mix of people with aplomb.  She was an excellent organizer and knew how to listen, how to communicate and how to draw the best out of others.  Her self-admitted gift for using “the red pen” was particularly convenient when editing our many letters of advocacy over the past three years. She was a mentor to many of us.
 
She was also a wonderful friend, and such a joy to be with. She had a quick mind, and we won’t soon forget that dry humour, the raised eyebrow and compassionate gaze.  She had the knack of making a person feel heard and appreciated in conversation.

 

As are many others, we in the EAG Family are feeling a great loss.  But we are grateful for what Sherri gave us. And as we continue to work for the future of the planet, in her honour, we can all attempt to channel her persistent determination. 

Addendum: We are please to announce that Sherri has been awarded a posthumous Climate Champion Eco Award by Ecology Ottawa, Ottawa's leading environmental organization.​

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Upcoming events

Small Change Fund
Empowering Youth with Free Transit
Monday, June 12 - 1:00pm - Online

This webinar will bring together voices from across Canada to launch a national youth transit movement, Get on the Bus, and explore how innovative approaches to empowering youth through public transit benefit youth, the environment and the community.
Speakers will include community advocates, government officials, school board staff, and key players from Kingston, the community that has led this effort for over a decade.

Click HERE for More Information and To Register

CACOR
Forests and Climate Change
Wednesday, June 14 - 1:30pm - Online

Diana Beresford-Kroeger is a botanist and a medical biochemist and has dedicated much of her life to preserving the planet and demonstrating the many ways plants and trees support human health, both physical and spiritual.
She believes that the way to turn the calamity of climate change around lies in the triad of carbon dioxide, oxygen, and biodiversity. Join her on June 14 to find out how to make it happen.

Click HERE for More Information
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The Group of 78
Inequities in Global Finance
Thursday, June 15 - 1:00pm - Online 

Climate vulnerability, age-long structural barriers, and economic systems rooted in a flawed world economic order have resulted in severe stress in much of the Global South. While multilateralism and shared responsibility remain key, far-reaching reforms are needed to support structurally weak and vulnerable economies.
Dr. Fred Olayele will outline how geopolitical shifts and emerging uncertainties disproportionately impact poor and vulnerable countries.

Click HERE For More Information and to Register​

from the Clean Energy rally on parliament hill

L'incindie, indeed! UUs braved wildfire smoke to send a message to the Canadian Government: Clean Energy NOW!

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ENVIRO-ADVOCACY  BE HEARD!

RALLY UPDATE: 39,864 signatures delivered to Minister Gilbeault on Parliament Hill on Monday.
With the expected first draft of the federal clean electricity regulations due to come out this month, the fossil fuel industry is looking for exemptions and loopholes. The David Suzuki Foundation and a spectrum of environmental partners, responded with the launch of a new campaign, Renewable Power for All, with a rally and delivery of boxes containing thousands of petitions supporting affordable, secure, renewable power by 2035 to Environment Minister Stephen Gilbeault.  It was ironic, that on this day of advocating for our climate, we gathered on Parliament Hill under an acrid haze, rather than the forecast sunshine.  Smoke from forest fires in western Quebec and Calabogie, led to the issuance of a special air quality statement of 10+ for the city of Ottawa. 

The Council of Canadians reminds the federal government that in 2021, they promised Clean Electricity Regulations to decarbonize our electricity grid by 2035, and  offers a second petition, asking our leaders to ensure 100% zero-emissions, affordable, reliable electricity by 2035, but in addition, emphasizing support for ambitious Clean Electricity Regulations that will secure that goal.

A clean energy future is in our power!
The federal government is currently drafting new clean electricity regulations. This is our time to secure 100% clean electricity across the country by 2035. Join The David Suzuki Foundation and many other environmental groups and sign this petition demanding a clean energy future, then meet us under the FirstU Banner on Parliament hill on Monday, June 5 at noon (see above). Help us to achieve 100% clean electricity by 2035.

Update on Advocacy Opposing Increase in Gas Powered Plants in Ontario
As previously reported, the Ontario government is planning to massively ramp up the use of natural gas to generate electricity, instead of investing in wind and solar power. Natural gas is mostly methane – a potent greenhouse gas. But together EnvironmentalDefense and the Ontario Climate Emergency Campaign are mobilizing to fight this plan. Click HERE to learn more about the Beyond Gas Campaign and how to get involved.

Be Heard on Human/Animal Conflict
The City is seeking your assistance in reviewing the existing Wildlife Strategy so as to provide feedback on its recommendations and implementation. The public is also asked to complete a short survey before June 30th on Engage Ottawa to help provide insight on the City's current Wildlife practices

Background Information and Action on Bill 23:
Ontario Nature
Environmental Defence
Canadian Environmental Law Association
The "More Sprawl Fewer Wetlands" Act
Bill 23 and the Greenbelt: What's Next

ENVIRO-BITS

Exciting Update on Bill C5 - The Canadian Environmental Protections Act!
The passage in the House of Common's on May 30th of long awaited amendments to CEPA is a significant milestone towards  improved protection of  Canadians and their environment. It includes long overdue updates for the control of toxic substances and dangerous chemicals, and improved provisions for their assessment and management. And for the first time, the right to a healthy  environment will be recognized under federal law.  Yet there remains more to do to complete the modernization of CEPA, something Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault says is his intention.

Shifting Power: Zero-Emissions Electricity Across Canada by 2035
The above named modelling study is the first in Canada to detail ways to achieve zero-emissions electricity by 2035 without incorporating the use of new large hydroelectricity, or expensive and largely unproven technologies like nuclear or fossil gas with carbon capture and storage. Environmentalists welcome the move by the authors to investigate reliable, and affordable pathways which emphasize wind, solar, energy storage, energy efficiency and inter-provincial transmission, and to show how Canada can reach its zero-emission goal while also meeting the electrical need of a growing economy which will require aggressive electrification.

The Pembina Institute supports the Government of Canada's commitment to a net zero electricity grid across Canada by 2035, recognizing the environmental, economic and social benefits it would bring. But it points out that what constitutes a "net Zero Grid" must be clearly defined and, in addition, a clearly defined series of milestones must be established and implemented by both governments and industry to ensure the goal is reached. These milestones might include all provinces committing to 2035 net zero plans by 2025 and a target of 90% of the grid as non-emitting by 2030.

Canada's electronic waste, discarded electronic products, tripled in the past twenty years and is expected to continue to rise. This is due to the increased pace of technological developments, shorter device lifespan, and consumer habits such as the desire for the latest model and the tendency to discard rather than repair. Not only is this "urban mine of precious minerals and many other types of resources" an economic loss to society, but inefficient handling of e-waste can lead to the release of toxic materials, creating environmental and human health problems. It is important that we consumers demand improved access to repair, refurbishment and product life extension. 

Gordon Lightfoot was a friend to the environment
In a tribute to his friend Gordon Lightfoot, David Suzuki says that although people knew him for his brilliant songs, many were unaware of his generous support for environmental causes. He often sang without charge at protests and fundraisers, and quietly donated generous amounts of money to many causes.

ENVIRO-ACTIONS

Summer is coming!
​Start to think about environmentally linked books you have read, videos you have watched, and podcasts you have heard that you would like to add to our personal enrichment lists for our summer enjoyment.  More to follow in the next weeks.

Earth Day is finished for another year but:
If you were unable to attend the excellent April 18th Earth Speaks Event, you can find it HERE. Additionally, Earthday.org's series of seminars continues to be available, and features some excellent webinars on a variety of environmental issues.

Actions to Reduce your Environmental Paw Print 
Many of us love the companionship of our pets. Canadians own about 8.2 million dogs and about 8.3 million cats.  That's about 2 pets for every 5 humans! And that's only the cats and dogs! Just what environmental impact do all these loveable creatures have on our ecosystem?

Pet Parents: We hope you marked National Pet Day, on April 11, with a sustainable treat for your pet. We'll leave our Hints to Reduce your Environment Paw Print on the Climate Action page for a couple of weeks for your convenience.

Hint #4: Choose eco-friendly pet toys.
Find toys made out of sustainable and biodegradable materials. Use, or reuse, household items as toys. Find second hand toys instead of buying new ones. For a more in depth look at ways and reasons to raise your pets without plastic watch this webinar: Plastic Free Pet Care.

Hint #3: Dispose of your pet's waste sustainably.
Always clean up after your pets. In Ottawa, dog waste and kitty litter can be put in the green bin. Avoid materials with synthetic fragrances and chemicals, and those containing Silica or bentonite clay which are non-renewable and take hundreds of years to degrade.

Hint #2: Choose sustainable pet food!
Cats and dogs require high protein diets, but if this protein is derived mainly from mammals, it becomes a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Some companies use insect protein as an excellent substitute for livestock. Research and choose companies with certification for sustainability, responsibility and traceability.

​Hint #1:  Let's Start at the beginning.
Rather than buying a pet from a breeder, adopt one from a shelter: It helps to support surrendered pets who are already in the system.

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good news!

The Environmental Action Group welcomes our new Good News Hunter: Jen B will be rounding up morsels of hope and victory ​to keep you in the loop on where we're succeeding, locally and globally, in protecting and preserving our home. Read on, below, for the latest good news!

Sweden's Heat Pump Success Story
​Sweden's shift from fossil-fueled heating to electric heat pumps has resulted in a 95% drop in building heating emissions since the 1990s. Canada could learn from Sweden's approach and use a mix of incentives, the carbon tax and regulatory requirements to drive a similar shift. Currently, only 6% of Canadian homes have heat pumps, so there is a large opportunity to reduce climate-damaging home heating emissions.

Bay du Nord Oil Project on Hold for 3 Years
The company behind the first deep water oil drilling project in Canada has put the  project on hold for three years, citing "significant cost increases" and "challenging market conditions".  Climate groups previously noted that the project, which would extract about a billion barrels of oil, is incompatible with the need to rapidly decarbonize the Canadian economy to meet climate targets. May the market conditions continue to be challenging so that this oil remains under the sea!

North America' s Tallest Solar Building
Saint Mary's University in Halifax, Nova Scotia is undertaking a green retrofit of a residence tower in accordance with the university's plan to slash emissions 53% from 2005 levels by 2025. Replacing the concrete façade of the 22-story building with a solar wall will provide nearly half the electricity used by the building and showcase how much can be accomplished with existing solar technologies.

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