nationalobserver--2020-09-17--Drought and climate change endangering salmon and fish habitat on Vancouver Island

This level of drought can pose serious ecosystem or socio-economic impacts that warrant voluntary water conservation and water restrictions , according to the B.C .
drought information portal updated Wednesday .
Conditions in east Vancouver Island are “ very dry ” and the region is experiencing a Level 3 drought , the B.C .
government said late last week .
Drought conditions are continuing to put salmon and fish habitat at risk in streams and rivers on Vancouver Island .
Despite rainy conditions in the spring and early summer in most of the province , Vancouver Island has seen little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said Roman .
“ The primary concern or value that 's at risk here is really fish habitat and fish and ecosystem health , ” said George Roman , manager of the River Forecast Centre and Flood Safety 's water management branch .
West Vancouver Island , which last week was sitting at Level 2 , or “ dry ” conditions , is now also at Level 3 drought rating as of Wednesday .
B.C .
has a four-level rating for the severity and response to drought conditions that ranges from “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extremely dry ” at Level 4 .
The province is urging residential , agricultural , and industrial water users to try to conserve as a number of salmon streams on the island are reaching critically low levels .
As predicted , the area is getting longer , drier summers that can reach into salmon spawning season , she said .
“ It ’ s scary , because there 's more than one reason , ” said Gower .
“ Climate change is a huge driver of some of the impacts that we 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Low stream flows on eastern Vancouver Island are typical , but are being aggravated by global warming , she added .
Higher temperatures also put another stress on wild salmon , which are already at great risk , she said .
Low stream flows on the island ’ s rivers cause water temperatures to rise , impacting fish and other aquatic life , said Tanis Gower , science and policy adviser at Watershed Watch Salmon Society .
“ A lot of the salmon do n't start showing up until later in the fall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ biologists , there 's still really high-value fish habitat in all of those little streams.
” “ East Vancouver Island is more sensitive to short-term deficits in rainfall just because the rivers are so small , ” Roman said .
But glaciers and snow packs are in steep decline due to global warming , said Gower .
Many salmon streams and rivers on east Vancouver Island typically rely on water from melting snow packs and glaciers to sustain water levels during the summer , she added .
“ And currently there ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regime we have here , ” Gower said .
“ The snow and glaciers are like a battery pack and provide a slow release of water , ” she said .
“ But when we just rely on rain and not the snow melt , water levels will go up and down and low flows will last for longer.
” Salmon streams on the surrounding Gulf Islands and Discovery Islands are more vulnerable to low waters levels because they don ’ t rely on glacier melt for water levels , she said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Quadra Island Salmon Enhancement Society , agreed persistent low water levels endanger salmon and their fry .
“ It ’ s most immediately life-threatening to baby coho , fry , when they literally run out of water , ” Miller said , adding the group ’ s work involves monitoring returns of adult coho , chum , and some pink salmon as they spawn in Quadra streams .
The society tries to drought-proof some of Quadra ’ s salmon streams by diverting water from natural reservoirs , or those formed by beaver dams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s suspected that low water levels and high temperatures contributed to the end of the sockeye run in the Village Bay Creek , she added .
“ Water levels are crucial to salmon and is undoubtedly one of the challenges they face , ” said Miller .
“ Long-term drought and high temperatures could actually mean their end.
” Black and French creeks , along with the Millstone , Tsolum , Chemainus and Koksilah rivers on Vancouver island are all experiencing critical water shortages , high temperatures and require maximum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drought portal shows .
The Koksilah River south of the city of Duncan has been prone to dangerously low water levels for some time , said Gower , who has researched watersheds at threat .
The over-extraction of surrounding groundwater — which also feeds the Koksilah — by residential , industrial and agricultural users endangers river levels , she said .
The Koksilah , which supports chinook , coho and chum salmon populations , along with steelhead and cutthroat trout , also has important cultural significance to the Cowichan Tribes , Gower said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some progress in protecting river levels in over-extracted watersheds with the passage of the Water Sustainability Act ( WSA ) in 2016 , said Gower .
The act expanded the province ’ s authority around groundwater use , management and the protection of aquatic habitat , she said .
In August 2019 , the province issued an order under the act to temporarily suspend industrial water use around the Koksilah when waters were extremely low .
But the province now needs to develop proactive and collaborative water plans in overtaxed watersheds with all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aboriginal rights and title , Gower said .
“ Water sustainability planning is the next step , which is also made very interesting and complicated by the fact the province can no longer ignore Aboriginal rights and title , ” she said .
“ Any decisions they make to license existing groundwater users or make changes to how water is used must address ( those rights ) .
” In February , the Cowichan Tribes and the minister of Forests , Lands , Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development signed an agreement to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Roman acknowledged recognizing Indigenous rights is a high priority for the province when it comes to water use or conservation decisions .
“ We always have to recognize the significance of that , ” Roman said , adding salmon runs hold cultural , social and economic importance to First Nations .
“ Up and down eastern Vancouver Island , that ’ s all important , ” he said .
“ So , when we talk about fish , it 's not just a fish issue , it 's a people issue too.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the frequency of drought conditions throughout the province and on Vancouver Island , Roman added .
“ We need to socialize people a bit about the myth of water abundance , ” he said .
Industrial water users on east Vancouver Island are subject to voluntary conservation measures at the moment , but the province can regulate conservation if the situation in a particular watershed becomes too dire , said Roman .
But voluntary measures by small towns , communities , agricultural irrigation and rural water users can have a significant cumulative effect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he said .
“ If everybody cuts back , you know 30 to 40 per cent , that can have a real benefit to fish , ” Roman said .
But Gower said B.C .
needs to get a better handle on groundwater and surface water use to protect river levels for salmon .
Little data is being compiled on surface and groundwater availability and use , and how much is required to maintain fish ecosystems , especially in overtaxed watersheds , she said .
“ If we want to keep rivers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real handle on how much water is being taken and when , ” Gower said .
“ And there could be times at which everyone can say , 'Well , you know , during these three weeks , you ca n't have any . '
”

B.C. has a four-level rating for the severity and response to drought conditions that ranges from “normal” at Level 1 to “extremely dry” at Level 4.
The province is urging residential, agricultural, and industrial water users to try to conserve as a number of salmon streams on the island are reaching critically low levels.
This level of drought can pose serious ecosystem or socio-economic impacts that warrant voluntary water conservation and water restrictions, according to the B.C. drought information portal updated Wednesday.
Conditions in east Vancouver Island are “very dry” and the region is experiencing a Level 3 drought, the B.C. government said late last week.
Drought conditions are continuing to put salmon and fish habitat at risk in streams and rivers on Vancouver Island.
Despite rainy conditions in the spring and early summer in most of the province, Vancouver Island has seen little rain through the late summer into September, said Roman.
“The primary concern or value that's at risk here is really fish habitat and fish and ecosystem health,” said George Roman, manager of the River Forecast Centre and Flood Safety's water management branch.
West Vancouver Island, which last week was sitting at Level 2, or “dry” conditions, is now also at Level 3 drought rating as of Wednesday.
Low stream flows on the island’s rivers cause water temperatures to rise, impacting fish and other aquatic life, said Tanis Gower, science and policy adviser at Watershed Watch Salmon Society.
“A lot of the salmon don't start showing up until later in the fall. But, according to our fish biologists, there's still really high-value fish habitat in all of those little streams.”
“East Vancouver Island is more sensitive to short-term deficits in rainfall just because the rivers are so small,” Roman said.
“It’s scary, because there's more than one reason,” said Gower. “Climate change is a huge driver of some of the impacts that we're seeing because of changing weather patterns.”
Low stream flows on eastern Vancouver Island are typical, but are being aggravated by global warming, she added.
Higher temperatures also put another stress on wild salmon, which are already at great risk, she said.
As predicted, the area is getting longer, drier summers that can reach into salmon spawning season, she said.
“And currently there’s a shift in the kind of watershed regime we have here,” Gower said.
Many salmon streams and rivers on east Vancouver Island typically rely on water from melting snow packs and glaciers to sustain water levels during the summer, she added.
But glaciers and snow packs are in steep decline due to global warming, said Gower.
“The snow and glaciers are like a battery pack and provide a slow release of water,” she said.
“But when we just rely on rain and not the snow melt, water levels will go up and down and low flows will last for longer.”
Salmon streams on the surrounding Gulf Islands and Discovery Islands are more vulnerable to low waters levels because they don’t rely on glacier melt for water levels, she said.
Lauren Miller, a director with the Quadra Island Salmon Enhancement Society, agreed persistent low water levels endanger salmon and their fry.
“It’s most immediately life-threatening to baby coho, fry, when they literally run out of water,” Miller said, adding the group’s work involves monitoring returns of adult coho, chum, and some pink salmon as they spawn in Quadra streams.
The society tries to drought-proof some of Quadra’s salmon streams by diverting water from natural reservoirs, or those formed by beaver dams, into some creeks, Miller said.
It’s suspected that low water levels and high temperatures contributed to the end of the sockeye run in the Village Bay Creek, she added.
“Water levels are crucial to salmon and is undoubtedly one of the challenges they face,” said Miller.
“Long-term drought and high temperatures could actually mean their end.”
Black and French creeks, along with the Millstone, Tsolum, Chemainus and Koksilah rivers on Vancouver island are all experiencing critical water shortages, high temperatures and require maximum voluntary conservation measures, the B.C. drought portal shows.
A number of salmon streams and rivers on eastern Vancouver Island (above) are facing critical water levels, with the B.C. government calling for maximum voluntary conservation. Screen grab: BC drought portal, West Coast Stream Watch
The Koksilah River south of the city of Duncan has been prone to dangerously low water levels for some time, said Gower, who has researched watersheds at threat.
The over-extraction of surrounding groundwater — which also feeds the Koksilah — by residential, industrial and agricultural users endangers river levels, she said.
The Koksilah, which supports chinook, coho and chum salmon populations, along with steelhead and cutthroat trout, also has important cultural significance to the Cowichan Tribes, Gower said.
The B.C. government has made some progress in protecting river levels in over-extracted watersheds with the passage of the Water Sustainability Act (WSA) in 2016, said Gower.
The act expanded the province’s authority around groundwater use, management and the protection of aquatic habitat, she said.
In August 2019, the province issued an order under the act to temporarily suspend industrial water use around the Koksilah when waters were extremely low.
But the province now needs to develop proactive and collaborative water plans in overtaxed watersheds with all stakeholders to prioritize water use while recognizing Aboriginal rights and title, Gower said.
“Water sustainability planning is the next step, which is also made very interesting and complicated by the fact the province can no longer ignore Aboriginal rights and title,” she said.
“Any decisions they make to license existing groundwater users or make changes to how water is used must address (those rights).”
In February, the Cowichan Tribes and the minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development signed an agreement to develop a plan for the Koksilah watershed.
Roman acknowledged recognizing Indigenous rights is a high priority for the province when it comes to water use or conservation decisions.
“We always have to recognize the significance of that,” Roman said, adding salmon runs hold cultural, social and economic importance to First Nations.
“Up and down eastern Vancouver Island, that’s all important,” he said. “So, when we talk about fish, it's not just a fish issue, it's a people issue too.”
Climate change is likely to increase the frequency of drought conditions throughout the province and on Vancouver Island, Roman added.
“We need to socialize people a bit about the myth of water abundance,” he said.
Industrial water users on east Vancouver Island are subject to voluntary conservation measures at the moment, but the province can regulate conservation if the situation in a particular watershed becomes too dire, said Roman.
But voluntary measures by small towns, communities, agricultural irrigation and rural water users can have a significant cumulative effect on small watersheds with high fish values, he said.
“If everybody cuts back, you know 30 to 40 per cent, that can have a real benefit to fish,” Roman said.
But Gower said B.C. needs to get a better handle on groundwater and surface water use to protect river levels for salmon.
Little data is being compiled on surface and groundwater availability and use, and how much is required to maintain fish ecosystems, especially in overtaxed watersheds, she said.
“If we want to keep rivers flowing, we need to have a real handle on how much water is being taken and when,” Gower said.
“And there could be times at which everyone can say, 'Well, you know, during these three weeks, you can't have any.'”
Rochelle Baker / Local Journalism Initiative / Canada's National Observer


nationalobserver--2020-09-17--British Columbians want local meat. Proposed changes to abattoir rules might make it more available

The path from pasture to plate for B.C.
’ s 22 million farm animals might soon get easier .
Earlier this month , the provincial Ministry of Agriculture released an intentions paper outlining proposed changes to slaughter and meat processing regulations .
It ’ s the latest step in a process to make local meat more available — and increase British Columbians ’ food security .
“ This is a really important starting place , ” Abra Brynne , a food systems policy adviser for the B.C.-based non-profit organization FarmFolk CityFolk , said .
“ Because it ’ s not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) rigid , one-size-fits-all approach to securing food safety.
” B.C.
’ s roughly 15,800 livestock and poultry farms make up almost half of the province 's agricultural sector , worth $ 1.6 billion in 2018 .
About a third of these farms raise poultry , producing enough to far exceed provincial demand .
• As CERB winds down , calls for universal basic income intensify • How 393 million firearms may lead to carnage in America ’ s streets after Nov. 3 • When it comes to WE , there are unanswered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — about 9,100 farms — raise roughly half the cattle , pig , sheep , and bison eaten in B.C .
These farms vary significantly in size and location , from large chicken barns in the Lower Mainland to small ranches in rural or remote parts of the province , a diversity the proposed regulatory changes aim to accommodate .
They ’ ve also been increasingly busy since the pandemic started , with British Columbians seeking out more local meat thanks to “ supply chain disruptions and the increased awareness of the importance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paper notes .
Abattoirs in the province can currently be licensed under four classes ( excluding federal licensing , which is managed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency ) — A , B , D , and E. Each has specific restrictions on the number of animals that can be slaughtered , how they can be processed , and where they can be sold .
“ D ” and “ E ” abattoirs were designed to make it easier for rural farmers to slaughter their livestock on-farm and sell their meat locally .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to select rural regional districts , while class “ E ” licences will only be granted if the farm is over an hour away from the nearest class “ A ” or “ B ” abattoir .
Map by B.C .
Ministry of Agriculture .
“ A ” and “ B ” licences designate larger abattoirs ; they require that a provincial meat inspector be present for all slaughters , but do not have restrictions on how many animals can be slaughtered or where they can be sold in the province .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ # economies — as well as any business model — when you have a # diversified approach , when you have distributed capacity , it ’ s going to serve us all much better in the long term , ” @ AbraBrynne said.
# bcpoli # localfood “ D ” and “ E ” licences , in contrast , allow on-farm slaughter for a limited number of animals — with no inspector present — and constrain meat sales to the farm ’ s regional district .
The proposed changes would increase the amount @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ E ” licence-holders could process annually , and expand the criteria of where their meat could be sold .
They would also expand provincial meat inspectors ’ ability to oversee on-farm slaughter by transferring all oversight authority to the Ministry of Agriculture , increasing the frequency of inspectors ’ visits , and moving some elements of the inspection process online .
( Until Dec. 1 , oversight for class “ D ” and “ E ” licences is being handled by the regional health authority . )
Additionally , the new regulations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to slaughter on-farm , update the code of practice that class “ D ” and “ E ” facilities must follow , and review new and existing regulations to minimize the risk of food-borne illnesses .
BC ranchers , abattoirs , local governments and health authorities !
Submit your feedback on the # BCAg intentions paper that contains suggested policy changes to meat processing in rural areas of the province .
# bcpolihttps : //t.co/UnbLZg5tVD pic.twitter.com/njhaTxMzVn — Lana Popham MLA ( @ lanapopham ) September 14 , 2020 If they ’ re eventually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an important step for more sustainable food in rural B.C .
by increasing the diversity and geographic distribution of abattoir and meat processing capacity .
“ Ecologically as well as in our economies — as well as any business model — when you have a diversified approach , when you have distributed capacity , it ’ s going to serve us all much better in the long term , ” she said .
B.C.
’ s Ministry of Agriculture is accepting public comments on the intended changes until Oct. 19 .

The path from pasture to plate for B.C.’s 22 million farm animals might soon get easier. Earlier this month, the provincial Ministry of Agriculture released an intentions paper outlining proposed changes to slaughter and meat processing regulations. It’s the latest step in a process to make local meat more available — and increase British Columbians’ food security. “This is a really important starting place,” Abra Brynne, a food systems policy adviser for the B.C.-based non-profit organization FarmFolk CityFolk, said. “Because it’s not going to be about imposing (a) rigid, one-size-fits-all approach to securing food safety.” B.C.’s roughly 15,800 livestock and poultry farms make up almost half of the province's agricultural sector, worth $1.6 billion in 2018. About a third of these farms raise poultry, producing enough to far exceed provincial demand.
The remainder — about 9,100 farms — raise roughly half the cattle, pig, sheep, and bison eaten in B.C. These farms vary significantly in size and location, from large chicken barns in the Lower Mainland to small ranches in rural or remote parts of the province, a diversity the proposed regulatory changes aim to accommodate. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions They’ve also been increasingly busy since the pandemic started, with British Columbians seeking out more local meat thanks to “supply chain disruptions and the increased awareness of the importance of local meat,” the intentions paper notes.
Abattoirs in the province can currently be licensed under four classes (excluding federal licensing, which is managed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency) — A, B, D, and E. Each has specific restrictions on the number of animals that can be slaughtered, how they can be processed, and where they can be sold. “#Ecologically as well as in our #economies — as well as any business model — when you have a #diversified approach, when you have distributed capacity, it’s going to serve us all much better in the long term,” @AbraBrynne said.#bcpoli#localfood “D” and “E” abattoirs were designed to make it easier for rural farmers to slaughter their livestock on-farm and sell their meat locally. Class “D” licences are restricted to select rural regional districts, while class “E” licences will only be granted if the farm is over an hour away from the nearest class “A” or “B” abattoir. Map by B.C. Ministry of Agriculture. “A” and “B” licences designate larger abattoirs; they require that a provincial meat inspector be present for all slaughters, but do not have restrictions on how many animals can be slaughtered or where they can be sold in the province. “D” and “E” licences, in contrast, allow on-farm slaughter for a limited number of animals — with no inspector present — and constrain meat sales to the farm’s regional district. The proposed changes would increase the amount of meat class “D” and “E” licence-holders could process annually, and expand the criteria of where their meat could be sold.
They would also expand provincial meat inspectors’ ability to oversee on-farm slaughter by transferring all oversight authority to the Ministry of Agriculture, increasing the frequency of inspectors’ visits, and moving some elements of the inspection process online. (Until Dec. 1, oversight for class “D” and “E” licences is being handled by the regional health authority.) Additionally, the new regulations would increase training opportunities for people seeking to slaughter on-farm, update the code of practice that class “D” and “E” facilities must follow, and review new and existing regulations to minimize the risk of food-borne illnesses. BC ranchers, abattoirs, local governments and health authorities!
Submit your feedback on the #BCAg intentions paper that contains suggested policy changes to meat processing in rural areas of the province. #bcpolihttps://t.co/UnbLZg5tVD pic.twitter.com/njhaTxMzVn — Lana Popham (@lanapopham) September 14, 2020


nationalobserver--2020-09-17--Climate strikers are trying to trademark Erin O’Toole’s ‘Take Back Canada’ slogan

A group of Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth climate activists have filed to trademark the 'Take Back Canada ’ slogan used by Conservative Party of Canada Leader Erin O ’ Toole .
Climate Strike Canada , which organized nationwide climate strikes last September , served O ’ Toole and the Conservatives with a cease and desist letter Thursday morning , saying the activist group has used the slogan since 2019 , before the Tories .
While the strikers used the phrase to call attention to Indigenous sovereignty campaigns , they say the Conservatives are using it as a dog whistle .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and white supremacy , ” said Cricket Guest , 22 , a Métis Anishinaabe land defender .
“ When Erin O'Toole came out with ‘ Take Back Canada , ’ it was very obvious that it was both a response and a companion to what Donald Trump is famous for saying , which is ‘ Make America Great Again.
’ It ’ s also obviously a response to a phrase coined by Indigenous youth , which is ‘ land back.
’ ” Climate Strike Canada hasn ’ t received final confirmation about whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phrase , but the group said it ’ s asking O ’ Toole and the Conservatives to stop using the phrase in the meantime .
• As CERB winds down , calls for universal basic income intensify • How 393 million firearms may lead to carnage in America ’ s streets after Nov. 3 • When it comes to WE , there are unanswered questions that go beyond politics O ’ Toole ’ s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Canada ’ s National Observer about the cease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the meaning of the ‘ Take Back Canada ’ when used by the Conservatives .
The slogan also raised eyebrows earlier this year .
“ We chose to take legal action because ‘ Take Back Canada ’ in the context of the Conservative party ’ s slogan is racist , historically revisionist , and promotes the erasure of Indigenous peoples , ” said Giiwedinong Kisinaaikwe , one of the youth involved in the process of filing for the trademark , in a statement Wednesday .
“ Canada has never belonged to people like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ founded on stolen Indigenous land.
” In an ideal world , Guest said , O ’ Toole would not only stop using the phrase but also begin working alongside Indigenous sovereignty movements .
Earlier this year , amid rail blockades and demonstrations nationwide in support of Wet ’ suwet ’ en people working to oppose the Coastal GasLink pipeline , O ’ Toole said he would criminalize activist efforts to shut down key infrastructure .
Canada has never belonged to people like Erin O ’ Toole .
Canada was founded on stolen Indigenous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the youth involved in the effort to trademark 'Take Back Canada . '
“ It is a form of common law assault and should , in the appropriate situations , be treated as such , ” O'Toole said at the time .

A group of Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth climate activists have filed to trademark the 'Take Back Canada’ slogan used by Conservative Party of Canada Leader Erin O’Toole.
Climate Strike Canada, which organized nationwide climate strikes last September, served O’Toole and the Conservatives with a cease and desist letter Thursday morning, saying the activist group has used the slogan since 2019, before the Tories. While the strikers used the phrase to call attention to Indigenous sovereignty campaigns, they say the Conservatives are using it as a dog whistle.
“It’s grounded in colonialism and white supremacy,” said Cricket Guest, 22, a Métis Anishinaabe land defender.
“When Erin O'Toole came out with ‘Take Back Canada,’ it was very obvious that it was both a response and a companion to what Donald Trump is famous for saying, which is ‘Make America Great Again.’ It’s also obviously a response to a phrase coined by Indigenous youth, which is ‘land back.’”
Climate Strike Canada hasn’t received final confirmation about whether it will receive the trademark for the phrase, but the group said it’s asking O’Toole and the Conservatives to stop using the phrase in the meantime.


nationalobserver--2020-09-17--How 393 million firearms may lead to carnage in America’s streets after Nov. 3

Here ’ s a plausible scenario of what may unfold on America ’ s election night , Nov. 3 , and over the days soon after .
Due to the pandemic , a large portion of American voters will be mailing in their ballots , which will be tallied after election day .
So far , an estimated 40 per cent of voters plan to vote by mail due to concerns over COVID-19 and social distancing at polling stations .
Yet Republicans are expected to vote at polling booths in much greater numbers than Democrats .
Consequently , on election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chance many states will appear to have been won by Donald Trump , but will eventually go to Democratic hopeful Joe Biden once those mail-in ballots are counted .
But you can bet Trump won ’ t wait , prematurely declaring himself the victor on Nov. 3 .
In the following days , as the mail-in ballots are counted and the numbers shift away from Trump and towards Biden , Trump will then claim he ’ s the victim of some form of “ deep state ” conspiracy designed to steal his election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the election and instead call on his supporters to take to the streets to keep him firmly in the White House .
• As CERB winds down , calls for universal basic income intensify • When it comes to WE , there are unanswered questions that go beyond politics • Sadhu Johnston , who pushed Vancouver to forefront of global sustainability , resigns Here ’ s the really alarming thing — those supporters have lots and lots of weapons .
There are 393 million firearms in the U.S .
In fact , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the United States — or one gun for every citizen , plus 67 million weapons left over .
Americans are by far the most heavily armed people in the world , even when compared to war-torn countries like Yemen .
And they use them : Excluding suicides , 15,292 Americans were fatally shot last year , an increase of three percent over 2018 .
However , this does not mean every American owns a firearm .
Gun ownership skews towards conservatives living in rural areas and red states over urban-dwelling liberals living @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Texas has the highest number of registered weapons with 725,368 ( or one registered gun for every 40 people ) .
Vermont , home to Bernie Sanders , has only 7,716 ( or one registered weapon for every 80 people ) .
In short , Trump supporters are far more likely to bear arms , and often , a whole bushel of them .
Houston gun show at the George R. Brown Convention Center .
Photo by M & R Glasgow on Wikimedia Commons To make matters worse , Trump has a history @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to challenging the rule of law .
Last Sunday , Trump held a rally in Nevada where he “ joked ” about staying in the White House for more than two terms , and endorsed the idea of summary executions by law enforcement officers .
In early September , U.S. Marshalls shot and killed an unarmed Antifa supporter - who was suspected of shooting a far-right militia member - without making any effort to arrest him .
`` Trump has a history of inciting his supporters to violence and to challenging the rule @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a man linked to a right-wing group was shot and killed in Portland , Ore. , in late August , Trump encouraged freelance action by his own supporters .
They , in turn , have shown up in places such as Kenosha , Wis. , eager to counter anti-racism protesters and engage in violence .
This incitement can not be underplayed .
A review done by ABC News earlier this year identified at least 54 criminal cases where Trump ’ s name was invoked in direct connection with violent acts , threats of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by perpetrators .
Take the case of Kyle H. Rittenhouse , a 17-year-old who attended a Trump rally last January .
He showed up at an anti-racism demonstration in Kenosha in late August wielding a military-style rifle .
Rittenhouse was later charged with homicide after two protesters were shot to death .
Trump then rushed to Rittenhouse ’ s cause , painting his actions as self-defence .
“ He probably would have been killed , ” Trump said if the teenager hadn ’ t used his rifle .
Trump even reposted a tweet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ a good example of why I decided to vote for Trump.
” The combination of the pandemic and anti-racism protests has drawn far-right , white nationalist militias out of the shadows .
And they ’ re heavily armed and big Trump supporters .
They go by names like Three Percenters , Michigan Militia and Oath Keepers .
Far-right militias who back Trump are now more visible Since the early 1990s , such militias have grown in number and militancy , even recruiting members from local police forces .
The Southern Poverty Law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago , with memberships in the tens of thousands .
Dressed in army fatigues and carrying assault rifles , last spring they were active in protests in Michigan , Ohio and Kentucky in response to social distancing ordinances .
They were inspired by Trump ’ s pooh-poohing of COVID-19 and his demands that states reopen as quickly as possible .
In Michigan , heavily armed militia members laid siege to the capitol building in Lansing .
Often carrying assault rifles , they attempted to enter the floor of the legislative chamber , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of state police and capitol staff .
Moreover , these militias and other American gun owners can avail themselves of some of the most deadly firearms on the market .
Take the AR-15 , the most popular rifle sold in the U.S. An updated version of the M-16 assault rifle ( although the AR-15 is a semi-automatic weapon ) , you can buy an AR-15 at age 18 — even though the drinking age in most states is 21 .
In many states , you can buy an AR-15 more readily than you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mass shootings since 2012 involved an AR-15-style semi automatic rifle .
AR-15s are fed with box magazines that can be swapped out quickly , with the standard magazine holding 30 rounds .
As a result , a gunman can fire more than a hundred rounds in minutes .
And their rounds do horrible damage to the human body .
“ I have seen a handful of AR-15 injuries in my career , ” wrote radiologist Heather Sher in an article in The Atlantic two years ago .
“ The injury along the path @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vastly different from a low-velocity handgun injury .
The bullet from an AR-15 passes through the body like a cigarette boat travelling at maximum speed through a tiny canal .
The tissue next to the bullet is elastic — moving away from the bullet like waves of water displaced by the boat — and then returns and settles back .
This process is called cavitation ; it leaves the displaced tissue damaged or killed .
The high-velocity bullet causes a swath of tissue damage that extends several inches from its path .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ artery to damage it and cause catastrophic bleeding .
Exit wounds can be the size of an orange.
” Trump set the stage for a call to arms You have to give Trump credit : He ’ s brilliantly set the stage to call on his supporters to take up arms to keep him in the White House .
For months , he ’ s pandered to a deep vein of conspiracy theories that imbue the American far-right , arguing that he ’ s been targeted by the “ deep state , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Clintons , U.S. intelligence agencies , and even elements of the military .
He ’ s incited racial tensions and ignored the pandemic and its human costs while fanning the flames of the economic desperation it has generated .
And he ’ s aimed his rhetoric at white working-class men and women who ’ ve seen their lives destroyed by globalization and deindustrialization , and are angry about being displaced in a growing multicultural society .
Yet , these are the very people who overwhelmingly own guns .
If Trump loses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the White House by using all means at his disposal , don ’ t be surprised if he calls on his legion of well-armed devotees and their access to some of those 393 million firearms to rush to his aid .
And that ’ s when you might see the streets of America run red .

Here’s a plausible scenario of what may unfold on America’s election night, Nov. 3, and over the days soon after. Due to the pandemic, a large portion of American voters will be mailing in their ballots, which will be tallied after election day. So far, an estimated 40 per cent of voters plan to vote by mail due to concerns over COVID-19 and social distancing at polling stations. Yet Republicans are expected to vote at polling booths in much greater numbers than Democrats. Consequently, on election night, there’s a good chance many states will appear to have been won by Donald Trump, but will eventually go to Democratic hopeful Joe Biden once those mail-in ballots are counted. But you can bet Trump won’t wait, prematurely declaring himself the victor on Nov. 3. In the following days, as the mail-in ballots are counted and the numbers shift away from Trump and towards Biden, Trump will then claim he’s the victim of some form of “deep state” conspiracy designed to steal his election victory. He will refuse to concede the election and instead call on his supporters to take to the streets to keep him firmly in the White House.
Here’s the really alarming thing — those supporters have lots and lots of weapons. There are 393 million firearms in the U.S. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions In fact, there are an estimated 393 million civilian-owned firearms in the United States — or one gun for every citizen, plus 67 million weapons left over. Americans are by far the most heavily armed people in the world, even when compared to war-torn countries like Yemen. And they use them: Excluding suicides, 15,292 Americans were fatally shot last year, an increase of three percent over 2018.
However, this does not mean every American owns a firearm. Gun ownership skews towards conservatives living in rural areas and red states over urban-dwelling liberals living in blue states. For example, Texas has the highest number of registered weapons with 725,368 (or one registered gun for every 40 people). Vermont, home to Bernie Sanders, has only 7,716 (or one registered weapon for every 80 people). "Trump has a history of inciting his supporters to violence and to challenging the rule of law." @livesey416 In short, Trump supporters are far more likely to bear arms, and often, a whole bushel of them. Houston gun show at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Photo by M&R Glasgow on Wikimedia Commons To make matters worse, Trump has a history of inciting his supporters to violence and to challenging the rule of law. Last Sunday, Trump held a rally in Nevada where he “joked” about staying in the White House for more than two terms, and endorsed the idea of summary executions by law enforcement officers. In early September, U.S. Marshalls shot and killed an unarmed Antifa supporter - who was suspected of shooting a far-right militia member - without making any effort to arrest him. After a man linked to a right-wing group was shot and killed in Portland, Ore., in late August, Trump encouraged freelance action by his own supporters. They, in turn, have shown up in places such as Kenosha, Wis., eager to counter anti-racism protesters and engage in violence.
This incitement cannot be underplayed. A review done by ABC News earlier this year identified at least 54 criminal cases where Trump’s name was invoked in direct connection with violent acts, threats of violence, or allegations of assault committed by perpetrators. Trump has a history of inciting violence Take the case of Kyle H. Rittenhouse, a 17-year-old who attended a Trump rally last January. He showed up at an anti-racism demonstration in Kenosha in late August wielding a military-style rifle. Rittenhouse was later charged with homicide after two protesters were shot to death.


nationalobserver--2020-09-16--Conservative Leader O'Toole gets tested for coronavirus, goes into isolation

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Wednesday that “ one of the core elements of our democracy ” could be at risk just hours after Conservative Leader Erin O ’ Toole announced that he , his family and some of his staff would be tested for COVID-19 and self-isolating .
Trudeau was referring to the ability of parliamentarians to vote on behalf of their constituents during the upcoming session of Parliament without putting themselves , their families or their communities at risk of contracting the virus .
Word of O ’ Toole ’ s isolation came a day after the Bloc @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as well as Bloc caucus members were self-isolating after Blanchet ’ s partner had tested positive .
Trudeau was asked Wednesday , at the end of a two-day cabinet retreat in Ottawa , whether the news about the party leaders had caused him to rethink the opening of the House of Commons next week .
“ The challenge that we ’ re also moving forward with is understanding that one of the core elements of our democracy , of the privileges of individual parliamentarians , is to be able to vote for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • As CERB winds down , calls for universal basic income intensify • How 393 million firearms may lead to carnage in America ’ s streets after Nov. 3 • When it comes to WE , there are unanswered questions that go beyond politics “ It would be extremely unfair for MPs in more remote sectors , or particularly vulnerable sectors , to not be able to speak up for their constituents .
And that ’ s why we ’ re going to be moving forward with a form of distance voting that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that their community is heard as we move forward on important measures.
” O ’ Toole ’ s office said a member of his staff who was travelling with him had tested positive , and while he hadn ’ t shown any symptoms , he was undergoing testing anyway in order to be careful .
Other staff travelling with O ’ Toole were getting tested and will be isolating .
“ Today was going to be Jack ’ s first day back at school , but instead we will be getting tested and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health and safety of my family and all Canadians is my top priority , ” said the Conservative leader .
On Monday , O ’ Toole had made an official visit to Quebec , meeting with Premier François Legault .
The two had been photographed inside with masks off .
The premier tweeted on Wednesday that he was in touch with public health authorities who told him that it was a “ low-risk exposure ” and that they did not recommend isolation or screening , but to monitor for symptoms .
The Bloc @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well , ” but understood the importance of physical distancing , wearing masks and washing hands .
Blanchet is now in isolation and was set to undergo testing in Mauricie , Que .
PM Trudeau said Wednesday that “ one of the core elements of our democracy ” could be at risk , hours after Conservative Leader Erin O ’ Toole announced that he , his family and some of his staff would be tested for COVID-19 and self-isolating .
MPs converging on Ottawa ‘ not what we want ’ The throne speech @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the 43rd Parliament of Canada , is scheduled for Sept. 23 .
With one week left to go , the Liberals are negotiating with federal opposition parties over how virtual voting will be carried out .
Trudeau said he was looking forward to sitting down with opposition leaders , “ mostly virtually , ” to discuss priorities .
The Liberals have proposed to temporarily use video conferencing , as had been deployed in committee meetings over the last few months , and was used by the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some MPs will be physically in the chamber , while others will vote virtually over video .
“ Having 338 MPs converge on Ottawa from every corner of the country is probably not what we want to see from our leadership in this country , ” said Trudeau on Wednesday .
Government House leader Pablo Rodríguez proposed this week that , after a period of testing , MPs could then move to electronic voting via a smartphone app that was being developed for this purpose .
A House committee recommended the app option @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have raised concerns about remote voting as well as electronic voting .
The Conservatives have accused the Liberals of trying to engineer a shift towards the app , as their preferred outcome .
In addition to O ’ Toole , his family and staff , and Blanchet , his partner and the Bloc caucus , news broke Tuesday that a member of the security service on Parliament Hill had also tested positive .
A Parliamentary Protective Service member went to work in a building housing senators ’ offices and other Parliament Hill areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive diagnosis , ” according to a report in CTV News , which cited an email sent to senators and staff .
There are more than 200 newly confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city of Ottawa this week , and the area is one of three in Ontario , along with Toronto and Peel , where most of the recent cases have been appearing .
Ontario Premier Doug Ford ’ s office has signalled that it may scale back the number of people allowed together in one spot for some areas of the @ @ @

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Wednesday that “one of the core elements of our democracy” could be at risk just hours after Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole announced that he, his family and some of his staff would be tested for COVID-19 and self-isolating. Trudeau was referring to the ability of parliamentarians to vote on behalf of their constituents during the upcoming session of Parliament without putting themselves, their families or their communities at risk of contracting the virus. Word of O’Toole’s isolation came a day after the Bloc Québécois confirmed its leader, Yves-François Blanchet, as well as Bloc caucus members were self-isolating after Blanchet’s partner had tested positive. Trudeau was asked Wednesday, at the end of a two-day cabinet retreat in Ottawa, whether the news about the party leaders had caused him to rethink the opening of the House of Commons next week. “The challenge that we’re also moving forward with is understanding that one of the core elements of our democracy, of the privileges of individual parliamentarians, is to be able to vote for your constituents,” he said.
“It would be extremely unfair for MPs in more remote sectors, or particularly vulnerable sectors, to not be able to speak up for their constituents. And that’s why we’re going to be moving forward with a form of distance voting that will allow every parliamentarian to make sure that their community is heard as we move forward on important measures.” O’Toole’s office said a member of his staff who was travelling with him had tested positive, and while he hadn’t shown any symptoms, he was undergoing testing anyway in order to be careful. Other staff travelling with O’Toole were getting tested and will be isolating. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions “Today was going to be Jack’s first day back at school, but instead we will be getting tested and self-isolating per public health guidelines. The health and safety of my family and all Canadians is my top priority,” said the Conservative leader.
On Monday, O’Toole had made an official visit to Quebec, meeting with Premier François Legault. The two had been photographed inside with masks off. PM Trudeau said Wednesday that “one of the core elements of our democracy” could be at risk, hours after Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole announced that he, his family and some of his staff would be tested for COVID-19 and self-isolating. The premier tweeted on Wednesday that he was in touch with public health authorities who told him that it was a “low-risk exposure” and that they did not recommend isolation or screening, but to monitor for symptoms. The Bloc said Blanchet was also doing “perfectly well,” but understood the importance of physical distancing, wearing masks and washing hands. Blanchet is now in isolation and was set to undergo testing in Mauricie, Que. http://twitter.com/francoislegault/status/1306272397063073796
MPs converging on Ottawa ‘not what we want’ The throne speech, which will open the second session of the 43rd Parliament of Canada, is scheduled for Sept. 23. With one week left to go, the Liberals are negotiating with federal opposition parties over how virtual voting will be carried out. Trudeau said he was looking forward to sitting down with opposition leaders, “mostly virtually,” to discuss priorities.


nationalobserver--2020-09-16--Oregon’s air quality is so far beyond ‘hazardous’ that no one knows what it will mean for health

This article was originally published by Grist and appears here as part of Canada 's National Observer 's collaboration with Climate Desk .
As wildfires rage across much of California and the Pacific Northwest , smoke continues to clog the air and tinge the sky with apocalyptic reds and oranges .
In some parts of Oregon this week , the air got so smoky that it maxed out the scale used by the Environmental Protection Agency to measure hazardous air quality .
The EPA ’ s Air Quality Index measures five types of air pollution on a scale of one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gets a rating between 0 and 50 .
Things start getting dangerous in the mid-100s , especially for sensitive groups like those with a heart or lung condition .
And an AQI reading of 301 or greater is considered “ hazardous , ” causing the EPA to declare “ emergency conditions ” for those who are exposed for 24 hours or more .
On Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning , the area around Eugene , Oregon , clocked AQI values well into the 700 range on the real-time air-quality monitoring site PurpleAir , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ value of 500 .
• As CERB winds down , calls for universal basic income intensify • How 393 million firearms may lead to carnage in America ’ s streets after Nov. 3 • When it comes to WE , there are unanswered questions that go beyond politics The problem is all the fine particulate matter that ’ s being generated by the West Coast wildfires .
These particles get suspended in the air and can cause health problems when they ’ re inhaled .
The smallest particles — known as PM 2.5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ body can ’ t filter them out .
“ The 2.5 will just cruise past everything in your nose , ” said Amy MacPherson , a public information officer for the California Air Resources Board .
These particles can get lodged in people ’ s lungs , she explained , “ and if they ’ re even smaller than that they can get into your bloodstream.
” Health effects include an increased chance of cardiac arrhythmias , asthma attacks , and heart attacks .
These are all major concerns for a particulate matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s unclear what could happen to human health with an AQI that more than doubles that number .
“ I don ’ t think there ’ s a lot of data when you ’ re exposed to levels that high , ” said Mary Prunicki , an air pollution and health researcher at Stanford .
The EPA already considers an AQI value of 300 to be “ extremely rare , ” so the 700 numbers that have been popping up across the Northwest have little precedent .
It ’ s possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to those seen at lower AQIs , Prunicki said , just more extreme — even more irritation and inflammation , for example , or an even greater chance of cardiac arrhythmia and heart attack .
People with preexisting conditions could be especially vulnerable .
“ Maybe an asthmatic was able to tolerate an AQI of 200 , ” Prunicki said , ” but by the time you get to 700 or 800 their asthma is just out of control.
” The Oregon Department of Environment Quality has issued a health advisory for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could stick around at least until Monday afternoon .
Experts are saying that air quality could get worse before things clear up .
“ I don ’ t think there ’ s a lot of data when you ’ re exposed to levels that high , ” said Mary Prunicki , an air pollution and health researcher at # Stanford .
“ The fires will likely grow with time until they are fully contained , ” the National Weather Service tweeted on Thursday , adding that it doesn ’ t expect any “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smoke out of western Oregon .
”

This article was originally published by Grist and appears here as part of Canada's National Observer's collaboration with Climate Desk. As wildfires rage across much of California and the Pacific Northwest, smoke continues to clog the air and tinge the sky with apocalyptic reds and oranges. In some parts of Oregon this week, the air got so smoky that it maxed out the scale used by the Environmental Protection Agency to measure hazardous air quality. The EPA’s Air Quality Index measures five types of air pollution on a scale of one to 500. “Healthy” air gets a rating between 0 and 50. Things start getting dangerous in the mid-100s, especially for sensitive groups like those with a heart or lung condition. And an AQI reading of 301 or greater is considered “hazardous,” causing the EPA to declare “emergency conditions” for those who are exposed for 24 hours or more. On Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning, the area around Eugene, Oregon, clocked AQI values well into the 700 range on the real-time air-quality monitoring site PurpleAir, greatly exceeding the scale’s maximum value of 500.
The problem is all the fine particulate matter that’s being generated by the West Coast wildfires. These particles get suspended in the air and can cause health problems when they’re inhaled. The smallest particles — known as PM 2.5 — are especially concerning, since the body can’t filter them out. “The 2.5 will just cruise past everything in your nose,” said Amy MacPherson, a public information officer for the California Air Resources Board. These particles can get lodged in people’s lungs, she explained, “and if they’re even smaller than that they can get into your bloodstream.” Health effects include an increased chance of cardiac arrhythmias, asthma attacks, and heart attacks. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions These are all major concerns for a particulate matter AQI value as low as 300. It’s unclear what could happen to human health with an AQI that more than doubles that number.


nationalobserver--2020-09-16--Investors managing US$47 trillion demand world’s biggest polluters support plan for net-zero emissio

Investors managing US$47 trillion demand world’s biggest polluters support plan for net-zero emissions

This article was originally published by The Guardian and appears here as part of Canada 's National Observer 's collaboration with Climate Desk .
A group representing investors that collectively manage more than US $ 47 trillion in assets has demanded the world ’ s biggest corporate polluters back strategies to reach net-zero emissions and promised to hold them to public account .
It says some companies have made significant progress , but stresses the need for stronger action on emissions to help limit global heating to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels and prevent “ the devastating impacts of otherwise avoidable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief executive of the UK-based Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change , said a step-change was urgently required , and the analysis would ensure it was clear which companies were treating climate change as a “ business-critical issue ” .
“ Investors will be paying particular attention to those shown to be falling short , ” she said .
In a statement on Monday , the # Climate Action steering committee lists “ indicators ” on which the # businesses will be measured , including whether they have strategies to reach # netzeroemissions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Australia ’ s Investor Group on Climate Change , said investors expected Australian companies to be “ actively preparing ” a path to net-zero emissions through clear targets , strategies and executive oversight .
In April , more than 50 % of Woodside shareholders and 43 % of Origin shareholders called on the oil and gas companies to set science-based targets to cut both their own emissions and the “ scope 3 ” emissions released by their customers .
The Woodside vote was the first time a climate resolution received more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Australian fossil fuel company shareholders .
Andrew Gray , a director with AustralianSuper , said the measures in the letter would “ assist companies in providing clarity around what is being asked and expected of them by investors ” .
The letter says 59 of the 161 companies have formally supported the recommendations of the taskforce for climate-related disclosure , a global body that aims to highlight companies ’ exposure to risks related to the climate crisis .
Australian climate scientists , insurers and the finance sector on Monday released new guidelines for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis to homes , buildings and infrastructure .
The voluntary guidelines , known as the climate measurement standards initiative , are designed to give banks and insurers consistent scientific advice on how to assess the risk of damage from events including bushfires , cyclones , floods , droughts and heatwaves .

This article was originally published by The Guardian and appears here as part of Canada's National Observer's collaboration with Climate Desk. A group representing investors that collectively manage more than US$47 trillion in assets has demanded the world’s biggest corporate polluters back strategies to reach net-zero emissions and promised to hold them to public account. Climate Action 100+, an initiative supported by 518 institutional investor organisations across the globe, has written to 161 fossil fuel, mining, transport and other big-emitting companies to set 30 climate measures and targets against which they will be analysed in a report to be released early next year. It is the latest step in a campaign by climate-concerned shareholders to force business leaders to explain how their targets and strategies will help reach the goals of the 2015 Paris agreement.
The targeted companies are responsible for up to 80% of global industrial greenhouse gas emissions. They include mining giant BHP, which last week promised to reduce emissions from its operations by 30% over the next decade on a path to net zero by 2050 after sustained pressure from activist shareholder groups. Others on the list include Exxon Mobil, PetroChina, BP, Royal Dutch Shell, Rio Tinto, BlueScope Steel and major Australian energy companies AGL, Santos, Woodside and Origin. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions In a statement on Monday, the Climate Action steering committee lists “indicators” on which the businesses will be measured, including whether they have strategies to reach net zero emissions by 2050 or sooner and reduce the “scope 3” emissions released by customers using the companies’ products.
It says some companies have made significant progress, but stresses the need for stronger action on emissions to help limit global heating to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels and prevent “the devastating impacts of otherwise avoidable climate crisis”. In a statement on Monday, the #Climate Action steering committee lists “indicators” on which the #businesses will be measured, including whether they have strategies to reach #netzeroemissions by 2050 Stephanie Pfeifer, chief executive of the UK-based Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change, said a step-change was urgently required, and the analysis would ensure it was clear which companies were treating climate change as a “business-critical issue”. “Investors will be paying particular attention to those shown to be falling short,” she said. Emma Herd, the head of Australia’s Investor Group on Climate Change, said investors expected Australian companies to be “actively preparing” a path to net-zero emissions through clear targets, strategies and executive oversight. In April, more than 50% of Woodside shareholders and 43% of Origin shareholders called on the oil and gas companies to set science-based targets to cut both their own emissions and the “scope 3” emissions released by their customers. The Woodside vote was the first time a climate resolution received more than 5o% support in a vote by Australian fossil fuel company shareholders.
Andrew Gray, a director with AustralianSuper, said the measures in the letter would “assist companies in providing clarity around what is being asked and expected of them by investors”. The letter says 59 of the 161 companies have formally supported the recommendations of the taskforce for climate-related disclosure, a global body that aims to highlight companies’ exposure to risks related to the climate crisis. Australian climate scientists, insurers and the finance sector on Monday released new guidelines for assessing the physical risk of the climate crisis to homes, buildings and infrastructure.


nationalobserver--2020-09-16--“It’ll Start Getting Cooler”: Trump responds to west coast wildfires by denying climate change

At a Monday morning roundtable in California , where 3.2 million acres of land has burned this year in wildfires , state leaders begged President Donald Trump to acknowledge reality .
This article was originally published by Mother Jones and appears here as part of Canada 's National Observer 's collaboration with Climate Desk .
“ We want to work with you to really recognize the changing climate and what it means to our forest , and actually work together with that science , ” Wade Crowfoot , California ’ s secretary for natural resources , said .
“ If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put our head in the sand and think it ’ s all about vegetation management , we ’ re not going to succeed together protecting Californians.
” “ I wish science agreed with you , ” Crowfoot said .
“ Well , I don ’ t think science knows , actually , ” Trump said .
Trump has repeatedly insisted that climate change is a hoax .
But he ’ s wrong .
The science is clear : Humans are rapidly warming the planet , and it isn ’ t going to magically @ @ @ @ @ @

This article was originally published by Mother Jones and appears here as part of Canada's National Observer's collaboration with Climate Desk.
At a Monday morning roundtable in California, where 3.2 million acres of land has burned this year in wildfires, state leaders begged President Donald Trump to acknowledge reality.
“We want to work with you to really recognize the changing climate and what it means to our forest, and actually work together with that science,” Wade Crowfoot, California’s secretary for natural resources, said. “If we ignore that science and sort of put our head in the sand and think it’s all about vegetation management, we’re not going to succeed together protecting Californians.”
“K, it’ll start getting cooler,” Trump replied. “You just watch.”


nationalobserver--2020-09-16--Right-Wing conspiracists linked Antifa to the wildfires. Then Russian media gave them a boost.

Wildfires have long been weaponized by climate deniers wanting to sow political division .
But this week , the blazes consuming the West Coast became part of an election cycle culture war when claims that antifa started wildfires in Portland went viral .
There ’ s no evidence that antifa started any wildfires , but conservatives on social media ran with the claim anyway , spreading it far and wide in Facebook groups and on YouTube .
It ’ s unclear how the conspiracy theory originated , but its first big boost appears to have come courtesy of RT ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media outlet known for mixing news with Russian propaganda . )
RT ’ s signal boost came in the form of an article that smashed together separate pieces of information about policing in Portland and the wildfires , insinuating a nefarious ( and non-existent ) link between the two .
“ ‘ Antifa are thrilled to hear this ’ : Portland police ask protesters not to start blazes amid statewide wildfire emergency , ” read a RT headline from September 9th .
The story focused on how the Portland Police Department was imploring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demonstrations “ since fire danger is very high right now.
” While the facts of the story are technically true , RT goes out of its way to connect the current wildfire crisis with antifa , by eliding dates , and wrongly conflating incidents .
The Sheriff ’ s call for protesters not to use fire came on September 9 .
The last time protestors set large fires during a protest was on the evening of September 6 , lasting into the early hours of the next day .
Regardless , RT used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( without noting the date the footage ) as the primary art for the story .
The headline is also misleading .
Portland Police never said “ Antifa are thrilled to hear this ” .
That quote was in a tweet from Andy Ngo , a right-wing propagandist who has been associated with the violent far-right group , Patriot Prayer .
Taken together , RT insinuates that antifa , the disparate and splintered group of antifascists , was a catalyst for the wildfires .
No such evidence exists .
But while they signal-boosted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t invent it from whole cloth .
By the time Russian state media ’ s post came out , rumors about antifa intentionally starting wildfires had already spread in online forums like Reddit and Facebook for at least a day .
The most viral post supporting the conspiracy theory that followed RT ’ s article was Law Enforcement Today ’ s now-altered article , initially titled “ Sources : Series of wildfires on the West Coast may be ‘ coordinated and planned ’ attack.
” Law Enforcement Today changed it to “ Arson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fires rage on , ” and appended an editor ’ s note , but not before it went viral , further feeding the online right-wing ecosystem .

This article was originally published by Mother Jones and appears here as part of Canada's National Observer's collaboration with Climate Desk. Wildfires have long been weaponized by climate deniers wanting to sow political division. But this week, the blazes consuming the West Coast became part of an election cycle culture war when claims that antifa started wildfires in Portland went viral. There’s no evidence that antifa started any wildfires, but conservatives on social media ran with the claim anyway, spreading it far and wide in Facebook groups and on YouTube. It’s unclear how the conspiracy theory originated, but its first big boost appears to have come courtesy of RT (formerly Russia Today, a Russian state-controlled media outlet known for mixing news with Russian propaganda.) RT’s signal boost came in the form of an article that smashed together separate pieces of information about policing in Portland and the wildfires, insinuating a nefarious (and non-existent) link between the two. “‘Antifa are thrilled to hear this’: Portland police ask protesters not to start blazes amid statewide wildfire emergency,” read a RT headline from September 9th. The story focused on how the Portland Police Department was imploring protestors not to use fire during their demonstrations “since fire danger is very high right now.” While the facts of the story are technically true, RT goes out of its way to connect the current wildfire crisis with antifa, by eliding dates, and wrongly conflating incidents. The Sheriff’s call for protesters not to use fire came on September 9. The last time protestors set large fires during a protest was on the evening of September 6, lasting into the early hours of the next day. Regardless, RT used video from that night of the 6th (without noting the date the footage) as the primary art for the story.
The headline is also misleading. Portland Police never said “Antifa are thrilled to hear this”. That quote was in a tweet from Andy Ngo, a right-wing propagandist who has been associated with the violent far-right group, Patriot Prayer. Taken together, RT insinuates that antifa, the disparate and splintered group of antifascists, was a catalyst for the wildfires. No such evidence exists. But while they signal-boosted that false claim, RT didn’t invent it from whole cloth. By the time Russian state media’s post came out, rumors about antifa intentionally starting wildfires had already spread in online forums like Reddit and Facebook for at least a day. Billion-dollar land deals in Ontario raise corruption suspicions The most viral post supporting the conspiracy theory that followed RT’s article was Law Enforcement Today’s now-altered article, initially titled “Sources: Series of wildfires on the West Coast may be ‘coordinated and planned’ attack.” Law Enforcement Today changed it to “Arson arrests made across the west coast as fires rage on,” and appended an editor’s note, but not before it went viral, further feeding the online right-wing ecosystem.


nationalobserver--2020-09-16--Sask. premier asks Trudeau to support nuclear reactors in upcoming throne speech

“ While all Canadians would support a commitment to environmental protection and sustainability , there is significant concern that your “ ambitious green agenda ” is code for shutting down our energy industry , a major driver of Canada ’ s economy , ” Moe said in his letter to Trudeau .
Moe wants the development of small modular nuclear reactors , also known as SMRs , in Saskatchewan to be part of Trudeau ’ s green agenda .
Premier Scott Moe has sent a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau outlining Saskatchewan ’ s priorities ahead of the federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , he is asking Trudeau to support nuclear development in the province .
“ Together with the provinces of Ontario , New Brunswick and soon Alberta , our government is prioritizing the research and deployment of nuclear small modular reactors in order to provide zero-emission power over the coming years , ” Moe wrote in his letter to Trudeau .
In December , Moe signed a memorandum of understanding with the premiers of Ontario and New Brunswick to work together on further developing the nuclear industry .
The Liberal government may drop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the throne speech for a smaller green plan , according to a Global News report .
Moe wrote there is more that can be done to address climate change in partnership with provincial governments through nuclear research .
On Tuesday , Paul called it ironic that Moe spoke of western alienation from Ottawa when many in the north feel the same way about Regina .
Committee for Future Generations outreach co-ordinator Candyce Paul of La Plonge at the English River First Nation earlier told Canada ’ s National Observer that while they haven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the plan , all signs point to the north as a site for the reactors .
But western Canadians don ’ t all see eye-to-eye on the deployment of nuclear reactors , even small ones .
“ Importantly , addressing these priorities would also be significant in addressing the sentiments of western alienation that exists amongst many Saskatchewan residents and western Canadians , ” Moe wrote .
“ I would hope that your government will provide a strong commitment to ensuring the future of a sustainable gas and oil sector in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Supreme Court of Canada will hear arguments on the federal carbon tax at the same time as the throne speech is delivered .
In his letter , the premier also focused on support for the oil and gas sectors , and pushed for pausing the carbon tax .
“ A federal commitment to support this initiative would be an important step in advancing the deployment of this technology.
” Paul ’ s group fights nuclear waste storage in Saskatchewan and was instrumental in stopping a proposal that considered Beauval , Pinehouse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Trudeau , please represent the people of northern Saskatchewan because Scott Moe does not , ” Paul said .
“ When we informed the communities that they were looking at planning to bury nuclear waste up here in 2011 , once they learned what that entailed , everybody said , 'No way . '
Eighty per cent of the people in the north said , 'No way , absolutely not . '
It didn ’ t matter if they worked for Cameco or the other mines .
They said , if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support it coming here , ” Paul said in an interview last month .
Canada ’ s leading nuclear industry players announced an interprovincial corporate partnership in August to support the launch of a research centre that will work on developing SMRs for use in Saskatchewan .
Saskatoon-based Cameco is the world ’ s biggest uranium producer and has long supplied fuel to Bruce Power , Ontario ’ s largest nuclear power company .
SMRs are designed to produce smaller amounts of electricity , between 50 and 300 megawatts , without the emissions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in August that nuclear power is a critical part of the solution to climate change and will help rural and remote communities as a new base for the electrical grid .
“ We are not going to be able to deal with things like climate change or very broad issues if we are not going to commit to integrating nuclear power into our systems .
It has to be part of the solutions .
We simply are unable to get the job done without it , ” Moe said .
Paul said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but green and that the real goal is to prop up Saskatchewan ’ s ailing uranium industry and develop oilsands in the northwest .
“ He ’ s put it right in the letter .
His fear is they ’ re going to put out a green policy that will hurt the oil and gas sector , ” Paul said .
“ They ’ ve been looking for a way to bring the tar sands to northern Saskatchewan .
We all know the mess that makes .
Using small modular reactors is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interprovincial agreement came on the heels of Saskatchewan announcing a nuclear secretariat in June to make way for reactors .
The secretariat is mandated to develop and execute a strategic plan for the use of “ clean-energy small modular reactors ” in the province .
“ I ’ m not feeling confident in this at all , Canadian nuclear laboratories saying that it would only be a small-radius exclusion zone .
Well that ’ s our territory .
That ’ s our land , our waters , our wildlife , ” Paul said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ generated from SMRs would become a dangerous part of the transportation system “ even if they do remove it.
” “ It will be big , big transports of highly radioactive stuff , driving down the roads as an easy dirty bomb .
You ’ d be driving down the road ( behind a nuclear waste transport vehicle ) and not know you ’ re following it , ” Paul said .
She said in August that communities around Canada , and especially in the Far North , have long been pitched as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ storage , but have refused .
“ None of our people are going to get trained for operating these .
It supports people from other places .
It does n't really support us , ” Paul said .
Paul said on Tuesday that SMRs under 200 megawatts are currently excluded from environmental impact assessments , which means a lack of opportunity for public input .
She also said that interconnected water systems in the north would mean pollution would travel quickly into the ecosystem if there was a mishap at a reactor site @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the University of Saskatchewan ’ s Edwards School of Business , told Canada ’ s National Observer in August that any development of small reactors would take a long time .
“ It could be a good thing , but on the other hand , it might have some pitfalls .
Those talks take years , ” Dobni said .
He said nuclear reactors face bigger challenges that have to be addressed before they can go ahead , such as public support for protecting the environment , the high cost of building @ @ @ @ @ @ @ radiation .
“ Anything nuclear is 25 years out if you ’ re talking about small reactors , those kinds of things to power up the city , ” Dobni said .
“ That technology is a long ways away and a lot of it ’ s going to depend on public opinion .
`` The court for that is the court of public opinion , whether or not people want that in their own backyard , and that ’ s the whole issue anywhere in the world.
” On Tuesday , Paul @ @ @ @ @ @ @ critical infrastructure instead .
“ We need money spent in a serious way .
Not on small modular reactors that could happen in 25 years .
We need things now .
To bring us up to the standards in our health system , we need health facilities .
The public does n't want the government subsidizing industries that are about to go bust .
It ’ s a waste of money , ” Paul said .
“ We have extreme needs that aren ’ t being met by industry and never will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the money where you want to make some real reconciliation happen .
”

The Liberal government may drop the "ambitious green agenda" from the throne speech for a smaller green plan, according to a Global News report .
Moe wrote there is more that can be done to address climate change in partnership with provincial governments through nuclear research.
“While all Canadians would support a commitment to environmental protection and sustainability, there is significant concern that your “ambitious green agenda” is code for shutting down our energy industry, a major driver of Canada’s economy,” Moe said in his letter to Trudeau.
Moe wants the development of small modular nuclear reactors, also known as SMRs, in Saskatchewan to be part of Trudeau’s green agenda.
Premier Scott Moe has sent a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau outlining Saskatchewan’s priorities ahead of the federal throne speech on Sept. 23. In it, he is asking Trudeau to support nuclear development in the province.
“Together with the provinces of Ontario, New Brunswick and soon Alberta, our government is prioritizing the research and deployment of nuclear small modular reactors in order to provide zero-emission power over the coming years,” Moe wrote in his letter to Trudeau.
In December, Moe signed a memorandum of understanding with the premiers of Ontario and New Brunswick to work together on further developing the nuclear industry.
“I would hope that your government will provide a strong commitment to ensuring the future of a sustainable gas and oil sector in the upcoming throne speech,” Moe wrote.
The Supreme Court of Canada will hear arguments on the federal carbon tax at the same time as the throne speech is delivered.
In his letter, the premier also focused on support for the oil and gas sectors, and pushed for pausing the carbon tax.
“A federal commitment to support this initiative would be an important step in advancing the deployment of this technology.”
Committee for Future Generations outreach co-ordinator Candyce Paul of La Plonge at the English River First Nation earlier told Canada’s National Observer that while they haven’t been consulted on any aspects of the plan, all signs point to the north as a site for the reactors.
But western Canadians don’t all see eye-to-eye on the deployment of nuclear reactors, even small ones.
“Importantly, addressing these priorities would also be significant in addressing the sentiments of western alienation that exists amongst many Saskatchewan residents and western Canadians,” Moe wrote.
On Tuesday, Paul called it ironic that Moe spoke of western alienation from Ottawa when many in the north feel the same way about Regina.
“Trudeau, please represent the people of northern Saskatchewan because Scott Moe does not,” Paul said.
Candyce Paul at her office in La Plonge, English River First Nation, Saskatchewan. Photo courtesy of Candyce Paul.
Paul’s group fights nuclear waste storage in Saskatchewan and was instrumental in stopping a proposal that considered Beauval, Pinehouse and Creighton as storage locations in 2011.
“When we informed the communities that they were looking at planning to bury nuclear waste up here in 2011, once they learned what that entailed, everybody said, 'No way.' Eighty per cent of the people in the north said, 'No way, absolutely not.' It didn’t matter if they worked for Cameco or the other mines. They said, if it comes here, we will not support it coming here,” Paul said in an interview last month.
Canada’s leading nuclear industry players announced an interprovincial corporate partnership in August to support the launch of a research centre that will work on developing SMRs for use in Saskatchewan.
Saskatoon-based Cameco is the world’s biggest uranium producer and has long supplied fuel to Bruce Power, Ontario’s largest nuclear power company.
SMRs are designed to produce smaller amounts of electricity, between 50 and 300 megawatts, without the emissions usually associated with power generation.
An SMR plant design by NuScale Power. Graphic courtesy of NuScale Power.
Moe said in August that nuclear power is a critical part of the solution to climate change and will help rural and remote communities as a new base for the electrical grid.
“We are not going to be able to deal with things like climate change or very broad issues if we are not going to commit to integrating nuclear power into our systems. It has to be part of the solutions. We simply are unable to get the job done without it,” Moe said.
Paul said the intent behind using SMRs is anything but green and that the real goal is to prop up Saskatchewan’s ailing uranium industry and develop oilsands in the northwest.
“He’s put it right in the letter. His fear is they’re going to put out a green policy that will hurt the oil and gas sector,” Paul said.
“They’ve been looking for a way to bring the tar sands to northern Saskatchewan. We all know the mess that makes. Using small modular reactors is not lessening the carbon impact.”
An oil sands extraction facility is reflected in a tailings pond near the city of Fort McMurray, Alberta on Sunday, June 1, 2014. File photo by The Canadian Press/Jason Franson.
August's interprovincial agreement came on the heels of Saskatchewan announcing a nuclear secretariat in June to make way for reactors.
The secretariat is mandated to develop and execute a strategic plan for the use of “clean-energy small modular reactors” in the province.
“I’m not feeling confident in this at all, Canadian nuclear laboratories saying that it would only be a small-radius exclusion zone. Well that’s our territory. That’s our land, our waters, our wildlife,” Paul said in August.
She said that waste generated from SMRs would become a dangerous part of the transportation system “even if they do remove it.”
“It will be big, big transports of highly radioactive stuff, driving down the roads as an easy dirty bomb. You’d be driving down the road (behind a nuclear waste transport vehicle) and not know you’re following it,” Paul said.
An illustration showcasing a Rolls Royce reactor module, one of the many SMR designs currently being developed, on a truck. Many such modular reactors are designed to be small enough to transport by truck or shipping container. Graphic courtesy of Rolls Royce.
She said in August that communities around Canada, and especially in the Far North, have long been pitched as sites for SMR development and nuclear waste storage, but have refused.
“None of our people are going to get trained for operating these. It supports people from other places. It doesn't really support us,” Paul said.
Paul said on Tuesday that SMRs under 200 megawatts are currently excluded from environmental impact assessments, which means a lack of opportunity for public input.
She also said that interconnected water systems in the north would mean pollution would travel quickly into the ecosystem if there was a mishap at a reactor site.
Water sampling at the Key Lake/McArthur River uranium mining operation that went into care and maintenance in 2017. Environmental impact assessments are conducted before going ahead with mining operations. Photo courtesy of Cameco.
Brooke Dobni, professor of strategy at the University of Saskatchewan’s Edwards School of Business, told Canada’s National Observer in August that any development of small reactors would take a long time.
“It could be a good thing, but on the other hand, it might have some pitfalls. Those talks take years,” Dobni said.
He said nuclear reactors face bigger challenges that have to be addressed before they can go ahead, such as public support for protecting the environment, the high cost of building infrastructure, and containing nuclear fallout and radiation.
“Anything nuclear is 25 years out if you’re talking about small reactors, those kinds of things to power up the city,” Dobni said.
“That technology is a long ways away and a lot of it’s going to depend on public opinion.
"The court for that is the court of public opinion, whether or not people want that in their own backyard, and that’s the whole issue anywhere in the world.”
Environmentalists and concerned citizens groups in Ottawa protest a proposed permanent nuclear waste dump on Nov. 6, 2018. Photo by Lauren Hicks.
On Tuesday, Paul asked the federal government to invest in critical infrastructure instead.
“We need money spent in a serious way. Not on small modular reactors that could happen in 25 years. We need things now. To bring us up to the standards in our health system, we need health facilities. The public doesn't want the government subsidizing industries that are about to go bust. It’s a waste of money,” Paul said.
“We have extreme needs that aren’t being met by industry and never will be met by industry. Trudeau, put the money where you want to make some real reconciliation happen.”
Michael Bramadat-Willcock/Local Journalism Initiative/Canada's National Observer