Do all of you remember the craziness at the start of the Olympics when anarchists endeavoured to stop the Torch and rip apart the Vancouver 2010 Olympics?

It seems so long ago because this country and especially this province have become wrapped up in something amazing. As a long time Olympics follower when my fellow Canadians were performing on the international stage I was supporting them from my couch 100%! During the Beijing OLympics Adam Van Kooverden had my attention at 5 am for his race and virtually all the other Canadian athletes did too.

Regardless of the issues with VANOC, sustainability problems, and much of the controversy in the pre-games activities, I’m so proud to have hosted the 2010 Olympics in my province.

To see the humility and passion for sports and teamwork and the sweet sounds of millions of Canadians chanting Oh Canada with pride, has left me thrilled and even more excited for the coming weeks: especially to watch the Paralympics soon!

Here’s the important thing that I think all of us as Canadians need to remember after the Olympics have gone and life returns to normal. We have to make sure that we hold on to the passion and pride for our country and fellow peoples. We have to commit ourselves to service to one another and making Canada an even better country to be a citizen of.

This energy that has encompassed the Olympics with “I Believe” ringing in our ears during every victory represents Canada. We’ve got to believe in the power of our country and ensuring its maintenance of our values and great Canadian way of life.

So yes…on the last day of the 2010 OLympics lets let out a loud cheer for Team Canada, and remember how wonderful the ‘golden’ moments of Canadian victory were and will continue to be.
GO CANADA GO!

So all of these environmental problems have me a little overwhelmed sometimes. They can really get you down, and serious though they are, sometimes you’ve got to have a laugh about them…

Especially when you can even get an app for your iphone that will give you all th info on how to shut down a climate denier based on commonly used comments by skeptics.

See it here on Treehugger.

I’ve also got to put in the Rick Mercer Report’s Environment Canada sketch. It’s an oldie but goodie…back to some more serious posts later!

Definitely a different perspective than we usually hear. What do you think?

Climate Patriots from Laura Lightbody on Vimeo.

My hometown of Abbotsford BC is known as the ‘City in the Country’, and it is one of Canada’s fastest growing cities. This brings about one of the age-old environmental questions pertaining to development. People always talk about sustainable development – but what does that mean? Does it mean that we should be allowed to sustain our greedy grip on natural resources and continue our exploitation of them by somehow mitigating the repercussions of this? Or is sustainable development a way to continue to grow in a symbiotic relationship with the resources around us? How on Earth does a city grow, without damaging the Earth?
I’ll talk more about this in later posts, however, right now I’ll focuss on my week here in Abbotsford.

This Thursday I met with Abbotsford Mayor George Peary and asked him what he believed sustainability to be. He told me that he sees it as the: “Finite capacity of the Earth to sustain life”. “Okay”, I said, “But what does that mean for a city, and how can young people like myself be involved in aiding some of the city’s environmental goals?” Mayor Peary spoke of how it is essential to be an example by taking your own steps to live in a way that is more sustainable (sustainability in this framework being that you live in a way that recognizes finite resources). In addition, we discussed ways of integrating youth more into municipal political process.

While I haven’t had a chance to completely review Abbotsford’s strategic plan and goals to meet the Province’s new environmental rulings on emissions, I can say that Abbotsford probably still has a long way to go in regards to environmental leadership. While everything that is being done just down the highway in Vancouver is far from perfect, I’m hoping some of the good stuff will catch on here in the Valley. After all, like I’ve written here before and as I mentioned to Mayor Peary on Thursday, cities have a great responsibility as they really are the current leaders on the environmental and sustainability front.

I’ll have my review of Abbotsford’s strategic plan up in the next weeks.
Check out this short video I found on ‘sustainable development’:

This weekend, I took off to Toronto for interviews with the Canadian Merit Foundation’s Weston Loran Award. They brought 70 Canadian secondary students to the big city, choosing 30 of them to receive significant scholarships for their undergrad degree. I was honoured to be a finalist, however, I become more and more amazed to hear the stories of my fellow finalists.

They were amazing! People’s backgrounds and passions were so diverse that we ended up with this mosaic of interests and individuals. Upon getting off the plane, I talked to one student, a year two at Pearson College of the Pacific and he talked of he had spent time in Tanzania, another student about the yearlong exchange they would be taking to Austria.

Most interesting was the reality that each of us found we were connected to one another in some way. We had either attended a program together in past, had a mutual acquaintance, or some other form of connection. While only 30 of us were lucky enough to recieve the award, I know it could have gone to anyone.

The point is this: I’m inspired by the young leaders in this country. To see so many young people all working tirelessly for their causes was reinvigorating. In the next few weeks, we’ll post some features on the work these people are doing across Canada and the world. The best part of it all is that anyone can become one of these powerhouse forerunners just by becoming vocal and committing themselves to something they’re passionate about.

Just pick one up and get going- YAY YOUTH!

Check out this Abbotsford Time article:

Check back later this week for my update from the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games.

The report has just be posted on the UNFCCC’s website regarding the responses from all nations that have agreed to be associated with the ‘Copenhagen Accord’. A selection of Canadians have often criticized PM Harper for being too ‘buddy buddy’ with Pres. George Bush, however, how about the twin like nature of Canada and the USA’s chosen emissions cuts based on the Copenhagen Accord? We’ve pledged emissions reductions of 17% by 2020 based on 2005 levels in our non legally binding response to the Copenhagen Accord.

I then looked at the pledge from Norway. Yes Yes, I realize that Norway and Canada are vastly different countries, however, the gap between what was promised between the two nations is too large. Norway plans to reduce emissions by 30-40% by 2020 based on 1990 levels. Much better. Even worse, who is to say that Canada will actually follow through with their so called committment? I don’t enjoy being so negative, however, based on our track record as to how we signed a legally binding treaty in Kyoto and broke international law when we didn’t comply, makes me a little doubtful of where our emissions levels actually will be in 2020.

This is made even worse when according to the Bellona Institute, emissions should be reduced by 80% by 2020. Ouch. I know this environmental issue can’t and shouldn’t be all about numbers and emissions targets, however, I wanted to comment on it now because of what these emissions reduction targets stand for. If our government was serious about protecting our environment for the benefit of human health and national sustainability, the targets would be greater. The lack of serious targets from Canada (and the US) in Copenhagen, are symbolic of the lack of regard for the environment, one of Canada’s most important resources…and that my friends, truly is a COP out.

Here are some great ideas from the Bellona Institute

This morning I was suprised to see a copy of Rolling Stone Magazine sitting on a shelf with the cover from January’s issue. It featured an entirely black page with “YOU IDIOTS! : Meet the planet’s worst enemies” in bold faced red type.
Never had I thought that the magazine featured much else aside from your typical sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll…Columnist Jeff Goodell explained in about 4 pages, “How Big Oil and Big Coal mounted one of the most aggressive lobbying campaigns in history to block progress on global warming.”
It’s great to call it like it really is. During the November election campaign in 2008, Obama promised action on climate change and deep emissions cuts. People expected him to CHANGE everything in America from corporate lobbyists to climate change, to better social services across the nation. As a Canadian, I wanted him to take a stronger stance on climate change because of the reality of how our current Canadian federal leadership follows the United States with their climate policy. Unfortunately, too much pressure was admittedly put on one person and he, equally unfortunately couldn’t deliver on many of the things he promised Americans and members of he world community. OK. I think we all know that some campaign promises won’t translate into real action at the end of the day, however, I think Obama and many of federal leaders across the globe, have lowered their standards too much.

When I was in Copenhagen, I saw this very thing. I remember saying to myself that the actual solutions that are necessary aren’t even being discussed. At the end of it all, they agreed that they can only afford to let the planet warm if it stays under a 2 degree overall increase. Really? Naomi Klein hit the nail on the head when she said that, “The deal we really need is not even on the table.”

Why not? Aside from lagging political willpower, there is the issue of socially irresponsible business thwarting efforts for progressive action. Think of this: The whole HOPENHAGEN, marketing campaign that entirely blanketed the city. When the names behind the biggest message of hope and a FAB (fair, Ambitious, and Legally Binding) deal in Copenhagen are Coca Cola, and the Gap, it might seem that there is a slight problem there. That’s not to say that business and multinationals can’t be involved in calling for better environmental action, but it is to say that big business can get in the way of it if their corporate goals don’t match with the needs appealing to human populations. In this case, Coca Cola and Gap Inc aren’t the corporations I’m necessarily looking at as biggest climate criminals though. In Copenhagen, there was something called Kilmaforum, a side conference to COP 15 where the ‘Angry Mermaid Award’ was presented to Monsanto. Its intention was apparently to implicate corporate lobbyists at COP 15.

Back to the Rolling Stone Article about the USA, Copenhagen, and climate change, another article followed by Tim Dickinson, implicating ‘Climate Killers’. I think one of the problems with lobbyists, however, is people don’t know who they are, making it difficult to work against them. Dickinson, shows some key names of high-profile individuals that are wreaking havoc on the planet. I think it’s a cool idea, being out in the open really is a good thing!

Warren Buffett: Berkshire Hathaway
Rupert Murdoch: News Corporation
Jack Gerard: American petroleum
Rex Tillerson: Exxon Mobil
Sen. Mary Landrieu
Marc Morano: Climate Depot
Sen. James Inhofe
Dick Gephardt: Gephardt Group
David Ratcliffe: Southern Company
George Will: ABC
Tom Donohue: US Chamber of Commerce
Don Blankenship: Massey Energy
Fred Singer
Sen John McCain
Rep. Joe Barton
Charles and David Koch: Koch Industries

I haven’t checked into the legitimacies of these individuals and their denial of climate change, and efforts to block climate action- I’m just mentioning what was writing in Rolling Stone this January.

Herein lies the key though, business and corporations DON’T HAVE TO BE THE PROBLEM – THEY CAN BE THE SOLUTION!
Read more on linking communities with enterprise here.

Yes I know it’s controversial, and yes I realize that posting the video equates to advertising for a multinational automaker… Some individuals are calling this ‘extremely disturbing’ and the ‘end of civil liberties’. I happen to think it’s funny. When it comes to climate change and other such environmental issues, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the dire circumstances that we must face and the long road to effective solutions. When a mainstream display of green ideals comes along that happens to be funny- what’s wrong with appreciating it?

I happen to really like this commercial for the reason that it proves something I’ve been saying for years. Environmentalism and business can go hand in hand. An environmentally responsible image can be integrated into a product’s USP, therefore appealing to the consumer and the business of profits. As witnessed in Copenhagen, it isn’t the political leaders that are taking the lead, it will be business and free enterprise. They will be most successful at leading the environmental movement and effecting policy when they realize the connectedness with environmental stewardship (I detest using that word- sorry!) and marketing relevance and overall business sustainability.

For those that say this commercial supports the taking away of civil liberties…Come on.
Enjoy the commercial for what it was…an advertisement! Audi did a great job at getting people talking about not only the ad but also the product, and perhaps the integration of environmental awareness in business will become more common. I’m absolutely fine with that, as long as we ensure that greenwashing doesn’t become more rampant, this kind of advertising is fine by me. Another great Superbowl Ad- now let’s get on with our day! Remember it’sthe guy in the Audi that gets to bypass the traffic- keep it in mind if the brakes on your Toyota stick !

On this highly BC-centric post I want to talk about current provincial leadership. Upon meeting Premier Campbell in Copenhagen, I asked him some questions about what BC is doing to transition the province to a green economy.

We talked about the carbon tax and then I asked some questions about the Gateway Project and Burns Bog. Interestingly enough, current BC leadership seems to have such a great image amongst the rest of Canada as an environmental leader, however, I wonder how much this is really the case. The article above talks about this…the question as to whether a little environmental progress in exchange for a bushel of retrogressive environmental faux pas’ is still worth praising.

Politics Politics Politics…. If I never felt it before, I certainly see that now the need to abolish apathy is essential. Politics at any government level can be entirely convoluted to the point where I can’t even figure out where the truth exists. What do you think about all this confusion in relation to BC’s environmental activities?
Leave me a comment below!

Two weeks ago I was asked to come and speak with some students at King Traditional Elementary School in Abbotsford, BC. I myself attended King from kindergarten to grade 5, and it was great to go back and see some familiar faces of favourite teachers, as well as a new group of kids with some fantastic ideas and unique perspectives.
In addition to chatting about Copenhagen and more importantly what can be done throughout the community to get involved in things pertaining to social, and environmental well being of people, we also had a class discussion on farmland.

The best way to describe this discussion is: SUPER COOL!
I was amazed by how knowledgeable and interested they were in the discussion. Apparently the curriculum has allowed them to learn about farmland and its importance, leaving room for judgement as to what they believe in necessary for its uses. They’ve also learned about Stolo rights and in general, the rights of aboriginal populations with regards to land and social justice. When I introduced topic of BC farmland, hands went up into the air and virtually all of the students had something to say. My hands were going like crazy trying to right down all their ideas on the board. Some students stood to say that they think protecting BC’s farmland is essential because of the richness of our soil especially in the Fraser Valley. We talked about food supply and the desertification of California, therefore developing a need to protect the food production capacities in the province for a long term sustainable food supply.

Overall, the underlying issue has to do with ALR (The Agricultural Land Reserve). It was established by Richmond City Councillor Harold Steves many years ago. The students and I came to somewhat of an agreement that if we take land out of the ALR, we have to put it back the way we found it. Essentially, this addresses the issue of the proposed South Fraser Perimeter Road under the Gateway project, and therefore the importance of protecting the distinct natural resource that we should never forget: our land.

The students did some letter writing to send to the newspaper and to our local MLAs about their feelings on protecting/not protecting local farmland- it was such a wonderful afternoon to see such a great group of smiling faces asking questions and fearlessly stating their opinions.

Most interesting, is the capacity in schools for students to integrate issues pertaining to environment and community with their overall education. The program I’m currently enrolled in (International Baccalaureate) does this pretty well. Two days ago my physics teacher, extremely talented in her own right for her ability to instill in me an interest in physics, slid an article onto my desk from the IB World magazine. They had interviewed one of my personal heros Dr. David Suzuki.

Suzuki’s words packed the punch and were highly insightful. I think the underlying theme that was most relevant was that humans have neglected to recognize the reality that we are a part of the earth, not the creators and therefore it isn’t in our right to mold it exactly to our personal individualistic liking at the expense of the health and well being of others. This quote of his really stands out: “The brain invented the idea of the future…I believe foresight was the great selective advantage humans had…For 40 years, the Earth’s leading scientists have said we have been heading down a very dangerous path. And for 40 years we’ve said we can’t do anything about that-it’s too expensive. We’re turning our backs on the very survival mechanism that got us where we are today” (IB World Jan 2010).

Suzuki’s comments were actually virtually identical to the ideas and thoughts of the students Friday afternoon at King Traditional- just said a little more eloquently
At the end of the day, the kids get it, and that is wonderful and exciting news to hold on to, however, unfortunately as I saw in Copenhagen, and I see more and more here in Canada, sometimes the policy makers just don’t GET IT. I think it’s time to find some more common ground, keep discussing and sharing, and start to Plug Out Tune In just a little bit more.

Full Article Here

In Sarah-Palin-Land’s ‘Great State of Alaska’ (The Northern twang of pronunciation included…trust me I’ve got the accent down pat), it seems that new regulations are being implemented to try and protect Yukon River Chinook.

Although we can’t give any credit to the recently resigned governor herself for what seems to be some environmental conscience up North, (afterall she was the one that screamed: “Drill Baby Drill!”) we certainly can recognize the State itself. I find it interesting that this US state is imposing ‘gillnet’ regulation so that there is: “a better chance to reach their traditional spawning grounds on the Canadian side of the river” (Global BC TV). It’s comes down to our responsibility to protect the resources we have and our all important salmon populations.

Here, Alaska Has taken leadership irregardless of the political/geographic boundaries to healthy salmon. Why don’t we do the same with protecting salmon across the province?

Check this out:
Times Colonist

Wow, parliament isn’t even in session and Canada has managed to be so proactive on the topic of the Copenhagen Accord (or lack thereof)…
Yeah. What is it that first comes to mind when people ask: “What is a Canadian?” Aside from the mentions of snow, maple syrup, hockey, peacekeeping and the typical Canadiana, people tend to say: “We’re not Americans.”

Okay- so we as Canadians are not Americans. Sure. I do believe that, however, it’s become more and more difficult to maintain that mindset based on the actions of our current government. Jim Prentice released information that Canada will commit to reducing our GHG emissions 17% by 2020 based on 2005 levels. It seems to me like a bit of a COP out (Although not quite as much as the COP 15 COP-OUT in Copenhagen) especially since the USA pledged reduction emissions of 14-20% by 2020 based on 2005 emissions.

Way to go Canada. Way to be different. Way to be progressive. Way to take leadership.
Right.

I know in my past blogs and articles I’ve ranted about how environmentalism isn’t just about saving trees. Right now though, I’m going to just focus on trees… only for a little while.

Forestry is such an important industry in British Columbia, however, all too often it becomes one of those forces coming right up against wilderness conservation and the aims of sustainable development. We can see this if we look back to Clayoquot Sound and the huge movement of activism to save the region while big business and crony capitalism endeavored to destroy it.

Today, I’d like to say things have changed a little bit. The forestry industry seems to slowly be making a shift in their methods based on an understanding that new technology and sustainable enterprise is the way of the future and it doesn’t have to mean reduced profitability when implementing new measures.

Check out this article. It makes an interesting acknowledgement about jobs. So often I get asked how I can balance my environmental perspective with the reality of the need for employment in industry. So how do I balance it? It just makes sense… in BC’s forestry industry, of the primary sector of the economy, they are starting to realize that following aims of environmental sustainability give a higher assurance of employment availability to British Columbians.

Awesome stuff-especially if it turns out to mean increased clean energy for BC. Overall it’s apparent that challenges, as with anything, exist, however, the solutions are there also.