climate change Archives - The Pictou Advocate

The Local Climate – On Mining, Part 2

March 16, 2020March 6, 2020Zack Metcalfe

How, then, to reconcile the uncomfortable realities of modern mining with those of climate change, environmental integrity and the rights of Canadians to health and natural beauty? It’s a messy maze at best, but Jamie Kneen of MiningWatch Canada, a coalition of sorts concerned with the shortcomings of Canadian mining nationally and abroad, had plenty...

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The Local Climate – Owls Head

January 14, 2020January 17, 2020Zack Metcalfe

For years now, members of the conservation community and even anonymous government employees have expressed to me their worry that exactly this would happen – that years of lethargy from our provincial government would result, finally, in their abandoning the Parks and Protected Areas Plan. If you’ve never heard of this plan or are confused […]

The Local Climate – Radical Environmentalists

January 12, 2020January 9, 2020Zack Metcalfe

In a recent Canadian Press article, an interviewee blamed “radical environmental groups” for a downturn in the number of new oil wells being drilled this year across Canada, and sluggish overall growth for fossil fuels. The quote stuck with me. I’m more disappointed than angered by this sentiment. I’ve been accused of radicalism, idiocy and...

Coady International Institute celebrating 60th anniversary

November 29, 2019November 29, 2019Pictou Advocate

December 2, 2019 will be a special day for St. Francis Xavier University and Coady International Institute. The day marks 60 years to the day of the founding of Coady International Institute known for its work with global change leaders skilled in the application of citizen-led, asset-based, and community-driven leadership for economic and social change....

Look both ways before buying a car

November 24, 2019November 21, 2019Zack Metcalfe

In a recent column I expounded on the encouraging fact that Canada’s electrical grid derives 67 per cent of its juice from renewable sources, chiefly hydroelectric, wind and solar in descending order. If you include nuclear, which is carbon free though not renewable, the number jumps to 82 per cent. This is our nation’s single...

The Local Climate – Vote Earth

October 11, 2019October 10, 2019Zack Metcalfe

I’ve never enjoyed talking politics, always searching of the genuine behind blatant facades, but at times like this it’s critical we pay attention. This coming election is the most important in my lifetime. I say that about every election and it’s always true, because each takes us closer to the climatic deadlines which will shape...

Hundreds stirred by climate rally

October 2, 2019October 1, 2019Steve Goodwin

NEW GLASGOW — Slogans like “The sea levels are rising; so are we!”shared verbally and on posters said it all as more than 200 people gathered for a climate change rally last Friday at Carmichael Park. Northumberland Regional High School student Keeley Shipley emceed the rally at the park’s gazebo and was among the many...

Dorian

September 12, 2019September 13, 2019Zack Metcalfe

I knew it was coming.. .the sudden darkness and interior silence which marks the loss of power. I filled my bath tub and several containers with drinking water, gathered firewood and prepared a store of canned food days in advance. That hurricane (tropical storm) Dorian would spare my local power lines never occurred to me,...

Our investment in calamity

August 8, 2019August 8, 2019Zack Metcalfe

I first became aware of climate change in 2004 when, in my teen years, comedian Rick Mercer jumped on my television to promote the One Tonne Challenge, an imperfect attempt by our federal government to place the burden of decarbonization on citizens rather than industry or leadership. The program was a short-lived failure, but was...

Safe use of personal insect repellents

July 23, 2019July 23, 2019Pictou Advocate

Enjoy the warm summer weather without the bug bites! Climate and environmental changes have led to an increased risk of tick and mosquito borne diseases in Canada. Health Canada is reminding Canadians to protect themselves from bug bites by safely using bug spray and other insect repellents. Bug bites can cause a number of health...

Tag: climate change