Alterantives Journal Update – November 2008

Lessons Worth Learning [34:6 2008]

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No Carbon Copy
While Canada and the US dithered, the European Union built a carbon-emissions trading mechanism.

Michael R. King

IN
MARCH 2008, the Canadian government released the latest details of its
proposed action plan for tackling climate change in Turning the Corner:
Regulatory Framework for Industrial Greenhouse Gas Emissions. It
doesn’t include provisions to reach Canada’s Kyoto target of a
six-per-cent reduction from 1990 levels by the 2008 to 2012 reporting
period. Instead, it outlines proposals for reducing emissions of carbon
dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) by 20 per cent below
2006 levels by 2020, and by 60 to 70 per cent below 2006 levels by 2050.

Slip Sliding Away

Compared with Norway’s bulging bank account, Alberta’s Heritage Fund falls well short of its potential.

Andrew Nikiforuk

MOST CANADIANS assume that Alberta is getting filthy rich from its
hydrocarbon resources. In comparison with Norway, however, Canada’s
wealthiest province is failing to live up to its potential. Both
jurisdictions produce about the same amount of fossil fuels and have
populations of a similar size, but that’s where the similarities end.
“Compared to Norway, Alberta is collecting peanuts,” notes Jim Roy, an
Edmonton-based royalties consultant who advises several national
governments. This Scandinavian nation knows how to save for the future,
banking much more than Canada’s tar sands empire.

Green Do Gooder
Part lawyer, part activist and part kid who refuses to grow up, David Donnelly is Earth Day Canada’s 2008 Hometown Hero.

Nicola Ross

“It
was a bad year,” David Donnelly, Earth Day Canada’s Hometown Hero for
2008, tells me. We’re sitting at a long table beside the open-concept
kitchen in the common room at 215 Spadina Avenue in downtown Toronto.
It’s the official hangout for socially conscious non-profit groups in
Canada’s largest city. Though he’s a lawyer, Donnelly is clearly at
home in this space. He introduces me to the receptionist and nods to
colleagues as they pass by.

Education for the Planet [34:5 2008 -Special Pullout Section]

This
year’s AJ Environmental Education Directory is better than ever – 50
universities, 150 programs and descriptions of lots of inspiring
student-driven initiatives designed to help you discover your green
spirit. In addition, you will find:

• The coolest field courses
• Inspiring natural areas and most frequented cafes
• The best co-op placements and jobs attained by graduates …and lots more.

The Cover That Got Away

There was another contender for the cover of the “Ideas Worth Stealing” issue.
It was so strong a candidate that we are sharing it with you. Charlotte
Sullivan (age 13) won first prize for this painting in 2006. Go to http://www.unep.org/paint4planet/ to see a behind-the-scenes video of this and other children’s paintings.
An exhibit of the United Nations Environment Programme’s “Paint for the
Planet” opened on October 23 at UNEP Headquarters, 2 UN Plaza, Room
DC2-803, New York, NY. Hours of operation are 9am to 4pm, and the
exhibit ends November 18, 2008. Call 212-963-8210 for more information.

Guest Brain Mulcher – David Byrne

Guest
Brain Mulcher David Byrne is “In Search of Connections.” His
contribution lead to a challenge from University of Waterloo Knowledge
Integration students to YOU!

Alternatives Podcast

Check out the podcasts generated from our last issue [34:4, 2008], “Sustainability Taken Seriously.”

“Sustainability Taken Seriously”
– Peter Stock learns about the latest trends in testing for
sustainability in conversation with Executive Editor Nicola Ross,
Alternatives Editorial Board Chair Robert Gibson, and author Chris
McLaughlin.

“How Green is your … product?” – Peter Stock interviews Sandra Odendahl, Director of Environmental Affairs for RBC Financial Group.

Rose Cousins: Live at the Princess Cafe with Edie Carey
A benefit concert to launch Alternatives’ “Ideas Worth Stealing” issue.

Princess Cafe – 46 King Street North, Waterloo Monday November 17, 2008. Doors open at 7:30 pm.
Tickets $15 – available at the Princess Cafe or Alternatives’ office,
room 140, EV-1 at UWaterloo. Purchase by phone (519-888-4545) with
credit card, and your tickets will be held at the door the night of the
performance.

Rose Cousins and Edie Carey
are fired up to entertain us with their songs, stories, humour and wit.
It will be an unforgettable night. Come for the music. Take away
Alternatives.

Call For Submissions

What’s Goin’ On: The Ecology Issue
Submissions Due: November 18, 2008

Alternatives
is looking for articles that describe how our approach to ecology has
changed over time, and how these changes are translating into new and
exciting ecological understanding, practices and approaches. We’re
interested in science, but also its implications. We are seeking the
ecological stories that are taking place below the radar screen.