International Development

Russia “Rushes” to the Arctic Circle as Ice Recedes

What would you say if someone asked you to describe the Arctic? Perhaps you would mention that it is an old ice block, unmoving and resilient to the change, stubborn and solitary in response to humanity’s greed. Or you might comment on the effects of global warming and melting ice-caps. […]

The liability falls where in Alberta?

The Canadian province of Alberta said on May 6, 2021, that it will allow oil sand mining companies to change how their liability will be calculated when oil prices begin to fall. Alberta holds just under $1 billion Canadian dollars ($822.37 million US dollars) in security for oil sands mines. […]

Joining Hands: The Decade of Action on the SDGs

The year 2020 was a year that will go down in the annals for its significance on many fronts. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic impacted several key sectors, primarily health and education, and the economies of virtually all countries on the globe. The uncertainty related to the progress of […]

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Adhering to the Laws of Nature

It is easier to adjust human created rules than it is to override the laws of nature. Canadian journalist and activist Naomi Klein borrowed a set of that piece of Julius Caesar wisdom when developing the Leap Manifesto, which launched last September. Caesar meant it in the context of adding […]

Americana 2015: Acting on Climate Change \ Photo courtesy of Catherine Potvin

The Keys to Climate Action

On March 17 and 18, I had the opportunity to attend Americana 2015, the “largest environmental multi-sectoral trade show and conference in North America.” I got to wander the trade show floor and witness many wonderful new technologies and innovations that will contribute to a more sustainable world; nanotechnology and […]

Activists with signs at COP20

Canada’s Climate Negotiations Song and Dance

There’s a void the size of the boreal forest between the Canada we want to have, and the Canada our government has envisioned for us. As Canadians, our values of kindness, honesty, respect and integrity lie at the core of how we see ourselves. We take pride in our place […]

Chocolate, raw cacao, cinnamon sticks and star anise A\J AlternativesJournal.ca

Agricultural Institutes Are Driving Sustainable Chocolate Production in Peru

To help satisfy chocolate cravings all over the world, many Peruvian farmers have chosen to dedicate their lives to organic cacao cultivation. But they need more support from agricultural research institutes for local sustainable economic development to thrive.

Illegal logging during Sochi Olympics road construction.

Sochi Olympics Going For Gold, But Not Green

When Russia bid to host the 2014 Winter Olympic Games, they committed to green building standards and a “zero waste” policy that promised not to add to landfills. The $51-billion Sochi Olympics – the most expensive in history – will truly have costly consequences to the environment. The area of […]