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REAL ESTATE STORIES & LINKS

Alberta's Syncrude Duck trial deviates from scriptAlberta's Syncrude Duck trial deviates from script The Syncrude trial is marred by government showboating, says a company lawyer, coming very close to calling the proceedings a show trial. A show trial is one in which justice is secondary to the government's need to make some larger social, political or economic point. 3/9/2010 8:14:21 PM

Wacky winter a signal of years to come: ClimatologistWacky winter a signal of years to come: Climatologist From the balmy Arctic, to the open water of the St. Lawrence and snowless western fields, this winter has been the warmest and driest in Canadian record books. Environment Canada scientists report that winter 2009/10 was 4 C above normal. 3/9/2010 7:01:36 PM

China, India endorse Copenhagen climate dealChina, India endorse Copenhagen climate deal China and India joined almost all other major greenhouse gas emitters on Tuesday in signing up to the climate accord struck in Copenhagen, boosting a deal strongly favoured by the United States. More than 100 nations have now endorsed the Copenhagen Accord. (Ed: Canada's Prime Minister opted out.) 3/9/2010 11:19:35 AM

Developed countries outsource emissions: studyDeveloped countries outsource emissions: study Developed countries are "outsourcing" more than a third of their pollution. A study of trade data found that some countries in Western Europe have more than half of their total carbon dioxide emissions occurring elsewhere, especially in developing countries such as China. 3/9/2010 7:06:13 AM
 
Past News Stories

Synthetic grass gives garden guru new lease on lawn maintenanceSynthetic grass gives garden guru new lease on lawn maintenance If you happen to know where garden guru Don Burnett resides, it’s likely you’ve taken a couple moments to check out some of the greenery he’s famous for. Come this summer however, the emerald hue of his lawn won’t be a product of a green thumb — it will be due in large part to SYNLawn. 3/9/2010 6:59:44 AM

Stelmach says he hasn’t seen pictures of oil-covered ducksStelmach says he hasn’t seen pictures of oil-covered ducks Premier Ed Stelmach of Alberta said Monday he hasn’t seen pictures of oil-soaked ducks trapped in a Syncrude tailings pond — images that have been key evidence since the start of a court case. Since then, the images have been printed in newspapers and shown on TV and on numerous websites. 3/9/2010 5:54:30 AM

Vanc. Island beekeepers: 90 per cent of colonies wiped outVanc. Island beekeepers: 90 per cent of colonies wiped out Vancouver Island beekeepers are reeling from the worst commercial honeybee die-off in recent memory, with some estimating almost 90 per cent of colonies have been wiped out in the last few months. “The amount of bees that have been lost is just phenomenal,” said Sol Nowitz. 3/8/2010 4:47:19 PM

Could selling clean energy mop up B.C.'s debt?Could selling clean energy mop up B.C.'s debt? B.C. could pay off its entire debt by developing large, untapped sources of clean energy and selling the power to the U.S.. B.C. Citizens for Green Energy, (Editor: *We Googled to find that the executive are ex-BC Liberal activists), the province should be moving quickly to bring electricity on stream. 3/8/2010 2:46:03 PM

Low snowpack may bring summer water woesLow snowpack may bring summer water woes A warmer than average winter may lead to water supply "challenges" this summer. Current snow conditions in the South Interior – Okanagan, Nicola, Kettle, Similkameen and South Thompson – suggest the potential to bring back the drought conditions that persisted in 2009 -- a season rife with wildfires. 3/8/2010 2:30:04 PM

Budget fails to protect environment, groups sayBudget fails to protect environment, groups say Environmentalists say Thursday's federal budget missed an opportunity to create green jobs and took a step backward in protecting the environment. The group also says a regulatory change in the budget is seeking to "begin dismantling the Environmental Assessment Agency." 3/8/2010 8:46:58 AM

Canada has had its warmest, driest winter on recordCanada has had its warmest, driest winter on record While parts of Asia, Europe and the United States have suffered through unusually cold and snowy winter months, Canada is emerging from its warmest and driest winter in at least six decades. Canadians from coast to coast were being treated to the same type of mild, dry weather on Saturday. 3/6/2010 5:29:36 PM

Road salt is poisoning water bodies, study findsRoad salt is poisoning water bodies, study finds One of the most detailed investigations ever conducted in Canada into the fate of road salt has found that it is polluting groundwater and causing some streams during winter thaws to have salinity levels just under those found in the ocean. 3/5/2010 4:36:59 PM

Trekkers set off for North PoleTrekkers set off for North Pole Eric Larsen is attempting to be the first person to trek to the South Pole, North Pole and Mount Everest in one year. Larsen completed the South Pole leg in January, and on Wednesday began the nearly 500-mile North Pole trek along with two team members. 3/5/2010 2:31:33 PM

Prince George residents not told about bad airPrince George residents not told about bad air The BC NDP went on the attack in Question Period Thursday wanting to know why the Liberal government has remained silent for 18 months after learning about dangerously high pollution levels in Prince George. In some areas, concentrations of formaldehyde were 20 times higher than what is considered safe in B.C. 3/5/2010 5:23:25 AM

'Home' is screening tonight in Summerland 'Home' is screening tonight in Summerland The film Home is screening tonight at 7 p.m. at the Centre Stage Theatre in Summerland. The documentary, by French filmmaker and environmentalist Yann Arthus-Bertrand looks at the dangers human activities create on the Earth.
Admission is by donation. 3/5/2010 5:08:26 AM

Scientist say ozone-destroying methane escaping Arctic OceanScientist say ozone-destroying methane escaping Arctic Ocean Large amounts of methane, a potent climate warming gas, are escaping from a remote swath of the Arctic Ocean that holds vast stores of the gas, say scientists. There has long been concern the release of methane locked in the permafrost could trigger catastrophic and "abrupt" climate change. 3/4/2010 12:42:02 PM

Looking for green in federal budgetLooking for green in federal budget Environmental and policy groups are calling on the government to commit to funding green technologies in the 2010 budget to create new jobs and promote clean energy. The Liberal Party wants the government to present a climate change plan, allocating money to green technology and clean energy. 3/3/2010 4:52:59 PM

Syncrude Lawyer dismisses photos of dying ducks as 'showboating'Syncrude Lawyer dismisses photos of dying ducks as 'showboating' An oil company lawyer on Tuesday dismissed the photos of bitumen-covered ducks being attacked by ravens as "showboating." Robert White is defending Syncrude against charges in the deaths of 1,600 waterfowl in northern Alberta. 3/3/2010 12:04:31 PM

Prentice plans end-run around 'aggressive press'Prentice plans end-run around 'aggressive press' Oil/Environment Minister Jim Prentice is planning to "push back" against criticism of policies announced in this week's federal budget as well as media coverage in the "aggressive press." The minister was planning damage control against anticipated attacks on environmental policies arising in the budget. 3/3/2010 9:33:26 AM

Most don't do enough to fight climate change: surveyMost don't do enough to fight climate change: survey When it comes to helping the environment, most Canadians don't even give themselves an "A" for effort. Only one in five people say they're doing as much as they can to reduce their impact on climate change, according to a national survey released Wednesday. 3/3/2010 7:00:55 AM

B.C. must make public the information it gathers on farmed fishB.C. must make public the information it gathers on farmed fish The province must make public information it gathers on the health of farmed fish, says a ruling from the Office of the B.C. Information and Privacy Commissioner released Monday. The decision is being heralded as a major breakthrough by environmental groups. 3/2/2010 1:00:37 PM

Weed killer can turn male frogs into females, study findsWeed killer can turn male frogs into females, study finds Researchers in the United States say they have turned male frogs into females by exposing the amphibians to tiny amounts of atrazine, a weed killer widely used on corn fields in Canada and often found in water supplies in agricultural areas. 3/1/2010 3:40:09 PM

Deadline approaching for pesticide registry Deadline approaching for pesticide registry Residents who wish to be informed when pesticide spraying will occur in their neighbourhood should sign up with the City of Kelowna‘s commercial pesticide notification registry by March 15. Residents are asked to provide their name, street address, phone number, email address, preferences and reasons for registering. 3/1/2010 5:10:33 AM

Feds' stimulus environmental rule changes challengedFeds' stimulus environmental rule changes challenged An environmental lobby group has formally begun legal action to force the federal government to abide by the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act in stimulus projects funded by Ottawa. The case began last spring in response to the federal government's decision to no longer require environmental assessments. 2/28/2010 3:51:21 PM

Environmental report would shrink SmartCentres proposal Environmental report would shrink SmartCentres proposal The footprint of the proposed SmartCentres development will have to decrease dramatically so as not to encroach on fish habitat. So say the findings of the Salmon Arm organization Wetland Alliance: the Ecological Response (WA:TER), who on Monday presented to council the Ecoscape Report. 2/28/2010 7:43:11 AM

Snowpocalypse to snowicane: Hype reignsSnowpocalypse to snowicane: Hype reigns The snowmenclature smackdown among meteorologists started with "snowmageddon" and "snowpocalypse." When the latest snow event — laden with flakes and whipped by heavy winds — headed for the storm-weary Northeast this week, the folks at AccuWeather Inc. warned of a coming "snowicane." 2/28/2010 5:40:59 AM

Montreal schools ban green cleaning productsMontreal schools ban green cleaning products Montreal's public health department is warning school boards across the city not to use biodegradable cleaning products. Dr. Louis Jacques said that he has studied research on such products, and is worried the very thing that makes them green could cause allergic reactions in children. 2/27/2010 5:57:34 AM

Kamloops: March 11 forum on gasificationKamloops: March 11 forum on gasification Thompson Rivers University will play host to one of the most anticipated public forums in recent years. The Kamloops Chamber of Commerce is organizing a forum on the plan by the Aboriginal Cogeneration Corporation to build a gasification plant in the city. 2/26/2010 5:55:47 AM

Solar-powered boat prepares to conquer worldSolar-powered boat prepares to conquer world The biggest boat to be powered by solar energy, right, has been displayed in Germany before it begins preparations to circumnavigate the globe. The 31m (100ft) by 15m catamaran, PlanetSolar, has been developed to be silent and clean, its Swiss-based maker said. 2/25/2010 3:33:42 PM

Short EnCana smokestack risks B.C. health: residentsShort EnCana smokestack risks B.C. health: residents One of B.C.'s biggest natural gas plants is fouling the air because its smokestack is too short (by half). B.C. Energy Minister Blair Lekstrom said the government is aware, but said it presents a lifestyle problem, not a health risk. Some people living downwind from the plant aren't so sure. 2/25/2010 8:19:35 AM

Caring for ourselves goes hand in hand with caring for the planetCaring for ourselves goes hand in hand with caring for the planet Ecosystems come in all shapes and sizes, often without distinct boundaries. And what happens in one ecosystem affects other ecosystems. We can even consider the human body as an ecosystem, or perhaps more correctly as a number of interrelated ecosystems. 2/25/2010 6:33:57 AM

Harper's sincerity on global warming questioned Harper's sincerity on global warming questioned Stephen Harper's sincerity in tackling climate change was challenged Wednesday after his former foreign affairs minister assailed what he described as alarmism over global warming. The Prime Minister's Office insisted Maxime Bernier was speaking strictly for himself. 2/25/2010 6:22:08 AM

Feds seeks truce with Que. over emissions standardsFeds seeks truce with Que. over emissions standards Federal Oil/Environment Minister Jim Prentice is seeking to make peace with Quebec Premier Jean Charest after sharply criticizing the province's decision to introduce its own vehicle emissions standards to fight climate change. Prentice caused a political firestorm in Quebec earlier this month when he blasted Charest's government. 2/25/2010 5:05:44 AM

Sunken Canadian ship spewing oil off Alaskan coast: U.S. Coast GuardSunken Canadian ship spewing oil off Alaskan coast: U.S. Coast Guard A storied Canadian steamship that offered luxury cruises for decades along the British Columbia coast, then served a crucial role during the Second World War transporting troops, supplies and Jewish refugees is now adding an unfortunate chapter to its rich history: the polluting of a major Pacific Ocean inlet. 2/24/2010 11:28:45 AM

Plastic rubbish blights Atlantic Ocean Plastic rubbish blights Atlantic Ocean Scientists have discovered an area of the North Atlantic Ocean where plastic debris accumulates. The region is said to compare with the well-documented "great Pacific garbage patch". 2/24/2010 6:31:52 AM

Scientist disputes Lake Winnipeg cleanup planScientist disputes Lake Winnipeg cleanup plan One of Canada's leading freshwater scientists says Manitoba is squandering millions of dollars on a plan to clean up Lake Winnipeg. David Schindler said the province is wasting cash trying to remove nitrogen from the lake when phosphorus is the real culprit. 2/23/2010 5:27:38 PM

Canadian climate scientists fight for renewed research fundingCanadian climate scientists fight for renewed research funding The Harper government is under mounting pressure to save an endangered climate program in next week's budget. A petition, signed by close to 1,400 graduate students and researchers, is demanding new funding for the Canadian Foundation for Climate and Atmospheric Sciences. 2/23/2010 2:43:28 PM

U.S. unveils $2.2 billion Great Lakes fix U.S. unveils $2.2 billion Great Lakes fix The Obama administration has developed a five-year blueprint for rescuing the Great Lakes, a sprawling ecosystem plagued by toxic contamination, shrinking wildlife habitat and invasive species. The plan envisions spending more than $2.2 billion for long-awaited repairs after a century of damage to the lakes. 2/22/2010 8:42:50 AM

Danger of Marines’ polluted water removed from reportDanger of Marines’ polluted water removed from report An environmental contractor dramatically underreported the level of a cancer-causing chemical found in tap water at Camp Lejeune, then omitted it altogether as the Marine base prepared for a federal health review. For years, Marines who served at Camp Lejeune have blamed their families' cancers and other ailments on tap water 2/20/2010 6:27:42 PM

Rare stand of old-growth trees near Port Renfrew only partly protectedRare stand of old-growth trees near Port Renfrew only partly protected Logging is already prohibited in part of a stand of massive old-growth trees near Port Renfrew that the community and environmentalists want protected, but it's not nearly enough, say members of the Ancient Forest Alliance. Ministry maps show only a small ribbon along the Gordon River is protected, while most of the biggest trees are marked for cutting. 2/20/2010 10:39:18 AM

Premiers happy after U.S. climate change meetPremiers happy after U.S. climate change meet Seven Canadian premiers on Friday pressed senior Obama administration officials to pursue increased bilateral co-operation on climate change with Canada, and came away believing the U.S. would not take any unilateral trade action against carbon-intensive Canadian industries. 2/20/2010 10:32:29 AM

Hundreds of workers potentially exposed to radiation at Ont. nuclear plant Hundreds of workers potentially exposed to radiation at Ont. nuclear plant At least 217 workers at the Bruce Power nuclear plant northwest of Toronto were potentially exposed to a release of radiation last November, possibly the largest radioactive contamination in Canada, according to the country's national nuclear watchdog. 2/16/2010 4:18:47 PM

Olympic Village hailed world's greenest neighbourhoodOlympic Village hailed world's greenest neighbourhood The newly-constructed Vancouver neighbourhood housing Olympic and Paralympic athletes and coaches during the 2010 Games now has a new distinction to add to its resume: the world's greenest. "This should be a source of pride for residents and an example to the rest of the world." 2/16/2010 1:03:51 PM

Whaling protester to be charged in JapanWhaling protester to be charged in Japan Peter Bethune, a member of the U.S.-based Sea Shepherd activist group, jumped aboard the Shonan Maru 2 from a Jet Ski on Monday with the stated goal of making a citizen's arrest of the ship's captain and presenting him with a $3 million bill for the destruction of a protest ship last month. 2/16/2010 12:37:30 PM

Ludwig still in dark about basis for peace bondsLudwig still in dark about basis for peace bonds Wiebo Ludwig says he's still in the dark about a peace bond application by three oil and gas companies. They're still considering filing a cross bond, claiming that Ludwig and his family members are the ones in need of protection from energy companies, specifically a company that is drilling a sour gas well just over two kilometres from his Trickle Creek farm. 2/16/2010 12:33:41 PM

Oil/Gas company putting in well just 3km from Weibo Ludwig's farmOil/Gas company putting in well just 3km from Weibo Ludwig's farm Wiebo Ludwig is vowing to fight a legal request to brand him as a threat to the employees of three oil companies . Mr. Ludwig and his family have been fighting oil-and-gas developments in the region for 15 years, blaming gas pipelines and sour-gas leaks for asthma, cancer and miscarriages. 2/15/2010 5:45:37 PM

Whaling protester secretly boards Japanese boatWhaling protester secretly boards Japanese boat In the latest headline-grabbing attempt to stymie the efforts of Japanese whalers, a member of the Sea Shepherd Society jumped from a speeding Jet Ski onto a whaling vessel and attempted to enact a citizen's arrest. Capt. Peter Bethune was detained by the Japanese sailors. 2/15/2010 6:34:38 AM

Community asked to rank gravel pit concernsCommunity asked to rank gravel pit concerns Aggregate Task Force chairman and Kelowna-Lake Country MLA Norm Letnick said that aside from having technical staff identify the best sources of gravel supply for the next 100 years, his committee must determine what the community’s biggest beefs are when it comes to aggregate mining. 2/13/2010 9:20:15 AM

Where Will the World's Next Green Tech Hub Be?Where Will the World's Next Green Tech Hub Be? Every year San Francisco plays host to the International Solid State Circuits Conference (ISSCC), one of the big events in the world of chip design. And every year, someone asks me why a conference on the West Coast is sponsored by the University of Pennsylvania. 2/13/2010 6:53:09 AM

Pine Beetle: Kelowna chopping down 1,200 Ponderosa pines Pine Beetle: Kelowna chopping down 1,200 Ponderosa pines The City of Kelowna is continuing the war against pine beetles by removing 1,200 infested Poderosa pines from city parks. "Due to warmer than normal winter temperatures, we are expecting an increase in infested trees this summer," said Blair Stewart, urban forest health technician. 2/12/2010 5:53:39 AM

Penticton: Snowpack levels put water supply in perilPenticton: Snowpack levels put water supply in peril Okanagan residents should prepare themselves to make some tough decisions about water usage in the future, says the provincial minister of the environment. Barry Penner made that appeal after the release of new figures which show that local snowpacks are once again below normal in the Okanagan. 2/11/2010 6:33:39 PM

Prentice denies reports Canada 'conniving' on climate changePrentice denies reports Canada 'conniving' on climate change Allegations from an internal Chinese government report that Canada was "conniving" to get the world to accept weakened climate change goals at last December's international summit on global warming are ludicrous, Environment Minister Jim Prentice said on Thursday. 2/11/2010 5:46:14 PM

Kimberley to host environmental education workshopKimberley to host environmental education workshop Educators with a passion for the environment are invited to Kimberley February 13-14 to take part in two days of professional development workshops, being coordinated by the Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network (CBEEN) and funded by Columbia Basin Trust(CBT). 2/11/2010 12:34:36 PM

Palin: Global Warming Just Palin: Global Warming Just "Snake Oil" Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin called studies supporting global climate change a "bunch of snake oil science" Monday during a rare appearance in California, a state that has been at the forefront of environmental regulations. The media were barred from the event. 2/11/2010 11:11:04 AM

2 U.S. firms wash hands of tar sands2 U.S. firms wash hands of tar sands Canada’s controversial tar sands industry took its first retail blow Wednesday as two Fortune 500 companies announced plans to eliminate the high-carbon Alberta fuel from its supply chain. The U.S.-based firms Whole Foods Market Inc. and Bed, Bath and Beyond Inc. both unveiled new fuel policies. 2/11/2010 10:51:46 AM

Chiefs fight to keep sacred lake out of mine proposalChiefs fight to keep sacred lake out of mine proposal Six chiefs from an Interior B.C. First Nation spend the next several days in Ottawa as they battle a proposal they fear will turn a sacred lake into a waste dump. Chief Marilyn Baptiste say the chiefs unanimously reject the draining of Teztan Biny. 2/11/2010 4:52:51 AM

NDP applaud Kelowna pesticide policyNDP applaud Kelowna pesticide policy The Kelowna city council’s decision to endorse a ban on the household use of toxic pesticides should be a wakeup call for the B.C. Liberal government to support legislation banning the unnecessary use of carcinogenic chemicals, says New Democrat environment critic Rob Fleming. 2/10/2010 8:32:11 AM

Vancouver tap water vies with Olympic sponsorVancouver tap water vies with Olympic sponsor Metro Vancouver has started a campaign to encourage Olympic tourists to drink the region's tap water instead of buying bottled water, creating a potential conflict with Coca-Cola Ltd., one of the Games' biggest official sponsors. 2/10/2010 5:20:07 AM

Prepare for rising sea levels, Halifax toldPrepare for rising sea levels, Halifax told Halifax municipal officials plan to take inventory of every property along the harbour as a new study suggests water levels could rise 73 centimetres by the next century. The study, presented to regional councillors on Tuesday, looks at the effects of climate change on the waterfront by 2100. 2/10/2010 5:14:14 AM

Yukon fossils reveal earliest traces of animal lifeYukon fossils reveal earliest traces of animal life Add a remote Yukon mountain to the exclusive list of places around the world where scientists have discovered the earliest traces of animal life. Microscopic fossils at Mount Slipper, a 1,500-metre peak north of Dawson City near the Yukon-Alaska border, have been dated to nearly 800 million years ago. 2/9/2010 2:15:32 PM

Come summer, water could be in short supplyCome summer, water could be in short supply There‘s a lot less snow in them thar hills compared to a normal year.
As of Feb. 1, the snowpack in the Okanagan and Kettle valleys was well below normal at 85 per cent. Isintok Lake, northwest of Summerland, was at 59 per cent, and Mount Kobau, in the South Okanagan, was at 77 per cent. 2/9/2010 5:51:01 AM

India defers first GM (genetically modified) food cropIndia defers first GM (genetically modified) food crop India has deferred the commercial cultivation of what would have been its first genetically modified (GM) vegetable crop due to safety concerns. Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said more studies were needed to ensure genetically modified aubergines were safe for consumers and the environment. 2/9/2010 5:25:28 AM

BP shareholders protest oil sands projectBP shareholders protest oil sands project BP Plc shareholders put a resolution to the annual meeting on April 15 for a review of the risks of the company’s Canadian oil sands project, following a similar protest. The risks include increased carbon costs and reputational damage from environmental damage, according to London-based FairPensions. 2/8/2010 9:07:41 AM

Japan whalers' new foe: ScientistsJapan whalers' new foe: Scientists Researchers are en route to study whales off Antarctica without killing them — an open challenge to Japan's killing of up to 1,000 whales a year in the name of science. Opponents claim Japan's program is commercial whaling in disguise, with the whale meat sold for food in Japan. 2/8/2010 5:56:10 AM

The great global warming collapseThe great global warming collapse In 2007, the most comprehensive report to date on global warming, issued by the respected United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, made a shocking claim: The Himalayan glaciers could melt away as soon as 2035. The glacier story was reported around the world. 2/7/2010 8:21:49 AM

Disclose cleaners' contents: Green & health groups sayDisclose cleaners' contents: Green & health groups say Environmental health advocates have reached back to a 1971 New York state law to force makers to list the chemicals found in household soaps and cleaners. The American Lung Association, the Sierra Club and Earthjustice said the public has a right to know what they're bringing into their homes. 2/7/2010 3:41:36 AM

Pesticide ban no problem for most residents, says report Pesticide ban no problem for most residents, says report Kelowna homeowners have embraced a new bylaw that restricts the use of pesticides on lawns, city council will hear on Monday. Nearly 80 per cent of residents are aware of the bylaw, and more than two-thirds of those say they‘ve eliminated or reduced their pesticide use, according to staff who conducted a telephone survey last fall. 2/6/2010 6:02:05 AM

West Kelowna homes hooking onto sewer lineWest Kelowna homes hooking onto sewer line More than 1,100 West Kelowna homes will be hooked onto sanitary sewers as a result of a government funding announcement on Friday. Ottawa and Victoria are each providing $2.5 million toward the project, with the District of West Kelowna adding another $3.7 million 2/6/2010 5:58:50 AM

Arctic ice melting faster than feared: studyArctic ice melting faster than feared: study The head of the largest climate change study ever undertaken in Canada says the Arctic sea ice is thinning faster than expected. "It's happening much faster than our most pessimistic projections," said University of Manitoba Prof. David Barber. 2/5/2010 3:26:20 PM

Playing a dirty game: exporting asbestosPlaying a dirty game: exporting asbestos No federal government has had the courage to say: Enough is enough! We're not exporting to developing countries any product we won't use at home for health reasons. Fear of offending Quebec has put a sock in the mouth of federal governments. 2/5/2010 3:12:32 PM

British Columbia government produces loads of gas. And not from wellsBritish Columbia government produces loads of gas. And not from wells I wrote back in late December about the contradictory position on carbon emissions that the B.C. Liberal government is taking by taxing carbon with one hand, while offering subsidies and corporate incentives to oil and natural gas extraction with the other. 2/5/2010 11:04:56 AM

Kelowna: Authorities investigate dumping above Mission CreekKelowna: Authorities investigate dumping above Mission Creek A case of material dumping above Mission Creek has drawn the attention of the City of Kelowna, the Regional District of Central Okanagan and the province’s Ministry of Environment. Authorities were first alerted to the dumping by a user of Mission Creek Regional Park on Jan. 20. 2/4/2010 3:52:44 PM

Hatzic Lake: $9-million project's a no-brainerHatzic Lake: $9-million project's a no-brainer If spawning salmon that swim up the Fraser River each year were blessed with little tiny feet, the problem at Hatzic Lake wouldn't be quite so serious. More than 20 other fish species in the lake are also impacted by the rising sediment bars, including some sturgeon. 2/4/2010 11:13:53 AM

France to fight toxic algae poisoning Brittany shoreFrance to fight toxic algae poisoning Brittany shore France's government says it will try to fight toxic algae that is poisoning Brittany's coast by tracing nitrates and changing farming methods. A new government plan aims to better clear out the algae that has overtaken many beaches and was blamed for the death of a horse last year. 2/3/2010 5:01:26 PM

Quebec Premier Jean Charest returns Ottawa's climate fireQuebec Premier Jean Charest returns Ottawa's climate fire Quebec Premier Jean Charest accused the federal government on Wednesday of having few ideas to fight climate change beyond kowtowing to the United States. Mr. Charest said the basic problem in the fight against climate change is the absence of initiatives by the federal Conservatives. 2/3/2010 3:47:05 PM

Olympics get bronze for climate impact Olympics get bronze for climate impact The David Suzuki Foundation says the organizers of the Vancouver Olympics have reached the podium in their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change, but they have fallen short of winning gold in some key areas. The foundation issued its climate scorecard Wednesday morning. 2/3/2010 10:59:28 AM

Canada: Backward steps on climate changeCanada: Backward steps on climate change Mere days after Prime Minister Stephen Harper proclaimed his new vision of "enlightened sovereignty" during a Davos speech, his government has unveiled a new variant for the environment – which can best be described as "sovereignty lite." 2/3/2010 7:10:16 AM

Snow-free winter, get ready for water shortfallsSnow-free winter, get ready for water shortfalls What’s looking like one of the drier winters in recent memory has water wonks readying themselves for another stressful year. “The concerns have to do with the precipitation we have this year and trying to catch up for last year,” said Anna Warwick Sears of the Okanagan Basin Water Board. 2/2/2010 4:44:31 PM

Tories defend criticism of Quebec climate plan, but can't back it upTories defend criticism of Quebec climate plan, but can't back it up The Harper government defended its criticism of Quebec's climate change plan on Tuesday, but was unable to produce evidence to back its warnings of catastrophic economic consequences from the province's crackdown on pollution from cars. (Ed: Canada's Environment Minister acts more like oil-promoting Minister.) 2/2/2010 3:06:12 PM

Five eco-friendly ways to dispose of your clunkerFive eco-friendly ways to dispose of your clunker Has the new year brought on the new car bug? Don't know what to do with the old clunker after every dealership sales rep fell over laughing when you asked: "What's she worth?" There are ways to dispose of a vehicle in an environmentally friendly manner and still put bucks in your wallet. 2/2/2010 3:01:48 PM

'Dirty' movie coming to Kelowna'Dirty' movie coming to Kelowna Some 10,000 people will soon see the movie DIRT! in the Central Okanagan, the organizers of this weekend’s REEL Change Sustainability Film Festival say. The point of the new film festival is to spur a change in lifestyle, to encourage people to adopt a more sustainable approach to the way they live. 2/2/2010 9:36:21 AM

Bamboo textiles no more 'natural' than rayon Bamboo textiles no more 'natural' than rayon Clothing and textiles derived from bamboo must be labelled as rayon or viscose to counter a widely held but mistaken perception that the fabric is environmentally friendly, the Competition Bureau has ruled. 2/2/2010 8:54:50 AM

Do-nothing Environment Minister complains about QuebecDo-nothing Environment Minister complains about Quebec Quebec's new environmental regulations targeting vehicles are an “absolutely counter-productive and utterly pointless” way to cut greenhouse-gas emissions that will ultimately put Canada at a competitive disadvantage in the North American marketplace, the federal Environment Minister said Monday. 2/2/2010 5:31:03 AM

Brazil grants environmental licence for big dam Brazil grants environmental licence for big dam Brazil's government has granted an environmental licence for the construction of a controversial hydro-electric dam in the Amazon rainforest. Environmental groups say the Belo Monte dam will cause devastation in a large area of the rainforest and threaten the survival of indigenous groups. 2/1/2010 4:53:21 PM

Conservatives used hockey to hide climate climb-down, Liberals chargeConservatives used hockey to hide climate climb-down, Liberals charge Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff is accusing Prime Minister Stephen Harper of trying to sneak through a new environmental policy. “It’s Hockey Day in Canada. It’s Saturday afternoon. It’s like the prorogation of Parliament. They hope Canadians won’t notice that basically they backed away from their own target.” 2/1/2010 2:58:22 PM

Pine beetle invasion still on, add in the Tussock mothPine beetle invasion still on, add in the Tussock moth Even though last summer’s fires are out, there’s some other natural threats which haven’t gone away, and in fact, are gaining new traction. The pine beetle, and new threat to Kelowna’s tree canopy, the tussock moth, are both set to explode in population, threatening over half the trees in Kelowna. 2/1/2010 2:42:59 PM

‘Hypocritical’ EU gives $50million to fleets fishing tuna to extinction‘Hypocritical’ EU gives $50million to fleets fishing tuna to extinction The European Union has given out tens of millions of euros to subsidise the Mediterranean tuna fishing fleets despite warnings from scientists that overfishing is pushing the species close to extinction. Overcapacity has been a problem in the world’s fishing fleet, with too many boats chasing too few fish. 2/1/2010 9:43:25 AM

How volcanoes once suffocated ocean life How volcanoes once suffocated ocean life A spate of volcanic activity may have triggered environmental changes that led to widespread destruction of life in the oceans, according to a new report. Oxygen disappeared from much of the seas nearly 100 million years ago, wiping out one third of ocean life. Sulphur from volcanoes could have been the cause. 2/1/2010 9:39:50 AM

Environmental panel's demands could kill Mackenzie project: ImperialEnvironmental panel's demands could kill Mackenzie project: Imperial An environmental review panel's recommendation to impose noise limits on any Mackenzie Valley pipeline facilities built inside a bird sanctuary could scuttle the $16.2-billion project, its backers have told the National Energy Board. 2/1/2010 4:43:16 AM

Canada moves to lower greenhouse target, critics sayCanada moves to lower greenhouse target, critics say As Canada filed its official Copenhagen Accord papers on Saturday, the Harper government appeared to move away from a three-year-old climate change target. Although it is a small change, critics seized on the new plan as less ambitious than what Harper government previously promised. 1/31/2010 7:49:42 PM

Bin Laden slams U.S over global warmingBin Laden slams U.S over global warming Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden has slammed the United States and other industrialized nations for global warming, in an audiotape recording claimed to be of his voice. "Speaking about climate change is not a matter of intellectual luxury — the phenomenon is an actual fact," bin Laden said, according to the Al-Jazeera website. 1/29/2010 10:27:34 AM

Earth needs sunblock and fast, scientist saysEarth needs sunblock and fast, scientist says As greenhouse gases accumulate, the Earth could soon need a planetary sunblock to keep from frying. But just what that block will consist of and who will slather it on are questions that need to be urgently answered, a Canadian researcher argued Wednesday in the world's premier science journal. 1/28/2010 9:41:59 AM

Scientists urge huge B.C. land preservationScientists urge huge B.C. land preservation A coalition of environmental groups is calling on the B.C. government to conserve 50 per cent of the province's land base to fight climate change. Seven B.C.-based groups conclude that a 50-per-cent conservation target gives plants and animals the opportunity to survive and adapt to the ravages of climate change. 1/28/2010 6:02:10 AM

B.C. fish farming expansion frozen until DecemberB.C. fish farming expansion frozen until December Fish farming on the West Coast won't be allowed to expand until at least December, following a B.C. Supreme Court decision to give the federal government more time to take over the job of regulating the industry from the province. 1/28/2010 5:42:46 AM

Climate change initiative unveiledClimate change initiative unveiled We can’t change drought, flooding and snow levels, so we must adapt to the forecast that will more frequently affect our lives, says Anna Warwick Sears. The funding will include nearly $300,000 for the Okanagan Basin Water Board to complete the third phase of the Okanagan Valley’s Water Supply and Demand Study. 1/27/2010 6:51:11 AM

Kelowna: Neighbours feel bottled up after depot confirms move Kelowna: Neighbours feel bottled up after depot confirms move The owner of Columbia Bottle Depots has confirmed the purchase of a building at 1314 St. Paul St., enraging surrounding business owners and residents. “This is supposed to be the new cultural area. You don‘t stick the homeless in the middle of it,” said Gene Weisbeck. 1/27/2010 5:18:58 AM

Target drops all farmed salmon from storesTarget drops all farmed salmon from stores Target Corp. said Tuesday that it had eliminated all farmed salmon from its fresh, frozen and smoked seafood sections at stores nationwide. The company said salmon farms can hurt the environment through pollution, chemicals and parasites. 1/26/2010 9:14:41 PM

Rocky Mountain glaciers fading fast: Alberta researchesRocky Mountain glaciers fading fast: Alberta researches Much of Alberta's Rocky Mountain glaciers will melt away by 2100, turning white rivers of ice into rock and earth-brown landscapes, according to Shawn Marshall. He said glaciers are retreating more quickly in Alberta, as there are smaller patches of ice cover than in British Columbia — where there is also significant melting. 1/26/2010 9:42:09 AM

Federal delay threatens environment groupsFederal delay threatens environment groups Sixteen environmental groups across Atlantic Canada say they are facing financial trouble if the federal government does not move more quickly on a funding commitment. The 16 associations offer programs like water testing, climate change information and best farming practices. 1/26/2010 5:14:43 AM

Battle over fossils, coal brews in High ArcticBattle over fossils, coal brews in High Arctic The B.C. businessman behind a proposed High Arctic coal mine is reaching out to the international scientific community — which has sounded alarms about the mine's potential threat to a "world-renowned" fossil site on Ellesmere Island. 1/25/2010 6:02:43 AM

Two green assessments aren't better than oneTwo green assessments aren't better than one If you want to see one of the worst examples of waste and duplication in government, just check out the Byzantine environmental-assessment process that has bogged down projects, wasted money and sacrificed jobs throughout B.C. 1/24/2010 5:17:13 AM

Welcome to the global warming games. (This is no snow job)Welcome to the global warming games. (This is no snow job) Hello, world! And welcome to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Here in the birthplace of Greenpeace, the 100-Mile Diet and the wool-socks-with-sandals look, we have not only endeavoured to make these, literally, the Greenest Games ever, we have succeeded! You're probably wondering where the snow is? 1/23/2010 10:56:05 AM

Copenhagen 'fails forest people' Copenhagen 'fails forest people' A multi-billion dollar deal tabled at the Copenhagen climate summit could lead to conflicts in forest-rich nations, a report has warned. The study by the Rights and Resources Initiative said the funds could place "unprecedented pressure" on some areas. 1/23/2010 9:50:01 AM

Coldstream Water: Almost Safe Coldstream Water: Almost Safe After over a week of unsafe water, Thursday afternoon Coldstream’s do-not-drink advisory was replaced with a boil-water advisory. Residents east of Murphy Road and Highway 6 near Vernon are advised to flush their household water and are under no circumstances to use the water before those procedures are complete. 1/22/2010 4:52:39 AM

Will $50-million biofuel project rise on KIB land?Will $50-million biofuel project rise on KIB land? As the fury over a proposed cogeneration plant in Kamloops continues to rage, a second facility could be on its way just across the river. Raven Biofuels has signed a joint-venture agreement with Kamloops Indian Band that could see the development of a 30-acre ethanol biorefinery. 1/21/2010 1:37:58 PM

Vancouver Parks Board to consider park, beach smoking ban next monthVancouver Parks Board to consider park, beach smoking ban next month The idea of a smoking ban in Vancouver’s parks and beaches is gaining traction. The Vancouver Parks Board is expected to receive a staff report and recommendations on a proposed smoking ban on Feb. 1, more than a year after the issue was first raised. 1/21/2010 10:59:15 AM

Update: Top court rules Ottawa erred on B.C. mine, but says yesUpdate: Top court rules Ottawa erred on B.C. mine, but says yes The Supreme Court of Canada unanimously ruled Thursday that a British Columbia mining development can go ahead, even though the court said the project didn't go through all the required environmental assessments. 1/21/2010 7:50:45 AM

Snow pack low against yearly averageSnow pack low against yearly average There’s snow in the mountains although the snow pack level is still a little less than in previous years. According to the latest snow pack statistics, taken for Jan. 1, the snow pack at Headwaters Lake or Summerland Reservoir measured 39 centimetres. This is 77 per cent of the historic average for the beginning of the year. 1/21/2010 6:57:44 AM

Top court to rule on B.C. mine environment reviewTop court to rule on B.C. mine environment review The Red Chris gold and copper mine in northern British Columbia, about 80 kilometres south of Dease Lake, would turn a trout lake into a holding pond for mine waste, and excavate mountains of earth at the rate of 30,000 tonnes a day for decades into the future. 1/21/2010 5:14:21 AM

Ozone pollution in N. America linked to Asia CommentsOzone pollution in N. America linked to Asia Comments Ozone levels over the west coast of North America are rising because of air streams carrying the pollutant from Asia. The analysis of springtime ozone data collected since 1984 indicates the U.S. may be unable to reach its Clean Air Act goals because of ozone emissions from overseas. 1/20/2010 2:36:46 PM

Fraser sockeye to be labelled sustainable despite falling stocksFraser sockeye to be labelled sustainable despite falling stocks British Columbia's sockeye fishery – including the troubled Fraser River run which is currently the focus of a judicial inquiry – is about to get international certification as a sustainable fishery. While some B.C. rivers had strong runs of sockeye salmon last year, a crisis emerged on the Fraser last fall. 1/20/2010 1:46:18 PM

Exxon Valdez oil 'still persists'Exxon Valdez oil 'still persists' Large quantities of oil spilled during the 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster still persists beneath gravel beaches in the region, a study has found. A team of scientists found that oil just a few inches down was dissipating up to 1,000 times slower than oil on the surface. 1/18/2010 6:54:14 PM

Enbridge's US oil spill raises concernsEnbridge's US oil spill raises concerns An Enbridge oil spill just south of the Canadian border has raised some concerns over what could happen, should the pipeline project from Kitimat to Alberta be approved. "Enbridge simply cannot prevent oil spills from its pipelines," stated Jennifer Rice, Chair of Friends of Wild Salmon. 1/18/2010 8:06:46 AM

Coldstream’s Water Still Unsafe Coldstream’s Water Still Unsafe Coldstream’s water may not be safe until Monday, said Dr. Robert Parker, medical health officer for Interior Health. Residents have been notified not to drink their tap water until further notice. The Antwerp Spring well became contaminated with what is thought to be manure from surrounding agricultural land. 1/16/2010 5:39:45 AM

Paleontologists concerned about B.C. mining company's new Arctic projectPaleontologists concerned about B.C. mining company's new Arctic project A battle pitting fossil fuel against fossil science is taking shape in Canada's High Arctic, where a B.C. company's proposed coal mine on Ellesmere Island — which would be one of the planet's most northerly industrial operations — is raising fears among top international paleontologists. 1/15/2010 11:06:57 AM

Coldstream contamination warning confusing Coldstream contamination warning confusing The status of Coldstream‘s water was still murky at press time. Residents in the Lavington and Coldstream areas as far west as McClounie Road were advised on Thursday morning not to use their water at all after a boil-water notice was issued Wednesday. 1/15/2010 4:44:21 AM

Infrastructure: This country is falling apart (really)Infrastructure: This country is falling apart (really) On Sunday, a broken water main knocked out the power in affluent midtown Toronto. The whole neighbourhood shut down. Every day, 700 water mains break in Canada and the United States, resulting in floods, sinkholes and a colossal waste of drinking water. This infrastructure, built to last 50 or 100 years, is literally collapsing. 1/14/2010 5:30:29 AM

Tolko told it can log Brown‘s CreekTolko told it can log Brown‘s Creek A judge on Monday granted Vernon-based Tolko Industries the right to go ahead and log in the Brown‘s Creek area, but with conditions. The Okanagan Nation Alliance was seeking an injunction to prevent Tolko from harvesting timber in the Brown‘s Creek area, on the west side of Okanagan Lake. 1/13/2010 5:01:39 AM

Quebec's green rules sideswipe carmakers, dealersQuebec's green rules sideswipe carmakers, dealers The Quebec government has said for more than a year that it intends to adopt California-style vehicle emissions standards. They have hinted that new tailpipe regulations being worked on by Canada's federal government are not enough. (Ed: Why the whining? Because they lobbied and then chose to do nothing?) 1/12/2010 7:52:15 AM

Kelowna Council 'passes the buck' on anti-idling lawKelowna Council 'passes the buck' on anti-idling law With several councillors expressing skepticism about a proposal to introduce an anti-idling bylaw, Kelowna city council punted the issue to an inter-regional committee.

Coun. Michele Rule had asked her colleagues to consider coming up with an anti-idling bylaw for Kelowna similar to one passed by Vancouver in 2006. 1/12/2010 5:22:37 AM

Kelowna: Council to debate idle truthsKelowna: Council to debate idle truths Kelowna city council will consider asking city staff to investigate other Canadian communities that have legislated an anti-idling bylaw. Coun. Michele Rule, who proposed the resolution, said it makes sense for Okanagan motorists to turn off their stopped vehicles. 1/11/2010 7:06:42 AM

Climate change a bigger threat than terrorism: pollClimate change a bigger threat than terrorism: poll Canadians believe climate change poses a significantly bigger threat to the "vital interests" of this country over the next decade than international terrorism, a new poll suggests. A similar poll conducted in 2004 showed Canadians believed the two threats were about equal. 1/11/2010 6:39:04 AM

Prentice leads way in cabinet contacts with lobbyistsPrentice leads way in cabinet contacts with lobbyists Ottawa’s lobbying industry reported communicating with members of the Harper cabinet more than 1,500 times last year, posting more contacts with Environment Minister Jim Prentice. Prentice’s door swung open the widest for lobbyists, with 136 face-to-face or telephone contacts reported in the year. 1/9/2010 7:03:11 PM

B.C. woman fighting developer over 8 street lightsB.C. woman fighting developer over 8 street lights A Vancouver Island woman says a developer's plans to install eight street lights in a subdivision on a hill above her home will ruin her enjoyment of the nighttime stars. Shelley Seniuk lives just below the subdivision. She has no beef with the homes, just the street lights. 1/9/2010 4:20:55 AM

Canadian Arctic ice outpacing global melt average: studyCanadian Arctic ice outpacing global melt average: study American researchers suggest the melting season for Arctic sea ice is growing faster across much of the Canadian Arctic than anywhere else in the world. The researchers were able to look with 99 per cent accuracy as far back as 1979 and examine the entire circumpolar globe. 1/8/2010 6:17:25 PM

Bob Barker donates $5-million to Sea Shepherd for ocean conservationBob Barker donates $5-million to Sea Shepherd for ocean conservation TV's Price is Right icon Bob Barker is out to save more animals. Forget zoo elephants, now Barker's showering his protective funds over marine life. Whales. Thanks to his $5,000,000 contribution, the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society was able to purchase and refit the former Norwegian whaler. 1/8/2010 4:45:01 PM

Struggling rancher at loggerheads over clear-cuttingStruggling rancher at loggerheads over clear-cutting Randy Saugstad is waiting for the flood. Then he'll be waiting for the drought. The Williams Lake-area cattle rancher says the BC Liberals' controversial makeover of the province's logging regulations is going to spell disaster. So he's been fighting Tolko Industries, the Vernon-based logging company. 1/8/2010 3:19:24 PM

Kamloops: In a word? DryKamloops: In a word? Dry You’d have to go back to the days when Lester Pearson was prime minister, the Vancouver Canucks were still an NHL dream and North Kamloops was merging with its counterpart across the Thompson River to find a drier summer than 2009. Last year was the second-driest on record. 1/8/2010 6:23:34 AM

Eco way to get rid of that Christmas treeEco way to get rid of that Christmas tree Penticton firefighter Brent Ryll tosses a Christmas tree on the growing pile of pines and other species at the No. 2 fire hall this week. For a minimum donation people can drop the trees off or have them picked up for recycling (250-492-2300). Money raised will go to the muscular dystrophy campaign. 1/7/2010 7:04:08 PM

Obama admin. proposes stronger smog standardsObama admin. proposes stronger smog standards U.S. environmental regulators Thursday proposed stronger standards on lung and heart disease-causing smog. The move won praise from environmental groups who had criticized the Bush administration for setting smog standards in 2008 that were looser than government scientists had recommended. 1/7/2010 3:42:31 PM

Study to take 'snapshot' of Osoyoos LakeStudy to take 'snapshot' of Osoyoos Lake A study of algae in Osoyoos Lake is designed to provide a “before and after” look at the impact of the new Northwest Sewer System on the quality of the lake water, explained Mark McKenney, president of the Osoyoos Lake Water Quality Society. The bottom line is that studying the algae can offer information about the health of the lake. 1/7/2010 11:37:55 AM

Canadians unhappy with PM's climate performanceCanadians unhappy with PM's climate performance A new on-line poll suggests that Canadians were not overly enthused with Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s performance at the climate-change summit. Just 28 per cent said they were content with the leadership shown by Mr. Harper. Almost half (48 per cent) were dissatisfied. 1/7/2010 6:43:43 AM

Green light for Cache Creek landfill casts doubt on incinerationGreen light for Cache Creek landfill casts doubt on incineration Metro Vancouver's aim to incinerate more garbage instead of dumping it is in doubt now that a huge expansion of the Cache Creek regional landfill has won environmental approval. The $100-million 42-hectare expansion would extend the lifespan of the nearly full dump by another 17 to 25 years. 1/7/2010 6:21:51 AM

Go Sea Shepherd: After crash, activists up ‘whale war’Go Sea Shepherd: After crash, activists up ‘whale war’ The helicopter from Sea Shepherd Conservation Society's main ship was trying to find the Japanese fleet's whale processing ship and resume attempts to harass the whalers into giving up their hunt, the group's founder and ship captain Paul Watson said. 1/7/2010 5:42:27 AM

Recycling revolves around real estate Recycling revolves around real estate Those who use the bottle depot at 2914 Pandosy St. better get used to the idea of travelling greater distances in the interest of recycling. Columbia Bottle Depots was able to negotiate a three-month extension on its lease until the end of March. 1/6/2010 5:22:14 AM

Japan whalers 'ram' Sea Shepherd boatJapan whalers 'ram' Sea Shepherd boat Anti-whaling activists have accused a Japanese vessel of ramming their high-tech speed boat during a confrontation in the Southern Ocean. The Sea Shepherd group sends boats to Antarctic waters each year to try to stop the Japanese whaling fleet. The crew of the Ady Gil were picked up unharmed. 1/6/2010 5:05:47 AM

E-waste still being exported, says watchdogE-waste still being exported, says watchdog As more people replace their old televisions with flat-panel screens, a toxic-waste watchdog is warning that many e-waste recyclers are still illegally shipping old TVs to developing nations. "We predicted a tsunami of [cathode ray] TVs and it's unfortunately turning out to be true," said Jim Puckett. 1/5/2010 3:20:36 PM

Much of U.S. is cold and getting colderMuch of U.S. is cold and getting colder Another wave of Arctic air, colder than the current one, will plummet southward over the eastern two-thirds of the nation starting Wednesday, forecasters say. Little Rock, Arkansas, could see an actual temperature of 10 degrees and wind chill of 20 below zero on Friday morning, according to the National Weather Service. 1/5/2010 11:00:52 AM

Tuna weighs in at record priceTuna weighs in at record price A tuna has been sold at auction in Tokyo's fish market for 16.28 million yen ($175,000, £109,000), the highest price paid in Japan for nine years. The bluefin tuna weighs 232 kg. (over 500 lbs). Tuna is prized in Japan, where people eat it raw in sushi, but there is concern that stocks are dwindling. 1/5/2010 5:48:05 AM

Tories have ignored environmental assessment panelTories have ignored environmental assessment panel A federal panel that advises the government on the environmental impact of new economic development has been left on the sidelines for nearly two years. Throughout this time, sweeping changes to regulations have been passed, effectively exempting thousands of projects from mandatory evaluations. 1/3/2010 11:42:49 AM

Green house takes on a whole new meaning in eco-friendly projectsGreen house takes on a whole new meaning in eco-friendly projects Canada's latest green community development - Cite verte - has drawn inspiration from leading national and international eco-friendly neighbourhoods and is further proof there's more interest in energy-efficient residential projects, supporters say. 1/2/2010 6:05:15 PM

My new year's resolution? No more red meatMy new year's resolution? No more red meat This year for Christmas I poisoned the in-laws. The prime rib was perfect – except for the 36 hours of stomach-churning misery it caused everyone who ate it. Having passed on seconds, I was the only person able to get out of bed on Boxing Day. 1/2/2010 4:59:03 AM

Global Warming: Why Branson Wants to Step InGlobal Warming: Why Branson Wants to Step In The response by government to the threat of global warming has been underwhelming so far. But at least one business leader, the British billionaire Richard Branson, says he has heard the alarm from scientists and environmentalists about climate change, and believes that the world must not waste time. 12/31/2009 12:15:52 PM

Penticton puts brakes on idling vehicles Penticton puts brakes on idling vehicles The idle wasting of gasoline should stop, according to the City of Penticton. That is why council voted unanimously to implement a new policy to limit the voluntary idling of city-owned vehicles and motorized equipment. The new rules limit the idling of gas or alternative-fueled engines to under one minute. 12/31/2009 6:15:24 AM

Snowfall Warning : South Okanagan - including PentictonSnowfall Warning : South Okanagan - including Penticton 10 to 15 cm of snow expected by Thursday evening. This is a warning that significant snowfall is expected or occurring in these regions. Monitor weather conditions..Listen for updated statements. Snowfall amounts have varied considerably however 9 cm was reported in Keremeos as of 2 PM. 12/30/2009 4:11:50 PM

Panel gives Mackenzie pipeline the go-aheadPanel gives Mackenzie pipeline the go-ahead A nearly decade-long quest to build a natural gas pipeline through the Northwest Territories has cleared a major hurdle with the release of a years-overdue regulatory report Wednesday. However, it said its conclusion is conditional on the "full implementation" of its 176 recommendations. 12/30/2009 4:08:38 PM

Osoyoos: At least $8,000 per and homeowners are happyOsoyoos: At least $8,000 per and homeowners are happy Lines have been put down on a map to identify the rural Osoyoos homes that will be included in the new Northwest Sector Sewer project. Each homeowner inside that line will have to pay at least $8,000 to be part of the system. It’s not optional and not everyone is happy about it. 12/30/2009 11:56:02 AM

Quebec brings in tough new emission rulesQuebec brings in tough new emission rules Environmental and consumer groups are welcoming the news that Quebec’s new fuel efficiency standards officially take effect in mid-January, meaning automakers will face stiff fines if they sell too many gas-guzzling vehicles in the province. 12/30/2009 9:51:57 AM

Mackenzie Valley pipeline environmental study expected this weekMackenzie Valley pipeline environmental study expected this week More than three years after its original deadline, the long-awaited Joint Review Panel will finally table its report. “Everyone's hoping for a positive announcement and away we go,” says Kurt Wainman, who's got a yard full of heavy equipment sitting idle. 12/27/2009 8:55:44 AM

B.C. salmon fishery’s decade of declineB.C. salmon fishery’s decade of decline In 10 years, the Fraser River’s fish stocks have plummeted. A look at the precarious state of the salmon fishery. In the early 1990s, about 24 million sockeye a year swam up the Fraser, suggesting the river might return to the 40 million it saw a century ago. It wasn’t to be. 12/27/2009 8:30:16 AM

Snow pack level better than last yearSnow pack level better than last year While Summerlanders may be anticipating a green Christmas, the snow pack level in the mountains is strong this year. Scott Lee, water operations manager for the municipality, said the snow pack at the Brenda Mine site is above average and significantly higher than last year. 12/27/2009 8:21:41 AM

Canada lags behind U.S. on clean energy: expertsCanada lags behind U.S. on clean energy: experts The Harper government is distancing itself from U.S. President Barack Obama's clean-energy agenda, warn some of those involved in one of Canada fastest-growing clean-energy sectors. "Canada is moving exactly in the other direction, and so what's happening is that gap is widening." 12/27/2009 5:53:46 AM

Obama's Climate ChallengeObama's Climate Challenge President Obama may have secured momentum for global action on climate change at Copenhagen with American pledges to reduce emissions, but following through will be a major challenge. "There is no doubt that energy legislation is going to be tough." 12/26/2009 6:47:24 AM

Brace for climate extremes, says environment ministerBrace for climate extremes, says environment minister A review of B.C.’s Water Act is underway as more frequent periods of drought are expected to hit the province due to global warming. At the same time, periods of intense rainfall are increasing the risk of landslides in the province’s forests, according to a study by the Forest Practices Board. 12/25/2009 11:48:14 AM

Quebec premier tears into Harper government's performance on environmentQuebec premier tears into Harper government's performance on environment A war of words has erupted between Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the premier of Quebec, with Jean Charest tearing a strip off Ottawa's environmental performance. In 25 years in politics, Charest says, he's never seen a federal government rely so heavily on the White House before taking a position on an issue. 12/23/2009 5:41:32 AM

OkaSim Region aims to boost recycling complianceOkaSim Region aims to boost recycling compliance While governments around the world have just wrapped up their summit in Copenhagen to discuss environment issues, the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen is reminding residents there are things they can do from their own homes. 12/22/2009 6:12:09 PM

Greenhouse gases spewing in 'green' B.C.Greenhouse gases spewing in 'green' B.C. Forget about "going green." Gordon Campbell's Liberals are turning red with embarrassment over a new report showing British Columbia is the only province in the country with rising greenhouse-gas emissions. But the premier wants it both ways. 12/22/2009 7:45:34 AM

McGuinty harps on Harper for Copenhagen resultMcGuinty harps on Harper for Copenhagen result Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty blasted the Harper government's handling of the climate change file at the Copenhagen summit, suggesting Canada's moral authority in the world has been damaged by a lack of leadership. And he said the global warming deal falls far short of what is needed. 12/21/2009 5:43:20 PM

N. America's biggest fish slips toward extinctionN. America's biggest fish slips toward extinction As efforts falter to save North America's largest freshwater fish -- a toothless beast left over from the days of dinosaurs -- officials hope to stave off extinction by sending more water hurtling down a river so the fish can spawn in the wild. 12/21/2009 12:18:23 PM

B.C. only province with rising greenhouse gasesB.C. only province with rising greenhouse gases British Columbia was the only province in the country to report an increase in greenhouse gas emissions from major industries in 2008, according to figures released by Environment Canada. British Columbia's dubious distinction was largely the result of oil and gas extraction, Environment Canada said. 12/21/2009 11:23:40 AM

Vernon MP Mayes’ views on climate change fuelling furorVernon MP Mayes’ views on climate change fuelling furor Okanagan-Shuswap Conservative MP Colin Mayes is under fire for comments he’s made about climate change. “I’m shocked he’s not accepting the science behind climate change,” said Mary Stockdale, a Vernon resident who received one of the e-mails. 12/21/2009 4:32:23 AM

Climate reality: Voluntary efforts not enoughClimate reality: Voluntary efforts not enough Around the world, countries and capitalism are already working to curb global warming on their own, with or without a global treaty. But the impact of such piecemeal, voluntary efforts is small. Experts say it will never be enough without the kind of strong global agreement that eluded Copenhagen. 12/20/2009 5:36:35 AM

Paradise lost for many Canadian rural dwellersParadise lost for many Canadian rural dwellers Wendy Deavitt remembers the day in 2001 when she spotted her dream home in the country. At the end of a tree-dotted gravel driveway stood the farmhouse and adjacent horse barn that turned her fantasy about rural living into a reality. “This is heaven,” she recalls thinking. 12/20/2009 5:13:13 AM

Environment: Prentice lauds Copenhagen pactEnvironment: Prentice lauds Copenhagen pact The federal government wasted no time Saturday trying to take some of the sting out of criticism that it failed to play a meaningful role in global climate change talks in Denmark that produced a shaky agreement. Conservative Oil/Environment Minister Jim Prentice started the job of selling the agreement 12/20/2009 5:10:51 AM

Battle for the oil sandsBattle for the oil sands Inside a small garage-like laboratory in a north-east Calgary industrial park, there sits a box. what it contains makes this a serious experiment. This box is designed to find a new way to lift the oil out of the thick, crude-filled sand that surrounds Fort McMurray. 12/19/2009 2:33:00 PM

Opinion: Copenhagen anti-climaxOpinion: Copenhagen anti-climax The main policy instrument under discussion--a massive fund that the developed world would use to bribe the developing world to build windmills and solar panels -- is a farce: Poor nations will simply take the money and turn up their air conditioners. 12/19/2009 7:18:23 AM

World Climate Summit a public relations flop for CanadaWorld Climate Summit a public relations flop for Canada The Copenhagen summit was, for Canada, a public relations disaster. There has been the popular, and very public, daily Fossil of the Day award ceremonies, where Canada has been invited to the environmentalists' podium 10 times, more than any other nation here. 12/19/2009 6:56:57 AM

Canada branded 'Colossal Fossil' at climate talksCanada branded 'Colossal Fossil' at climate talks Green groups named Canada "Fossil of the Year" -- and the additional honorific of "Colossal Fossil" -- for what they said was a strategy to sabotage efforts to tackle climate change. "This government thinks there's a choice between environment and economy, and for them, tar sands beats climate every time. 12/18/2009 5:35:35 PM

Anti-nuclear activists outraged after Alberta takes down signsAnti-nuclear activists outraged after Alberta takes down signs Anti-nuclear signs in Alberta's Peace River area are being removed on the orders of Alberta Transportation. Residents are outraged, saying the provincial government is violating property rights and squelching dissent now that the province has declared itself open to the idea of nuclear power development. 12/18/2009 4:38:19 AM

Clinton warns of ‘deal breaker' on $100-billion (U.S.) climate pactClinton warns of ‘deal breaker' on $100-billion (U.S.) climate pact The United States has finally shown its hand at the deadlocked climate change conference, and it's worth US$100-billion. U.S. secretary of state Hillary Clinton announced a conditional pledge to help raise US$100-billion a year to help fight climate change in the developing world. 12/17/2009 6:32:11 AM

The unknown fuel that's gaining fameThe unknown fuel that's gaining fame A clean fuel that's already gaining traction in Asia could be getting a toehold in Canada, just in time to help northwest B.C.'s hard-hit forest industry. Dimethyl ether, or DME is a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide that can be produced from biomass, natural gas or coal. 12/17/2009 5:38:17 AM

Provinces could ignore weak climate deal: CharestProvinces could ignore weak climate deal: Charest "In Copenhagen, the federal government has the power to sign treaties, but it doesn't have the power to bind provincial governments to them," Quebec Premier Jean Charest said Wednesday. "That's the Canadian reality, and it's a hard reality." 12/16/2009 6:40:27 PM

Canada is a joke at climate talksCanada is a joke at climate talks You know you're in trouble when they're laughing at you. For Canadians who take their country seriously, and who believe global warming is a deadly serious business, it's almost painful to see their environmental policies singled out for global ridicule. 12/16/2009 12:45:11 PM

Alberta won't oppose nuclear plantAlberta won't oppose nuclear plant Alberta gave nuclear power a green light yesterday over the objections of more than half the 3,600 Albertans who participated in an online survey. Energy Minister Mel Knight said his Conservative government will examine the merits of proposals to build power plants in Alberta. 12/15/2009 12:30:35 PM

Ottawa eyes breaks for oil sandsOttawa eyes breaks for oil sands The Harper government says special breaks may be in store for Alberta's oil sands. Oil/Environment Minister Jim Prentice says legislation moving through the U.S. Congress would grant special breaks to certain “trade-exposed” industries. 12/15/2009 11:58:48 AM

UN head chides countries at CopenhagenUN head chides countries at Copenhagen The dickering at the Copenhagen climate conference prompted some chiding on Tuesday from UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. He said rich and poor countries must "stop pointing fingers" and raise their climate targets. 12/15/2009 6:30:31 AM

Meet the climate pranksters who put Canada on the spotMeet the climate pranksters who put Canada on the spot 1. Hoax explained. The Yes Men called this morning from Denmark; they’re the merry band of pranksters who wreaked havoc on the Copenhagen climate conference yesterday, badly embarrassing Canada. It forced world attention to the fact that the Conservative government’s plan is woefully lacking. 12/15/2009 5:09:46 AM

Opinion: Why I am no longer a skeptic on climate changeOpinion: Why I am no longer a skeptic on climate change Before any discussion of global warming (or climate change if you prefer) can begin, one unfortunately is expected to state up front if they accept it or are a skeptic. I did not know what to believe, but suspected that humans weren't the cause of global warming, if it was happening at all. 12/14/2009 2:41:09 PM

Tories mulled weaker oil-gas emission targets: documentsTories mulled weaker oil-gas emission targets: documents The Conservative government has considered abandoning some of the greenhouse gas reduction goals set out in its 2007 green plan and allowing weaker targets for the oil and gas sector. The draft proposal raises questions on how the Tories could cut overall greenhouse gas emissions by 20 per cent by 2020. 12/14/2009 1:42:24 PM

The real inconvenient truthThe real inconvenient truth The "inconvenient truth" overhanging the UN's Copenhagen conference is not that the climate is warming or cooling, but that humans are overpopulating the world. A planetary law is the only way to reverse the disastrous global birthrate currently, which is one million births every four days. 12/14/2009 1:17:59 PM

Al Gore - Arctic summer ice 'may be gone in five years'Al Gore - Arctic summer ice 'may be gone in five years' The Arctic polar ice cap could disappear entirely in the summer months in as little as five years, Al Gore, the former American Vice-President, said today. Mr Gore was the star draw at a Copenhagen summit side event during which Scandinavian scientists delivered a grim update. 12/14/2009 9:39:49 AM

Fake website says Canada will reduce greenhouse gasesFake website says Canada will reduce greenhouse gases A fake website that went online Monday posing as the official Environment Canada page and pledging that Canada will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% below 1990 levels by 2020 is a “childish prank,” according to the Prime Minister’s Office. 12/14/2009 7:54:52 AM

Have a look at Climate change in Google Earth (Video)Have a look at Climate change in Google Earth (Video) Explore the potential impacts of climate change on our planet Earth and learn about solutions for adaptation and mitigation, in the context of the United Nation's Climate Conference (COP15) in Copenhagen. (Ed: The video and links do a pretty good job of explaining the world wide effects of climate change.) 12/14/2009 6:20:39 AM

Copenhagen: Climate negotiations 'suspended'Copenhagen: Climate negotiations 'suspended' Negotiations at the UN climate summit have been suspended after developing countries withdrew their co-operation. Delegations were angry at what they saw as moves by the Danish host government to sideline talks on more emission cuts under the Kyoto Protocol. 12/14/2009 4:54:15 AM

Acidification threatens the world's fish speciesAcidification threatens the world's fish species CO2 emissions cause another effect that scientists believe may significantly damage the world's fisheries. Oceans absorb an estimated 30 per cent of carbon dioxide. That's good for slowing global warming, but bad for the animals living in the ocean, including fish. 12/13/2009 8:43:22 PM

Ontario and Quebec slam Ottawa on climate Ontario and Quebec slam Ottawa on climate Just as the federal government was getting comfortable at the delicate climate negotiations taking place in this city, along came Canada's two largest provinces armed with blistering criticism of the country's weak plans to reduce emissions. 12/13/2009 8:18:16 PM

Okanagan Basin watershed study model is groundbreakingOkanagan Basin watershed study model is groundbreaking It might be the most comprehensive and detailed watershed supply and demand model ever done anywhere. There are 101 water purveyors managing the 200-kilometre-long watershed for a population of about 350,000 and 54 per cent of the water used is agricultural. 12/13/2009 8:02:52 AM

Canada's Oil companies say they got a raw deal in DenmarkCanada's Oil companies say they got a raw deal in Denmark Environmental advocates and representatives from dozens of governments have made Canada's oil producing industry, specifically the oilsands sector in Western Canada, a primary target of criticism because of its growing footprint on the atmosphere and the planet's ecosystems. 12/12/2009 11:52:49 AM

Review: E-mails show pettiness, not fraudReview: E-mails show pettiness, not fraud E-mails stolen from climate scientists show they stonewalled skeptics and discussed hiding data — but the messages don't support claims that the science of global warming was faked, according to an exhaustive review by The Associated Press. 12/12/2009 9:18:40 AM

Toronto's Mayor Miller ‘embarrassed’ for CanadaToronto's Mayor Miller ‘embarrassed’ for Canada "Like most Canadians, I'm embarrassed. I'm embarrassed that our government continues to be one of the biggest obstacles to reaching agreement," Mr. Miller said moments before accepting two new "Fossil of the Day" awards on behalf of Canada. Canada has been criticized before and during the Copenhagen summit. 12/12/2009 5:52:25 AM

Canada fiercely opposes proposal to extend KyotoCanada fiercely opposes proposal to extend Kyoto Canada's Copenhagen nightmare may be coming true. A draft proposal published at the climate-change summit Friday for the countries in the Kyoto Protocol, the only international greenhouse-gas reduction treaty, calls for five years to be added to Kyoto, taking it to 2017. 12/12/2009 5:43:55 AM

Massive iceberg spotted off AustraliaMassive iceberg spotted off Australia An iceberg twice the size of Manhattan discovered 1,700 kilometres off the coast of Australia has prompted a shipping alert. Glaciologist Neal Young found the iceberg using satellite images. Young described it as 19 kilometres long and eight kilometres wide. 12/11/2009 11:13:20 AM

New UN climate draft sets tougher emission targetsNew UN climate draft sets tougher emission targets A new draft proposal released Friday at the Copenhagen climate summit calls for developed countries to make deeper cuts. The draft calls for emission reductions of 25 to 45 per cent from 1990 levels by 2020 for developed countries, and reductions of 15 and 30 per cent by 2020 for developing countries. 12/11/2009 11:11:07 AM

2 B.C. windmill projects get environmental approval2 B.C. windmill projects get environmental approval The B.C. government has given environmental approval to two new wind farms, including one that would be Canada's first offshore wind farm. "This is a significant milestone. It's huge. Currently, the only place offshore wind farms exist are in Europe." 12/11/2009 10:07:50 AM

Has Vancouver's idling bylaw made a difference?Has Vancouver's idling bylaw made a difference? Three years ago, the City of Vancouver passed a bylaw prohibiting vehicles from idling for more than three minutes. It was intended to reduce tail-pipe emissions and reduce greenhouse gases. But it turns out the chances of getting caught are pretty slim. 12/11/2009 4:41:58 AM

Multinational Unilever exposed for imported illegal palm oilMultinational Unilever exposed for imported illegal palm oil A company that produces many of Britain’s best-known household brands has been exposed as contributing to the destruction of rainforests. The growth of the palm oil industry in Indonesia has turned the country into the third-largest emitter of CO2, after China and the US. 12/10/2009 6:22:18 PM

Real Christmas trees ‘greener’ than fakeReal Christmas trees ‘greener’ than fake Because of concerns over deforestation around the world, many people naturally worry that buying a real tree might contribute to that problem. But most Christmas trees for sale these days are grown not in the forest but on tree farms, for the express purpose of being cut. 12/10/2009 4:19:56 PM

1,700 U.K. scientists back climate science1,700 U.K. scientists back climate science Over 1,700 scientists in the U.K. have signed a statement to defend the "deep and extensive" evidence that climate change is real and is the result of human activity. The U.K.'s national weather service circulated the petition. 12/10/2009 11:17:03 AM

Copenhagen ‘a huge ploy,’ leading U.S. expert saysCopenhagen ‘a huge ploy,’ leading U.S. expert says The U.S. economist who predicted in 1972 that the world was facing environmental disaster has ridiculed the Copenhagen climate change summit and says only a series of global crises will incite the world to take concrete action. "This conference is essentially about doing as little as possible." 12/10/2009 10:33:14 AM

Letter: Time to balance the ‘environmental elite’Letter: Time to balance the ‘environmental elite’ Of all the world’s civilizations, only industrial nations during the past eight decades have successfully reversed the degradation of the natural environment that has characterized most human habitation. The expansion of forests across North America is largely a result of technology. 12/9/2009 5:46:26 PM

Rethinking Green: Eat global, not localRethinking Green: Eat global, not local At the annual convention of the North American Farmers' Direct Marketing Association in Calgary a couple of years ago, organizers offered a seminar entitled "The New Classic: Creating an upscale urban farmers' market with down-home country Chutzpah." 12/9/2009 10:58:41 AM

Most parts of Canada gripped by snowstorm as B.C. cold snap lingers onMost parts of Canada gripped by snowstorm as B.C. cold snap lingers on Eastern Canada was pounded Wednesday with a snowstorm that brought highways to a crawl and delayed or cancelled flights. A low pressure system pushing through the eastern part of the country brought stormy conditions and caused school closures. 12/9/2009 6:52:34 AM

Has Climate Change forum been hijacked by the rich?Has Climate Change forum been hijacked by the rich? The UN Copenhagen climate talks are in disarray today after developing countries reacted furiously to leaked documents that show world leaders will next week be asked to sign an agreement that hands more power to rich countries and sidelines the UN's role in all future climate change negotiations. 12/9/2009 6:50:46 AM

Climate Change: Canada's polluted politicsClimate Change: Canada's polluted politics When George Monbiot wrote his searing judgment of Canada's recent descent into what he claimed is a "petro-state," he was talking about Canada's global reputation. Monbiot's article left many Canadian heads spinning: how did we get to this point? 12/9/2009 6:47:41 AM

The climate denial industry is out to dupe the public. And it's workingThe climate denial industry is out to dupe the public. And it's working You can see it in the measured temperature record, which goes back to 1850; in the shrinkage of glaciers and the thinning of sea ice; in the responses of wild animals and plants and the rapidly changing crop zones. No other explanation for these shifts makes sense. 12/9/2009 6:41:31 AM

English winegrowers benefit from global warmingEnglish winegrowers benefit from global warming As world leaders grapple with how to tackle climate change, England's winegrowers are embarrassed to admit that global warming is suiting them rather well. This year's crop has been one of the best yet, with a record three million bottles produced -- twice the average production. 12/9/2009 5:48:56 AM

Campbell off to Copenhagen, is B.C. a fine example?Campbell off to Copenhagen, is B.C. a fine example? Watch for Gordon Campbell to emphasize the direct threat of global warming to B.C.'s way of life. "The wine region that we have in this province, that we are all so proud of, the Okanagan Valley -- that region is moving north because of temperature changes," he warned this week. 12/9/2009 5:45:21 AM

Developing nations decry Danish climate planDeveloping nations decry Danish climate plan On Tuesday, African activists stormed out of the meeting room and staged a protest after a draft proposal from Denmark was leaked. The document suggested that rich nations could cut fewer emissions — while developing nations should face tougher limits on greenhouse gases. 12/9/2009 5:06:09 AM

Canadians want all the climate progress they can get for freeCanadians want all the climate progress they can get for free Canadians like to think they would give up their Honda Pilots, air conditioning and dishwashers to save the planet. In reality, most people are prepared to make enormous personal sacrifices to live a green lifestyle, as long as they don’t have to make any enormous personal sacrifices. 12/8/2009 6:18:42 PM

Rethinking Green: Save the environment: Don't take transitRethinking Green: Save the environment: Don't take transit In the name of Mother Nature, North American transit systems have received billions in subsidies in recent years - even though they were never developed for environmental purposes in the first place. We may be better off without publicly funding transit at all. 12/8/2009 6:10:09 PM

2000s likely to unseat 1990s as warmest decade: UN2000s likely to unseat 1990s as warmest decade: UN The decade ending Dec. 31 will likely be the warmest ever recorded, and 2009 should be one of the 10 warmest years on the books, the World Meteorological Organization has said. For some regions in Africa and Asia, 2009 will probably be the warmest year on record. 12/8/2009 9:26:51 AM

Everyone responsible for global warming: CanadaEveryone responsible for global warming: Canada The international community agrees that humans are causing global warming but must now negotiate a political solution on how to share the burden of reducing the emissions that are trapping heat in the atmosphere, Canada's lead climate change negotiator said in Copenhagen. 12/7/2009 1:07:49 PM

Greenpeace activists arrested off Parliament Hill rooftopsGreenpeace activists arrested off Parliament Hill rooftops Six Greenpeace activists were arrested Monday after they unfurled banners from two rooftops on Parliament Hill demanding action on climate change and an end to oilsands projects in Alberta. Fourteen people with rock climbing gear were hanging off West Block. 12/7/2009 7:04:42 AM

Kamloops: Celebrating and cycling for changeKamloops: Celebrating and cycling for change Every month, they come on their bikes and ride around the city. It’s a group of friends, friends of friends and the occasional newcomer. They amiably talk about the weather and other places they have cycled. Riding bikes is what brings them together. 12/7/2009 6:44:26 AM

Sustainable Similkameen meets in Keremeos tonightSustainable Similkameen meets in Keremeos tonight How can the Similkameen sustain or enhance its quality of life? A public meeting will be held on Monday December 7 (7- 8:30 p.m.) at Victory Hall, Keremeos, for an overview and update on the Sustainable Similkameen Project. There will be a chance for public to put forward ideas. 12/7/2009 6:39:15 AM

Trying to understand an ecosystemTrying to understand an ecosystem It’s a cool fall day, but it’s not raining, and the water on Okanagan Lake is calm, so the group of fisheries biologists and technicians are pretty jovial about their task today: Motoring down the west side of the lake in a 24-foot coastal zodiac counting the shore spawning kokanee. 12/7/2009 6:36:14 AM

Biggest climate meeting in history beginsBiggest climate meeting in history begins The biggest climate meeting in history, with 15,000 participants from 192 nations, opened in Copenhagen on Monday with host Denmark saying an unmissable opportunity to protect the planet was "within reach." 110 world leaders, including Canada's PM Harper and President Obama, will attend. 12/7/2009 6:12:43 AM

Canada has target on its back at Copenhagen summitCanada has target on its back at Copenhagen summit The sore spot — the increasing greenhouse gas emissions from Alberta’s oilsands — will be inescapable when 192 countries gather in Copenhagen for 12 days. “The tarsands are the roadblock to Canada signing onto a meaningful target,” said Eriel Tchekwie Deranger. 12/6/2009 3:16:20 PM

Keremeos: Recycling contributes to student sports fundingKeremeos: Recycling contributes to student sports funding You can support SESS’s extracurricular program by bringing in your pop, beer, wine, water, juice and liquor containers to our new bottle drop-off depot located in the basement of the Learning Resource Centre directly behind the school. The Drop-off Depot is open every Saturday between 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 12/6/2009 5:00:27 AM

Canadians fight fish that threatens Great LakesCanadians fight fish that threatens Great Lakes Canadian biologists are in the United States trying to prevent a large, hungry, and invasive fish from making its way into the Great Lakes, where it could threaten native species and cost the fishing industry hundreds of millions of dollars. 12/6/2009 4:31:24 AM

UN hits back at climate scepticsUN hits back at climate sceptics The UN's official panel on climate change has hit back at sceptics' claims that the case for human influence on global warming has been exaggerated. The IPCC said it was "firmly" standing by findings that a rise in the use of greenhouse gases was a factor. 12/5/2009 6:14:15 PM

Scandal shakes foundations of climate science Scandal shakes foundations of climate science The pirating of thousands of e-mail messages from Britain's University of East Anglia has revealed a dangerous bunker mentality among the scientists who guarded those records and a data-fudging scandal that has created a crisis of confidence in global-warming science 12/5/2009 5:18:26 AM

Canada to follow U.S. lead at climate summit Canada to follow U.S. lead at climate summit The Canadian government says it will follow U.S. President Barack Obama's lead at next week's Copenhagen climate summit — and will propose to do no more, no less, than its neighbour. Environment Minister Jim Prentice said Canada's policy would be in lockstep with the United States. 12/4/2009 4:27:45 PM

Glacier threat to Bolivia capital (Video)Glacier threat to Bolivia capital (Video) Fears are growing for the future of water supplies in one of Latin America's fastest-growing urban areas - Bolivia's sprawling capital of La Paz and its twin El Alto. Water is already in short supply among the poorest communities and has become a cause of tension. 12/4/2009 5:23:00 AM

British bird's rapid evolution signals human impactBritish bird's rapid evolution signals human impact Researchers have discovered that the enthusiasm of many Britons for feeding birds in winter and the gradual warming of the British Isles due to climate change have helped change the appearance of the blackcap, a warbler as commonly recognized in European gardens as robins are in North America. 12/4/2009 4:56:31 AM

Skaha Lake fishery a well kept secretSkaha Lake fishery a well kept secret The Ministry of Environment’s 2009 survey of spawning kokanee in Okanagan Lake counted a total of 167,000 fish, which is a marginal decrease from 186,000 in 2008. Skaha Lake had a total kokanee spawning population of 52,000, an increase from 35,000 in 2008. 12/3/2009 7:48:09 AM

Trail: Teck hit with record pollution fine Trail: Teck hit with record pollution fine Teck Resources Ltd. has been fined $115,000 for a chemical spill in the Columbia River last year. It's the largest fine in B.C. history for a single count, says Barry Penner. Nearly 1,000 kilograms of lead solution spilled into the river from the company's lead-zinc smelter in Trail. 12/3/2009 7:13:28 AM

Climate change threatens life in Shishmaref, AlaskaClimate change threatens life in Shishmaref, Alaska "The land is going away," said Shelton Kokeok, 65, whose home is on the tip of a bluff that's been melting. "I think it's going to vanish one of these days." Coastal erosion has been an issue for decades here, but rising global temperatures have started to thaw the permafrost that once helped anchor this village in place. 12/3/2009 5:27:14 AM

Blue whales now singing in deeper voices: scientistBlue whales now singing in deeper voices: scientist Blue whales are changing their tune, but scientists have no idea why the largest animals in the world are singing in deeper voices. A study has found male blue whales all over the world have lowered their tone, even though different populations sing different songs. 12/3/2009 4:59:48 AM

Dying to be green? Try 'bio-cremation'Dying to be green? Try 'bio-cremation' Worried you haven't been green enough in life? Don't let death come in the way of a more eco-friendly you. Now cremation, the choice today of a third of Americans and more than half of Canadians, is getting a green make-over. 12/2/2009 5:56:40 PM

Emissions targets fall short, report saysEmissions targets fall short, report says Developed countries have promised only half the reductions in greenhouse gases that international scientists say are necessary, with Canada bringing up the rear. Industrialized countries plan to reduce emissions between 13 per cent and 19 per cent below 1990 levels by 2020. 12/2/2009 11:58:48 AM

Forecast predicts less snow in Canada this yearForecast predicts less snow in Canada this year It may not be a white Christmas in Canada after all as a senior climatologist predicts the country will likely see less snow this year. Dave Phillips, senior climatologist, said the current weather patters lead him to predict warmer temperatures in the north and the west. 12/1/2009 1:06:53 PM

Is Gordon Campbell living up to his green promises?Is Gordon Campbell living up to his green promises? Premier Gordon Campbell won international praise when he announced in 2007 that he would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 33 percent by 2020. Fast forward to today. How has the premier's climate change agenda weathered the economic storm? 11/30/2009 3:58:50 PM

Europe: Solar panel costs 'set to fall'Europe: Solar panel costs 'set to fall' The cost of installing and owning solar panels will fall even faster than expected according to new research. Tests show that 90% of existing solar panels last for 30 years, instead of the predicted 20 years. Solar panel prices dropped 30% last year alone. 11/30/2009 1:00:44 PM

Climate change seen as planet's defining crisisClimate change seen as planet's defining crisis Most Canadians think climate change is the planet's defining crisis, a new poll suggests. That belief is held most strongly in Quebec and less so in the Prairies, a survey conducted by Harris-Decima found. “Climate change is mankind's defining crisis, and demands a commensurate response.” 11/30/2009 11:25:05 AM

Harper's Oilsands agenda in trouble: Obama's Secret Climate PactHarper's Oilsands agenda in trouble: Obama's Secret Climate Pact Beyond the photo ops and press statements, Obama was pushing President Hu Jintao and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for the kind of climate deals that eluded him at the G8 summit in Italy in the summer – and have eluded international negotiators for the last decade. 11/29/2009 9:42:37 AM

Indian nuclear plant leak probed Indian nuclear plant leak probed Indian officials are investigating the leak of a radioactive substance into drinking water at an atomic power plant in the south of the country. Fifty-five workers at the Kaiga plant needed medical treatment for excessive exposure to radiation after tritium contaminated a water cooler. 11/29/2009 5:35:32 AM

Queen urges united front on climate changeQueen urges united front on climate change The Queen urged 53 Commonwealth countries gathered for a summit in Trinidad to forge a common stand on fighting climate change. The Queen warned Commonwealth leaders they must act in order to avoid climate change that will affect the world's poorest. 11/29/2009 5:22:36 AM

Tree genome could save forests from future threats: researchersTree genome could save forests from future threats: researchers New research that decodes the genome of the poplar tree could help researchers make decisions about breeding and conserving future trees that will be better able to contend with environmental threats in Canada, such as droughts, scientists say. 11/29/2009 4:30:47 AM

Commonwealth backs climate fundCommonwealth backs climate fund Commonwealth leaders have backed a multi-billion-dollar plan to help developing nations to deal with climate change and cut greenhouse gases. The fund, proposed by UK and French leaders at the Commonwealth summit on Friday, would start next year. 11/28/2009 7:22:57 PM

Kokanee stocks gain ground in the South Okanagan Kokanee stocks gain ground in the South Okanagan Kokanee fish stocks in the South Okanagan are making minor gains. "It was a little bit of a mixed result this year. Okanagan Lake is one we always concentrate on and it was a good year for the shore spawners, but the stream spawners came back lower than expected," said Paul Askey. 11/28/2009 8:59:31 AM

India's shift raises hope for climate agreementIndia's shift raises hope for climate agreement India will soon roll out emission reduction targets signals an emerging consensus toward a climate-change agreement, despite the Canadian government's much-noticed ambivalence. United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon placed added pressure on Canada yesterday, chiding Ottawa for its inaction. 11/28/2009 4:40:39 AM

Australia emissions plan in chaos Australia emissions plan in chaos The Australian government's plans to enact a law for an emissions trading scheme have been thrown into chaos. A revolt within the opposition Liberal Party means a key deadline for the Senate to pass the legislation has been missed. 11/28/2009 4:22:14 AM

Are mysterious Hackers trying to derail Climate talks?Are mysterious Hackers trying to derail Climate talks? Climate change scientists are on the defensive after hackers broke into a server of a British climate research centre over the weekend and posted hundreds of private emails that appear to show scientists have overstated the threat of man-made global warming. 11/27/2009 7:31:45 PM

What's killing the electric carWhat's killing the electric car Electric cars may be coming, but they will come much more slowly than you might expect from all the publicity. The price is one problem. It's the batteries. To get an e-car with more range, you need more batteries. The battery companies don't hand out the price list to me, and the carmakers keep it a secret, too. 11/27/2009 5:53:15 PM

UN chief says Canada needs to step up on climate changeUN chief says Canada needs to step up on climate change The head of the United Nations signalled Canada is not doing enough to curb greenhouse gas emissions and slow the effects of climate change. His comment was in response to a question about whether Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper is taking strong enough action on climate change. 11/27/2009 5:33:52 PM

Our PM Harper increasingly 'odd man out' on climate changeOur PM Harper increasingly 'odd man out' on climate change UK PM Gordon Brown and French President Nicolas Sarkozy have proposed a multi-billion-dollar fund to help developing nations deal with climate change. Mr Brown said the $10bn (£6bn) fund should also be used to help developing nations cut greenhouse gas emissions. 11/27/2009 4:41:37 PM

5 high-profile gangsters charged with trafficking5 high-profile gangsters charged with trafficking Five well-known B.C. gangsters have been charged with drug trafficking. Red Scorpion Jarrod Wayne Bacon and his associate Arnold Wayne Scott, along with alleged UN gang members Douglas Edward Vanalstine, Nicholas Christian Wester and Daryl Robert Johnson were all arrested Thursday. 11/27/2009 4:33:35 PM

PM heads for Copenhagen after allPM heads for Copenhagen after all Prime Minister Stephen Harper will head to Copenhagen next month for climate change talks, his office has announced. The news came as Mr. Harper leaves the uproar over Afghan torture allegations behind in Canada and departs for Trinidad and Tobago to the summit of Commonwealth leaders. 11/26/2009 11:12:30 AM

Kelowna: Paper or plastic? City will pick up bothKelowna: Paper or plastic? City will pick up both Few Kelowna homeowners are raking up leaves from boulevard trees and putting them out for collection in compostable paper bags. The volume of leaves gathered up is so far below expectation that the program has been re-jigged to allow for the pickup of plastic bags. 11/26/2009 7:06:28 AM

Olympics: Let's talk about the real event: the weatherOlympics: Let's talk about the real event: the weather Heading into the Olympics, a vast amount of hot air has been vented debating their social costs, but precious little discussing what'll probably be a far bigger factor in hosting them -- namely, the weather. Temperatures at the Calgary Olympics in 1988 ranged from -23 to 10 C, thanks to Chinook winds. 11/26/2009 6:20:40 AM

Food waste has environmental impact: scientistsFood waste has environmental impact: scientists Americans are wasting food at a rate of 1,400 calories per person per day which has implications for obesity and climate change, U.S. researchers say. The U.S. National Institutes of Health found that food waste in the U.S. has increased by about 50 per cent since 1974. 11/26/2009 5:53:12 AM

China pledges to slow emissions growthChina pledges to slow emissions growth China announced plans Thursday to sharply boost its energy efficiency and slow the growth of carbon emissions as part of its contribution to the fight against global warming. India, the world's fifth-biggest greenhouse gas emitter, has proposed a similar policy. 11/26/2009 5:44:17 AM

Your move Harper: Obama to attend global climate summitYour move Harper: Obama to attend global climate summit U.S. President Barack Obama will go to the global climate summit in Copenhagen. The United Nations welcomed the move, saying the presence of the U.S. leader would be crucial to advancing talks on global reductions to greenhouse-gas emissions. 11/25/2009 10:34:12 AM

Northwest Passage traffic breaks recordNorthwest Passage traffic breaks record A record number of vessels, from rowboats to cargo ships, travelled through the Northwest Passage this year. The trips in the Northwest Passage included a rising number of adventurers from around the world keen to explore the fabled Arctic waterway. 11/25/2009 4:58:14 AM

Oil sands threaten our survival, Al Gore warnsOil sands threaten our survival, Al Gore warns Extracting oil from Alberta's tar sands jeopardizes the survival of our species, says Al Gore. "I know that doesn't make me popular in Alberta." "But it's simply a fact. A lot of money is at stake, but a lot of lives and the future of human civilization are also at stake." 11/24/2009 3:22:52 PM

U of C students pin hopes on revamped solar race carU of C students pin hopes on revamped solar race car University of Calgary engineering students are hoping the latest redesign of a solar race car earns them a top spot. They're aiming to compete in the 2010 American Solar Challenge, which pits solar race car drivers against each other in a long-distance trek from Tulsa, Okla., to Chicago. 11/24/2009 6:07:34 AM

CO2 levels keep rising as key climate talks loomCO2 levels keep rising as key climate talks loom Global warming gases are building in the atmosphere at record levels. Carbon dioxide concentrations this fall are hovering at around 385 parts per million. "For the past million years we've never seen 390. You have to wonder what that's going to do," said physicist John Barnes. 11/23/2009 7:15:40 PM

Feds failing in duty to protect water from oilsands developmentFeds failing in duty to protect water from oilsands development The Harper government is failing to enforce federal law and exercise its constitutional authority in at least 10 different aspects of monitoring the exploitation of Alberta’s oilsands and its impact on water, says a new report. The report also criticizes Environment Canada officials. 11/23/2009 7:34:46 AM

Green group questions economic sense of hydrogen busesGreen group questions economic sense of hydrogen buses As the world’s largest fleet of hydrogen-powered buses is set to roll in Whistler, a leading environmental group is questioning the economic sense of the project. Each of the hydrogen buses costs $2.1 million — four times the cost of a diesel bus. 11/23/2009 5:37:25 AM

Canadian power producers wary of U.S. Cyber attack plansCanadian power producers wary of U.S. Cyber attack plans Canada's electricity industry is concerned unilateral U.S. action to protect the North American power grid from an imminent cyber threat could upset the power supply in Canada. Four cyber-security bills before Congress contain either weak or no provisions requiring the U.S. to consult Canada. 11/22/2009 4:54:30 AM

Britain: 'Rain like this happens once every 1,000 years'Britain: 'Rain like this happens once every 1,000 years' The Environment Agency said that the flooding across the region was so severe that such an event was likely to happen only once in 1,000 years. The rainfall was the highest level measured in England since records began. 11/20/2009 8:07:11 PM

Kelowna: Climate action workshop plannedKelowna: Climate action workshop planned You can learn how this region is faring in terms of taking action on climate change issues at a one-day free workshop called the State of Climate Action. The event is open to anyone interested, taking place Nov. 27 at Manteo Resort. 11/20/2009 7:53:15 PM

Hackers target leading climate research unit Hackers target leading climate research unit The e-mail system of one of the world's leading climate research units has been breached by hackers. E-mails reportedly from the University of East Anglia's Climatic Research Unitincluding personal exchanges, appeared on the internet on Thursday. 11/20/2009 7:16:17 PM

3 out of 4 Canadians Embarrassed by our Climate Change stand3 out of 4 Canadians Embarrassed by our Climate Change stand On the eve of major UN climate change talks next month in Copenhagen, a major survey of Canadians has found that more than three quarters of the public feel embarrassed that the country hasn't been taking a leadership role on reducing greenhouse-gas emissions. 11/20/2009 6:40:32 PM

Asian carp may have breached Great Lakes barrier Asian carp may have breached Great Lakes barrier Asian carp may have breached an electronic barrier designed to prevent the giant invaders from upsetting the ecosystem in the Great Lakes and jeopardizing a $7-billion sport fishery, officials said Friday. 11/20/2009 3:49:52 PM

Radioactive waste contaminating Canadian water supply: ReportRadioactive waste contaminating Canadian water supply: Report Nuclear facilities and power plants are contaminating local Canadian food and water with radioactive waste that increases risks of cancer and birth defects, says a new report to be released on Friday. “It is a carcinogen and causes birth defects.” 11/20/2009 4:42:12 AM

UK study says, Energy-saving bulbs 'get dimmer'UK study says, Energy-saving bulbs 'get dimmer' Energy-efficient light bulbs lose on average 22% of their brightness over their lifetime. In some cases they emit just 60% as much light as traditional models which are being phased out. The study concluded that consumers were being misled by the bulbs' packaging. 11/19/2009 12:16:53 PM

Get used to it: Severe weather is the new normGet used to it: Severe weather is the new norm Piles of white stuff, scorching sun and buckets of rain. Get used to severe weather because the climate is warming up in Southern B.C. "Get used to this weather," said Victoria climatologist Andrew Weaver Tuesday. 11/18/2009 5:45:10 PM

Consumer campaigns don't save endangered fish: reportConsumer campaigns don't save endangered fish: report Consumer campaigns to protect threatened fish species have failed, researchers warned Tuesday. The report suggested that government and consumers make big wholesalers and retailers stop selling threatened fish species. More than a third of fish caught worldwide is used to feed factory-farmed animals. 11/18/2009 5:18:16 PM

Kelowna: New hillside guidelines long overdueKelowna: New hillside guidelines long overdue The hills are alive with too many problems, City of Kelowna staff admitted yesterday as they rolled out a new set of hillside development guidelines. When the municipality introduced its first set of hillside development guidelines in 2001, it was considered a trendsetter. 11/18/2009 9:15:55 AM

Trail: UBC scientist purifying mine waste with bacteriaTrail: UBC scientist purifying mine waste with bacteria Scientists in B.C. are looking to tiny creatures to help find a better way to clean up pollution from some of the province's biggest mining operations. The creatures are heavy-metal-eating microbes, and they're being used to process the toxic byproducts produced by the Teck Resources in the city of Trail. 11/18/2009 9:10:34 AM

Poor women 'bear climate burden' Poor women 'bear climate burden' Women in developing countries will be the most vulnerable to climate change, a report from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has warned. The agency said there was a disproportionate burden on those women and called for greater equality. 11/18/2009 5:07:40 AM

The Climate Liars have a big budget to spend in Canada, oil company moneyThe Climate Liars have a big budget to spend in Canada, oil company money Friends of Science, a Calgary-based non-profit group, is running a national radio advertising campaign mocking the whole idea of climate change that has mainstream environmental groups miffed. The groups are claiming that funding is coming from the oil and gas industry. 11/17/2009 7:24:51 PM

Obama revives hope for climate accord at summitObama revives hope for climate accord at summit U.S. President Barack Obama is seeking to regain momentum for the Copenhagen climate summit, aiming for a “comprehensive agreement” that would spark immediate action even if it falls short of a legally binding treaty. (Ed: And our Oil/Environment Minister Prentice and PM still trying to derail it.) 11/17/2009 6:44:45 PM

Nissan, Fedex join forces to 'electrify' U.S. highwaysNissan, Fedex join forces to 'electrify' U.S. highways A group of businessmen on Monday launched a new coalition to urge the federal government to make a major investment in electric transportation, pointing to electric cars as the best way to confront the nation's dependence on imported oil. 11/17/2009 8:45:57 AM

Jellyfish swarm northward in warming worldJellyfish swarm northward in warming world A blood-orange blob the size of a small refrigerator emerged from the dark waters, its venomous tentacles trapped in a fishing net. Within minutes, hundreds more were being hauled up, a pulsating mass crowding out the catch of mackerel and sea bass. 11/17/2009 5:20:04 AM

RDOS directors discuss increased environmental enforcementRDOS directors discuss increased environmental enforcement The regional district board of directors recently requested a report from regional district staff outlining penalties and fines allowed under the Community Charter and Local Government Act for “consideration” which are related to fines for habitat alteration or destruction. 11/16/2009 5:55:34 PM

World's Oldest trees grow faster because of warmingWorld's Oldest trees grow faster because of warming Bristlecone pines, the world's oldest trees and growing at high altitudes in the American West, have been undergoing a growth spurt since 1950. The tree rings of living and dead bristlecone pines show wider annual growth rings from the period between 1951 and 2000 than in the previous 3,700 years. 11/16/2009 4:45:31 PM

N.B.: Cancer rates linked to industrial activityN.B.: Cancer rates linked to industrial activity Several New Brunswick communities that have a history of industrial activity or environmental contamination have high overall rates of cancer, according to a study. The environmental group's two-year study released Monday analyzed how prevalent particular types of cancer were in 14 communities. 11/16/2009 11:32:32 AM

'Unfriend' is 2009 Word of the Year: Oxford dictionary'Unfriend' is 2009 Word of the Year: Oxford dictionary A testament to how popular social networking has become, Oxford American Dictionary has picked the word "unfriend" as the word of the year. According to the dictionary, unfriend is a verb that means to "remove someone as a friend on a social networking site such as Facebook." 11/16/2009 11:01:45 AM

Okanagan Wind warning continues into TuesdayOkanagan Wind warning continues into Tuesday Strong southerly winds gusting to 90 km/h have developed over Penticton. (ED: Peak gust so far, 92 kph.) Warning level winds are forecast to persist over the Southern Okanagan today and tonight. Southerly winds 60 km/h gusting 90 to continue today and tonight over the Southern Okanagan. 11/16/2009 5:50:04 AM

Greenpeace 'to put humans first' (Video)Greenpeace 'to put humans first' (Video) The new head of Greenpeace, South African Kumi Naidoo, has told the BBC he will make human life more of a priority for the environmental group. Mr Naidoo is the first African to head Greenpeace since it was founded in 1971. 11/16/2009 4:44:47 AM

World politicians have 'no guts' on Climate changeWorld politicians have 'no guts' on Climate change Asia-Pacific leaders on Sunday buried hopes a key UN meeting next month would forge a binding pact to combat climate change, saying talks would drag on well past the Copenhagen meeting. Environmental group WWF said the leaders had "missed a great opportunity." 11/15/2009 12:18:33 PM

Protecting environment worth trillions to economy, UN reportProtecting environment worth trillions to economy, UN report From improving food and water security to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the report says money invested in protecting the planet's forests and natural systems is the best long-term solution for both the economy and the environment. Canadians also stand to benefit from doing more. 11/15/2009 8:21:56 AM

Delta mulls garbage-to-electricity schemeDelta mulls garbage-to-electricity scheme If Delta Mayor Lois Jackson has her way, the 225-hectare Vancouver landfill that has been operating in her municipality for over 40 years will close long before its scheduled shutdown 40 years from now. 11/15/2009 7:15:45 AM

Apec leaders drop climate target Apec leaders drop climate target World leaders meeting in Singapore have said it will not be possible to reach a climate change deal ahead of next month's UN conference in Denmark. After a two-day Asia-Pacific summit, they vowed to work towards an "ambitious outcome" in Copenhagen. 11/15/2009 5:11:55 AM

B.C.'s Coast warned about flooding and landslidesB.C.'s Coast warned about flooding and landslides Warnings of flooding, landslides and possible fatalities have been issued across B.C.’s south coast. Rain is expected to build in intensity through Sunday, peaking Monday and Tuesday. Squamish and the North Shore Mountains could get “in excess of 300 millimetres (12 inches).” 11/15/2009 4:23:08 AM

Vernon: 5,000 homes get a boil water noticeVernon: 5,000 homes get a boil water notice A boil water notice is looming for thousands of Greater Vernon residents. A pipeline will be shut down late Sunday so the partially constructed Duteau Creek treatment plant can be tied into a main. As a result, 5,000 homes will be switched to other water sources for seven to 14 days. 11/14/2009 5:55:26 AM

Harper to be no-show at global climate summitHarper to be no-show at global climate summit Prime Minister Stephen Harper's jet-setting fall tour won't include a stop at a global climate change summit in Copenhagen next month. He has turned down an invitation from the Danish government and rebuffed UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, who said attendance by world leaders will be crucial. 11/13/2009 6:23:35 PM

Brazil: Deforestation sees biggest drop in 20 yearsBrazil: Deforestation sees biggest drop in 20 years Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon dropped nearly 46 per cent from August 2008 to July 2009 -- the biggest annual decline in two decades. Analysis of satellite imagery by the National Institute for Space Research shows an estimated 7,008 square kilometres of forest were cleared. 11/13/2009 3:22:54 PM

A water-filled flush isn't even an optionA water-filled flush isn't even an option Every day, plumber Marcel Fortin watches water – and money – go down the drain with leaky taps and running toilets. Bothered by his constant encounters with water waste, Fortin last year redesigned the water-free, odourless Eco-Urinal he created about 13 years ago for his little son. 11/13/2009 5:59:12 AM

Okanagan Lake Kokanee spawning numbers have taken a diveOkanagan Lake Kokanee spawning numbers have taken a dive All the numbers aren’t yet in, but it looks as if this fall’s run of Okanagan Lake stream-spawning kokanee is half that of last year, although an above-average number of shore-spawners returned to lay eggs. Numbers of the kokanee in Okanagan Lake plunged about 15 years ago. 11/13/2009 5:26:52 AM
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