Have you heard of the Rainbow Warrior?
The Rainbow Warrior is a ship made by Greenpeace, one of the most famous environmental activists groups in the world. This ship was built 100% by donations, and is probably the most environmentally friendly ship on that large of a scale out there. As of now, Greenpeace has gone through 2 Rainbow Warriors, the third having begun its operation on October 14th, 2011.
What is wrong with you people?! - Those were the words immediately out of my step-dad's mouth as he heard about my exciting new position at Ecology Ottawa.
That new position, is replacing my friend Avery Dawes on the Tar Free 613 Campaign, a grassroots movement opposing TransCanada's Energy East pipeline here in Ottawa, which is proposed to transport 1.1 million barrels of oil a day right through Ottawa's watershed. To me, the Energy East pipeline represents a $12 billion commitment to oil and gas infrastructure and everything that's included: worsening climate change, degraded ecosystems, and a missed opportunity to begin shifting towards renewable energy. To my step-dad Chris, the Energy East pipeline represents the opportunity to get people back to work, increase government revenues from oil royalties, and secure Canada's energy independence. Our views differ radically, which is a statement I can apply to almost anyone in my social life. But when you come from an oil-crazed town like Calgary, you end up getting questions thrown in your face that are far more derogatory than those by my step-dad.
We all know biodiversity is extremely important. We've all seen numerous calls for preserving and protecting forests and oceans, and other large areas of wilderness.
But what about urban biodiversity? How does that fit into the picture?
A recent academic paper titled Unexploited Opportunities in Understanding Liveable and Biodiverse Cites. A Review on Urban Biodiveristy Perception and Valuation explores how many researchers and policymakers from various disciplines highlight the role of urban biodiversity in delivering ecosystem services to enhance human wellbeing in a rapidly urbanising world.
Planting trees: a socially encouraged in the notion done to help protect and preserve the environment. Though planting trees do help preserve biodiversity and nature, having trees in your yard also is economically and psychologically beneficial.
Trees in your yard saves a significant amount of lawn and energy consumption. Did you know that a young, healthy tree can provide a net cooling effect equivalent to ten room-sized air conditioners operating for 20 hours a day? Just think of the money you'll save on air conditioning during Ottawa's hot summers! Similarly, trees can act as wind guards against blowing snow, which can ultimately help lower your heating bills too. So in reality, having trees will lower your house temperature maintenance systems all year round!
Tree Ottawa is officially launching our Orphan Tree Program!
Do you have any unwanted orphan trees? Do you want to adopt any donated trees?
If you answered yes, our new Orphan Tree Program is perfect for you!
This program allows citizens to drop off any unwanted orphan trees at one of these two locations, where they can be picked up by anyone looking to adopt trees.
Have you been to the Boreal Forest?
A recent scientific article published explores how Québec's Boreal Forest may very well be a climate change refuge. This study was done to analyze and predict the effects climate change will have on this vast forest, and the results were extremely surprising!
Research suggests a Spain-sized area of forest in the centre of the province will be one of the rare places where nature will ease the effects of global warming and preserve existing ecosystems.
Botanical Garden: an place where plants are grown for public display and for some scientific study.
We all know what botanical gardens are. Chances are that you've been to one, such as the one in Montreal (which is gorgeous). But what we currently lack is a national botanical garden, but that may very well be soon to change!
A national botanical garden has been a dream for Ottawa since at least 1887. But this time around, this dream is might very well become a reality, as a group aims to transform Central Experimental Farm into a place of natural sights for all to see.
The construction of the new Light Rail Transit (LRT) system is transforming the streets of Ottawa, and there is huge potential for a positive change along the Scott Street / Albert Street corridor.
Current LRT construction means two of the street's four lanes are dedicated to detoured Transitway buses. This has caused serious hardship for residents along the Scott and Albert Street corridor, but the completion of LRT holds huge potential for the area.