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Of course, we only have one Earth. The fact that we are using (or "spending" natural capital) faster than it can replenish is similar to continually making purchases that exceed income. This gap between demand and supply -- known as ecological overshoot -- has grown steadily each year. Global Footprint Network's most recent data show it takes one year and five months to generate the ecological services (production of resources and absorption of CO2) humanity requires in one year.

Climate change – a result of carbon being emitted faster than it can be reabsorbed by the forests and seas – is the most obvious and arguably pressing result. But there are others: shrinking forests, species loss, fisheries collapse and water pollution, to name a few.

Caribou are very susceptible to disturbance in their habitat, and industrial operations may further fragment remaining forested areas surrounding the burnt area. A pause in industrial activity through the next four important caribou activity cycles—fall breeding, winter foraging, spring migration, and summer calving—allows time to determine the impacts the fire will have on the NAOSAP herd. A recovery plan for the herd's future should be based on one year's study.

"The bottom line is there is no protected habitat and now there's 55,000 hectares of significant habitat burned," stated Manitoba Wildlands Director, Gaile Whelan-Enns.

Caribou were listed as threatened under Canada's Species At Risk Act in 2003, and under Manitoba's Endangered Species Act in 2006. The NAOSAP herd has been identified as one of the most at risk herds in the province.

"If we find that the province isn't looking after caribou as well as they should be, then there are legal obligations under the Canadian Species At Risk Act which should be triggered," added Wilderness Committee Campaign Director, Eric Reder.

Both the provincial Liberals and the Greens expressed support for the year-long pause. No one from Manitoba Conservation was available for comment August 20, 2010

Sherry Good is acting as the representative plaintiff for more than 800 people who claim they were wrongfully arrested during the G20 summit in late June, 2010. She is one of approximately 500 people who were corralled by hundreds of riot police at the intersection of Queen Street West and Spadina Avenue for several hours in the rain on June 27.

"The vast majority of the arrests and detentions over the course of the G20 weekend were unlawful and unjustified, as well as unconstitutional," outlines the statement of claim.

"The Toronto Police Services Board is being sued because it is the legal entity charged with overseeing the majority of the police activity that took place that weekend," states Eric Gillespie, one of the lawyers representing Good and others in the class action suit.

The Attorney General of Canada has been named because "it is the legal representative of the RCMP, who also had a significant role, it appears, in the events that transpired at that time," he said.

At least 1,000 people were arrested during the summit, June 26-27, 2010 in downtown Toronto.

Bridging the Gulf highlights connections between choices made by commuters in Ontario, the negative impacts of oil extraction in North America, and ongoing ecological impacts from oil sands development. It focuses on personal transportation and presents five key actions to reduce oil consumption based on policy changes already underway in the province.

"Ontario is in an excellent position — possibly the best in Canada — to start making significant reductions in transportation fuel use," said Cherise Burda, lead author and Ontario Pembina Institute Policy Director . "It really is possible to put these policies into action. We have everything in place — from a fantastic transit plan that just requires funding, to an electricity grid that is becoming greener and can accommodate electric vehicles."

Ontario consumes a third of all refined petroleum in Canada, and almost all (over 80 per cent) of that oil is used by the transportation sector.

In 10 years, the policy changes recommended in this report would keep $1 billion per year in the province — money currently spent on oil imports, but could be invested in jobs, transit or technology. The greatest short term savings come from "commuter choice" policies that include pay-as-you-drive auto insurance, live-where-you-work mortgage breaks, road pricing policies such as high-occupancy vehicle lane tolls, and a regional gas tax offset by incentives to take transit or ride a bike.

Researchers at Dalhousie University in Halifax conducted the first global study in the past century, of the populations of these microscopic organisms, and found the declines – averaging about 1 per cent a year, and approximately 40 per cent since 1950 – correlate with increases in sea surface temperatures.

Phytoplankton form the base of the aquatic food chain. The organisms live at the surface of the water, and are the main source of food for zooplankton, which are a food source for fish and other sea creatures. Phytoplankton are also a major source of oxygen for the atmosphere.

"This is a definite wake-up call that our oceans are becoming increasingly stressed and this is another indicator of that," said lead author Dr. Daniel Boyce. "It's quite shocking to think that there's been a 40-per-cent decline at the base of the food chain over the past 50 years. I think it's absolutely cause for concern."

The study found phytoplankton populations fell in eight of ten regions globally. These declines were occurring more rapidly in polar and tropical regions since 1950. Dr. Boyce said further research is needed to understand what's driving that trend.

Costing more than $2 billion and spanning 1,364 kilometres, the proposed corridor will run down the west side of the province connecting the Keewatinoow Converter Station (northeast of the town of Gillam) to the Riel Converter Station (east of Winnipeg in the Rural Municipality (R.M.) of Springfield).

"We believe that we have selected the route with the least impact on the environment and on the communities and residents along the proposed path of the transmission line," said Manitoba Hydro president and CEO Bob Brennan, "It takes out ... 37 acres of agricultural land. In that whole route, we thought that was excellent - 37 acres is not very much in building a line this size."

Manitoba Hydro will begin a series of meetings with municipalities and aboriginal communities and stakeholders in the fall. Hydro is promising to provide fair and equitable compensation packages for landowners affected by the preferred right-of-way. Information centres will provide an opportunity for landowners to discuss the project with Hydro staff and obtain more details.

Construction is expected to start in 2012 with an in-service date for the project of 2017.

"I have asked the Panel to think big," the Secretary-General said, adding "we need a new blueprint for a more livable, prosperous and sustainable future for all."

Co-chaired by Finland's President Tarja Halonen and South African President Jacob Zumasuch, the panel includes high-profile figures from government, the private sector and civil society.

Other notable panelists include Gro Harlem Bruntland, former Prime Minister of Norway and former chair of the World Commission on Environment and Development ("Bruntland Commission"), and Canadian Jim Balsillie, co-CEO of BlackBerry maker Research In Motion Ltd.

"I am pleased to help this esteemed group develop new ideas for prosperity in a low-carbon world," stated Balsillie.

Residents from five communities — Resolute Bay, Arctic Bay, Grise Fiord, Clyde River and Pond Inlet — are largely opposed to the plan to send sound blasts through the water, saying the sound could adversely affect whales, polar bears and other marine life, and change migration patterns.

The Nunavut government and the federal government argued against the injunction, citing a consultant's report stating the testing would have little or no impact on marine mammals.

But Judge Cooper noted "some aspects of the report ... cause concern." She said the fact the report contains protocols to mitigate the impact of seismic activity on marine wildlife supports the conclusion that there are impacts.

"I am satisfied that Inuit in the five affected communities will suffer irreparable harm if an injunction is not granted," Judge Cooper ruled in granting the injunction.

The group that sought the injunction, the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, stated it welcomed the ruling, however it was unfortunate the Inuit needed to go to court to have their voices heard. The group had maintained that public hearings in May and June did not amount to the "meaningful consultations" required.

"I look forward to the day when the advice of Inuit and their representative organizations is sought prior to seeking project approval," said Okalik Eegeesiak of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association.

The concept is simple: people from all over the world will get together in their communities with friends, family, neighbors, etc. and dedicate themselves to taking actions to cut carbon emissions. Examples of actions include installing solar panels, digging gardens, and laying out bicycle paths. Participants are also encouraged to celebrate with music, food, dancing or community shows.

Through the 350.org website people can view the “Map of Actions” to find a work party in their area. People are also encouraged to start work parties in their communities, if none are already planned. Remember to register it on the 350.org website.

If you register early, 350.org will provide you with resources and support that can help along the way, and connect you with supporters in your area who might be able to lend a hand.

The relocation, now considered an abject failure, saw hundreds of people moved to Churchill from their traditional homes in northern Manitoba.

In a release, the province states the decision to relocate the Dene community at Duck Lake prior to 1956 was in part due to Manitoba wildlife officials who stated the traditional hunting practices of the Dene contributed to a perceived decline of area caribou herds.

After relocation, it was determined the caribou herd the Sayisi Dene had relied upon for generations was in fact healthy.

In less than two decades, nearly one-third of the Sayisi Dene died as a result of illness, violence, poverty and racism experienced on the outskirts of Churchill. The forced relocation of the Sayisi Dene was documented in the reports of the Manitoba's 1991 Aboriginal Justice Inquiry and Canada's 1996 Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. An apology and compensation were recommended

"This is an important step on the path to reconciliation and healing," says Chief Thorassie. "We have a responsibility to work together to build the future we want for our children despite a legacy of hurt born of past government mistakes."

Manitoba has proposed to provide more than 13,000 acres of Crown land, separate from any treaty land entitlement, to help address the effects of relocation. The Sayisi Dene were moved to Tadoule Lake in 1973 at the request of community.

"This brief shows that provinces can make significant progress on climate action even in the absence of federal leadership," said David Suzuki Foundation climate change policy analyst Dale Marshall, adding "Premiers need to keep their promise to make climate change a central agenda item at their meetings."

Climate Action Network Canada (CAN-RAC) is calling on premiers to create a climate-change secretariat to better co-ordinate policies and climate actions among the provinces.

"Despite promising initiatives by various provinces and territories, the lack of progress on the climate change file sends some pretty worrisome signals in terms of provinces and territories' ability to tackle this critically important issue together. Is the Council of the Federation condemned to replicate Ottawa's inability or unwillingness to act on climate change?" asked Equiterre co-founder Steven Guilbeault at the closing of the meeting.

"Each jurisdiction has their own plan to deal with climate change," Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger said at the wrap-up of the conference. "We're comfortable with a diversity of approaches which get results."

• Reinforce water conservation, water quality, and adaptation to climate change;
• Make water use more efficient through water conservation and efficiency plans;
• Encourage strong water efficiency, quality standards and a Canada-wide water efficiency-labeling program;
• Enhance water monitoring efforts and share water conservation and water quality information;
• Work with municipalities about water-related emergencies and enhance sharing of community planning tools;
• Encourage Canadians and Canadian companies to lead in development and sale of new water conservation and protection technologies and services;
• Work with public and private sector to make World Water Day - March 22, 2011 - a national event;
• Collaborate with Provinces, Territories and State governments on transboundary issues.

"The Premiers' new Canada Water Charter appears to be an important collaboration for Canada's future water security. Canadians are highly concerned about our waters in the face of climate change and this Charter could be a step in addressing the challenges we are going to increasingly have to confront. The premiers need to be transparent while dedicating staff to a workplan with annual reports, for Canada's new Water Charter," said Gaile Whelan-Enns, Director of Manitoba Wildlands.

The designation is based on population research and habitat data, as well as a recommendation from the Alberta Endangered Species Conservation Committee, which includes ranchers, academics, wildlife managers and conservationists.

The committee recommended the Alberta Grizzly bear be listed as threatened in 2002, but the Alberta government instead set about establishing a recovery plan, which took six years to complete.

The Alberta government's Grizzly Bear Status Report released February 2010, estimates there are 691 grizzly bears in the province, compared to 841 in 2000. By contrast, the grizzly bear population in British Columbia is estimated at about 16,000 animals.

"We share this province with grizzly bears and are committed to ensuring grizzly bears remain part of Alberta's landscape," states Mel Knight, Minister of Sustainable Resource Development.

Grizzly bears are currently not listed under Canada's Species at Risk Act (SARA), however the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) lists the Northwestern Grizzly Bears under the designation of Special Concern.

As of June 23, the letter had been signed by 50 members of the House. Many of the signatories sit on the committees for Energy and Commerce, Natural Resources and Transportation and Infrastructure. The letter highlights the fact that the Tar sands mining emit three times more greenhouse gas pollution than traditional oil.

"(This pipeline) cuts through sensitive ecosystems, crosses rivers, invades ranches and farms and could scar this land forever," states Rep. Steve Cohen, one of the lead signatories on the letter. He further stated that the pipeline is slated to pass over the nation's largest underground aquifer, which would leave "irreparable" environmental scars in its wake.

TransCanada, which is building the Keystone and Keystone XL pipelines to transport tar sands bitumen to U.S. refineries, has been pressing for presidential approval of the $12 billion Keystone XL pipeline, which would export up to 900,000 barrels of oil per day.

On July 26, the State Department announced that it was adding 90 days to the comment period for other federal agencies on whether TransCanada Corp.'s Keystone XL pipeline is in the national interest. Two other pipelines have already been okayed by the State Department – the Keystone pipeline, which will eventually carry crude to Cushing, Oklahoma, and the Alberta Clipper pipeline, which runs from Canada to Superior, Wisconsin.

If all three pipelines are built, the tar sands would make up 15 percent of U.S. fuel supply, up from the current four percent today.

Compiled by ecologist Dr. Kevin Timoney, with the support of Greenpeace Canada, Sierra Club Prairie, Keepers of the Athabasca and Global Forest Watch Canada, the database shows a consistent pattern of infractions going unpunished by government regulators.

"The databases serve as an example of the government's failure to uphold the public trust," said Dr. Timoney. "If the database prove useful, they may in some small way contribute to replacing a culture of impunity with one of responsibility. When Albertans decide they will no longer tolerate bad government, things will get better. Until then, corporations may continue to pollute at will, sure in the knowledge that they operate outside meaningful controls and are immune from prosecution."

Timoney, who holds a PhD in ecology, is a longtime critic of the Alberta government's environmental management of the oilsands. After spending years prying the information free, Timoney hopes private researchers and environmental groups can now use it to paint a clearer picture of the oilsands' environmental toll.

"There is a paucity of relevant data available to the public. Scientifically-independent data are difficult to obtain because tar sands leases, while public lands, are administered as private property, patrolled by security; public ground access is prohibited," explains Peter Lee, Executive Director of Global Forest Watch Canada.

Winnipeg is the only major Canadian city to conduct a large-scale spraying effort against adult nuisance mosquitoes. The recommendations include:

• reducing buffer zones (residence of an individual who chooses to opt out of the mosquito-spraying program)
• a reduction in number of days mosquito count traps need to be above 25 nuisance mosquitoes before spraying can commence
• a shortened period of public notification before spraying.

All three recommendations require approval from the Manitoba Government Environmental Assessments and Licensing Branch to amend the City of Winnipeg's current Pesticide Use Permit.

On July 27, 2010 Resource Conservation Manitoba (RCM) launched a letter writing campaign to prevent the Manitoba Government from approving alterations to the City of Winnipeg's current Pesticide Use Permit (see link below for sample letter).

"What (the government) needs to do is ensure there's opportunity for public comment and a review of any changes to the pesticide permit," said Josh Brandon, the Living Green co-ordinator at RCM.

Malathion is the only chemical presently approved in Canada by the Pesticide Management Regulatory Agency for spraying adult mosquitoes in urban areas. Studies have shown that malathion destroys populations of insects other than mosquitoes, and its long-term effects on human health are unclear.

"People tell me to mind my own business, but I'm concerned for my own family and other peoples' families. It's not good for children to be exposed to these chemicals." Said Anne Lindsey, Executive Director of the Manitoba Eco-Network.

The report pulled together data from 10 climate indicators measured by 160 research groups in 48 countries. The scientists compared the figures decade by decade as far back as possible, more than 100 years in some cases. The report found the past decade was 0.6 degrees Celsius warmer than the 1960s, and 0.2 degrees warmer than the 1990s.

"The conclusion is unmistakable – yes, the planet is warming," said Derek Arndt, a co-editor of the report.

Of the 10 measurements, the report said seven are rising – air temperature over land, sea-surface temperature, air temperature over oceans, sea level, ocean heat, humidity and the temperature of the troposphere (atmosphere closest to the Earth's surface). Three indicators are declining – Arctic sea ice, glaciers and spring snow cover in the Northern Hemisphere. All point to a warming trend.

Dr. Peter Stott, head of climate monitoring and attribution at the Met Office, said "Despite the fact people say global warming has stopped, the new data, added on to existing data, gives us the greatest evidence we have ever had."

Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) are small, clam-like, aquatic animals. Native to Eastern Europe and Western Asia, the mussels were transported to the Great Lakes in the ballast water of ocean-going ships in the early 1990's. They've now spread all the way west to California as well as the Mississippi River system and its tributaries down to the Gulf of Mexico. The mussels' only predators are smallmouth and largemouth bass, but zebra mussel reproduction far exceeds bass appetites.

The species generates immense financial burdens. "They get into pipes, pumps and into propellers, and they certainly impact our native species of clams and other organisms," said Wendy Ralley, a water-quality specialist at Manitoba Water Stewardship.

To slow the advance of the mussels, the Manitoba government has established an invasive species hotline (1-877-867-2470) and is asking people who take their boats to areas with zebra mussels to check them thoroughly when they return home.

Although a definite concern, zebra mussels remove suspended sediments and toxic substances within the water, making it cleaner and clearer. This has allowed a number of native plants in the Great Lakes to make a comeback.