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- Bacteria Can Generate Hydrogen Gas
- Cottage Plans in First Nation Territory Halted
- Manitoba Signs Midwest Climate & Energy Agreements
- "Emissions Must Stabilize by 2015": IPCC Report
- Company Shelves Plans After EA Rejection
- 2007 Manitoba Protected Areas Audit
- US Drought Worst in History - Canada to Follow?
- Now or Never to Save Earth: UNEP
- Panel Rejects Nova Scotia Project
- Manitoba Wildlands Joins Climate Coalition
- Canada Slammed for UN Aboriginal Rights Vote
- Manitoba and BC Sign MOU
| Bacteria Can Generate Hydrogen Gas | 27 November 07 |
 Bacteria that feed on almost any biodegradable substance, from grass clippings to wastewater, zapped with a shot of electricity, could produce a clean hydrogen fuel to power vehicles. In research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Bruce Logan of Penn State University and colleague Shaoan Cheng used naturally occurring bacteria in an electrolysis cell with acetic acid, the acid found in vinegar. The resulting fuel could be power for vehicles or a source of energy for other purposes. Hydrogen is often touted as a virtually limitless source of clean energy, but its ecological benefits have been minimal because it is produced using fossil fuels, which release carbon dioxide, or using electricity produced through hydroelectric dams. The new method appears to resolve these issues. The method produces up to 82 percent more energy than the electricity and biomass needed to produce it. That, Logan says, makes hydrogen far more attractive than corn-based ethanol, which produces at best 30 percent more energy than is required to produce it. View the November 13, 2007 Reuters article on Planet Ark View the November 12, 2007 Wired article View November 20, 2007 Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Sustainable and efficient biohydrogen production via electrohydrogenesis Sources: Reuters, Wired
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| Cottage Plans in First Nation Territory Halted | 22 November 07 |
 Two years after objections from Sagkeeng First Nation elders and local residents, development plans have officially been dropped for cottage lots on Manitoba's east side along the Winnipeg River.A November 5, 2007 letter from The Municipal Board indicates the Winnipeg River Planning District has advised they "will not be proceeding with the proposed Development Plan Amendment 54/04 (Silver Fall West)". The Silver Falls cottage development was proposed in 2005, in the traditional territory of Sagkeeng First Nation. The site includes original riverbank with intact riparian and upland boreal forest habitat for several listed and endangered species. There is also a sacred site containing significant petroforms. Support to save the site came from David Suzuki, Elders Don Cardinal, Victor Courchene, and Caroline Bruyere of Sagkeeng First Nation. In addition to Silver Falls, Conservation Minister Struthers halted two other cottage developments in the same traditional territory during 2006. Elder Caroline Bruyere, told Manitoba Wildlands, "It is good to see official correspondence, but now the Conservation Minister needs to actually protect the Silver Falls site. We also need an assessment of all intact archeological sites on the Winnipeg River before Manitoba Hydro redevelops any of the dams." View November 5, 2007 The Municipal Board letters (PDF) View September 13, 2005 letter from David Suzuki (PDF) View September 26, 2005 Globe and Mail feature article (DOC) View the September 16, 2005 Manitoba Wildlands news item Sources: The Municipal Board, Manitoba Wildlands, Globe and Mail
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| Manitoba Signs Midwest Climate & Energy Agreements | 22 November 07 |
 Six Midwestern governors and the Premier of Manitoba signed agreements to promote renewable energy and climate stewardship in Milwaukee November 14, 2007.Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the premier of Manitoba signed the "Greenhouse Gas Accord", which commits the states and Manitoba to work together to slash emissions linked to global warming. They will establish regional targets for reducing greenhouse gases and a regional cap and trade mechanism for carbon emissions. Manitoba is already involved in a similar climate change agreement with western premiers and states - the Western Climate Initiative. South Dakota, Indiana, and Ohio signed on as observers: Nebraska and North Dakota declined to participate. All 12 governors and Manitoba signed the "Energy Security and Climate Stewardship Platform for the Midwest" to:
View November 15, 2007 Minnesota Environmental Partnership Loon Commons Blog View November 15, 2007 Manitoba Government press release View November 15, 2006 Governor of Wisconsin press release View 2007 Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Accord (PDF) View 2007 Energy Security and Climate Stewardship Platform for the Midwest (PDF) Sources: Government of Manitoba, Governor of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Online, Minnesota Environmental Partnership
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| "Emissions Must Stabilize by 2015": IPCC Report | 20 November 07 |
 On November 17, 2007, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released the final installment of its 4th Assessment Report (AR4) for 2007. The Synthesis Report is based on three IPCC Working Groups reports released earlier in 2007, and targets policymakers. The Synthesis Report reinforces climate scientists' consensus that global warming is accelerating and outlines the case for global action to curb greenhouse gas emissions. The potential impact of global warming is "so severe and so sweeping that only urgent, global action will do," said UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon. In a best-case scenario, temperatures will continue to rise because of the carbon already in the atmosphere, the report said. The Synthesis Report also says that emissions must stabilize by 2015 and decline after that. Climate change experts say options and technologies are available to cut emissions, and it is now up to world leaders, governments and individuals to respond. Delegates to the 13th Conference of the Parties (CoP) to the UNFCCC to be held in December in Bali, Indonesia will use the Synthesis Report as a guide in negotiating the agreement to follow the Kyoto Protocol, starting in 2012. The Kyoto Protocol is now in effect, as a legal binding international agreement. View November 17, 2007 CBC News article View November 17, 2007 Reuters article Guardian Unlimited View Summary for Policymakers of AR4 Synthesis Report (PDF) View November 17, 2007 UN release View November 19, 2007 Spiegel Online article View previous Manitoba Wildlands news items: February 28, 2007, April 13, 2007, May 25, 2007 Sources: IPCC, CanWest News, CBC, CTV, Reuters
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| Company Shelves Plans After EA Rejection | 20 November 07 |
 Northgate Minerals has taken its plans for the $200-million Kemess North mine in northern B.C. off its books, and will no longer treat the project as part of its future plans, said the company's CEO.In September 2007, a joint federal-provincial environmental review panel recommended against proceeding with the mine because the project would have an unjustified impact on the Tse Keh Nay's connection to the lake and there would be "a long-term legacy of environmental management obligations at the mine site to protect downstream water quality and public safety." Combined with the marginal nature of the project (expert, independent analysis commissioned by the joint review panel suggests a marginal or negative profit margin), the Panel concluded, "the benefits of (the project) do not outweigh the costs. Northgate Minerals wanted to develop the Kemess North copper and gold deposit, located near its existing Kemess South mine. The company was also proposing to dispose of huge amounts of waste rock and tailings by directing them into an existing lake, turning the lake into a mine waste dump. View November 6, 2007 Canada.com article View November 9, 2007 letter to the editor in Prince George Citizen View October 2, 2007 Manitoba Wildlands news item View November 5, 2007 Globe and Mail article Sources: Canada.com, Prince George Citizen, Globe and Mail
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| 2007 Manitoba Protected Areas Audit | 14 November 07 |
 Manitoba Wildlands released the 2007 Protected Areas Audit November 14, 2007. The Audit is annual, documenting all Manitoba Government actions to establish protected lands and waters.There were both protected areas losses and gains in the 2006 - 2007 year. The land quantum gain in protected area is 6,361 ha. The amount of land removed from protection is 13,985 ha. The net loss in land quantum protected from development in Manitoba for the 2007 Protected Areas Audit is 7,642 ha. The total amount of Manitoba's land base protected to date is 5,329,051 ha. By comparison, the amount of protected land in Manitoba as of the 2000 Audit was 5,579,883 ha. "The failure to replace de-listed protected lands with protected lands elsewhere in the same region shows a failure to turn each decision into an opportunity," noted Manitoba Wildlands Director Gaile Whelan Enns. "We also were unable to access survey maps for some announced protected areas, and must assume the government will clear up this situation quickly." This year, some areas in the 2007 Audit are still missing regulations. In Manitoba crown mineral rights are withdrawn from protected areas. Manitoba Wildlands will release the 2007 annual Protected Areas Grade later in November. View the Whole Manitoba Wildlands' 2007 Protected Areas Audit (PDF) Elements: View Manitoba Wildlands' 2007 Protected Areas Audit - Summary page (PDF) View Manitoba Wildlands' 2007 Protected Areas Audit - Maps (PDF) View Manitoba Wildlands' 2007 Protected Areas Audit - Chart (PDF) View Manitoba Protected Areas Commitments 2005-2007 (PDF) View Manitoba Protected Areas Commitments 2005-2007 - Full Sources (PDF) Source: Manitoba Wildlands
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| US Drought Worst in History - Canada to Follow? | 14 November 07 |
 Millions of residents in southeastern United States are experiencing an epic drought the region has not experienced since officials began keeping records in the late 1800s.According to U.S. Drought Monitor data released October, 50 per cent of the southeastern U.S. is experiencing "extreme" drought conditions with 31 per cent reeling from "exceptional" conditions. Reservoirs and lakes in Georgia, Kentucky, Alabama, Tennessee, North and South Carolina have dried up, prompting some states to ship water in from other areas. Ground zero for the drought tightening its grip on the South is Lake Lanier, the Atlanta water source that's now a puddle surrounded by dusty red clay. Experts warn water resources will dry up in Atlanta in a matter of weeks, leaving 4 million residents in desperate need. Experts also warn of an escalating water crisis in Canada. According to a new report released by the Gordon Water Group - a consortium of former senior government officials, lawyers, scientists and policy experts - federal action on the Canada's vanishing fresh-water supply is urgently needed. View October 27, 2007 CTV article Watch November 6, 2007 CBC National feature View report, Changing the Flow: A Blueprint for Federal Action on Freshwater View October 21, 2007 New York Times article View November 8, 2007 Atlanta Business Chronicle article View November 8, 2007 Atlanta Journal-Constitution article Sources: CTV, Associated Press
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| Now or Never to Save Earth: UNEP | 14 November 07 |
 Earth's environment has tumbled downhill to the point where "humanity's very survival" is at stake, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).The Global Environment Outlook took five years and 388 scientists to produce. It was issued October 25th; 20 years after the World Commission on Environment and Development (Brundtland Commission) published 'Our Common Future', which urged a shift to "sustainable development." During those two decades, progress has been achieved on a few "straightforward" problems such as local air and water pollution, the new Outlook says. However the report concludes, "there are no major issues raised (in 'Our Common Future') for which the foreseeable trends are favourable. Failures include climate change, extinction of species, water shortages and destruction of ocean fish stocks." Further, the report urges world leaders to bring the environment "to the core of decision-making" to tackle the worsening crisis. "There have been enough wake-up calls since Brundtland. I sincerely hope (this) is the final one," UNEP executive director Achim Steiner said in London. The report's authors state their aim "is not to present a dark and gloomy scenario, but an urgent call for action." View October 2007 Decision-Makers' Summary for GEO-4 (PDF) View October 2007 report, Global Environment Outlook: Environment for Development (GEO-4) (PDF) View October 26, 2007 Spiegel Online International article View October 25, 2007 UNEP press release (PDF) View October 26, 2007 Toronto Star article View October 25, 2007 Agence France-Presse article Sources: Toronto Star, Spiegel Online International
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| Panel Rejects Nova Scotia Project | 14 November 07 |
 In another precedent setting decision, the joint review panel for the Whites Point Quarry and Marine Terminal Project in Digby County, Nova Scotia recommended the project not proceed, as it would lead to significant adverse effects on both the environment and communities.The Panel's review of core values advocated by the communities along Digby Neck and Islands, as well as community and government policy expectations, led to recognition that the community has an exceptionally strong and well-defined vision of its future. The Panel concluded construction of the industrial project would undermine community visions and expectations, and lead to irrevocable and undesired changes in quality of life. In addition, the Project would make little or no net contribution to sustainability. The Panel calls for a moratorium on future quarry proposals until Nova Scotia has a Coastal Development Policy. The decision follows on recent rejection of other industrial projects in Canada - either through environmental assessment or through the court system. View November 20, 2007 Canadian Press article View October 22, 2007 Whites Point Quarry and Marine Terminal Project Joint Panel Review release View November 1, 2007 NovaNewsNow.com article Visit Nova Scotia Environment and Labour - Joint Panel Review documents (Full Report and Executive Summary) Visit Stop Digby Neck Megaquarry website Sources: MiningWatch Canada, Joint Panel Review for the Whites Point Quarry and Marine Terminal Project, NovaNewsNow.com, Stop Digby Neck Megaquarry
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| Manitoba Wildlands Joins Climate Coalition | 06 November 07 |
 Manitoba Wildlands has joined a group of non-profit, civil society organizations across the western United States and Canadian provinces concerned about global warming. These organizations have come together to provide input and recommendations to signatories to the Western Climate Initiative (WCI) as they develop a greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions program.The group of non-governmental organizations (NOG) has articulated a set of principles to guide the WCI climate emissions reductions program. The principles include:
View October 19, 2007 letter to British Columbia's Government Climate Change Secretariat (PDF) View October 31, 2007 letter to Manitoba Premier Gary Doer and Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mines, Jim Rondeau (PDF) Source: WCI NGO Coalition
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| Canada Slammed for UN Aboriginal Rights Vote | 06 November 07 |
 Canada's vote against a United Nations Declaration of Aboriginal Rights was an "astonishing" move for a country that claims to be a model of tolerance and diversity, says UN Human Rights Commissioner Louise Arbour.A former Canadian Supreme Court justice and former UN war crimes prosecutor, Arbour called it a "very surprising position for Canada to take after not only years (but) decades of progressive involvement on that issue." Arbour's remarks came as she spoke at a conference organized by the Canadian Human Rights Commission. She cited Aboriginal rights as one example of a deeper malaise, suggesting her native country is flagging in its perceived role as an international peacemaker and honest broker on the world scene. She also cautioned that others see Canada as a country that's increasingly driven by its national self-interest in global affairs. View October 22, 2007 Reuters article View October 23, 2007 Toronto Star article View October 25, 2007 Winnipeg Sun editorial View the October 22, 2007 Canadian Press article View previous Manitoba Wildlands news items: September 18, 2007, August 15, 2007, December 18, 2006 Sources: Toronto Star, Canadian Press, Reuters
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| Manitoba and BC Sign MOU | 06 November 07 |
 Manitoba Premier Gary Doer and British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) October 23, 2007 that commits the two provinces to work together on a number of initiatives, including climate change. Elements of the MOU include:
In 2005, Manitoba emitted an estimated 20.30 megatonnes of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide an increase of 12 per cent since 1990. Meeting Kyoto targets, as promised by Premier Doer, means reducing 3.5 megatonnes of greenhouse gases inside Manitoba. View October 23, 2007 Manitoba-British Columbia press release View Manitoba-British Columbia MOU View October 24, 2007 Canadian Press article View October 23, 2007 Winnipeg Free Press article View October 24, 2007 Winnipeg Sun article View October 23, 2007 CBC News article Sources: Government of Manitoba, Government of British Columbia
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