Marine heatwaves a threat to B.C.’s shellfish industry says expert

By Mick Sweetman,  CHLY 101.7 FM Nanaimo, through an LJI grant from Canada-info.ca

This summer was hot, not only for us, but also for the life in our oceans as marine heatwaves swamped B.C’s coastal waters. According to researchers, sea temperatures off northeastern Vancouver Island reached 21 degrees Celsius in July, boiling kelp alive.

In the first week of August the average global sea surface temperature reached a record-breaking 30 degrees Celsius.

Continue reading Marine heatwaves a threat to B.C.’s shellfish industry says expert

The Quadra Project: “Damned Fools”

The mood in the U.S. Senate on June 23, 1988, was expectant and tense. A prominent scientist from NASA, Dr. James Hansen, was giving testimony about the condition of the world’s climate and the implications for both the United States and planet Earth as a consequence of continued global carbon dioxide emissions. His prognosis was serious and sobering. His evidence unequivocally supported the conclusion that the results would be a catastrophic rise in temperature, with a consequent melting of ice caps, an uncontrollable rise in sea levels, and widespread disruptions in normal weather as carbon dioxide levels rose. Other scientific evidence was equivocal, but Hansen argued that no other explanation but carbon dioxide emissions came “anywhere close” to explaining the existing weather anomalies.

Continue reading The Quadra Project: “Damned Fools”

Sept 28: Day of Action for Old Growth in Campbell River

Three years have passed since the BC government promised to implement the Old Growth Strategic Review, but many feel very little has been done. On September 28 concerned citizens will be protesting in front of constituency offices across the province.

The local protest will be in front of MLA Michele Babchuk’s office at 908 Island Highway, in Campbell River, from 11:30 to 12:30. 

Continue reading Sept 28: Day of Action for Old Growth in Campbell River

Max Thaysen: first two months with the North Island NDP Electoral District Association

There are 87 electoral district associations (EDAs) in BC, each one of which sends an MLA to the provincial Legislature. 

In July Max Thaysen was elected Vice President of the Executive Committee of the North Island NDP Electoral District Association.

Continue reading Max Thaysen: first two months with the North Island NDP Electoral District Association

How burnt out are our school teachers?

Editor’s note: While this is a report from the Sunshine Coast, one has to ask how applicable it is in other areas.

By Jordan Copp, Coast Reporter, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

In a survey of nearly 200 Sunshine Coast teachers, more than 45 per cent said their mental health is declining. 

Teachers Jacquie Shields and Alison Liddicoat said their goal is to alleviate some of the main stressors teachers face as they presented the survey findings at the SD46 board meeting on Sept. 13. 

Continue reading How burnt out are our school teachers?

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