Eco protection events worth your attention

Posted on by Patton Freeman

Climate change is rapidly affecting countries the world over. The greenhouse effect is increasing with the passage of time. Different parts of the world are predicted to receive severe weather changes which are perilous for the world environment. The eco-protection is something that is highly discussed topic in Canada. There are many organizations like Environment Canada which is working to make sure that the correct predictions regarding weather are made. This will allow the country to experience less severe climate changes. In addition to such organizations, there are many events which are carried out in Canada to protect the ecosystem of the country. Such events also make sure that awareness is created among the general public. There are many websites which publish the calendars to make sure that the environment enthusiasts attend these events regularly.

Learning the language of nature

This event is held in Vernon BC each year and there are many eco-related issues which are considered in this regard. The ecosystem cannot sustain without water and this event ensures that the water security is taught to the participants. Common people do not know how to use the wild plants. This event taught them a lot about this idea. The non-toxic materials are produced by nature as a byproduct of different processes. The event lets the participants use such materials for the benefit of nature. In short, it is a high-end event which is a must for the people concerned about the environment.

Clean energy conference and exhibition

There are certain products which can emit clean energy. These products are highly advanced and therefore are always advised in order to save the nature. The subjected conference makes sure that such products are promoted to the common users. The inventors of these products are also invited to explain clean energy and how it can benefit the nature. The processes which are applied to make the products are also unveiled so that mass scale production can be started of the product which benefits the ecosystem the most. The different delegates also interact with each other to share the knowledge with other for the benefit of their companies.

Earthen floor workshop

The earthen floor is a very nice experience. The workshop ensures that the users get to know the natural ingredients which can be used to create the earthen floor at very low costs. This mixes soil and other natural ingredients to get the work done. Such floors also require upgrade and maintenance so such issues are also addressed keenly. A huge variety is presented to the public to choose from. It is highly visited workshop and therefore recommended to all.

Jog for the bog

Jogging for nature is the core idea of this event. It is held every year on the international bog day. The beauty of the bogs is also discussed and presented to the participants. It is a known fact that the bogs are in danger. Jog for the bog is an effort to minimize the risk to the bogs and it is highly advised to all.

Coordination between environmental policy makers and engineers is essential, for real

Posted on by Kev Davidson

Who could imagine that smart energy infrastructure could bring waste while it is supposed to save natural resources and eventually deliver certain monetary value to the state economy? Turns out when handled badly, the cure only leads to pain. According to the latest statistics provided by the fair-minded community of local engineers known as the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers, clean electricity in the amount worth of $1 billion was wasted in Ontario last year, which represents a major loss. The problem occurred due to many factors, mostly related to the technology applied and the bodies responsible for corresponding decision making.

Until now, the province’s generators have been working by the ‘curtailment’ principle, meaning that the moment excessive energy is produced, in other words, not used in any way (consumed by province citizens, exported), it should be dumped by halting the whole hydro system: dams stop water redirection, wind turbines make no moves, nuclear generators produce no steam to be processed and condensed.  The process seems to be quite easy to maintain if the authorities in charge make timely decisions. Otherwise, the cleanest generator of power in Ontario will literally waste sources, which has already taken place for several years in a row. In 2015, 4.8 terawatt hours of clean energy got misused in Ontario, in 2016 the waste amount increased by 58%. In this regard, the importance of mvning business online increases. It is easier in entertainment industry – in Canada, for instance, such places as casinos can operate effectively even in web.

Currently, all the tech decisions connected to Ontario hydro system are made by the local political authorities, who only involve engineers during the project implementation and not at the stage of the project assessment or decision making, which turns out to be late for issues prevention.

Todd Smith, one of the leading Conservative energy critics, made a point about long time ignorance of the expert opinion by the government, going further about the Green Energy Act introduced in Ontario in 2009, a highly controversial piece of legislation related to the production of renewable energy. The politician is convinced that engineers should get more involved in energy infrastructure maintenance and have more influence on the corresponding decisions and policy making. In addition, Smith shared the Tories’ plan to focus on the hydro system issues already at the end of 2017.

In response to the opposing claim, a spokesman for Canadian Minister of energy Colin Nekolaichuk noted the rejection of the government plan about the 25% hydro rate contraction by Tories, who did not suggest any alternative. He also added that Canadian government has always been in close cooperation with different stakeholders and organizations engaged in the important economy and ecology decisions.

While the government forces discuss political issues and share responsibilities, the clean energy goes down the drain. In 2016, Ontario lost 7.6 terawatt-hours of clean hydro, which could be used to power 760,000 homes. Furthermore, Ontario province exports huge volumes of energy to the neighboring districts at a price lower than the production costs, which results in another item of expenditure. The amount of irrationally exported energy equals to the sources enough to power over 2 million homes. Obviously, for now the hydro generator system brings more wastes than benefits to the local economy.

Advancement of Environment Assessment processes in Canada – have your say!

Posted on by Kendrick Kynaston

While the latest version of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA) dating back to 2012 has proved to be inefficient so far, a panel of experts in ecology launched a high-level public review session in order to analyze the current state of the assessment processes in Canada and suggest some ways of optimization to turn Environmental Assessment into a truly powerful decision making tool. Unfortunately, now this system does not achieve its initial goals to bring value to the Canadian economy, society and, what’s more, environment itself due to the lack of practical information to be used during creation of state policies and programs that somehow deal with ecology (e.g. pipeline approvals).

According to the Government of Canada, the EA review results will help to build new processes based on such essential parameters as scientific research, respectful relations with the Indigenous peoples and the action items related to environmental protection. Not only will this lead to priceless ecological benefits, but will eventually influence the rate of economic growth through smart resources’ mining and safe infrastructure establishment. The idea is to replace CEAA with a new environmental law covering the items of sustainable development. In addition, the advanced assessment processes are to become more democratic due to the involvement of citizens who will get an opportunity to express their individual opinions on the matter and directly send corresponding suggestions instead of gathering at the street meetings and going to court. In the end, the ongoing environmental reforms are to bring such values as free public participation in law discussions, transparent and easily available information, equality in decision-making and sustainability.

Preparation for the wide-scale review of Environment Assessment processes started in May 2016 when the experts from all over Canada met at the Federal EA Reform Summit in Ottawa. The review itself was launched in September 2016 and guided by the 4-person Expert Panel led by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, which organized a special tour across Canada held in forms of various workshops and public gatherings, including meetings with Indigenous groups. People were granted numerous opportunities to express their views both in person and online.All in all, the Experts visited 21 cities, reviewed more than 500 online suggestions. In addition, the Panel was advised by a Multi-Interest Advisory Committee, consisting of the representatives from Indigenous organizations and various industrial associations.

By the end of March 2017, the Expert Panel submitted their final review report, also containing some recommendations and practical guidelines to be applied during formation of the new law. Canadians were welcome to submit their comments and suggestions that will be considered alongside the report results by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

What is happening now?

Until August 28thCanadians are welcome to read the discussion paper that summarizes some action items suggested by the government in terms of environmental assessment processes and new legislation.  Here you can submit your feedbacks, comments and suggestions that will be then taken into consideration by the Government of Canada and CEAA, still supporting the whole optimization process. Do not stay out of the process, express your thoughts and participate in the creation of the sustainable future for Canada!

Canadians aim to monetize on ecotourism: popular and safe

Posted on by Aldous Nielson

 

As people travel more and more in the 21st century, at some point it feels boring to simply raise your feet on another beach somewhere in Europe or visit a hundredth museum in a row. Escaping from the city vibes in search of some extraordinary experience, many travellers have now turned to ecotourism: visiting natural areas attempting to leave the minimum carbon footprint (for example through getting to the point by boats instead of fueled transport), therefore preserving the natural integrity. In most cases, the ecotourism destinations are not adapted to host guests at all, which is why visitors have to literally survive there on their own.

Being a second country in the world in terms of physical size and vasting on tremendous lands, Canada can offer a lot of places of interest to ecotourists – let it be natural ecotourism or the ecotourism based on studying cultures of the local aborigines. A country with numerous untouched spots and breathtaking views, Canada is keen on nature conservation through development of ecotourism on the large territories of wilderness, which is actively supported by the government and local tourist communities.

The Northwest territories near Great Slaves Lake and those close to Ramparts River were one of the first government-claimed spots to be preserved. At the end the 1990s business activists from several countries introduced several initiatives to make money on ecotourism in the Arctic regions. Soon Canada joined Sustainable Model of Arctic Regions Tourist, founded by Finland and Alaska in 2002 and also known as SMART. Since then, a few ecotourism sites were cultivated thanks to join efforts of the Canadian government authorities, naturalists and volunteers. As a result, there is a variety of destinations to enjoy the excitement of Canadian eco-adventures:

Ocean kayaking

If you ever happen to be somewhere near Nova Scotia, you definitely have to go kayaking along its eastern coast. There you will have a chance to literally face the islands’ nature together with the local habitats – ospreys and seals.

Exploring geology rocks

The Bonnechere caves in the Ottawa Valley will attract those captivated by ancient history: the caves are dated back to more than 510-million-year-ago times associated with the seas covering the Earth, which allows to get acquainted with all those geological structures.

Discovering the lifestyle of Alberta’s cowboy trail

This relatively famous Canadian site is situated close to the Rocky Mountains, to the south of Calgary, and lies along the villages of Black Diamond and Bragg Creek. Here you will have a unique opportunity to study the authentic rancho life through taking a horse ride, trying cowboy coffee and even listening to cowboy poems. By the way close to here you will find a UNESCO site related to head-smashedd-in-buffalo-jumps, widely used by ancient people – definitely worth a visit.

Taking another horseback ride to Muskwa-Kechika

This challenging-to-access Canadian region is famous for strict monitoring of the resources extraction, added by serious environmental protective measures. In return, people are able to see truly preserved and authentic nature – clear rivers, valleys and mountain ranges, where wildlife is on the surface. The best way to explore this part of Northern British Columbia is on horseback, which requires certain fitness level and some sort of horse management skills.

These are far from all the ecotourism attractions that Canada can offer, you can google more! At the same time, a lot of places might be still off the map because of the poorly developed infrastructure. However, this may not stop some of you from being a true ecotourist.