In response to extended pollination seasons driven by climate change, researchers from the United States and France have developed an advanced computational model to examine how tree geometry influences the dispersion of airborne pollen grains.
Government in order to sell the idea, typically euphemizes “infill” as “gentle density”, but when applied as it is without protections for the natural environment and habitat, it is nothing other than another manifestation of the ‘Shock... Read more
In February, the New Westminster City Council became the 12th BC community to support a proposed class-action lawsuit seeking to recover a share of climate-related costs from global fossil fuel companies. Local residents and young people played a pivotal role in... Read more
“The world is caught again in the bloody tangle of war, fossil fuels and climate change,” writes Chris Hatch in a recommended piece this week in Canada’s National Observer. The unintended dominoes are falling. As in the past, it appears this war will last much longer... Read more
Valhalla Wilderness Society (VWS) is campaigning in support of three proposed parks for the Inland Temperate Rainforest—the result of 25 years of research: the Rainbow-Jordan Wilderness, the Selkirk Mountains Ancient Forest and Quesnel Lake Wilderness. The aim is to... Read more
New Video from Jennifer Houghton Jennifer’s videos are always worth the watch. She simplifies, clarifies and takes a scalpel to the policies and words of the Ministry of “Forests and Corporate Logging”. In this latest 12-minute video she cuts to the chase:... Read more
It’s been an ongoing theme on CRD Watch, and in my writings that Post-Secondary Institutions on Southern Vancouver Island, shackled to the unsustainability of ecology destroying growth-based capitalism and a government also under its shackles, in particular to the... Read more
Last week, I discussed a couple of recent global-level reports that identify serious problems with our current economic system. In particular, the UN Environment Programme, in its 2026 report…
Environment groups comprising the Clayoquot Sound Conservation Alliance (CSCA) condemn the recent permits issued by the BC NDP provincial government to clear forest and build exploratory drill pads…
METCHOSIN, BC (Mar 3, 2026) – Along the Pacific Flyway, where millions of birds travel north and south each year, a 21-hectare property in Metchosin has now been permanently protected by BC Parks Foundation. The acquisition was made possible by support from the Wilson... Read more
In a recent article in the Hill Times, I noted that while Prime Minister Mark Carney was right to identify a rupture in the world in his Davos speech, he focused on the wrong rupture. The rupture he focused on — the geopolitical state of the world — is a minor inconvenience compared to the drastic impact…
Thanks to the efforts of the Peninsula Biosolids Coalition, a non-profit citizen’s group, plus numerous individuals, businesses and other proponents for integrated resource management (including Creatively United for the Planet Society), the CRD is now... Read more
The University of Sussex, UK has created a comprehensive guide to delivering rights-based protection for trees, woodlands and forests. Read more here Read more
The Blue Water Task Force (BWTF), Surfrider South Vancouver Island’s volunteer-run water testing education and advocacy program, aims to promote environmental stewardship and ensure safe and healthy access to coastal habitats. We sample water from more than 15... Read more
Last year, Surfrider SVI identified PVC pollution near Victoria beaches and storm drains caused by the outdoor dry cutting of PVC pipes during construction. PVC is one of the most toxic forms of plastics, comprising up to 60% known carcinogens and endocrine... Read more
If you are passionate about wild animals and their welfare, want to invest 2-4 hours a week from April to September, and don’t mind cleaning up the odd animal mess, you may be exactly what the BC SPCA’s Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre (Wild ARC) in Metchosin, BC... Read more
The majestic Garry oaks at 4015 Braefoot Rd. in Saanich, British Columbia, are at critical risk. Over 100 of these magnificent trees, stand on the property; many have done so for centuries These trees are not just flora; they are vital keystone components of the... Read more
The majestic Garry oaks at 4015 Braefoot Rd. in Saanich, British Columbia, are at critical risk. Over 100 of these magnificent trees, stand on the property; many have done so for centuries. These trees are not just flora, they are vital keystone components of the... Read more
In the morning hours of Feb 19, 2026, tree cutting trucks towing wood chippers behind them made their way into the vicinity of Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park, which is managed by the CRD. In the evening, I approached what looked like a funeral.... Read more
Dear Premier Eby, Ordinarily I would be classified as a natural strong supporter of an NDP government, given the claim of the party to represent the interests of the working classes and those disadvantaged by the prevailing economic system and cultural biases. I had a... Read more
The Tongass National Forest in Alaska is the largest National Forest in North America. It covers nearly 17 million acres and makes up a significant part of the world’s temperate forests. I’m reaching out to share a documentary project that needs support. The... Read more
Teal Cedar is seeking approval for Cut Block 56684 8027 in Pacheedaht territory, an old growth clearcut just 30 metres from the Fairy Creek ridgeline, along with the construction of a new logging road into ancient forests. This proposal threatens to log millennia-old... Read more
A big shout out to Carl Olsen and all the people who have come out in support of protecting and preserving Goldstream Park and for the Vic News for sharing this “good news” story. Read more
Secret #1: Humans are a cooperative species Secret #2: Self-Importance is the Enemy of Kindness Secret #3: We are a Part of Nature Every breath we take, every thing we feel, Every hope we hold, every wound that heals. Every birth that starts, every death that ends, We... Read more
It may still be chilly outside, but February is heating up with several opportunities to voice your support for wild lives and wild places. Below, we list 7 ways you can take action: from submitting public comments on wolf, bear, and caribou hunting, to signing... Read more
Compiled by Guy Dauncey, author of The Economics of Kindness: The End of Capitalism, the Birth of a New Ecological Civilization Palgrave/Macmillan, Spring 2026 This list illustrates the deep, persistent desire by so many people to create a new kind of economy, one in... Read more
As readers of this column know, I often refer to a piece of wisdom put forth by the World Wide Fund for Nature in 2014: “Ecosystems sustain societies that create economies. It does not work any other way round.”
Your voice is a key part of making water rates fair and protecting BC’s watersheds. Tell decision-makers that British Columbians care about clean water and strong, sustainable funding for our watersheds. Budget day is Feb. 17th. Talking points appear after you click... Read more
“SAFT is group of leading forest ecologists/forest practitioners advocating for both legislative/policy and forest practices changes in B.C. The forest industry to date has largely been one of unsustainable resource extraction and conversion of primary forests... Read more
Robert Reich is right. In a recent Substack post he laid out how tariffs, monopolies, and corporate power are driving up the cost of living for ordinary people. Much of what we call “inflation” is not an economic inevitability, but the result of policy choices that... Read more
Water is life and we desperately need to keep land for nature reserves. Please lend your support for Hamilton Marsh, the largest wetland between Nanaimo, Cumberland, and Port Alberni – located just minutes from the Town of Qualicum Beach by donating or writing a... Read more
Largely lost in the flurry of pre-Christmas distractions was a Dec. 10 announcement from the Greater Victoria Naturehood that the Capital Regional District board had approved a staff recommendation to prepare nomination documents designating Greater Victoria a UNESCO urban biosphere region.
In response to the City of Victoria offering public input (until Jan. 23) on their draft budget, Creatively United has drafted this response. The public is encouraged to use this information to let the City of Victoria know that natural solutions, like trees, are an... Read more
Two independent scientists in British Columbia, Dr. Suzanne Simard and Dr. Rachel F. Holt have prepared a quick and simple petition to lend support for our forests. Dr. Suzanne Simard is the author of the acclaimed book Finding the Mother Tree: Uncovering the Wisdom... Read more
If in doubt as to the value of every tree left standing, please take a moment to watch and share this informative 6-minute video made by the Halifax parks department: A Tree for All Trades. This film makes clear the fact that large, mature trees are exponentially more... Read more
Letters to Government – Action on Urban Forest and Climate-ready housing and Communities Thank you for taking action for our shared well-being! Find contact information for key government contacts here. SECTION 1 – Letter to Mayor and Council re... Read more
The North Coast Tanker Ban is there for a reason: to keep Coastal Communities safe What you can do to Defend the North Coast Tanker Ban and Protect B.C.’s Coast Context B.C. communities and The B.C. Government and Coastal First Nations have voiced strong... Read more
Fifty years ago, BC took a bold step to save our islands from “exploitation by real-estate developers and speculators,”* passing the Islands Trust Act, with its famous mandate “to preserve and protect” the Trust Area. Most islanders know that... Read more
Ella Stream in Critical Danger: When asked if the District of Sooke had discussions with the Federal Government about damage or potential damage to the Ella Stream and its environs, Sooke’s CAO, initially confirmed that conversations between the District and the Feds... Read more
How can communities in B.C. grow and create new housing options while maintaining public safety and quality of life in the face of climate change and the biodiversity crisis? How do we create climate-ready housing and climate-ready neighbourhoods that are resilient to... Read more
Sunday, December 21, 4:30-6:30 pm, Church of Truth, 111 Superior St. Agenda: 4:30 pm: Doors open 4:45-5 pm: Introduction to the gathering’s purpose and intention 5-5:15 pm: World Meditation Day silent meditation. For 15 minutes we will join globally with an... Read more
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and the federal government have outlined a deal that will pave the way for a dirty tar sands pipeline from Alberta to the BC coast — without Indigenous consent and threatening our oceans, wildlife, rivers, and forests. The last time an... Read more
With your help, 12,000 community members have already taken action against any future pipelines – but we can’t let up the pressure now. Look up your MP and send them a personal email urging them to oppose any new tar sands pipelines or tanker expansion, and... Read more
I have watched the film If the Owl Calls Your Name and have been watching the people from the film speak over the last few days. It is profound. And it is about us – Canada. It even talks about the protest for the forest and the pipeline. It is not like many other... Read more
British Columbia is home to the greatest biodiversity in Canada, including the highest number of species at risk; The province is one of the few in Canada without a stand-alone law to protect endangered species; Habitat loss, climate change, and decades of... Read more
Another COP, another cop-out! As anyone who pays the slightest attention to the news must know by now, COP30, the annual global climate change jamboree — this year in Belem, Brazil — ended, yet again, more with a whimper than a bang.
It is said that, during the First World War, French prime minister Georges Clemenceau remarked that generals always prepare to fight the last war. Regrettably, it seems that this also applies to governments trying to manage our society.
Here is my request to council to support the continuation of the Oil Tanker Moratorium Act. It would be helpful if you would take a moment to send a note to your council, Metchosin or other, with the same request. Dear Mayor and Council, and Admin. staff, Re: Oil... Read more
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJx5luCX7xc Many close friends in Victoria love Goldstream Park with its majestic forest and river ecosystem. (Its original name is SELEKTEL in WSÁNEĆ.) Friends carry an understanding about this region as being part of the WSÁNEĆ... Read more
Prime Minister Mark Carney wants Canada to be an energy superpower, including in “conventional energy” (read fossil fuels). Far from being the climate-action champion we expected him to be, he seems to have swallowed his principles…
