We work hard to ensure a strong environmental voice is heard in New Brunswick’s print, radio and television media. Last year, our staff appeared in the media more than 50 times to shed light on ongoing environmental issues and success in New Brunswick. Here are some of the biggest stories Conservation Council staff have been called upon for expertise, analysis and commentary this year:
Oct. 7 | During the provincial election, we urged political parties to recognize climate action as essential to addressing dominate issues like affordability and health care. Danielle Smith, our director of climate engagement and campaigns, told the CBC that the impacts of climate change — such as rising insurance claims, heat-related illnesses and energy costs — are directly linked to personal health and economic challenges. Read the story.
Aug. 20 | What will it take for New Brunswick to learn a costly lesson and finally say no to more nuclear power? Point Lepreau, Atlantic Canada’s only nuclear power station, shut down again this year, costing nearly $1 million per day. Our director of climate solutions, Dr. Moe Qureshi, told Canada’s National Observer that relying on this expensive technology makes no sense when cheaper, reliable options like wind and solar exist. Read more.
July 1 | The federal government has moved to ban open net-pen salmon farming in British Columbia by 2029. Following the announcement, our marine director, Matt Abbott, spoke to the CBC, highlighting the significant impacts of this industry in New Brunswick. Despite support from the provincial government, Matt continues to advocate for a transition to closed-containment, land-based salmon farming. The problems of sea lice, disease and interbreeding between farm and wild salmon remain critical issues that have not been adequately addressed. Read the story.
June 17 | “Even if the province disagrees with the carbon tax, I do think it’s their responsibility to present the information as accurately and as transparently as possible.” That’s what Dr. Qureshi told the CBC after the provincial government launched a misleading web page about the federal carbon charge in the summer.
The website exaggerated the costs that consumers are likely to experience this year and failed to mention the rebates that Canadians receive through the pricing system. The New Brunswick government has a responsibility to tell the public the truth about the carbon price, Dr. Qureshi said, not to play misleading politics. Read the story.
May 28 | New Brunswick’s biggest greenhouse gas emitters are blowing past their emissions caps. However, as Dr. Qureshi told the CBC, the industrial carbon tax means these big industries now have to pay for pollution, incentivizing them to make changes. Read more.
April 3 | Dr. Qureshi explains to CBC’s Information Morning that climate change is fuelling the affordability crisis — not the carbon charge. Low-income households, Dr. Qureshi explains, benefit financially from this pollution pricing system. Listen to the interview.
March 5| In this spectacular story by Hakai Magazine, Matt Abbott, our director of marine conservation, briefly explains some of the work behind a decade of Indigenous-led restoration on the Skutik — a huge win for freshwater protection in New Brunswick. Read the story.
Feb. 20| In February, our executive director, Beverly Gingras, wrote a letter to the provincial government urging faster and more transparent action to complete New Brunswick’s water strategy following a provincial review of the plan. That review failed to outline promised plans to keep old medications that often get flushed down the toilet into New Brunswick’s waters. However, not long after, the Health Products Stewardship Association announced a program to return old pills and medical sharps to pharmacies. Find out more.
Feb. 13| We all know about the threat posed by climate change. While this is covered extensively, we often don’t get to see the wins made in the fight to keep our planet healthy. Dr. Qureshi spoke with the CBC to share some of these encouraging stories about how we tackle climate change in local communities. Listen to the interview.
Jan. 21| Dr. Qureshi explains why New Brunswick needs to continue to invest in energy efficiency programs to help homes lower their power bills as N.B. Power looks to increase power rates this year. Read the story.
This story was brought to Nouzie by RSS. The original post can be found on https://www.conservationcouncil.ca/econews-special-giving-tuesday-edition/
