What we’re reading

• Dismayed about lack of action for old-growth forests, all five members of B.C.’s 2021 panel appointed to map old growth sent a letter to Premier Eby warning his government is failing to save them. Read about it in the CBC.
• “These permits undermine the tireless work of generations who have defended rainforests, clean water and salmon to support prosperity without industrial exploitation.” The Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation near Tofino, B.C., says it’s frustrated and angry after the B.C. government issued more than 30 mineral exploration permits in its territory. Learn more here.
• Good news, the Federal Court of Appeal has upheld the decision to keep salmon farms out of B.C.’s Discovery Islands. Sierra Club BC extends a big thank you to First Nations leadership and several organizations involved in this court case. Read about it via the CBC.
• While politicians argue, First Nations are growing B.C.’s economy by protecting the environment. Job creation, tax revenue, small business support: why don’t politicians value the economic benefits of environmental protection? Read this excellent analysis by Michelle Cyca from the Narwhal.
• Canada’s plan to more than double nature protection is creating thousands of jobs, a new report says, with the potential for billions of dollars more in tourism and hospitality revenues if the government continues funding conservation. Learn more here.
• Want to get more insights into B.C.’s latest forestry review? We recommend this great analysis by Zoë Yunker in The Tyee.
• Good news for the old-growth forest and salmon in Goldstream Provincial Park (SELE₭TEȽ), the province has decided not to proceed with highway shoulder widening. This win is only possible thanks to First Nations leadership (particularly the WSANEC Leadership Council) and community advocates. Learn more via the Times Colonist.
• Local governments across Canada are facing a wave of “larger scale conspiracy theories” overwhelming council meetings. This has led some politicians to avoid mentioning climate change altogether for fear of provoking a backlash. Yet, research shows 42 per cent of Canadians think about addressing climate change at least weekly, and yet they believe only 26 per cent of their neighbours do the same. Learn more via the National Observer.
• New B.C.-focused climate polling is out: 78% of people worry about climate change, 79% want the B.C. government to take climate action. Read about it here.