Column: Life, change, kindness, tao
Arc CC Two-hundredth Arc demands big thoughts, serious topics “It’s a little embarrassing that after 45 years of research and study, the best advice I can give people is to be a little kinder to each other.” — Aldous Huxley** I feel the embarrassment of Huxley, today. I’ve been writing this column for more than […]
Column: Natural world improves health and well-being
A major initiative in the U.K. has confirmed what many studies have found: spending time in nature is good for you! The government-supported project helped more than 8,000 people in England connect with nature through outdoor walks, community gardening, tree planting and wild swimming. According to the Guardian, “The results showed that after taking part […]
Column: To turn away from a sixth mass extinction
Paradigm shift needed to address climate change, biodiversity loss Much of the focus in trying to address climate breakdown is rightly on reducing emissions from burning gas, oil and coal. But an equally critical part of the equation is halting and reversing rampant destruction of the natural world. Whether or not you believe our planet […]
Column: Protecting polluters, punishing protestors
This summer, five climate activists in the U.K. were sentenced to four and five years in jail for taking part in nonviolent actions. Their sentences are considerably longer than those recently handed down to people convicted of participating in violent racism-fuelled riots in the U.K., which were on average two years, with some escaping jail […]
Fossil fuel subsidies cost Canadians a lot more money than the carbon tax
[Editor’s Note: The article below focuses on the federal carbon pricing system; please be aware that in BC, the Province runs its own carbon pricing system, but the carbon price for each is the same, and both the federal and the BC systems have rebates – paid quarterly – to benefit low-income and medium-income households. […]
Column: Truth in Advertising
The fossil fuel industry has made a lot of false or misleading claims over the years: burning the fuels doesn’t cause climate change, there’s no viable replacement for them, “natural” gas is a climate solution, coal power can be “clean,” carbon capture and storage will make oilsands bitumen climate-friendly… But a new rule requiring industry […]
Column: Undeniable economic case for climate action
Working to resolve the climate crisis is a tremendous economic opportunity. Even normally conservative organizations such as the International Monetary Fund agree that the benefits far outweigh the costs. Of course, the global consumer-based capitalist system encourages waste and destructive practices in the name of financial gain, so the necessary transformational change really requires a […]
MP Cannings speaks to capital gains taxes
Despite doing everything right, most Canadians are struggling —struggling to find a home they can afford and facing the rising costs of groceries and the price of gas at the pumps. All while massive wealth is accumulating in the hands of the very few. I’ve talked in some of my columns about measures the NDP […]
Column: Parsing one of British history's powerful figures
A History Maker, observed The true test of character is not adversity. It is possession of power. Give someone power and watch what they do. — anonymous proverb If anyone whatsoever think the interest of Christians and the interest of the nation inconsistent, or two different things, I wish my soul may never enter into […]
Letter: The Heroes of Normandy
To The Editor: Death struck deeply into those who waded ashore on June 6, 1944. Struggling to quickly move from their landing craft to the sand of Normandy beach. Burdened by the heavy weight of their equipment, and the sights and sounds around them. Before them lay a terrifying array of obstacles waiting to trap, […]