Celebrate Earth Week by taking action
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- Published on Sunday, 29 November -0001 16:00
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Donate today! Dear Paov,
We’re just days away from Earth Day 2022. And with all of the urgent concerns facing the planet right now, it may be tough to think of reasons to celebrate.
But it’s not all doom and gloom – there are legal solutions on the horizon that can help us make progress on some of our big environmental challenges, from reducing oil and gas emissions, to fixing BC’s mining laws, to ending environmental racism in Canada. Read on for updates on a few of these solutions, including ways you can show support.
Negative Emissions Technologies (NETs) like direct air capture have attracted a lot of buzz in recent climate news. Check out our latest report, Net Zero or Net Reckless, where we identify key principles for the limited use of these technologies in Canada, and their associated risks.Don't have time to go over the full report? Take a look at our Executive Summary. Why we need a law to keep oil and gas emissions from wrecking Canadian climate targets
Canada has missed every single climate target that it has set for itself – and the out-sized influence of our oil and gas industry plays a major role. Since voluntary commitments haven't worked, it’s time to put a legislated cap on industry emissions.Learn more about why an oil and gas emissions cap is needed, what that cap should look like, and how you can help make it a reality. Modernizing BC’s mineral tenure legislation in the wake of its colonial harm
Following litigation launched by Gitxaała Nation and repeated calls for reform, the BC government has finally committed to modernize the Mineral Tenure Act. As the province begins this much-needed overhaul, BC must confront the colonial legacy of its mineral tenure regime. Staff Lawyer Gavin Smith delves into the tangled history of colonialism and mining laws in BC, and the tough work ahead to fix this broken system. We must address environmental racism in Canada: Support Bill C-226
Canada can no longer delay action to address environmental racism, which continues to affect BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of colour) communities and their health. Now, the federal government is considering new legislation that would take important first steps to put Canada on the path to environmental justice. You can help by telling your MP to support Bill C-226! Read more and take action today. Restoring Sumas Lake is an important step in BC flood recovery, climate adaptation and reconciliation
Before making major investments in flood recovery in the Fraser Valley, governments in BC must reflect on the best way forward. A recent op-ed in the Globe and Mail by West Coast and the Lower Fraser Working Group makes the case for a bold solution – restoring Semá:th (Sumas) Lake through a managed retreat.Check out the article to see why this approach makes economic sense, and respects Indigenous knowledge and water's agency to flow – working with nature (not against) for climate resilience and reconciliation.
Every day is Earth Day at West Coast Environmental Law. We depend on people like you to allow our work to become a reality through the power of law. Will you make a small donation today to help protect and defend our communities for generations to come?
