© Conservation Council of New Brunswick 2024
In this edition of EcoNews, we bring you our reaction to Premier Higgs’ speculation around shale gas and LNG exports; we share with you the highlights from the latest compendium on hydraulic fracturing’s health and environmental risks; we call for Crown forestry reform and ecological forestry after a groundbreaking new study on bird population decline in N.B.; we show some love toward the unsung heroes of our ocean ecosystems; we give you the tools and tips you need to plant the best pollinator garden on the block—and more.
Renewable Energy Is The Future, Not Fossil Fuels
New Brunswick’s leadership has been lacking a certain forward-thinking inspiration of late: talking of ripping up the shale gas moratorium, trying to renew an aging nuclear power plant, wanting to resurrect an LNG export pipe dream, and wasting money on small modular nuclear reactors. This week we spoke out to remind Premier Higgs and NB Power that we need to stop looking backwards for solutions and instead move forward with an affordable, reliable and sustainable electricity system based on renewables and energy efficiency.
No Evidence Fracking Can Be Done Safely: Physicians For Social Responsibility
In the wake of Premier Higgs’ speculation this week that New Brunswick should end its moratorium on shale gas fracking and build an LNG export terminal in Saint John, we took a look at the latest science on the safety of hydraulic fracturing—courtesy of the Physicians for Social Responsibility’s eighth Compendium of Scientific, Medical and Media Findings Demonstrating The Risks and Harms of Fracking. The compendium, released last month, shows that the moratorium in N.B. remains the right public policy decision to protect people’s drinking water, air quality and health and safety in the face of climate change.
Clearcutting And Softwood Plantations “Smoking Gun” Of New Brunswick’s Bird Population Decline
New research led by New Brunswick-born Dr. Matthew Betts shows that N.B. forestry companies’ decades-long practice of clearcutting natural forest and replacing it with massive softwood plantations is driving significant declines in the province’s bird populations. The research estimates up to 104 million birds have been lost in Atlantic Canada’s Acadian Forest between 1985 to 2020 due to old-fashioned silviculture practices. Dr. Betts’ research further reinforces our call to reform New Brunswick’s outdated management regime toward ecological forestry.
Nuclear Commission Must Reject Unprecedented 25-Year Renewal For Lepreau
We’re standing with Indigenous leaders and nuclear safety experts who are calling for Canada’s nuclear energy regulator to reject NB Power’s request for an unprecedented 25-year operating renewal for the Point Lepreau generating station. The provincial government and NB Power must position New Brunswick’s economy to meet future energy needs at home and globally by investing in offshore wind, generating green hydrogen and renewable fuels, and electrifying our own energy system through renewables and energy efficiency.
Protecting The Unsung Heroes Of The Ocean
Often ‘upstaged’ in the public eye by their larger, more charismatic marine neighbours, forage fish—such as alewife, mackerel, and the school of Atlantic herring shown above—are critical to the health of our ocean ecosystem. Learn more about these critical species and what we and our allies are doing to protect and restore their population in New Brunswick’s marine waters.
Take #NoMowMay One Step Further This Spring With A Pollinator Garden!
Just because you’re helping our friendly bumblebees fill their empty bellies after a hard winter, doesn’t mean you have to put your love for gardening and landscaping on hold. Giving your lawnmower a break this month is only the first step. Now comes the fun part: planting a collection of beautiful, native wildflowers for your very own pollinator garden!
Upcoming Events
Sunday, May 15, 2022: Join us at Conserver House (180 St. John Street, Fredericton) to launch the Beehive Collective’s new book, The True Cost of Coal. Learn more here.
Tuesday, May 24, 2022: Attend our upcoming webinar with Dr. Louise Comeau presenting the findings of our latest research on the factors affecting social acceptance of renewable energy and transmission projects. Register here.
We work hard to ensure a strong environmental voice is heard in the New Brunswick print, radio and television media. Click the link below for the latest stories Conservation Council staff have been called upon for expertise, analysis and commentary, including: panning Higgs’ shale gas speculation; calling for ecological forestry in wake of groundbreaking new bird population study; and, just transition for N.B.’s coal workers.