© Conservation Council of New Brunswick 2024
In this edition of EcoNews, we bring you the latest opportunity to add your voice for a better protected Acadian forest; we share our op-ed arguing it’s time to invest in proven renewables and energy efficiency, not risky small modular nuclear reactors; we let you know what the Auditor General says about forest management in New Brunswick; we invite you to an exciting upcoming art exhibition of works from our supporters who looked at the healing powers of nature; we share our recommendations to government for helping citizens and businesses transition to a cleaner energy future; and more.
New candidate areas for protection open for public comment
The provincial government has added new candidate areas to its online portal where New Brunswick citizens, Indigenous peoples, and conservation groups can nominate the natural places they love for protected areas status. This second round of public comments runs until March 31, 2021. Add your voice for a better protected Acadian forest today!
Op-ed: We risk false solutions and delayed action on climate change with Small Modular Nuclear Reactors
Premier Higgs recently announced a $20-million investment in ARC Canada’s small modular nuclear reactor technology. In this op-ed, our Climate Change and Energy Solutions team points out that New Brunswick has a history of wild-card investments that fail to deliver—and argues that now is the time to invest in proven methods for reducing carbon pollution and better protecting citizens’ health and safety: energy efficiency, clean and affordable renewable energy, and shifting to electric vehicles.
Then and Now: What the Auditor General says about forest management in N.B.
This week New Brunswick’s Auditor General released a follow-up to her 2015 report on forest management in the province. Back then, Kim Adair-MacPherson noted that the Department of Natural Resources and Energy Development has ignored numerous studies and recommendations over the years calling for a reduction of clearcutting on Crown land. In the six years since that report, has the Department acted on her recommendation to limit clearcutting in favour of selective and partial cuts?
Our recommendations to help citizens, businesses shift toward a sustainable clean energy future
The Conservation Council recently submitted a detailed proposal of recommendations to the provincial government on how carbon pricing revenue should be spent in 2021-22. The recommendations include options for reducing carbon pollution while helping citizens and businesses better prepare for a world moving toward decarbonization in the face of climate change.
From Harm to Harmony: Our art exhibition exploring the healing power of nature opens soon
Late last year we issued a call to Conservation Council supporters who wanted to participate in a unique project to create art that expressed their feelings about climate change and their hopes for action on climate solutions. We’re excited to showcase the powerful creations in an exhibition opening next month at the UNB Art Centre!
Risky investments do not reduce debt
Read our Climate Change and Energy Solutions Director’s response to the Auditor General’s report on NB Power’s debt, where Dr. Louise Comeau argues that risky investments in unproven small modular nuclear technology are not the answer for debt problems at our public utility.
We work hard to make sure a strong environmental voice is heard in the New Brunswick print, radio and television media. Here are the latest stories Conservation Council staff have been called upon for expertise, analysis and commentary: