Ahead of forecasted heavy rain, NYC Transit crews prep stations and ready work trains to assist in any weather-related issues. New York City, USA. Crédit : Ray Raimundi / MTA / https://climatevisuals.org/
November 8, 2024
I hope you will understand our silence in the past few months. We dealt with the end of our funding, securing new avenues to publish this year, the graduation of our precious collaborator Mélanie who now pursues her master at Université de Montréal (we’re so proud!), and our academic endeavours. The newsletter suffered a little, but we’re finally back! We even recruited two new writers, Claudia and Jia, which brings me so much joy.
Fall stated strong. I gave an interview to the TV show Découverte for a story about climate attribution. The research Brianna and I engage with shows that the media made the climate connection more than ever during their coverage of the exceptional wildfire season of 2024 in the country. We’re in the process of getting that study published, stay tuned.
Because we value solutions journalism, but also the solutions FOR journalism, I would like to give a shout out to the Committee to Protect Journalists. They announced an initiative to protect environmental reporters, who are attacked both online and in their physical integrity or even their lives. The environmental team at Radio-Canada also launched a page where they answer your questions about the climate.
Until the few exclusive stories we’re working on are ready, we picked the very best of the climate and environmental reporting we could find in the past few weeks. Here it is, I hope it will bring joy to your weekend.
Amélie
News
Your old phones, are they really recycled? Noovo revealed earlier this month how electronic waste is poorly stocked, posing a threat to the environment.
Climate change is taking its toll on Canada, which experienced a summer of record heat, explains CTV News. Canadian heat is impossible to ignore, as this year's Halloween temperatures broke records in Ontario and Quebec. The National Observer articulates the meteorological explanations for the record-breaking hurricane season in 2024.
NO also wrote about how, during a conference, the president of the Canadian Gas Association, Timothy Egan, called the transition away from fossil fuels a “cult-like” movement.
Solutions
Over the past month, two reports on environmental solutions have emerged, offering a glimmer of hope in the fight against climate change. La Presse published a four-part series titled “Penser l’écologie,” which ran from September to October. Each instalment focused on a distinct topic: Réapprendre à se sentir vivant, Voir le monde comme un beigne, Carboneutralité : êtes-vous sérieux ? and, Ceci n’est pas la fin du monde. Journalist Paul Journet uses essays and the insights of various thinkers to prompt reflection on the underlying causes of environmental issues, while also suggesting practical steps we can take moving forward.
The Globe and Mail also produced a great solutions piece this month, where they compared green energy between Alberta and Texas. This article explores how these two locations, often seen synonymized as reliant on oil, could reshape their energy landscapes. Jeremy Jones showcases the inspiring journey of Ranell Scott and her ranch, showing how some Texans are embracing the renewable energy industry, and a promising move toward a more sustainable future.
Local News
In October, Montreal opened its first organic waste treatment centre. The project, which has been in the works since 2009 has officially begun operating. The Montreal Gazette provides an in-depth look at how this new facility operates, which is designed to turn materials like banana peels and grass clippings into compost!
Indigenous News
The Narwhal has created a detailed and interactive report, highlighting a groundbreaking story in environmental and Indigenous initiatives. Located in Sachigo Lake First Nation, a new 1,800 km transmission line, valued at $2 billion, now delivers clean and reliable energy to 24 remote First Nations. Also, the Indigenous communities own 51% of Watay Power, making this the largest Indigenous-led infrastructure project in Canada.
Investigation
For many months, Swedish company Northvolt AB, has been in the news as many electric car and battery companies face mounting pressure from fluctuations in the demand for their vehicles. Northvolt announced a series of cost-cutting measures, including thousands of jobs in Sweden. This, combined with concerns of citizens and environmental groups over soil contamination at the Quebec plant has led The Rover to investigate one of the province’s largest private financial investments.
The Climate and the Media in Canada newsletter is brought to you by Concordia Journalism associate professor Amélie Daoust-Boisvert and her team. It’s made possible because of support from the Centre for Journalism Experimentation (JEX). Questions, feedback? Reach out at cmrconcordia@gmail.com
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This month, the newsletter is signed by Claudia Beaudoin, Jia Marguerite Schofer and Amélie Daoust-Boisvert. Brianna Losinger-Ross coordinated the publication. Editor-in-chief and editor is Amélie Daoust-Boisvert.