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Welcome to the WE-CAN Climate News Roundup
Your Primary Source for CLIMATE NEWS
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Stay Connected. Be Inspired. Get Involved.
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Top Story
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Imagine a Community Listening Technique that can Heal Division
From George Monbiot, The Guardian: In my constituency, volunteers chat with people in deprived areas. The results are exhilarating. I’ve been following the work of a remarkable group called Common Ground. It’s not attached to any party, but seeks to counteract division and create “a longing for kindness”. Its annual budget is under £400. Instead of going to people’s doors, the volunteers set up a board in a busy street and begin by asking people to put stickers on a chart. Read more
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Join the Movement. Fuel the Change. The climate crisis won’t wait — and neither can we. At the West Coast Climate Action Network, we connect with and support nearly 300 climate organizations across BC. Together, we amplify impact, share resources, and drive urgent change.
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But we can’t do it without you!
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By becoming a monthly donor, you provide steady and reliable support that sustains the climate movement throughout the year. Your contributions fund vital coordination, advocacy, events, and tools — empowering people and organizations across BC to fight for a livable future. Monthly giving also makes it easier for you to stay connected to the cause, while helping us plan and grow with confidence
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Whether it’s $5 or $50 a month, your donation directly strengthens climate action in BC — and every dollar adds up.
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Be the spark. Join our growing community of monthly donors today.
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Thank you for standing with us in this decisive decade.
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Action Now!
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📌 No Taxpayer Bailout for American LNG!
From Dogwood: Texas-based Western LNG is begging for a billion-dollar bailout from Canadian taxpayers. Tell the Canada Infrastructure Bank: we need that money for projects that will benefit Canadians. The Ksi Lisims gas terminal has been in development since 2018. It’s struggling to sign up customers, it can’t get bank loans, and its Wall Street investors don’t want to kick in more cash. So the project’s American owners are hoping for a lifeline from the Canada Infrastructure Bank. Tell them NO! Write here
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📌 Continued Funding for Local Government Climate Action (Please write)
From WE-CAN: This is very time-sensitive: the Province’s service plan appears to omit renewed funding for the Local Government Climate Action program (LGCAP), so there’s a real risk of a gap in support for local climate action, starting in 2027. Decisions made in this budget cycle will directly affect whether municipalities can continue their current programs, and maintain momentum on climate action and preparedness. Please send a quick email to the Province in support of continued LGCAP funding. Read more
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📌 Cancel the Canada/Albert New Oil Pipeline Memorandum (Please sign)
Petition to the House of Commons: We call upon the Government of Canada to cancel the memorandum; Uphold the Oil Tanker Moratorium Act; Work with coastal communities and First Nations to continue growing a sustainable, diverse economy across the north coast; and Ensure future coastal project negotiations include full participation from First Nations. Sign here
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📌 Petition to Parliament – Energy Efficiency as a Nation-Building Priority (Please sign)
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to designate energy efficiency as a nation-building priority and to establish two national goals: Double the pace of energy productivity improvement, reflecting the economic value achieved per unit of energy consumed, and eliminate energy poverty in Canada while progressing toward net-zero emissions. Sign here
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WE-CAN Friends and Allies
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Tuesday May 19, 6 pm Talking Climate: We Need a New Narrative
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From WE-CAN: Everyone is NOT talking about climate - but the crisis has not gone away. What’s our new language, our new narrative, that can keep people’s attention? How do we link climate to affordability, housing, and nature? Join us for an important interactive discussion with Amber Bennett, Guy Dauncey, and others. Amber is the Executive of Re.Climate, one of Canada’s top climate communication strategists and capacity builders. She works with groups across the country, bridging the gap between research and practice. Guy is co-chair of WE-CAN, and author of the soon-to-be-published The Economics of Kindness: A New Ecological Civilization. Register here
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Monday June 1st - Sunday 7th Break Through the Climate Silence!
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From Seniors for Climate: We are organizing a Canada-wide Week of Action during Environment Week,, with community events designed to break through the climate silence. Groups will host community picnics, climate cafes, neighbourhood walk-and-talks, open mic storytelling, music events, intergenerational discussions, seniors climate town halls, climate talk pop-ups, storytelling corners, and other opportunities. Our campaign aims to rekindle the conversation around climate. Events so far in Penticton, Keremeos, Richmond, New Westminster, Salt Spring, Nanaimo, and Sechelt. Find the details here
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Climate Solutions
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Will BC have Enough Electricity to Meet its 2050 Electrification Goals?
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From Just and Reasonable: New modelling shows BC Hydro needs to double the amount of electricity it currently generates by 2050, but it’s not clear how this could be done safely. The BCUC should insist the utility be more transparent about its plans. Read more
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(Re)imagining Indigenous Economics for the World We Deserve
From Janelle Lapointe, TEDxHEC Montréal: What if the economy we’re told is “inevitable” is the problem? In this powerful talk, Janelle Lapointe shares the story of her people once living in deep reciprocity with the land and how colonial extraction disrupted not just ecosystems, but entire systems of governance, economy, and care. Watch here
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First Nations Solar Flourishes in British Columbia
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From Solar Builder Magazine: Solar energy is flourishing among indigenous First Nations in BC thanks to grants by the provincial government aimed at energy efficiency projects reducing diesel usage. These grants are also helping develop broad energy plans for several First Nations, within which equity ownership and local training are key goals, says Rocky Dhillon, the national director of Indigenous partnerships and strategic development at Mag Solar, based in Mission
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Forestry and Nature
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The Ecological Crisis Begins with How We See Ourselves in Nature
From Guy Dauncey, Countercurrents: For thousands of years, we have claimed ourselves to be not a part of it, but better than nature. In many cultures, we gave ourselves an assumed position at the top of an imagined hierarchy, above the mountains, the ants, and the apes. We were human. We were better than the animals. Some people took this a step further, proclaiming themselves to be racially better than others. Read more
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David Attenborough’s 100th Birthday Card
"It is a rare privilege to celebrate a century of life," Prince William said, "but it is rarer still when that person has transformed the way we see the only home that we have - planet Earth." A cast of helpers from the natural world helped deliver a card written by King Charles from Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire to Sir David's hands at the concert in London. Watch the card being delivered here
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Thank you, David Attenborough, for 100 Incredible Years of Life on Earth
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From The Guardian: David Attenborough turned 100 last week. As a kid I would do his voice, put on my dad’s work shirt and host my own nature documentaries in the backyard. Read more
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Climate Image of the Week
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Climate Politics and Action
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B.C. Is Failing its Students on Climate Education
From Vancouver Sun: After Vancouver’s first snowless winter in 43 years, B.C. is failing to educate students about the climate crisis that is warming their world. As parents and health-care providers, we are worried how poorly our province is preparing our children to understand and solve the crisis that is going to touch every season of their lives — from winters without snow to summers that are too smoky to play safely outside. Read more
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As Household Bills Soar, Is it Time for a ‘Working-Class Climate Agenda’?
From The Guardian: The proposal, “Stop Greed, Build Green”, outlines a framework for “green economic populism”. Decarbonization should be understood not as competing with affordability, but as a potential tool for achieving it, says the group. It’s a rebuttal to the growing chorus claiming that climate policy is politically toxic. Read more
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Scotiabank Discloses Energy Finance Ratio, 60% Going to Fossil Fuels
From The Energy Mix: Scotiabank has devoted $212 billion to climate finance, including $40 billion in 2025, well short of a target of $350 billion by 2030 that the bank retained when it dropped its emissions reduction goal. Scotiabank pours $1 into fossil fuel financing for every 65¢ it devotes to clean energy. Read more
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Climate – Does Anyone Care? YES!!!
From Dogwood: In February 2026, we wrote an op-Ed about a new Abacus poll that surveyed 1000 people across B.C. The poll found that 78% worry about climate change and its impact on the people and places they love; 77% understand that if we fail to take strong action to confront climate change, it will cost us more down the road; 57% believe it’s either very important or important for the BC government to take stronger climate action, and an additional 22% see it as somewhat important). The poll data is here. For Dogwood’s data on how many thousands of people have written to the government about climate, click here.
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Hello, I’m from The Canadian Government – Let Me Tell You About Ksi Lisims LNG!
From Juice Media: Let me introduce you to the Ksi Lisims LNG Terminal, the project that sacrifices taxpayers, workers, First Nations, water, salmon, climate, and Canadian sovereignty, all in one. Watch me here
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Climate Science and Impacts
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The 2004 Lecture that Finally Convinced David Attenborough About Global Warming
From Carbon Brief: We have trawled the archives and now located the key moment in 2004 which finally convinced him that his millions of viewers around the world deserved to be informed about the facts and consequences of a fast-warming climate. Read more
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The Four Most Important Charts for People Who Want to Stop Climate Change
From Project Drawdown: Many people are trying to help halt climate change, but their efforts are sometimes too narrowly focused, making them less effective than they could be. These four simple charts can help you see the full spectrum of solutions and pursue those that offer the greatest impact. Read more
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The UK National Emergency Briefing: A Response Needed Similar to the Second World War
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A new film featuring leading scientists, a former general and Jennifer Saunders - all being frank about where things are heading and what can be done about it. Watch it here. Learn about the UK’s National Emergency Briefing here.
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You Can Take Action! Events, Protests and Rallies
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*PLEASE NOTE* If your climate organization is a WE-CAN member, click “Post your Event” under ‘Calendar’, and it will be added following approval.
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The calendar is a great networking tool, helping you connect and share events with the broader climate movement. Check it out and start posting your events today!
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Organize Transformational Change with UVic’s Micro-Certificate in Climate Activism
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From UVic Continuing Studies: Are you looking to develop, lead and support effective climate action? Build practices for organizing transformational change including strategic landscape analysis, effective communication, and alliance-building skills. Learners and climate activists can choose to focus on issues such as Indigenous allyship, systems transformation or collaborative governance. Details here
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May 11 – 15 Allyship, Solidarity and Transforming Relations (In Victoria)
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From UVic Continuing Studies: Settler colonialism and capitalism have damaged relationships with land and with each other. As we seek to build strong alliances between Indigenous Peoples and settlers we need to be unlearning white supremacy, hierarchy and dominance, and learning to build trust, reciprocity and accountability. $654. Details here
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Thursday, May 14, 11 am Resilience Through Collaboration: Supporting First Nations Municipal Candidates in BC
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From Climate Caucus: Despite being nearly 5% of BC’s population, only 7 out of the 1,100 municipal leaders are First Nations. This webinar highlights a new partnership between the First Nations Leadership and Governance Association and Climate Caucus, with leadership from Councillor Michael Moses. We will learn about the barriers First Nations candidates face in accessing municipal leadership, and how we can support equitable municipal representation. Register here
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Thursday, May 14, 6-8 pm Promenade for the Planet - Square-Dancing! (In Vancouver)
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From BC Climate Emergency Campaign: These are challenging times and we need joy and community more than ever. So put aside your worries for a night and have some fun with friends at "Promenade for the Planet". Dinner included, vegetarian and vegan options. "Best dressed in the west" costume contest. Bring a partner or find one here. No square dance experience necessary. Child-friendly event. Ticketing - pay what you can. All sales to the Lax'yip Firekeepers. Famee Furlane Hall, 2605 East Pender Street , Vancouver. Get your tickets here.
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Thursday, May 14, 6 pm Climate Book Club: Run Like a Girl
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Wednesday, May 20, 7–8:30 pm Faith & Climate: From Concern to Collective Action (In Victoria)
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How are we, as people of faith and spirituality, called to respond to the climate crisis at this moment? Across Victoria, many are already taking meaningful action—through greening initiatives, education, advocacy, and protest. We invite you to join us to share what you are doing, and explore ways to strengthen our collective impact. Hosted by Michael Polanyi (Unitarian Universalist Community of Victoria) and Reilly Yeo (Co-Founder of My Climate Plan; Unitarian Universalist Association). Friends’ Meeting House, 1831 Fern Street, Victoria. RSVP here.
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Thursday, May 21, 7 pm Climate Reporting and Public Trust (By Zoom)
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From First Things First Okanagan: Join us for a discussion about how climate reporting is not reaching the public or governments. Jaclyn Whittal is the Founder of One Earth Communications with nearly 20 years of experience at the intersection of climate science, extreme weather, and public trust. Her work has appeared on major global platforms, including CNN, The Weather Channel, National Geographic, and Smithsonian. Register here
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Friday, May 29, 7 pm Movie Night! Indigenous filmmaker and Artist Alanis Obomsawin’s Our Nationhood
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From WE-CAN: In this feature-length documentary, Obomsawin chronicles the determination and tenacity of the Listuguj Mi’kmaq people to use and manage the natural resources of their traditional lands. The film provides a contemporary perspective on the Mi’kmaq people’s struggle and ultimate success, culminating in the community receiving an award for Best Managed River from the government that had denied their traditional rights. Register here
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Grants, Job Vacancies and More!
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Job Vacancy: Program Manager, Clean Transportation (By May 15)
From SFU: The Clean Transportation Program Manager provides leadership to Clean Energy Canada by driving the development and execution of programs that accelerate the adoption of clean energy technologies in the transportation sector, supporting Canada’s transition to a clean energy future. Read more
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Job Vacancy: Dogwood – Victoria Organizing Coordinator (By May 31)
From Dogwood: As part of our Organizing team (currently made up of the director and two staff organizers), you will be responsible for volunteer engagement and event coordination in the Victoria area. You’ll support our South Island volunteer team and work with allies to push our province beyond fossil fuels and act in solidarity with Indigenous people and communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis. Full time, permanent, 30 hour work week. Desired start date: June 15. In Greater Victoria Area. Read more
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Parliamentary Internship for the Environment (Apply by May 24)
From Environmental Leadership: The Parliamentary Internship for the Environment program equips the next generation of environmental leaders with skills, experience, and political know-how. It offers young leaders aged 18-30 the opportunity to work alongside some of Canada’s most prominent environmental and sustainability leaders. Successful applicants receive a 8-10-month paid internship in the Parliament Hill office of an MP working on cross-cutting issues around climate change, environment and sustainability issues. Read more
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Call For Applications - 2026 Institute For Future Legislators (Apply by May 31)
The Institute for Future Legislators is a three-weekend program for individuals with political aspirations or who wish to deepen their understanding of political systems. This year it will be held at Vancouver Island University (August 15-16 in Nanaimo), UBC (August 22-23 in Vancouver), and SFU (August 29-30 in Vancouver). It provides intensive and practical mentoring and training for anyone who seeks the experience and knowledge necessary to make a difference - whether at the local, provincial, or federal level. Learn more
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Are You Hosting a Climate Event Through a PICS-Network University? We Can Provide Support.
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From PICS: Our University Climate Knowledge Mobilization Events program supports climate change-related research dissemination, knowledge mobilization, and events hosted by PICS university (UBC, SFU, UNBC, UVic) groups, organizations, departments, or institutes. The program offers up to $2,500 for eligible events. We aim to support up to 35 events a year and will close when funding is fully subscribed. Read more
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Environment Funders
Their list of members is here - a useful source of thinking when it comes to fundraising
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WE-CAN’s Fundraising Toolkit for Climate Action Groups is here
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From all of us in the West Coast Climate Action Network
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We honour the title and rights of the Indigenous peoples on whose ancestral lands we live and work.
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