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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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‘Sledgehammer’ Carbon Price Deal Boosts Emissions by 230Mt, Aims for Fall 2027 Pipeline Approval
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From The Energy Mix: Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith have taken a “sledgehammer” to Canada’s remaining climate commitments with a carbon pricing agreement that will drive up the country’s greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 230 million tonnes through 2040, leading climate analysts say. Read more
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*A Quick Note About Last Week’s Newsletter
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We want to apologize for the broken links in last week’s BC Climate News Roundup. WE-CAN experienced an unexpected issue with our web hosting provider that temporarily impacted parts of our website and newsletter functionality. The issue has now been resolved, and all links should be working properly again.
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Thank you for your patience and understanding - and thank you for continuing to stay connected with the BC climate movement through WE-CAN!
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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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A number of people found that our links were not working last week, so we are repeating last week’s "Actions Now!"
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📌 Local Government Climate Financing. Urgent! (Write to BC Ministers and MLAs)
From Climate Safe Cities: The Local Government Climate Action Program (LGCAP) has been crucial in helping local governments fund climate resiliency programs across BC, but it has not been renewed in the Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions 2026/27 service plan. They need to hear from people right across the province to let the BC government know that this funding helps your local community and should be reinstated. Send your letter here
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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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📌 Cancel the Canada/Alberta 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)
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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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Climate Solutions
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Inside Haida Gwaii’s Historic Plan to Ditch Diesel
From The Narwhal: Haida Gwaii is one of 44 remote communities in B.C. not connected to the provincial grid. For power, most rely on diesel, which has heavy environmental and human health costs. Solar North, a two-megawatt solar project by Haida-owned Tll Yahda, came online in December — the first project of its kind to be built on a remote grid in B.C., and a big step forward in the First Nation’s plans to transition off diesel. Read more
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Starved of Oil, Cuba is Pulling Off One of the Fastest Solar Revolutions on the Planet
From CNN: Cuba is currently pulling off one of the fastest solar revolutions on the planet, with help from China. Imports of Chinese solar panels and batteries have soared over the past year and, with Chinese investment, Cuba has built dozens of solar parks. The speed of the solar surge has been startling. China exported around $3 million of solar panels to Cuba in 2023; that figure rocketed to $117 million in 2025. Experts warn there are big hurdles to a broader solar revolution, however. Read more
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Forestry and Nature
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Thirty-Seven Local Governments Across Southern B.C. Back Old-Growth Protection
From Castanet: Representatives from 37 southern interior local governments have voted to support protections for old-growth ecosystems across the province. Meeting in Revelstoke for the Southern Interior Local Government Association convention, delegates passed a resolution calling on the province to work with First Nations and communities to protect endangered old-growth forests and the biodiversity, climate resilience and cultural values they provide. Read more
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Climate Image of the Week
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Climate Politics and Action
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Climate Policy on the Ropes
From Chris Hatch, National Observer: It’s been a bruising week from the Carney government. Just scan the headlines: In a matter of days, the feds have released a “plan to weaken clean electricity regulations,” moved to “fast-track federal approval for major projects — from pipelines to powerlines,” and capitulated to Alberta’s demands to “weaken industrial carbon pricing” and paved the way for a new oilsands pipeline to the Pacific. Read more
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Now What? With Carbon Pricing Eroded and Pipeline Politics Advancing, Here Are the Pathways for Climate Success
From Mitchell Beer, The Energy Mix: At the end of a whirlwind week of news on carbon pricing and electricity strategy, climate policy has been shredded. Eviscerated. Hit with a sledgehammer by policy rollbacks. That means it’s never been more important to look for the rays of hope. To glimpse the seeds of the next set of strategies to get Canada’s climate pollution under control and the country into the accelerating global dash away from fossil fuels. Read more
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‘Worse Than Harper’: Regulatory Rollback Would Stop Canada from Assessing Project Impacts
From the Energy Mix: The Carney government is proposing a regulatory rollback that goes farther than the most deregulatory moments of the Stephen Harper era, with proposals that would make it impossible to assess the health and environmental impacts of pipelines and other major resource projects. “This would represent by far the worst evisceration of environmental law in Canadian history, far worse than what happened under Prime Minister Harper’s government in 2012.” Read more
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“Worse than Harper”: A Year of Federal Climate Policy Rollbacks
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A full list of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s climate policy rollbacks. Read more
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Climate Science and Impacts
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‘It’s No Longer Exceptional’: Karachi Struggles Under Brutal New Reality of Extreme Heat
From The Guardian: In southern Pakistan throughout April and May, temperatures have risen far above seasonal norms. In Sindh, daytime temperatures have frequently crossed 44 °C to 46 °C, forcing residents indoors during peak afternoon hours and severely affecting outdoor labourers, transport workers and farming communities. Read more
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Declare Climate Crisis a Global Public Health Emergency, Experts Tell WHO
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The climate crisis should be declared a global public health emergency by the World Health Organization, or millions more people will die unnecessarily, leading international experts have said. The independent pan-European commission on climate and health, which was convened by the WHO, concluded the climate crisis was such a worldwide threat to health that the WHO should declare it “a public health emergency of international concern”. Read more
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Everything You Need to Know about the AMOC Slowdown and its Rapidly Approaching Collapse
From Paul Beckwith: Recently I had the pleasure of being interviewed for a major news outlet. When the news story comes out, I will be sure to share the link to this interview. In the meantime, I did a lot of preparation work for the interview, and I filmed this preparation material after the interview, which I am posting here within this video. Important science behind the AMOC. Watch it here
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BC Towns Call for an Investigation into LNG Health Effects
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From The Tyee: Terrace, Squamish, Hazelton and Dawson Creek have called for an independent investigation into the health effects of LNG production and fracking. Growing evidence has linked LNG and natural gas development to a higher risk of early birth, asthma, heart disease, cancers and premature death. Read more
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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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Wednesday, May 20, 12-1 pm Project Zero Incubator (Applications by June 19)
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From Project Zero, Synergy Foundation: Applications are now open for our six-month, free Project Zero Incubator, offering a foundation of entrepreneurial skills, circular economy expertise, ongoing mentorship, and access to a network of like-minded organizations and leaders. Register here
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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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Thursday, May 28, 4 pm How to Meet Your MLA: Influencing BC's Leaders on Climate Action
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From For Our Kids and BCCEC: Want to influence climate action in BC? Join this training to explore the BC Climate Emergency Campaign's 2025 Climate Action Progress Report, a powerful, science-backed report that highlights what the BC government has accomplished and, more importantly, the urgent action still needed. We’ll cover why it's important to meet with your MLA; key messages from the Progress Report; how to reach out to your MLA and prepare for your meeting; and tips for effective relationship-building and advocacy during your meeting. 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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Saturday, May 30, 10 am-1 pm Oak Bay Coolkit Workshop
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From UBC CALP: Join us as we showcase inspiring examples of local climate action in streets and gardens, and workshop the roadmap for the Coolkit program, as a practical model for place-based collective action in other communities. Windsor Pavilion, 2451 Windsor Road, Oak Bay.
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Monday, June 1, 12 Noon. Indigenous Climate Leadership for Our Collective Future
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From Seniors for Climate Action Now: Indigenous Climate Action is holding the predatory fossil fuel industry to account for the massive environmental disaster that is the tar-sands, and its lies about “green oil”. SCAN! Is proud to partner in this important webinar. We are proud to support the courageous and visionary leadership of Indigenous Climate Action. Register here
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Wednesday, June 3, 12 pm Suzuki Sessions: Community Resilience to Escalating Climate Threats
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From David Suzuki Foundation: In this exciting series of online gatherings, David Suzuki and honoured guests discuss the most important opportunities for action on climate and environmental justice. Today we feature inspiring leaders who are helping communities develop resilience. David Suzuki and Tara Cullis will share learnings from their recent Stronger Together Tour, which took them through southern Ontario to meet with grassroots groups and local leaders working on community resilience and emergency preparedness. Register here
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Saturday, June 13, 10 am Save the Rail Trail – Okanagan Transit Alliance
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From Okanagan Transit Alliance: Meet on the pedestrian bridge over Highway 97 by the landmark building to educate the community about the expense and harm the Clement Extension will cause to our community. This is a family-friendly event planned to coincide with the farmer's market. Come to our Work Party on May 23rd at 7 pm to make print materials and meet us in person. Email okanagantransitalliance@gmail.com for the location.
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Grants, Job Vacancies and More!
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Job Vacancies: Shake Up The Establishment (By May 24)
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Five open positions. By joining our team, you’ll be a part of a dedicated community of changemakers working to address the most pressing challenges of our time. Whether you’re interested in policy advocacy, community organizing, research or communications, there’s a place for you here. 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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