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Stefan Labbé

@stefanlabbe.bsky.social
1.5K followers 104 following 70 posts

Journalist covering investigations on environment and climate mostly in Western Canada. inglés/español >> Send tips via Signal at SLabbe.93

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Stefan Labbé @stefanlabbe.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Some personal news: last week, I resigned from my role at Business in Vancouver. It’s been a good run, and I’m grateful to have worked with such a talented group. Also, they are hiring an investigative reporter to replace me. Details in the link below. www.linkedin.com/posts/stefan...
linkedin.com
Some personal news: last week, I resigned from my role at Business in Vancouver. Over the past seven-plus years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with an amazing cast of reporters, editors and… | St...
Some personal news: last week, I resigned from my role at Business in Vancouver. Over the past seven-plus years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with an amazing cast of reporters, editors and photo...
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Stefan Labbé @stefanlabbe.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
Two former consultants helped advance B.C.’s massive KSM gold mine in the private sector. Metadata shows they are now directly drafting its permit from inside the B.C. government. See the details of my investigation here: www.biv.com/news/economy...
biv.com
Ex-consultants now drafting B.C. mine permit they once promoted
Former consultants helped advance the massive KSM mine in the private sector. Metadata shows they are now drafting its permit from inside the B.C. government
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Stefan Labbé @stefanlabbe.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
BC’s gold standard for urban wildlife safety has fallen into a bureaucratic void, with lead roles unstaffed, applications piling up, and oversight quietly halted The province’s absence comes as two Bear Smart communities that failed audits in 2024 face threats of expulsion in the coming months
biv.com
B.C. cities left in limbo as province quietly abandons Bear Smart oversight
Internal documents show B.C.’s premier urban wildlife safety program has halted its oversight role and is no longer accepting applications
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Stefan Labbé @stefanlabbe.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
This is not my currently beat but something from Federal court that needs to be part of the public record. Be warned, it involves horrific details of a notorious case involving crimes against humanity.
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Reposted by Stefan Labbé
Daniel J. Pierce @danieljpierce.bsky.social · 20/11/2025
Wow, bombshell report by @stefanlabbe.bsky.social about how the BC Ministry of Forests may be overestimating the annual harvest rates by more than double, using unscientific methods and extremely optimistic assumptions to set rates. People should lose their jobs for this. www.biv.com/news/resourc...
biv.com
Leaked report claims B.C. timber harvest is vastly overestimated
An undisclosed report obtained by BIV estimates the province is likely approving twice as much logging than can be sustainably harvested
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Stefan Labbé @stefanlabbe.bsky.social · 20/06/2025
A B.C. Supreme Court judge has approved Teal-Jones' interim sale of a Fraser Valley forest licence before the province could consult First Nations. Some worry the deal leaves endangered spotted owl habitat open to logging. Others claim the deal represents an “end run” around Indigenous rights.
biv.com
B.C. logging deal sparks clash over Indigenous rights and endangered owl
A B.C. Supreme Court judge has approved Teal-Jones' interim sale of a Fraser Valley forest licence, leaving endangered spotted owl habitat open to logging before the province consults First Nations
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Stefan Labbé @stefanlabbe.bsky.social · 29/05/2025
B.C. and Alberta have shared a major electricity intertie for almost 40 years. It has chronically failed to meet capacity — offering lessons on what stands in the way of the Prime Minister Mark Carney's plan for an east-to-west grid
timescolonist.com
Failed B.C.-Alberta transmission line holds lessons for a national grid
The cross-border intertie has never met capacity, offering lessons on what stands in the way of the Prime Minister Mark Carney's plan for an east-to-west grid
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Stefan Labbé @stefanlabbe.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority says it is in the early stages of a plan to dredge Burrard Inlet to allow more oil to be shipped through the harbour. The project raises environmental concerns and questions over Indigenous rights via @brentrichter.bsky.social
biv.com
Port of Vancouver seeks to dredge Burrard Inlet for oil tankers
The project raises environmental concerns and questions over Indigenous rights
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Reposted by Stefan Labbé
Ainslie Cruickshank @ainsliecruickshank.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
"The B.C. government-run corporation responsible for administering a fifth of the province’s annual logging quota says it will pause new operations that overlap with habitat of a threatened caribou herd north of Revelstoke" via @stefanlabbe.bsky.social #bcpoli www.biv.com/news/bc-timb...
biv.com
BC Timber Sales pauses logging in threatened caribou habitat
The pause applies to new logging investments in the Revelstoke-Shuswap region, where the Columbia North caribou herd is losing habitat faster than it's replaced
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Stefan Labbé @stefanlabbe.bsky.social · 21/05/2025
At least 260 ha. of tidal marsh that protect Metro Vancouver's dikes have disappeared in recent decades. Some worry the 9 million tonnes of sand dredged out of the Fraser River annually is playing a role. But unlike other jurisdictions, Canada stopped measuring the problem years ago.
biv.com
Canada’s failure to monitor Fraser sands threatens region's future
Ottawa stopped measuring sediment years ago, throwing the future of flood defences, farmland, cities and delta health into question
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Stefan Labbé @stefanlabbe.bsky.social · 25/04/2025
A network of “bot-like” social media accounts targeted Liberal Leader Mark Carney in the lead-up to the federal election, a new analysis says The accounts claimed Carney's old firm would benefit from the party’s “net zero agenda” in what experts say is a familiar climate disinformation tactic
biv.com
‘Bot-like’ network attacked Carney over ‘net zero agenda,’ says analysis
Social media bot network suspected of using climate change disinformation campaign against Liberal leader
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Stefan Labbé @stefanlabbe.bsky.social · 01/04/2025
Vancouver-based The Metals Company says it is now seeking U.S. approval for deep sea mining in international waters. The head of the United Nations seabed authority warned the move would be “violation of international law” and undermine multilateral efforts to govern the world's oceans.
biv.com
B.C. company to seek U.S. approval for deep sea mining in international waters
Head of United Nations seabed authority warns move would be 'violation of international law' and undermine multilateral efforts to govern the world's oceans.
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Stefan Labbé @stefanlabbe.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
Nearly half of 1,300 landslides that occurred during B.C.'s November 2021 atmospheric river event started in areas burned by wildfire or disturbed by logging. The study raises questions over the long-term safety of B.C.’s highways and communities downstream of disturbed hillsides.
biv.com
Nearly half of B.C. landslides linked to logging, wildfires, study finds
Study finds nearly half of 1,300 landslides that occurred during B.C.'s November 2021 atmospheric river event started in areas burned by wildfire or disturbed by logging.
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Stefan Labbé @stefanlabbe.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
B.C. company says its fusion reactor will produce more power than it consumes by 2027 — a breakthrough that could eventually help scale the technology into a power plant without risks of emissions, a runaway reaction, nuclear waste or weaponization. I visited the new test reactor to learn more
biv.com
B.C. company plans to ignite fusion within three years
General Fusion says its new fusion reactor will produce more power than it consumes by 2027 — a breakthrough that could eventually help scale the technology into a power plant.
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Stefan Labbé @stefanlabbe.bsky.social · 28/02/2025
Climate change could improve grape-growing conditions in British Columbia -- at a cost
biv.com
Rising temperatures could transform B.C. wine sector
Climate change could improve grape-growing conditions for the province—at a cost
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Stefan Labbé @stefanlabbe.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
Across Canada, more than 50 oil and gas companies and their industry groups have influenced K-12 education on climate change, a new report has found. Among them is the FortisBC-funded “Energy Champions”program that sends BC Lions football players into schools
biv.com
Nearly 40 fossil fuel companies shaping Canadian K-12 curriculums, report finds
Report found more than 50 oil and gas companies and industry groups influenced 34 educational institutions across Canada, who, in turn, provided education to K-12 students
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Stefan Labbé @stefanlabbe.bsky.social · 13/02/2025
A new financing program will help protect communities from disaster, but it won't help those still vulnerable from the last strike Merritt's Sean Strang said the city has been left behind “It’s frankly a slap in the face.” www.biv.com/news/economy...
biv.com
'Slap in the face': B.C. communities frustrated with new federal disaster funding
A new financing program will help protect communities from future floods and wildfires, but it won't help municipalities still vulnerable from the last strike.
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Stefan Labbé @stefanlabbe.bsky.social · 09/02/2025
Logging records show Drax still sources whole trees from primary forests felled by other companies in B.C. despite its own sustainability criteria saying the company will "avoid damage or disturbance to high carbon forests" including “primary forest" www.bbc.com/news/article...
bbc.com
Drax power station didn't properly disclose burning forest wood - BBC News
The Drax facility, which burns wood pellets, is required to report where it sources its wood from.
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Stefan Labbé @stefanlabbe.bsky.social · 30/01/2025
The B.C. government has sanctioned a Chilliwack slaughterhouse and is “re-focusing the role of inspectors” at all slaughter facilities across the province. Their new mandate, said the ministry — focus on both food safety and the humane treatment of animals. www.nsnews.com/resources-ag...
nsnews.com
B.C. orders changes at slaughterhouse following animal welfare investigation
Animal welfare group calls for more oversight after province sanctions B.C. slaughterhouse.
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Stefan Labbé @stefanlabbe.bsky.social · 30/01/2025
Big trees crucial to migrate B.C. forests under climate change, finds study The goal of the experiment was: - find out how Douglas fir trees handle human-assisted migration - if they would do better in forests left partially intact after logging www.nsnews.com/environment/...
nsnews.com
Big trees crucial to migrate B.C. forests under climate change, finds study
The B.C. study could help planners ramp up 'assisted migration' of forests under stress from climate change.
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Stefan Labbé @stefanlabbe.bsky.social · 13/01/2025
A legal challenge claiming the planned expansion of Canada’s largest port would threaten the survival of endangered southern resident killer whales has been struck down by a federal judge.
biv.com
Court upholds approval of B.C. port expansion despite risks to whales
Both Canada's environment minister and Cabinet acted reasonably in approving the expansion of a shipping terminal near Vancouver, B.C., estimated to add $3 billion to the country's GDP.
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Stefan Labbé @stefanlabbe.bsky.social · 09/01/2025
Underwater volcano off B.C. coast is primed to erupt. The Axial Seamount is not expected to threaten human population centres but it could help scientists forecast the eruption of more dangerous volcanoes.
nsnews.com
Underwater volcano off B.C. coast primed to erupt
The Axial Seamount is not expected to threaten human population centres but it could help scientists forecast the eruption of more dangerous volcanoes.
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Stefan Labbé @stefanlabbe.bsky.social · 09/01/2025
“We’re going to spin it. And we’re going to knit it. And we’re going to see what happens.” www.biv.com/news/bc-rese...
biv.com
B.C. researchers aim to make the perfect T-shirt — from lumber
The bid to locally produce a sustainable high-end textile is still in its early stages, but researchers hope to have enough material to create prototypes within a year.
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Stefan Labbé @stefanlabbe.bsky.social · 18/12/2024
British Columbia's government expects to plant nearly 60 million fewer trees next year — a 23 per cent drop from this year's planting season. The steep decline is the biggest in years and comes after two massive wildfire seasons.
biv.com
B.C. tree planting to plummet 23% amid wildfire boom
British Columbia's government expects to plant nearly 60 million fewer trees next year — a 23 per cent drop from this year's planting season.
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Stefan Labbé @stefanlabbe.bsky.social · 17/12/2024
New data shows parts of B.C. are losing icy winters faster than the rest of Canada Vancouver leads Canada's major cities, losing 19 days of winter over the past decade And at the regional level, two Island communities lead the rest of the country www.nsnews.com/highlights/t...
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Stefan Labbé @stefanlabbe.bsky.social · 13/12/2024
I wade into the perennial eco-friendly tree debate: plastic, freshly cut or something else altogether? Here’s what some of the science says: www.timescolonist.com/environment/...
timescolonist.com
Plastic or pine: Which Christmas tree is better for the planet?
Choosing the most eco-friendly Christmas tree can be tough. We wade through the options: plastic, cut, or something else altogether.
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Stefan Labbé @stefanlabbe.bsky.social · 11/12/2024
Audit finds delays to approve dozens of B.C. mines were largely caused by market forces — not government permitting. “These fly directly in the face of this narrative that these mines are delayed by regulation,” said one researcher
nsnews.com
Contrary to industry claims, red tape not slowing B.C. mineral boom, finds audit
Audit finds delays to approve dozens of B.C. mines were largely caused by market forces — not government permitting.
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Stefan Labbé @stefanlabbe.bsky.social · 11/12/2024
'Are they going to walk away?': Charges 10 years after B.C.'s Mount Polley disaster
timescolonist.com
'Are they going to walk away?': Charges 10 years after B.C.'s Mount Polley disaster
Doug Watt won't forget the sound of a tailings pond collapsing at the Mount Polley Mine more than 10 years ago, sending millions of cubic metres of waste into waterways in the British Columbia Interio...
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Stefan Labbé @stefanlabbe.bsky.social · 05/12/2024
A new study links leaded gasoline to surge in U.S. mental health illnesses — especially for people born between 1966 and 1986. Experts warn the same multi-generational problem could be quietly playing out in Canada
nsnews.com
Leaded gasoline legacy linked to surge in schizophrenia, ADHD and anxiety disorders, finds study
Study links leaded gasoline to surge in U.S. mental health illnesses. Experts warn same multi-generational problem could be quietly playing out in Canada.
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Stefan Labbé @stefanlabbe.bsky.social · 29/11/2024
Metro Vancouver has approved a motion seeking federal intervention on what is truly "flushable." The move comes as mislabeled sanitary wipes continues to cost Canadian cities hundreds of millions of dollars a year.
burnabynow.com
Metro Vancouver takes aim at 'flushable' wipes with federal plea
As sanitary wipes labelled 'flushable' clog up Canadian sewers, Metro Vancouver calls on the federal government to define what should really go down the toilet.
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Stefan Labbé @stefanlabbe.bsky.social · 28/11/2024
Canada will keep tabs on Paper Excellence’s promises, says natural resources minister www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
cbc.ca
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Stefan Labbé @stefanlabbe.bsky.social · 28/11/2024
Vancouver council stays course on natural gas ban in new homes At the meeting, the mayor questioned the validity of his own staff’s report on the effects of electrification
vancouverisawesome.com
Vancouver council stays course on natural gas ban in new homes
ABC Vancouver Coun. Rebecca Bligh switches earlier vote, which now keeps policy from 2022 in place
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Stefan Labbé @stefanlabbe.bsky.social · 27/11/2024
A first national estimate shows Canadians dump 1,465 tonnes of microplastics into the environment. Here are some ways to help: www.timescolonist.com/highlights/c...
timescolonist.com
Canadians pollute 1,465 tonnes of microplastics every year, finds report
A new report analyzes Canada's contribution to a global problem and how the country might help fix it.
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Stefan Labbé @stefanlabbe.bsky.social · 27/11/2024
Critical natural areas shield half of Canada's population from flooding, a new study has found. B.C. & Quebec — two particularly wet and forested places — receive the most natural flood protection. www.timescolonist.com/highlights/c...
timescolonist.com
Critical natural areas shield half of Canada's population from flooding, study finds
Study finds forests and wetlands protect 3.7 million people in 358 Canadian population centres.
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Stefan Labbé @stefanlabbe.bsky.social · 23/11/2024
ICYMI this week After denying links for years, the owner of Canadian forestry giant Paper Excellence has quietly moved to take control over Asia Pulp & Paper. The conglomerate has long been accused of widespread deforestation.
timescolonist.com
After denying links, Canadian forestry giant owner openly seeks control over Asian conglomerate
Jackson Wijaya aims to consolidate control over Domtar (formally Paper Excellence) and Asia Pulp & Paper, after both companies spent years denying they were linked.
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Stefan Labbé @stefanlabbe.bsky.social · 23/11/2024
Alright, let’s give this website a try again. In one of my latest, scientists map out a previously unidentified hot spot for whale-ship collisions off the coast of Vancouver Island. www.timescolonist.com/animal-stori...
timescolonist.com
'An odds game': Global study pinpoints whale-ship collision hot spots
In B.C., a previously unidentified hot spot for whale-ship collisions was found off the coast of Vancouver Island.
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Stefan Labbé @stefanlabbe.bsky.social · 17/05/2024
McMillan LLP —the “independent third-party” firm that reviewed links between Paper Excellence and Asia Pulp and Paper — previously advised the forestry giant on several multi-billion-dollar deals. www.timescolonist.com/resources-ag...
timescolonist.com
Critics slam Paper Excellence review that found no APP links
Law firm finds Paper Excellence and Asia Pulp and Paper have no current 'relationship of control' but critics say investigators held Canadian company as long-term client.
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Stefan Labbé @stefanlabbe.bsky.social · 15/05/2024
B.C. scientists have decoded how killer whales breathe. Here's why it matters
timescolonist.com
B.C. scientists have decoded how killer whales breathe. Here's why it matters
Killer whales breathe once every time they surface, a finding that could help scientists understand the predators' metabolism and how much fish they need to survive.
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Stefan Labbé @stefanlabbe.bsky.social · 06/05/2024
GoFundMe disaster fundraising is surging across Canada at ~34%/year. In B.C., where last fall a government watchdog said emergency supports are broken, crowdfunded aid per capita leads the country. Early evidence suggests the wealthy tend to benefit most. www.timescolonist.com/economy-law-...
timescolonist.com
Crowdsourcing disaster aid is on the rise in Canada — is that a good thing?
As GoFundMe disaster fundraising surges in Canada, early evidence suggests the wealthy benefit most.
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Stefan Labbé @stefanlabbe.bsky.social · 26/04/2024
An endless source of contamination, legacy flame retardants are woven through nearly every built environment—in buildings, furniture, computers & cars. Now, Canadian scientists have found peregrine falcons could be the most polluted animal on the planet. tinyurl.com/4b86ean9
tinyurl.com
Peregrine falcons laced with banned chemicals, find Canadian scientists
The fastest animal on the planet, peregrine falcons can't seem to escape contamination from banned toxic flame retardants, a new study has found.
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Reposted by Stefan Labbé
Torrance Coste @torrancecoste.bsky.social · 24/04/2024
With the “forestry is good for wildfires!” propaganda from the logging industry in steady circulation again right now (see this article from @stefanlabbe.bsky.social: vancouverisawesome.com/highlights/c...), it’s important to talk about just how false this narrative is. #bcpoli 1/6
A clearcut done by logging giant Western Forest Products that subsequently burned. The fire burned most of the plants and soil off the ground, leaving only charred stumps of ancient cedars clinging to the bare white limestone below. A person stands on one of the stumps to highlight the scale of the scene.
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Stefan Labbé @stefanlabbe.bsky.social · 21/03/2024
The BC Utilities Commission has rejected a plan from FortisBC to provide mandatory renewable gas hookups in new buildings on grounds it would lead to “price discrimination.” The BCUC also rejected a Fortis plan to invest in LNG, citing uncertain market conditions…
richmond-news.com
'A big deal': B.C. utility regulator rejects plan for mandatory gas hookups
BC Utilities Commission rejected FortisBC renewable gas proposal on grounds it would lead to 'undue price discrimination.' The commission also rejected a Fortis plan to invest in LNG, while approving ...
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Stefan Labbé @stefanlabbe.bsky.social · 14/02/2024
Inflation is threatening to derail the District of Saanich's climate plans, prompting fears other B.C. cities could be next To close the fiscal gap, city staff have responded in a Canadian first. Their proposal: sue 'Big Oil' www.timescolonist.com/local-news/i...
timescolonist.com
In B.C., inflation threatens local government's climate plans
Staff at the District of Saanich have become the first in Canada to propose an aggressive solution to close the fiscal gap and balance the district's budget: sue the world's largest oil and gas compan...
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Stefan Labbé @stefanlabbe.bsky.social · 24/01/2024
Leaked document shows plan to capture Stanley Park coyotes in what critics claim is a public safety risk.
vancouverisawesome.com
Undisclosed coyote trapping in Stanley Park sparks public safety backlash
Leaked document shows plan to capture Stanley Park coyotes in what critics claim is a public safety risk.
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Stefan Labbé @stefanlabbe.bsky.social · 23/01/2024
An investigation from the Washington-based group found investments in B.C.'s Golden Triangle have the 'structural and operational attributes of a Ponzi scheme.' Altogether, tax breaks cost Canadians over $500M a year, it found. Big allegations and strong counterclaims in this one.
richmond-news.com
Mining tax breaks cost Canadians over $500M a year, finds investigation
An investigation from the Washington-based group found investments in B.C.'s Golden Triangle have the 'structural and operational attributes of a Ponzi scheme.'
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Stefan Labbé @stefanlabbe.bsky.social · 17/01/2024
Canada's forestry sector emits more than 90 million tonnes of carbon pollution every year, but the federal government is not counting it, new research has found. www.nsnews.com/highlights/s...
nsnews.com
'Shell game' helps Canada avoid counting forestry emissions, finds study
Canada's forestry sector emits more than 90 million tonnes of carbon pollution every year, but the federal government is not counting it, new research has found.
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Stefan Labbé @stefanlabbe.bsky.social · 16/01/2024
The future impacts of climate change on Whistler Blackcomb could be disastrous, with the late start to the 2023-24 season a sign of things to come. That’s according to a recent analysis using long-term snowfall and temp data from Roundhouse Lodge. www.piquenewsmagazine.com/weatherhood-...
piquenewsmagazine.com
Iconic B.C. ski resort will face existential threat from climate change, says scientist
The future impacts of climate change on Whistler Blackcomb could be disastrous, with the 2023-24 season a sign of things to come, says one climatologist.
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Stefan Labbé @stefanlabbe.bsky.social · 16/01/2024
Climate change made B.C.‘s warm December temps 2-3X more likely for much of the month, a new analysis says. The temps, dry conditions & 105 ‘zombie fires’ still burning have some experts worried the “dice are loaded” for another bad wildfire season. www.squamishchief.com/highlights/c...
squamishchief.com
Climate change drove 'unusual' spike in Canada's temperatures, study finds
Analysis finds climate change drove hot December temperatures across Canada. Some worry trend could threaten wildlife and spark another record wildfire season.
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Stefan Labbé @stefanlabbe.bsky.social · 15/01/2024
“Birds sing like fish. We're just talking about different evolutionary timelines here.” A feature into the grunts, drums and songs of fish and why their marine soundscape matters. t.co/Sosp6mT1OW
t.co
Fish songs: Scientists race to capture ocean soundscapes before they're drowned out
The sounds fish make are poorly understood, but advances in passive acoustic listening could pave the way for understanding and managing underwater ecosystems like never before.
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Stefan Labbé @stefanlabbe.bsky.social · 05/12/2023
B.C.’s Strait of Georgia could become a dead zone for sea snails as warming seas upend the region’s ecological balance, a study has found. The water body will likely become the hottest on the west coast as far south as Southern California. www.vancouverisawesome.com/highlights/w...
vancouverisawesome.com
Warming seas threaten existence of sea snails in B.C.'s Strait of Georgia
A new study has found a rise in marine temperature could spell doom for the Strait of Georgia's dogwhelk population.
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