Politics. Such a polarizing topic and one we learn to stay away from. Yet, when it comes to climate change, environmental protection, equity and social progress, it is a mandatory aspect to consider. We need bold policies to encourage change, democracy to ensure that all voices are heard, and engaged citizens who understand that their voices can make a difference and change possible, through voting. 

I did not always think that myself and was a lazy voter in my youth, but I get it now. I understand the importance of voting and I am thankful to have recently become a Canadian citizen to be able to vote and participate in the democratic process of this Country. 

This month, elections have been a front page topic and done the following: 

- given a country and the World some hope with the election of a new President in Brazil, having pledged to protect one of the most important safeguard against climate change: the Amazon Rainforest. A recent study shows that 26% of its surface is already at a tipping point, implying widespread impacts on climate change; 

- Demonstrated that passing climate legislations does not mean anymore losing the next election, especially with more youth voters, as confirmed the US midterms elections; 

- Put environmental protection at the centre of the local municipal elections and validated women taking leadership roles in the community across the County with almost double of them being elected compared to 2018;

Unfortunately, democracy is not perfect and sometimes our elected politicians do not get it right. In this case, social dialogue is a key tool to have our voices heard as shown in Ontario this month. 

Politics are a tough topic, not easy to discuss and we cannot all agree on everything but in the age of climate crisis and ecological collapse, there are some things we cannot let happen. As long as we make our voice heard respectfully and lawfully, we should do our best to counter non-sensical decisions precipitating the decline of biodiversity and accelerating climate change. 

Most environmental organizations in Ontario are currently working to avoid the paving of the Greenbelt and protect this important ecosystem. You can learn more and join the action here: Hands off the Greenbelt

Conservation Authorities have also expressed concerns on the bill and how it limits their role and power: see here what the Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) has to say about it. 

Ford's proposed amendments to the Greenbelt Plan include to add some protected land to the Greenbelt. Some of these lands would be in Erin, between Ospringe and Brisbane. However, it is not clear exactly what would qualify as protected and it is also a ridiculously small area added, compared to what is being taken away. 

Finally, it is important to note, coincidence or not, the amount of developers who recently bought undevelopable land in the Greenbelt or along the Highway 413 route and are now poised to benefit from the amendments to the Greenbelt Plan. Critical ecosystems and our first protection against climate change should not be a playing field for land speculation and unbridled development.

I am extremely lucky and blessed to have the time and opportunity to do this important work of building community, connection, collaboration and volunteer to be of service to several organizations in the community, always keeping an open-mind and seeing what works, balancing action with reflection and listening with leading. 

A year and a half in, this might start to bear fruits and absolutely not in the way I would have thought it would. Relationships built, discussions had, show me that a lot of people have the same interrogations than I have and the same aspirations to build a different world. It seems to me that it might be time to diverge from sustainability standards, lingos and framework to focus on grassroots impact at the local level; walk the talk away from preconceived trends and ideas, celebrating each person positively impacted at a time. This work will be messy but seeing how many people are interested in rethinking how to make an impact, I think we will be successful in the long run. 

Bear with me while this work takes place. It is frustrating for me too to not go faster but I now understand that listening and being grounded in this work cannot be rushed. 

Promoting Black Friday as a tip in a climate change oriented newsletter might seem like an aberration as this annual event encourages over-consumption and have a huge environmental impact. However, everybody likes a good deal and those might be the only way people can upgrade their equipment for energy-friendlier option. 

When shopping on Black Friday, consider the following:  

This section provides an overview of current climate news and initiatives ongoing locally or beyond. Click on the titles below to access the articles directly.