Updated: September 10, 2020
The budget for the joint provincial-federal Oil Sands Monitoring Program will be reduced by around 25% this year, citing less field work due to the COVID-19 outbreak. AEN members discussed the budget reduction on a call on August 26 and are seeking clarification from the Oil Sands Monitoring Program. Read more about Issue Brief: Oil Sands Monitoring
From: Ann Baran (Southern Alberta Group for the Environment): Read more about Call for Input: Alberta Manure Management Regulations
Join us to learn about your lichen neighbours, and how to translate what they’re telling us about our urban environment. Not sure what a lichen is? Come and find out! We’ll introduce you to a few of your common (and uncommon) lichen neighbours, and discuss why we think listening to urban lichens is important.
Find out what using lichens as biomonitors for the climate and air pollution is all about.
Lichens, a symbiotic partnership between algae and fungi, are excellent (and inexpensive!) biomonitors for telling us about climate change and pollution - and Edmonton is ripe to start using them.
Join the Tomorrow Foundation (virtually) for Urban Trees: Improving Air Quality in Our Neighbourhoods.
What role do urban trees play in removing air pollution from our neighbourhoods? Anyone interested in air quality, neighbourhoods, planning or urban environments is encouraged to attend this event. Read more about Urban Trees: Improving Air Quality in Our Neighbourhoods
Photo: Roberta Franchuk, Pembina Institute
TORONTO — To drive down greenhouse gas emissions and eliminate costly inefficiencies, an increased focus on urban freight and collaboration across municipalities and industry is critical, according to a new report from the Pembina Institute. Read more about Urban freight is the next frontier for climate action in Canada
Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) are the driver for air quality management across Canada. To date, CAAQS have been developed for sulphur dioxide (SO2), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and ozone (O3) and NO2. Industry associations, non-governmental organizations, and Indigenous organizations participate in the development and review of CAAQS. CAAQS are reviewed every five years to ensure they are stringent enough to protect human health and the environment. The CAAQS for ozone are currently under review. Read more about Call for Members: CASA Air Quality Management Symposium Working Group
In December 2017, the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that renewed each Government’s commitment to monitoring environmental impacts of oil sands development through the Oil Sands Monitoring Program (OSMP). The MOU established the mutual intentions of both governments to continue to collaborate and be accountable for the design and implementation of an integrated monitoring, evaluation and reporting system. It also confirmed the joint commitment to revise and establish, in cooperation with Indigenous Communities in the oil sands region, effective mechanisms for Indigenous participation in the design, implementation and governance of the monitoring system. This includes development of a comprehensive, ongoing agreement (the Operational Framework Agreement, finalized September 21, 2018) that defines the governance and implementation model to guide the decision-making structure and processes, roles and responsibilities, and the monitoring, research mandate, and objectives of the OSMP. Read more about Call for Delegate: Air & Atmospheric Deposition Technical Advisory Committee, Oil Sands Monitoring Program
As both the Federal Election race and the climate heat up, it is crucially important to find out where the parties, and where your local candidates stand on the environment. Across the country, local organizers are holding non-partisan, all-candidates forums focusing on environmental issues on or around October 3. The national 100 Debates on the Environment initiative is being co-ordinated by GreenPAC, with support from Équiterre in Quebec.
Debates currently planned for Alberta:
Banff-Airdrie | 7:00-9:00 PM
Town of Canmore Council Chambers | 902 7 Avenue, Canmore
Bow Valley Naturalists | Bow Valley Climate Action | Canmore Commons
Facebook
Calgary-Centre | 6:00-8:00 PM
Marda Loop Communities Association | 3130 16 Street SW, Calgary
Calgary Climate Hub | Engineers without Borders - Calgary Chapter
Facebook
Calgary-Confederation | 7:00-9:15 PM
AWA Cottage School | 455 12 Street NW, Calgary
Alberta Wilderness Association
Facebook
Edmonton-Strathcona | 7:00-9:00 PM
Engineering Teaching and Learning Complex (ETLC) E1-007 | University of Alberta, Edmonton
University of Alberta - 100 Debates on the Environment Group
Facebook | Livestream
RSVP or check for a local event in your riding Read more about 100 Debates on the Environment
CCME’s Air Management Committee is requesting nominations for one representative from a non-government or Indigenous organization to participate in the Air Quality Management System Advisory Group. The group provides advice on the ongoing implementation, improvement and operation of the Air Quality Management System.
Full details & application instructions (PDF) Read more about Call for Nominations: Air Quality Management System Advisory Group
