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A grim report about climate change in Ontario was kept quiet for 8 months
Presented to the government in January but only posted publicly in late August, the government did not issue a news release about the report. It follows a summer where Ontarians faced at times extreme heat, heavy rainstorms and unprecedented wildfire smoke.
Photo by Shane McLendon on Unsplash
In rush for key metals, Canada ushers miners to its fragile north
Canada is offering incentives to mining companies to dig in its northern regions for the critical minerals needed for EVs and solar panels, writes Yale Environment 360 reporter Ed Struzik.
In a nutshell:
Canada's Critical Minerals Strategy, aimed at meeting the demand for minerals used in electric vehicles and solar power, is attracting mining companies to previously inaccessible regions in the country's north. The strategy offers tax breaks, funding incentives, and a streamlined environmental review process. While it is seen as a way to transition to a post-carbon economy, concerns are raised about potential environmental damage, such as wetland drainage and disturbance of peatlands. Critics argue that the benefits of mining may not outweigh the costs to biodiversity and indigenous communities.
Key quote:
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said, “If I have to hop on a bulldozer myself, we’re going to start building roads in the Ring of Fire.”
The big picture:
The pursuit of mining key metals for renewable energy technologies presents a delicate balancing act between reaping the benefits of combating climate change and safeguarding the environment and human well-being. While mining plays a crucial role in the transition to a cleaner energy future, concerns persist over potential ecological damage as well as the impact on Indigenous communities. Striking a sustainable balance requires rigorous oversight, comprehensive mitigation measures, and a thorough understanding of the long-term environmental and social costs associated with mining operations.
Read the article at Yale Environment 360.
Learn more: The New Lede reporter Shannon Kelleher wrote about green energy and mining pollution. Meanwhile, EHN Senior News Editor Brian Bienkowski focused on mining's legacy on Native land in our Sacred Water series.
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