L’ÉQUIPE KYOTO ACCELERE LE TRAVAIL DEPUIS L’ANNONCE D’UN ÉCHANCIER ET D’UNE DATE D’AUDITION : LE 1ER JUIN 2012
Montréal, le 24 mars 2012 – Suite aux échanges entre l’avocat du Procureur général du Canada et Me Julius Grey, l’échéancier relatif à la demande de contrôle judiciaire présentée par Daniel Turp et visant à déclarer illégale la dénonciation par le Canada du Protocole de Kyoto a été arrêté. Les trois dates importantes à retenir sont les suivantes :

• Dépôt du dossier du demandeur : au plus tard le [lundi] 2 avril 2012;
• Dépôt du dossier du défendeur : au plus tard le [vendredi] 25 mai 2012;
• Audition de la demande : vendredi, le 1er juin 2012.

La Cour a par ailleurs avisé les parties que le juge Simon Noël sera saisi du dossier et entendra l’audition sur le fond.

« À la lumière de l’échéance du lundi 2 avril 2012, les membres de l’équipe Kyoto ont accéléré les travaux de recherche et préparent le dossier du demandeur qui contiendra l’argumentation juridique de l’Équipe Kyoto », a déclaré le professeur Daniel Turp.
Celui-ci a par ailleurs indiqué que l’Équipe Kyoto était maintenant composée de plus de 50 étudiants et de professeurs provenant de l’Université de Montréal et ses écoles affiliées, de l’École nationale d’administration publique (ÉNAP), de l’Université du Québec à Montréal, de l’Université Laval et de l’Université de Sherbrooke. Elle compte également sur l’appui de quatre partis politiques et de 21 groupes environnementaux, dont l’Association québécoise de lutte contre la pollution atmosphérique (AQLPA).

Il y a lieu de rappeler que l’objet principal de la demande de contrôle judiciaire est de faire déclarer par la Cour fédérale du Canada que la dénonciation par le Canada du Protocole de Kyoto est illégale dans la mesure elle a été adoptée en violation de la Loi sur la mise en oeuvre du Protocole de Kyoto. La demande invite également le tribunal à déclarer que cette dénonciation porte atteinte au principe de la primauté du droit, au principe de la séparation des pouvoirs et au principe démocratique.

L’Équipe Kyoto invite également les citoyens et citoyennes du monde à signer symboliquement le Protocole de Kyoto, ce que plus de 7 000 personnes ont fait d’ores et déjà. Une telle signature peut maintenant être faite sur le site internet de l’Équipe Kyoto à l’adresse www.equipekyoto.org et permet de montrer son appui à la lutte contre la dénonciation par le gouvernement du Canada du Protocole de Kyoto.

Source: Virginie MAURAN, attachée de presse
Téléphone: 514- 726 -2001
contact.equipekyoto@gmail.com
www.equipekyoto.org
http://www.facebook.com/equipekyoto

Screening in MTL: April 27 – May 4th, Cinema du Parc

Progress has been slower than some expected and in some cases international agreements and legislation has not put a damper on biodiversity loss: since 1990 approximately 85% of fish stocks are overexploited, depleted, recovering or fully exploited; 53% of the original primary vegetation cover has been lost with 5.2 million ha net forest loss per year and a 38% increase in CO2. Absolute poverty has decreased globally from 46% to 27%, yet the per capita income difference between rich and poor countries has grown continuously despite a 75% increase in global economic growth. With the world population exceeding 7 billion, access to food has not been improved for the 20 million undernourished people in the developing world. Approximately 884 million people still lack access to clean water and basic sanitation is still lacking for 2.6 billion people. Nevertheless improvements in access to education, gender parity and health are significant (UN Panel on Global Sustainability, 2012).

Since the first Rio Summit in 1992 international effort to accelerate progress towards achieving sustainable development globally led to various international meetings and agreements, as well as two legally binding conventions – UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). In 2007 president Lula of Brazil proposed convening a World Summit on the environment to mark 20 years since the landmark UN Conference on Environment and Development in Rio. The preparatory meetings begun in 2010 and a draft document on reaffirmation of political commitment and framework for action was submitted for consideration to member States and other stakeholders in January 2012. In addition a 22-member Panel, established by the Secretary-General in August 2010 to formulate a new blueprint for sustainable development and low-carbon prosperity, was released in 2012.

The Earth Summit 2012 will take place in Rio de Janeiro from 20th to 22nd June. The objectives of the summit are:

• Securing Political Commitment to Sustainable Development
• Assessing Progress Towards Internationally Agreed Commitments
• New and Emerging Challenges

The two main themes will be addressed at the Summit are the role of green economy in the context of poverty eradication and sustainable development and reforming the international institutional framework for sustainable development.

For more information consult the official website.

“Every time history repeats itself the price goes up.”

Surviving Progress presents the story of human advancement as awe-inspiring and double-edged. It reveals the grave risk of running the 21st century’s software — our know-how — on the ancient hardware of our primate brain which hasn’t been upgraded in 50,000 years. With rich imagery and immersive soundtrack, filmmakers Mathieu Roy and Harold Crooks launch us on journey to contemplate our evolution from cave-dwellers to space explorers.

Ronald Wright, whose best-seller, “A Short History Of Progress” inspired this film, reveals how civilizations are repeatedly destroyed by “progress traps” — alluring technologies serve immediate needs, but ransom the future. With intersecting stories from a Chinese car-driving club, a Wall Street insider who exposes an out-of-control, environmentally rapacious financial elite, and eco-cops defending a scorched Amazon, the film lays stark evidence before us. In the past, we could use up a region’s resources and move on. But if today’s global civilization collapses from over-consumption, that’s it. We have no back-up planet.

Québec’s waterways face numerous environmental threats, from industrial pollution, shipping, and oil and gas to a variety of other economic activity. How do we reconcile global demand for resources from this region with the need to protect this area’s fragile ecosystems and endangered species? How can companies that tap these resources do so sustainably? How can we encourage Quebecers to recognize and reduce their personal impact on our freshwater resources?

This discussion, the second in a national series, will address the importance of freshwater ecosystems, showcasing examples of effective business and NGO collaboration to achieve greater environmental, social and economic impact.

The speakers will include:

• Daniel Cotte, Président et chef de la direction des Eaux Naya
• André Martin, Président-directeur général, Fondation de la faune du Québec.
• Karel Mayrand, Directeur général, Fondation David Suzuki Québec.
• Melody Badgett, Senior Vice-President, Marketing, Acquisitions and Membership, 1% for the Planet.

There will be presentations in both English and French.

For more information, please see the attached media advisory or event poster, or alternatively, please visit http://www.onepercentfortheplanet.org/en/conversations/montreal.php

The first red flags started coming up during Dragons’ Den episode 5 aired on Oct. 12. The last segment contained a ‘pitch’ by a young Canadian entrepreneur who developed a waterless car washing product. Yes, tested and true, GoClean allows you to clean your car without using water. What’s even more interesting (if washing your car with no water is not enough!) is that the company has teamed up with African Well Fund which receives funds from the purchase of the product (each purchase provides fresh drinking water for 21 days).

This partnership was too much for Kevin O’Leary, who, without much further ado launched:

“Why? Why don’t you wait to be profitable, then you can give to the baby whales? [...]I find that absolutely offensive. The DNA of a business is to make profit for its shareholders[...]If I were to invest in you, you are stealing money from me. I decide what charities get my money, not you.” (you can watch the whole exchange here – episode 5 at 35min in).

It is certainly disappointing to see that when faced with climate change, urban pollution and increased resource scarcity, some business gurus have not yet made ‘Triple bottom line‘ part of their vocabulary and modus operandi. More disappointing is the fact that young entrepreneurs’ eco-ideas can be so blatantly bullied to conform to outdated and dangerous business models that have caused the environmental crisis we are faced with today. Fortunately, the rest of the Dragons crew supported with cash and moral outrage the young innovator and that gives at least some hope that more eco-conscious investors are out there.

And since we are on the topic of Kevin O’Leary, he managed to anger a couple of hundred viewers this week when he called Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter and author Chris Hedges “a left-wing nutbar”. The name calling took place during the Lang & O’Leary Exchange which focused on the Occupy Wall Street movement.

Such was the public wrath that the CBC ombudsman had to write up a lengthy quasi-apology on behalf of Mr. O’Leary. Hopefully such lack of professionalism, while it may be acceptable in the boardroom, will not creep into our public broadcasters’ programming.

Bucharest: September 28^th, 2011

Today, 28th of September 2011, the protest action called “The Gold March” or “Gold for the President” reached it’s final point. The action was initiated by Florin Suciu-35, which along with his younger fellow, Sebastian Muscalu - 21, started on September 19th, 2011, a 9 day long walk, from their hometown Bacau to Bucharest, with final destination the presidential palace, following the route: Bacau-Focsani-Ramnicu Sarat-Buzau-Bucuresti.

Yesterday, September 27th, 2011 the march reached the Cotroceni Palace. Over 400 protester joined the two in Bucharest on the route: University Square-Central Army House – Military Academy, where from a small group consisting of Florin Suciu, Sebastian Muscalu, accompanied by volunteers of the Save Rosia Montana campaign, proceeded towards the palace, in order to find out that the president left the location earlier that day.

The action ended up today, 28th of September, when gold objects donated by supporters were refused by the Romanian presidential representatives. The gold objects were presented as symbol of the Romanian state’s insignificant financial gain, that might result from the proposed mining project, compared with the severe damage and permanent loss of the natural and patrimonial resources. The result of this action comes against the president’s pro-exploitation attitude. It sends a message to the people: Romania doesn’t need gold, therefore the Canadian company’s proposed mining project is not necessary.

The sum in the amount of 225 RON, obtained from supporters along the 9 day long journey from Bacau to Bucharest, was deposited in the Fund for the Sustainable Development of Rosia Montana, especially created for this occasion, in order to support the locals in Rosia Montana village. Also, the gold shall be donated to the Rosia Montana community.

This extreme action comes as a result of the President Traian Basescu’s numerous statements while trying to convince the Romanian citizens on the benefits of the proposed open cast mining project.

“I’m just a simple Romanian citizen. My conscience and the moral values that I believe in led me to take action against their absence in the current political system. Therefore, I decided to walk down to Bucharest and carry with me the message that Rosia Montana is not sale. Moreover, in order for this march to have yet a practical and symbolic value, I will personally go to the presidential Palace, and donate a piece of gold, family owned, as much as I can afford and ask the president to protect Rosia Montana’s treasure for future generations.

I’m definitely not convinced that, according to Mr. President’s statements, the gold of Rosia Montana will save Romania nor that the Canadian company’s proposed project will provide long term or even medium term benefits. But if the president truly believes this, then I’ll support him in my own way without having to destroy four mountains; pollute a few hundred hectares of land; create the illusion of any community enrichment; divide the political and social class. I’ll show my support without having to to lie in the benefit of foreign interests and without creating the illusion that this mining project is a viable way for Romania to get out of the financial crisis.

During the communism era we were not allowed to talk, nor to express our opinions. After we earned this right, the government doesn’t want to listen, nor care of our wants and needs. They are trying to ignore the Voice of the people (over 45 000 signatures against the mining project in 5 weeks) which shouts against the start of one of the largest open cast mining projects in Europe.

What happened with the rights we fought for in the 89′s revolution? The time has come to gain the right to be heard and listened to. By definition, the State exists because of and through its citizens.

I only have two messages: Rosia Montana is not for sale! and “Romanians, the time has come ...!” said Florin Suciu, initiator of the march.

The two marchers were accompanied for the last 25 miles of their walk by Alina Musatoiu and Violeta Neamtu, two “Save Rosia Montana” campaign volunteers.

Tomorrow, September 29th, Florin Suciu and Sebastian Muscalu will head to Rosia Montana to both share their story with over 500 participants coming from all over the world to support traditional agriculture in the International Camp Reclaim the Fields, along with the locals who have been fighting against the mining company for over a decade.

For additional information please contact:

Florin Suciu gliabacau@yahoo.com, 0755 807 378

Elena Rastei elena@rosiamontana.net, 0743 756 079

Alina Musatoiu comunicare@asociatiabucuresti.ro, 0721 375 730

Web-Site: http://www.rosiamontana.org (information about “Save Rosia Montana” campaign)

http://www.rosiamontana.net (petitions and direct actions )

Blog:

http://RosiaBlog.ro

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/rosia.montana.in.unesco

Help Alternatives Journal celebrate its 40th birthday by adding your choices to our Best-Of Lists for a Better World.

From National Parks to environmental books, pet peeves to green blogs, help us track Canada’s take on our environment. We want all regions of Canada to be represented in the survey, so please add your choices and send it along to your friends, family and colleagues, wherever they may be in Canada, so that they can participate too.

Results will be published in our 40th anniversary issue. On newsstands in November 2011.

Please add your voice by clicking here: Best-Of Lists for a Better World.

The exhibition took months to prepare including washing hundreds of plastic bottles and digging into the Center’s recycling twice a week to gather the materials that make up the installation: 13,750 bottles and 12 rolls of double-sided tape were used to build the pond; 6,080 plastic water bottles were put together to form the waterfalls; 5,000 square feet of cardboard boxes make the tree trunks; 1,600 square feet of cardboard boxes were used to make the 70-foot high tree raises from Sainte-Catherine Level up to the 5th Floor; and dozens of can pops and ice-cream buckets make up the lilies and other flowers.

Entrevue “Fragile”, de Roadsworth et Brian Armstrong from Projekroom on Vimeo.

Linking nature and man-made structures “the elements that make up this installation are reassembled into a clumsy semblance of their original forms, a poignant reminder of both the fragility and irrevocable loss of a natural and original state.”

• promoting healthy communities and ecosystems;
• addressing climate change by moving to a low-carbon economy;
• and working with partners in the private sector to green North America’s economy.

Of note, the CEC launched a new $1.4 million North American Partnership for Environmental Community Action (NAPECA) program to support a diverse set of projects by providing access to CEC resources for a broad base of hands-on groups and organizations. For more details on the program see the call for proposals here. Preliminary proposals are due 22 August 2011, before 5:00 p.m. EST.

The CEC was established by Canada, Mexico and the United States to build cooperation among the NAFTA partners in implementing the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation (NAAEC), the environmental parallel agreement to the NAFTA. The CEC addresses environmental issues of continental concern, with particular attention to the environmental challenges and opportunities presented by continent-wide free trade.