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JANUARY 2024

The ClimateFast newsletter shares information, resources, news, and activist opportunities about the climate crisis that may interest our readers, and does not necessarily reflect the views of ClimateFast members. If you have an event or resource you would like to share, please send it to newsletter@climatefast.ca.  Please note: we need a new editor for the newsletter!  Email us if you can help.

 
CLIMATE BUDGET TRAINING WED JAN 17 - 7 PM
 
SPEAK UP ON THE BUDGET!

THE 2024 BUDGET is a really big deal for Toronto - and we need to make sure that climate action gets fully funded in the budget.  Find out from Councillor Alejandra Bravo and Toronto Environmental Alliance what kind of input is needed.  Especially important to attend if you live in a suburban ward!  We’ll go through the kinds of actions that are essential for proper funding of transit, building retrofits and more.  You’ll learn how to submit a letter (‘written deputation’) or speak to the committee (deputation in person OR online on Jan 22nd or 23rd) and how to lobby your councillor by setting up a meeting or calling/emailing the councillor to express your climate concerns. It’s also important to lobby your federal MP as we need their matching contribution toward transit.The budget will be finalized on Feb 14 so now is the time to speak up.   Come out and learn!

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REGISTER 

ALSO NEXT WEEK! LISTEN IN TO YOUTH LAWSUIT - OR ATTEND ‘THE WEEK’ A 3 PART SERIES JAN 15, 16, 18…AND SPECIAL TCAN PRESENTATION ON JAN 20

AND TAKE URGENT ACTION TO SUPPORT RENEWABLES THAT WILL TAKE ONE MINUTE! Or go to this link: https://www.cleanairalliance.org/triple/


 
UPCOMING EVENTS
 

Ingrid Doucet, a member of ClimateFast, will be hosting a climate conversation entitled “The Week”. It will take place over three evenings  (January 15th, 16th and 18th) on Zoom. 

The Week is a 3-part documentary series on environmental problems and what our world may be like in 30 years for us and people we love.  Each hour-long episode focuses on something different starting with the state of the world and the path the planet is currently on; solutions; and, finally, actions to take to make a difference.  After each episode, you will have about 30 minutes to have a conversation (with prompts) about what you have viewed. 

The videos do an excellent job of connecting dots between many intersectional climate and social justice issues.  While heavy at times, The Week is also inspiring and uplifting, leaving viewers with a sense of hope that can often times be hard to hold on to. 

For more information on The Week please go to: https://www.theweek.ooo/

If you would like to register please email: Ingrid at ingridraedoucet@gmail.com

 

ONTARIO YOUTH CLIMATE LAWSUIT GOES TO COURT JANUARY 15 AND 16 

Here's the link to the live streaming of the court case.  Note that recording is not permitted - watch live on Monday and Tuesday!

Mathur et al. appeal hearing: January 15-16, 2024, starting at 10 am

Please click this link to access the public hearing livestream:

https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/69275629468?pwd=NlJ5TXlrbVpyU09IZDhnL2FGOEZ4Zz09

Passcode: 588969

Or join by telephone: Dial +1 647 374 4685 or 833 955 1088 (Canada Toll Free)Webinar ID: 692 7562 9468.  Passcode: 588969

 

JAN 15 Deadline - SUPPORT RENEWABLES FOR ONTARIO ELECTRICITY GRID

The IESO (Independent Electricity System Operator)  is proposing to procure 5,000 MW of renewable capacity from existing and new renewable generation facilities. Its proposed rules would permit it to procure 4,150 MW of capacity from existing renewable generation facilities whose contracts will expire between 2026 and 2034. As a result, it might only contract for 850 MW of new renewable generation. This small increase in new renewable generation capacity would be equivalent to approximately 10% of Ontario’s existing wind and solar capacity – a pittance compared to the 1500 MW of new gas and 6000 MW of new nuclear that the IESO is moving forward with.

In response, we are calling for a tripling of Ontario’s solar and wind capacity by 2035 in keeping with the recent call for a tripling of renewables endorsed by the Government of Canada and 129 other national governments at the COP 28 negotiations.

SEND ACTION LETTER HERE

MORE INFO HERE

TCAN’S JAN 2O MEETING INCLUDES PRESENTATION ON HOME RETROFITS

All are welcome to join the Toronto Climate Action Network general meeting on Saturday Jan 20, 11 - 1 pm.  From 12 - 1 pm there will be a presentation by Eve Wyatt and Paul Dowsett of Toronto Home Retrofits.

There is not a formal registration for this event so if you want to attend please email Lyn Adamson at ocec.chair@gmail.com and I will send the zoom link closer to the date

Eve Wyatt – Chair, Toronto Home Retrofits.  Retired from senior management at GO Transit/Metrolinx, Eve Wyatt is a civil engineer with extensive experience in project management, policy development, and application of technology. Motivated by a long-standing concern about climate change, she was an early heat-pump adopter. She has been supporting other homeowners on their retrofit journey as project manager for the Pocket Change retrofit project, and is now leading expansion of the approach through the new not-for-profit Toronto Home Retrofits.

Paul Dowsett, Vice-Chair, Toronto Home Retrofits is principal architect at Sustainable, has been central to the mainstreaming of sustainable architecture in Canada, while practicing deep community engagement with equity-seeking groups of all backgrounds and abilities. Paul’s work consistently demonstrates the value of building-science-led design solutions for new construction and retrofits. He is a key advisor to governments and other stakeholders in the space of residential retrofits in Canada, and the founder of the Ontario Net-Zero Architects Network. Paul's own home was one of the first deep energy retrofits in The Pocket; this early retrofit work he did on his house reduced its energy use to 48% less than that required for a typical Canadian home, achieving net-positive-cost-of-energy. His firm later retrofitted a very similar home achieving the first ever LEED For Homes Platinum certification for a residential renovation in Canada and achieving an 83% reduction in energy use. Paul has recently completely electrified his home by upgrading to a cold climate air source heat pump and induction appliances - he is proud to be "natural" gas free!

For a brief preview, watch Rick Hill on Indigenous education. 

REGISTER
 

ClimateFast is run solely by volunteers and is funded entirely by donations. Your donation  will be used for mailings, campaign materials, room rentals and transportation.

You may donate online or by cheque, made payable to:
ClimateFast
and mail c/o Lyn Adamson
Friends House
60 Lowther Ave.
Toronto, Ontario M5R 1C7

We are grateful for your support!