Thomas Homer-Dixon
Perhaps because I am a professional pessimist,, I am increasingly persuaded by the apocalyptic visions of Thomas Homer Dixon. After more than 30 years labouring for environmental protection, in the company of many good people, I find it heartbreaking that we have achieved so little. Worse, …
Continue reading the post titled Thomas Homer-DixonEnd of slow death by rubber duck?
In 2009, we blogged about plastics that contain (and release) phthalates, plasticizers used in the manufacture of soft vinyl used in many products (https://www.siskinds.com/slow-death-by-rubber-duck/). New Phthalates Regulations under the Hazardous Products Act (HPA) were registered on Decem…
Continue reading the post titled End of slow death by rubber duck?Risk Management for Mercury?
In 2003, the United Nations Environment Program published a Global Mercury Assessment Report, confirming (if there was any doubt) that mercury is highly toxic, causing significant health and environmental impacts around the world. So why haven’t we done more? I am always sad when I see child…
Continue reading the post titled Risk Management for Mercury?Infrastructure, migration and food
I’ve been meaning to note my agreement with the Economist lead article on learning to live with climate change. As a world population, we had an opportunity to prevent the worst of the impacts of climate change. Since we threw that opportunity away, we must now learn to live with the c…
Continue reading the post titled Infrastructure, migration and foodWho pays for basement flooding?
It will likely be increasingly difficult for home and business owners to find anyone willing to pay for basement flooding. According to the insurers’ Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction, “basement flooding is one of the biggest challenges facing homeowners, municipal governments…
Continue reading the post titled Who pays for basement flooding?US toxics overhaul
Most modern toxic substances control laws are based on the 1976 US Toxic Substances Control Act, 15 U.S.C. §2601 et seq. (TSCA). It provides the US Environmental Protection Agency with authority to require reporting, record-keeping and testing requirements, and restrictions relating to cert…
Continue reading the post titled US toxics overhaulOur wind turbine, on film!
As part of Photosensitive, Anne-Marie Jackson made a great short film about the Windshare turbine at the Exhibition, which helped to pave the way for the Green Energy Act and Ontario’s whole renewable energy strategy. It’s only 3 minutes long. Enjoy.
Continue reading the post titled Our wind turbine, on film!Energy plan consultation ends this week
The government’s long-term energy plan, which is proposed to set energy policy until 2030, is open for public input only until January 7, 2011. The overriding issue is whether the public will support higher energy costs now for a greener, more reliable future. You can submit your comments online
Continue reading the post titled Energy plan consultation ends this weekRenewable energy approval regulation amended
Ontario’s renewable energy approval regulation has been significantly amended, effective January 1, 2011. The ministry received 285 comments on the proposed amendments, and made at least 10 changes as a result. According to the ministry, the key changes that occurred due to public cons…
Continue reading the post titled Renewable energy approval regulation amendedExtra time for Toxic Reduction plans?
The Ministry of the Environment plans to give Ontario industries an extra year to prepare their toxic substance reduction plans and plan summaries, under the Toxics Reduction Act 2009. Proposed amendments to O. Reg. 455/09 have been reposted for further comment; comments are invited until …
Continue reading the post titled Extra time for Toxic Reduction plans?