Steven Townsend

‘Half the tree of life’: ecologists’ horror as nature reserves are emptied of insects A new point in history has been reached, entomologists say, as climate-led species’ collapse moves up the food chain even in supposedly protected regions free of pesticides

This article from the Guardian describes the alarming decline of insect populations worldwide.

www.theguardian.com/environment/...

In the 80s and 90s, road trips meant scrubbing smashed bugs off the windshield and grill. Today? Barely a splatter. Insects are disappearing. Ecosystems are collapsing. And we’re the cause. Wake up.

If you are around UBC Vancouver tonight join us for a free screening of Tea Creek followed by a Q&A with our special guest Jacob Beaton at the Norm theatre.

This decision is a significant setback for #Greenpeace, the #ClimateAction movement, and Indigenous rights in the U.S. It could spell the end for Greenpeace. Energy Transfer violated UNDRIP's mandate for free, prior, and informed consent on Indigenous lands at the Sioux #StandingRock Reservation.

Exactly and I am sure we will be taking them to court over it, not that it matters with an administration like this.

Yeah i don't think any of us would have imagined this day actually coming.

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on unjustified U.S. tariffs against Canada: "Today, after a 30-day pause, the United States administration has decided to proceed with imposing 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian exports and 10 per cent tariffs on Canadian energy. Let me be unequivocally clear - there is no justification for these actions. "While less than 1 per cent of the fentanyl intercepted at the U.S. border comes from Canada, we have worked relentlessly to address this scourge that affects Canadians and Americans alike. We implemented a $1.3 billion border plan with new choppers, boots on the ground, more co-ordination, and increased resources to stop the flow of fentanyl. We appointed a Fentanyl Czar, listed transnational criminal cartels as terrorist organizations, launched the Joint Operational Intelligence Cell, and are establishing a Canada-U.S. Joint Strike Force on organized crime. Because of this work - in partnership with the United States - fentanyl seizures from Canada have dropped 97 per cent between December 2024 and January 2025 to a near-zero low of 0.03 pounds seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. "Canada will not let this unjustified decision go unanswered. Should American tariffs come into effect tonight, Canada will, effective 12:01 a.m. EST tomorrow, respond with 25 per cent tariffs against $155 billion of American goods - starting with tariffs on $30 billion worth of goods immediately, and tariffs on the remaining $125 billion on American products in 21 days' time. Our tariffs will remain in place until the U.S. trade action is withdrawn, and should U.S. tariffs not cease, we are in active and ongoing discussions with provinces and territories to pursue several non-tariff measures. While we urge the U.S. administration to reconsider their tariffs, Canada remains firm in standing up for our economy, our jobs, our workers, and for a fair deal.

On March 4th at 12:01am, war will have officially started between two long-time allies, the USA 🇺🇸 and Canada 🇨🇦. #ElbowsUp

The English Liberal Leadership debate was mostly civil, except for Karina Gould, who aggressively criticized the other candidates' plans. In contrast, the other candidates mainly presented their visions or targeted Poilievre instead. #CDNpoli #liberal #liberaldebate #liberalleadership

I was surprised to learn that linoleum is far better for the environment than engineered hardwood. It’s made from natural, renewable materials like linseed oil, cork dust, wood flour, and natural resins. It is biodegradable and can decompose without releasing harmful toxins. #sustainability

Does the US still have allies? 🤷

One simple way to resist America's imperialist threats to Canada is to plant a garden if you have access to space.

Not big enough

Trump is cutting funding for research that doesn't align with his policies. Canada needs to do everything possible to attract all scientists, academics, scholars, and other talented people so they can continue their research and help to build an even better Canada 🇨🇦 #welcometocanada #cdnpoli

Have they told colleges and universities to also expect to lose any funding in this regard as well? This is very troubling.

Vive le Canada 🇨🇦

Attention Canadian Retailers: it's time to get your Made In Canada stickers on the shelves so we know what to buy. 🇨🇦 #madeincanada

Yup! It would be wonderful if we could come together as a community to organize a group bulk buy. By pooling our resources to purchase Canadian products in bulk, we could support each other and make those costs more manageable.

Here is the first plank of Mark Carney’s platform, and I am happy that it is the climate. It is a multipronged approach that addresses the #climateemergency while building a strong and resilient economy that benefits everyone. #markcarney #cdnpoli #carbontax

markcarney.ca/media/2025/0...

It should not be viewed as “political” to discuss #ClimateChange when a natural disaster occurs.

Mi’kmaq M.P. Battiste drops out of liberal leadership race, endorses Carney Mi’kmaq M.P. Jaime Battiste, the first Indigenous candidate in a national leadership race has dropped out and is endorsing Mark Carney.

I am glad he put his name forward in the race for Liberal leader. The writing is on the wall at this point as to who is going to win.

Mi’kmaq M.P. Battiste drops out of liberal leadership race, endorses Carney www.aptnnews.ca/national-new...

Maybe the Diné need to set up checkpoints on major roads running through their Nation and start asking for proof of Diné Bikéyah citizenship.

Stop using “China and India pollute more” as your excuse to do nothing.
If your neighbour was dumping trash in the river, would you also start throwing your garbage in? Or would you take responsibility for your own waste?

Maybe I am not looking in the right places, but how are we not seeing videos from ICE Raids?

The general public needs to see what is happening with their own eyes.
#ICEraids

Happy New Year from our house to yours!

Researchers are terrified of Trump’s freeze on science. The rest of us should be, too. Government support is essential to science. The Trump administration kneecapped it.

Academic research should never be tied to the “values” of a particular administration. This could be a major blow to excellent research and potential future breakthroughs.
chttps://www.vox.com/future-perfect/396911/trump-science-nih-censorship-blackout

I love that he puts the environment and sustainability at the core of his plans to build a better Canada. So often, they are not at the forefront, and politicians are afraid to mention them too much out of fear of losing votes, even though they have such major impacts on all aspects of our lives.

2/ 2/ rising populism, and now threats of tariffs and annexation from Trump. It’s time for a visionary leader with a strong plan to address these things and bring people together. I believe that leader is #MarkCarney

🧵 Mark Carney has an inspiring vision for Canada. I am almost done his book Value(s), and it has become clear that with his economic expertise and vision for Canada, he is by far the best person for the job. We are facing massive gaps between the rich and the poor, an environmental crisis,

Today is the day I finally learned how to spell Colombia 🇨🇴 (bows head in shame).

I love that the Colombian president hit back at Trump though!