v.23. no. 1 Winter 2013

Inside this Issue: Safeguarding the Seal .....cover, 4 Safeguarding Executive Director’s Letter...... 2 Eco-Events in ...... 3 the Seal River A Fresh Approach...... 5 By Josh Pearlman, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society Sustainable Pastures...... 6-7 Lower Speeds Make Safer The largest remaining undammed river The Seal’s path spans 260 km from its source & Healthier Neighbourhoods...... 8 in northern Manitoba, the wild, unspoiled es- at Shethanei Lake to , yet it is over sence of the Seal and the lands that feed it hold a 150 km from the coast that the waters are first BOOK REVIEW: Plato’s Revenge...... 9 mythic quality in the hearts and minds of those populated by eager and somewhat unexpected Disappoints at aware of its natural richness. ambassadors of the ocean: harbour seals. Here, UN Climate Talks...... 11 Despite occupying roughly 12 percent of the river’s namesake animal may stray further our province’s landmass, distance and inacces- from its marine environment than anywhere sibility (the watershed lies 1,000 km north of else on earth. extirpated grizzly bear is making a provincial Winnipeg) has kept it off most radars and left Carving a path east through untainted sub- return) and to the peat rich soils of the Hudson it undamaged by human hands over the span of arctic forest, the river’s surrounding landscape Bay Lowlands (North America’s largest wetland) recorded history. With unmatched diversity of plays host to black bear, wolf, fox and wolverine, where provincially rare plant species abound. natural features and relatively little imminent as well as moose, beaver, otter, eagle, osprey and The 400,000 animals of the Qaminuriak pressure of industrial development, the water- boreal songbirds. Swooping from rocky heights Caribou Herd are a crucial presence on the shed holds a very real and rare opportunity for along the river’s edge, cliff swallows nest here at physical and cultural landscape. These majestic and the provincial government to the northern limit of their range. creatures travel south from Nunavut to winter work toward land use planning and protection The scents of spruce and lichen mingle as the near the Seal River. Traditionally hunted by of this remarkable intact natural region. landscape transitions to tundra (where the long continued on page 4 >>

Winding across 260 km of unspoiled wilderness, the Seal River is northern Manitoba’s largest free-flowing major river. For now, the Qaminuriak Caribou Herd rules this landscape, which is at this point free from the marks of industrial resource extraction. ety i c o S Photo: Josh Pearlman, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Volume 23, Number 1 Winter, 2013 (date of issue: January 15, 2013)

is published four times per year by the Manitoba Eco-Network/ Executive Director’s Letter Reseau Ecologique du Manitoba Inc. at ewlett 3rd Floor, 303 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3B 2B4 Invest in youth and invest in the future Phone: 204-947-6511 / Fax: 1-866-237-3130 [email protected] Have you heard the term “nature deficit disorder?” Rich- www.mbeconetwork.org ard Louv’s hypothesis is that human beings — especially chil- Photo: Dylan H Editor: Joel Trenaman dren — are spending less time outdoors, resulting in a wide [email protected] range of behavioural problems. I am reading a book called Your Brain on Nature –The Science of Na- Manitoba Board of Directors: ture’s Influence on Your Health, Happiness and Vitality. This book explains that as we interact with Lydia Carpenter, Charles Feaver, nature, we reap the benefits of improved mental health while increasing our empathy and attraction Kristine Koster, Susan Lindsay, Joshua to nature, which leads to greater efforts to protect the natural world. A strong connection with nature Paetkau, Josh Pearlman, Keane Plamondon, is mutually beneficial for both humans and the Earth. Anika Terton It is critical that we rekindle the bond of children with nature, not only for the health benefits, but Design & Layout: Tracey Shillington O’Neil also for the influence it will have on how they interact with nature as adults. Will the interaction be www.simplelifedesigns.ca one of destruction or preservation? Baba Dioum, an environmentalist from Senegal, said: Manitoba Eco-Network STEERING COMMITTEE: “For in the end, we will save only what we love, we will love only what we understand, Kisti Thomas, Member at Large, Chairperson and we will understand only what we are taught.” Alec Stuart, Planners Network MB, Treasurer Kevin Freedman, Member at Large, Secretary In 2007, Manitoba Eco-Network created the Manitoba Environmental Youth Network to help Carol Hitchon, Nature Manitoba build a capable and connected community of youth in Manitoba who are making a positive difference Jim Chapryk, Bike to the Future for the environment. Over the years, the Youth Network has enabled youth to meet and learn from Sylvie Hebert, Green Action Centre one another, share ideas, plan joint projects, find out about resources available to them and collec- Curt Belton, Member at Large tively build their capacity for taking action. We are reaching out to request your financial support so that Manitoba Eco-Network can con- Alana Lajoie-O’Malley, University of Winnipeg tinue its work in environmental education and community building. Monthly donations are the best John Fjeldsted, Manitoba Environmental Industries Association way to support our work, but single contributions are also more than welcome. From $10,000 to $1, Sean Petty, Sierra Club Prairie Chapter every amount helps. Donations above $10 are eligible for a tax receipt. This year, we offer you the -ad ditional opportunity to help facilitate the Youth Network’s mission by purchasing a Manitoba Eco- Watch us on YouTube to learn about native prairie plants, composting, Manitoba Hydro’s Network membership for a youth aged 18 or younger for half the cost ($15.00). Help connect a loved water saving kit, reel mower sharpening one to Manitoba’s only environmental network. and more. http://www.youtube.com/user/ Payment options can be found by visiting mbeconetwork.org/support-our-work/donate. To sign ManitobaEcoNetwork up a youth, please click on “Individual Membership Form” on the left of the page. Don’t forget to ‘like’ Manitoba Eco-Network We thank you deeply for your support. It is more important now than ever before. n on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/ Manitoba.Eco.Network Kristine Koster Executive Director, Manitoba Eco-Network Manitoba Eco-Network is affiliated with the Canadian Environmental Network. EcoCentre groups gratefully acknowledge the contributions of Mountain Equipment Co-op. Individual subscriptions to Eco-Journal are available as part of a supporting Of Special Note membership to the Manitoba Eco-Network at Join Manitoba Eco-Network for two major upcoming a cost of $30. Group membership dues are events! Group and Associate Members are invited to $50. Associate membership dues are $100. our Member Forum on January 30th. Details are in the The opinions expressed by contributors Events section on page three. Non-profits and for- are their own and do not represent profits interested in joining our network can apply at the views of the Manitoba Eco-Network or its member groups. www.mbeconetwork.org.

For advertising rates, please contact [email protected], or 947-6511. Exciting changes are coming to the Reel Green Film The advertising deadline for the Festival for 2013. We are looking at Friday, April 19, Spring 2013 edition is March 1, 2012. just before Earth Day, as a likely date. We look forward to welcoming friends of the Eco-Network to watch im- Printed by Kendrick Quality Printing on 100% chlorine-free, post-consumer recycled paper with portant films and observe the Anne Lindsey Protecting 100% vegetable based ink. Our Earth Awards. Stay tuned for more details!

2 [ Winter 13 ] For more environmental event listings see our website calendar at www.mbeconetwork.org.

3 Maple Leaf Survival Course Learn winter shelter building, water sourcing and treatment, fire starting and other important cold weather survival techniques. 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at FortWhyte Alive. $60 per person or $100 for two. To register, call 204.989.8355 or email [email protected]. Visit fortwhyte.org for re t many more events. n

7 Sustainable Futures 2013 udies Ce t S

This environmental career fair connects today’s n students with tomorrow’s opportunities, with more than 43 employers and 16 breakout sessions planned. For more information, contact Deborah ill Norther h c at [email protected] or 204-783-7090. Orga- nized by the Student Chapter of the Manitoba Environmental Industries Association.

Courtesy of Chur 7-12 (& Feb. 28 – March 5) The Churchill Northern Studies Centre is presenting two programs in Winter Skies: Aurora and Astronomy February & March. in Churchill Marvel at the spectacular aurora borealis by night at the Churchill North- ern Studies Centre. Also: tours of Churchill, cultural presentations and an January afternoon of dog sledding. Join instructor Roger “Starman” Woloshyn and get a taste of life in the sub-arctic during a peak year in the current solar 17 A n Invitation to Simplicity – cycle. $1,045. Churchillscience.ca. A Presentation by Mark Burch “Invitation to Simplicity” introduces voluntary simplicity as a powerful, 16-18 Mantario Cabin Ski Trip creative lifestyle choice that can help us meet the challenges of the future. Spend the February long weekend on a ski trip to the beautiful Mantario 7:00 p.m. at Riverview Community Centre (90 Oakland Ave). For more cabin in Whiteshell Provincial Park. Participants must have the endurance information, contact Matthew Sanscartier at [email protected] or visit and skills to cross-country ski over 20 km each way in very cold weather. sustainablesouthosborne.com Contact Katrina Froese at [email protected] or 204-453-8216.

21 M anitoba’s Enchanted Isles – Exploring the Remote March Islands of Lake Winnipeg’s North Basin Join Dr. Randall Mooi on a tour of the North Basin as he introduces 1-2 Growing Local Conference the what, where, when and how of the animals living on these incred- Join Food Matters Manitoba for two days of networking and education on ible islands, and gives us a taste of the adventure in exploring them. 340 food security. Learn more and register at foodmattersmanitoba.ca. Provencher Boulevard at 7:30 p.m. naturemanitoba.ca 14-19 North of 58°: Winter Ecology and Northern Culture 30 Manitoba Eco-Network Member Forum Join instructor Michael Goodyear of the Churchill Northern Studies Cen- Group and Associate Members, please join Manitoba Eco-Network on tre and rethink the popular misconception that only the largest and hardi- January 30th for media training, networking, and to provide feedback on est of animals can withstand the brutal sub-arctic winter. Explore an amaz- the services we offer you. 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Dalnavert Museum, 61 ing environment where grey jays lay their eggs at 40 degrees below zero and Carlton Street. For more information, contact Sean Goertzen at info@ wood frogs freeze solid, only to thaw again with the coming of spring. Dig mbeconetwork.org. beneath the snow for signs of a secret world where lemmings scurry along vast tunnel systems and shrews weighing less than a dime forage for insects. February Course participants will build two traditional snow dwellings (igloo and quinzhee) with guidance from skilled locals. A traditional dog sled ride 1 Green Drinks through the forest, snow sampling with a CNSC researcher, and a snow- An informal monthly get-together of individuals working for the environ- mobile ride onto the sea ice of Hudson Bay round out this truly unique ment: in government, consulting, non-profits and in spare time. Make new experience. At the end of the day, a hot meal, a warm bed and the glow of friends, reconnect with old acquaintances, and unwind at the end of your the northern lights await. $1,065. Churchillscience.ca. week. King’s Head Pub, 5:00 p.m. ‘til whenever. Organized by Manitoba Eco-Network. Please email your event notices to [email protected].

[ eco-journal ] 3 << continued from page 1 Seal River cont’d...

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Inuit and Dene communities of Nunavut and northern Manitoba, these animals are an irreplaceable resource and a spectacular representation of Canada’s wild landscape that we cannot afford to compromise. Where the river meets the coast, a designated Important Bird Area sees significant numbers of Black Scoter in the summertime. Additional- ly, 3,000 beluga whales, part of the planet’s highest concentration, gather to give birth in the estuary. A few short months later polar bears congre- gate in anticipation of sea ice formation. It is the pristine quality of the Seal River’s natural characteristics and tremendous recreational value that earned its designation as a Canadian Heritage River in 1992. This honour acknowledges the Seal’s significance and unique assets, but does not offer any legislated or other protection. For now, human presence, both industrial and otherwise, is relatively min-

C M The 400,000 animals of the Qaminuriak Y Caribou Herd are a crucial presence on CM the physical and cultural landscape. MY “ CY imal in this road-less wilderness. The river itself sees use by small numbers of traditional hunters and trappers, as well as a handful of adventure-seeking CMY ” paddlers. Mineral exploration occurs, but has thus far not translated into ac- K tive mining claims. Like water from a duck’s back, the Seal region has thwart- ed periodic development interests in part by virtue of its remote location and the extremity of its climate. That said, the untapped power of the river itself, the mineral potential of a prominent greenstone belt, and a proposed highway linking Manitoba to mainland Nunavut are looming pressures that may well touch down in the Seal region in the future. In an effort to preserve the wildness and integrity of Manitoba’s great- est undammed northern river, the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society would gladly welcome the provincial government making the region encom- passing the Seal River a priority area for the Manitoba Protected Areas In- itiative. Through a process in full consultation with local First Nations, we can ensure for future generations the persistence of a natural realm whose wild and incomparable character cannot be replicated or replaced. n

4 [ Winter 13 ] A FRESH Approach Local stories and videos set to inspire By Susan Lindsay, Project Manager, Climate Change Connection

Have you read a feel good story lately? A story that makes you smile, or makes you laugh. A story you want to tell a friend. Or possibly a story that inspires you to do more or be more. Hmm...imagine a story so powerful it causes you to change. The truth is, storiescan be powerful enough to create change. For instance, what if I told you there was a 14-year-old boy in Africa, William Kamkwam- ba, that had to drop out of school because of a famine in his village, but rather than accepting his fate he decided to do something remarkable. of the FRESH stories we have written visit our Instead of just dreaming about a community I now think of website at http://www.climatechangeconnection. with electricity, clean water and the ability to William when I org/Resources/FRESHstories.htm. get an education, he made it happen. By using am confronted We have also created three FRESH story vid- an American book he had found in his local “ eos. A volunteer, Hillary Beattie, created them. school, another book to translate the first book, with an obstacle Thanks to Hillary these stories will enter homes and tools he made out of scrap metal, William that may require and hopefully be passed on from one computer built his own wind turbine. With only scraps more time or effort to the next. The first FRESH video is about De- from a local junkyard in his village, he created then expected. nis, Hillary’s dad, who makes biodiesel in his something that harnessed the wind and changed garage. The second video is about a school that is the lives of his community. William built three changing the way their students think through windmills that produce enough electricity to food. The Sisler Green Thumbs are garden- provide indoor and outdoor lighting, and to ” ing, composting, and hosting a fall supper that pump water. I will pass on to others. I now think of William is local and organic. The last story is about the The pumped water irrigates his family’s when I am confronted with an obstacle that may W.R.E.N.C.H.: a community bike shop that is crops, reducing the chance of famine and his require more time or effort then expected. fixing bikes and changing the community. fellow villagers’ tendency to drop out of school Do we have local stories like this? Yes. We To view our videos visit Manitoba Eco-Net- because of hunger. William’s dream and ingenu- may not have as many obstacles as William, but work’s YouTube channel — yes, MEN has a You- ity has changed the lives of his family and his vil- there are definitely many great stories of change Tube channel with many great videos — or visit lage. He said, “building the windmill was easy.” in Manitoba. Climate Change Connection has our website at http://www.climatechangeconnection. William is now 22-years-old, famous, and set out to tell you as many of them as we can. We org/Resources/Freshvideos.htm and be inspired. studying at MIT. I heard about William’s story are calling them FRESH stories: Focus on Real If you know of a FRESH story please tell us from Al Gore. It is a story I will never forget and Environmental Stories from Here. To read some about it! n

When you need more

www. .info Straw Bale Guesthouse / Wilderness Skills Courses In the Turtle Mountains with your hosts David & Maggie. 204.534.2303 [email protected]

[ eco-journal ] 5 Sustainable Pastures Perennial polycultures and Managed Intensive Rotational Grazing By Lydia Carpenter enter p ia Car d y oto: L H P Sheep can be pastured outdoors year-round, seen here bale grazing in the winter.

Permanent pasture stands can be main- system that calls for short periods of grazing or lowed by a rest period. Moreover, periodic cessa- tained by use of perennial polycultures that “disturbance” followed by a recovery period. tion of grazing, especially during periods of rapid imitate the diversity of natural ecosystems. A In our MIRG system the sheep and goats growth, will enhance both shoot and root growth diverse grouping of plants consisting of grasses, graze together, with the goats preferring to eat by promoting the recovery and maintenance of forbs, and woody species can make up a perenni- more browse (such as twigs and shoots), and the greater leaf area. In this type of grazing system al polyculture and be used as pasture for grazing sheep showing preference for forbs and grass. both plant biomass, and livestock manure and animals (ruminants), including cattle, sheep and For the sheep and goats, portable electric fenc- urine, lead to increased soil organic matter and a goats. Animals on a perennial polyculture can ing is used to create pasture paddocks. The goats potentially more complex soil food web. contribute to nutrient cycling and an increase in and sheep are moved every few days and are fol- Management goals and local ecological con- soil organic matter. Established, maintained and lowed by the chickens. The chickens are moved straints determine the success of any MIRG sys- healthy perennial pastures have also been shown daily in portable pasture poultry pens. tem. Many MIRG practitioners aim to integrate to have a large capacity for carbon sequestration. It is not enough to move animals from one farming with the local ecology and increase plant On our farm in Western Manitoba, we have pasture to another. Stocking rates (number of biomass and soil organic matter. In addition, oth- counted over 30 different species of both native animals per unit of land as a function of density ers may aim to raise healthy, grass-finished animals and non-native perennials and biennial forages, and time) and rest periods are critical in manag- without the use of growth hormones or antibiot- including nitrogen-fixing legumes such as alfalfa, ing animal nutrition, plant re-growth, nutrient ics. While the principles of MIRG may be univer- pea-vine and various species of clover. These plants distribution, and interruption of pathogen life- sal, climate, soil, and local ecology inform varying populate our permanent pasture that maintains a cycles. Studies have demonstrated that at both the management practices. As we seek to orientate flock of sheep, a herd of goats and seasonal pro- plant and community levels, primary production food production into more resilient systems, it is duction of pasture-raised poultry. We employ a increases for grazed vegetation above ungrazed important that we seek out traditional and local Managed Intensive Rotational Grazing (MIRG) vegetation where an optimal stocking rate is fol- knowledge and contribute to a sense of place.

6 [ Winter 13 ] Resources: > Holistic Management International > The Omnivores Dilemma by Michael Pollan www.holisticmanagement.org > Pasture Perfect by Jo Robinson > Stockmand Grass Farmer > Pastured Poultry Profits by Joel Salatin www.stockmangrassfarmer.com > Grass Farming by Andre Voisin > Meat: A Benign Extravagance by Simon Fairlie enter p ia Car d y oto: L H P Pasturing chickens can occur in poultry pens.

Nutrient Cycling: Animals on a perennial polycultures is often less expensive than cultivated Filling the gaps and closing the loop polyculture can contribute land. Furthermore, MIRG can be done as part of a Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium (N, P larger strategy that seeks not only to raise healthy and K) are some necessary elements for healthy to nutrient cycling and an livestock and create healthy pastures and soils, but “increase in soil organic matter. productive plants, from market gardens and pas- to reduce the use of fossil fuel inputs, food miles, ture, to canola and soy. In agriculture, nutrients antibiotics, growth hormones, GMOs, grain feeds are acquired and applied on the land in several etc. MIRG systems combined with direct farm ways. N, P and K are derived from mining fos- application. In a rotational grazing system much” marketing of grass-based livestock are one way for sil fuels (oil sands and potash mines), green ma- of the needed N, P and K are added or recycled to new entrants to find their feet in farming. nure crops on cultivated fields and manure/ pasture via the manure and urine of livestock. Our farming is fuelled by an interest in com- humanure (animal feedlots and municipal waste). munity, ecosystem dynamics, material and nu- In some MIRG systems animals are kept out Making a livelihood from trient (re)cycling and renewable energy. MIRG on the land year round to distribute their nutrients small-scale pasture-farming allows us to look at ecological systems and see in a rotational system. It is important to note that New entrants to farming may have difficulty ourselves in them, not outside of them. As part MIRG can be done in the winter months with the with start-up costs, cash flow and land tenure. The of our own ecology we must learn how to navi- use of techniques like bale grazing, swath grazing management practice of rotational grazing, while gate the dichotomies of life and death. Our agri- and mechanized winter-feeding on pasture. Not labour intensive, requires very few external inputs culture is informed by a privileged environmen- only does this mean the animals may live outdoors and low capital investments in infrastructure com- tal ethic that has brought us closer to both. and outside of confinement but this strategy also pared to more “conventional” forms of agricul- Lydia Carpenter and her partner Wian Prin- allows for decreased overhead costs for both N,P ture. In an agricultural era dominated by annual sloo run Luna Field Farm, a pasture-based farm and K, and the machinery and fuel needing for monocropping, land that is made up of perennial 20 miles south of Brandon. n

[ eco-journal ] 7 Lower Speeds Make Safer & Healthier

Neighbourhoods eaver City considering lowering speed limits in residential areas to 40 kph — why not 30? Photo: Charles F By Charles Feaver, Provincial Committee Director, Bike to the Future Snowy streets could be safer with lower speed limits, says Bike to the Future.

Bike to the Future recommends that the de- speed limits to 30 km/hr on residential • Less parents’ taxi duty. Safer roads allow fault speed limit on all residential streets in Winni- streets and adopting a city-wide speed lim- children to travel more independently, free- peg be 30 kilometres per hour (kph). it of 40 km/hr on all other streets, unless ing up their parents’ busy schedules We commend City Council for considering otherwise posted.” dropping the speed to 40 kph, but it would be a • More cycling. A Bristol City Council study shame to implement this half-measure, when there Reduced speeds benefits city residents showed that slowing speed limits from 30 is a movement in the developed world to reduce in many ways: mph to 20 mph contributed to increasing residential speed limits to 30 kph. • Fewer injured car users. There were 22% cycling and walking by up to 12% and re- fewer casualties in Portsmouth after two duced traffic. This added to the safety- ef • Thirty kph speed limits are a key com- years of wide area 20 mph limits: 23% fewer fect of the lower speed, because with more ponent of sustainable travel policies in among drivers and 31% fewer among passen- cyclists and walkers, drivers become more Denmark, Belgium, Germany, the Neth- gers. Elderly drivers had 50% fewer injuries. conscious of these road users. erlands, Norway and Sweden. In the UK, there is a popular movement promoting • Lower costs. As crashes fall in severity and • Better health. There is a direct relationship “20 is plenty” (meaning 20 miles per hour) frequency, so do settlements and repair bills. between the walkability/bikeability of a www.20splentyforuk.org.uk This lowers insurance premiums. community and its health. Rates of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and many other ailments are higher in communities where Basic laws of physics dictate that vehicle’s stopping distance and the kinetic energy people spend more time travelling by mo- that it delivers in a collision are a function of the square of the vehicle’s speed. Thus, tor vehicle, and less time getting around on drivers in vehicles that travel faster are less able to avoid collisions, and the likelihood of killing a cyclist or a pedestrian increases exponentially with the vehicle’s speed: their own power. R At 30 kph, 5% of pedestrians struck by a vehicle will die. Lower speed limits could have a big effect in Winnipeg. Many Winnipeggers tell us that they R At 40 kph, 25% will die. would like to use their bikes for short trips, but R they do not feel safe riding in Winnipeg traffic. At 50 kph, 55% will die. So, they drive a vehicle instead. Statistics Can- ada estimates that there are 400,000 bicycles in Winnipeg. Our annual counts indicate that, on • The European Union Transport and Tour- an average summer weekday, 30,000 Winnipeg- ism Committee has recommended 30 kph • Reduced fuel gers commute by bicycle. That leaves 370,000 bi- speed limits for residential areas, with use, cleaner air, cycles ready to go for a ride when the conditions the specific goal of reducing by 60% the and lower CO2 are right! number of children under 14-years-old emissions. Less killed by motorists. fuel is burnt as What you can do a result of less The City is in the early stages of considering • In April 2012, a Toronto Public Health acceleration and lower speed limits on residential streets. If many Officer report entitled Road to Health: more people get- local residents’ associations tell City Council that Improving Walking and Cycling in To- ting around by walking, cycling, they want 30 kph on their streets, councillors are ronto recommended, inter alia, to support and public transport. In German likely to pay attention. Our neighbourhood associ- the increased use and safety of walking and 30km/h zones, car drivers use 12% ations should send this message to their councillors cycling, including by: “Reducing vehicle less fuel. loud and clear. n

8 [ Winter 13 ] BOOK REVIEW

Plato’s Revenge: Politics in the Age of Ecology By William Ophuls MIT Press, 2012, 256 pp.

At the heart of every recent political dis- digm or philosophy that has abandoned virtue This brings us to what is undoubtedly the cussion is an increasingly insurmountable prob- and rejected community. He goes on to suggest most dangerous part of Ophuls’s work: the at- lem: the challenge of ecological scarcity. At the that the modern political paradigm was bound tempt to find a natural law, or to discover from heart of the ever-deepening ecological crisis is the for self-destruction even before signs of ecologi- nature how we ought to live. Natural law theory uncomfortable reality that the way we live today, cal scarcity began to emerge. What is needed is holds a particularly divisive place in the history the consumptive choices we make, and the way a new public philosophy. For of thought, yet Ophuls makes a compelling and we organize ourselves socially and politically may Ophuls this takes the form of well-researched argument: be denying our grandchildren a future. The fact a “natural law theory of poli- that consumer/industrial society has so eagerly tics grounded in ecology, Ecology, physics, jumped on the “green” bandwagon makes our physics, and psychology.” situation that much more ridiculous, as though Plato’s Revenge provides and psychology – slapping on a few eco-friendly labels could radi- the basic outline of the that is, biological na- cally alter the destructive consumptive patterns form such a philosophy ture, physical nature, to which we have become accustomed. might take. William Ophuls confronts this ecological Ophuls endeavours and human nature challenge in Plato’s Revenge: Politics in the Age to envision a moral – reveal fundamental of Ecology, with a powerful mixture of ingenuity code that would pro- and eternally valid mor- and wisdom. Ophuls finds current approaches vide sufficient -ma that seek to minimize ecological degradation turity to allow for a al principles on which to unsatisfactory, and argues that they address rigorous examina- reconstitute our polity. symptoms rather than root causes. He writes: tion of the prin- ciples we often These natural laws challenge many I start from the radical premise take for granted. of the preconceptions that form the A moral code based on funda- modern liberal paradigm — the nature that “sustainability” as usually mental biological, physical and psychological of power as an extrinsic domain exercised understood is an oxymoron. limitations, states Ophuls, reveals the need to over some other, for example — and encourage a Industrial man has used the cultivate virtue in community rather than focus political form that is deeply grounded in ecology on material accumulation. and community. The danger lies in becoming so found wealth of the New World To begin this work requires some under- attached to a certain political ideology that legit- and the stocks of fossil hydrocar- standing of where we are and where we have imate concerns, grievances or alternate perspec- bons to create an anti-ecological come from. Civilization, Ophuls argues, was tives are cast aside, or treated condescendingly. bought at a high price and modernity at a higher In my opinion, Ophuls too rapidly accepts the Titanic. Making the deck chairs one — namely, a process of demoralization: tenets of Jungian psychology as a way of margin- recyclable, feeding the boilers alizing or controlling the dialogue between sci- with biofuels, installing hybrid This demoralization has three ence and religion. The use of science to perpetuate forms of winches and windlasses, and aspects — the corruption of mor- control and domination is well known, and every other effort to “green” the als and mores, the undermining while Ophuls recognizes the gravity of this in Titanic will ultimately fail. In of morale and the spreading of modernity, he is not always able to avoid the temptation in his own vision. The question of the end, the ship is doomed by confusion — and has resulted how to envision a spiritually and ecologically the laws of thermodynamics in the loss of almost all sense of wise politics, while avoiding the pitfalls of tech- and by implacable biological honor, duty, and responsibility. nocracy or fascism, is not fully answered here. Ophuls has, however, done an admirable job in and geological limits that are laying the groundwork upon which such a dis- already beginning to bite. Even more significantly, the rise of rational- cussion might be built. n ity at the expense of both reason and tradition Ophuls contends that we have largely failed to has left women and men without the means by —Reviewed by Joshua Paetkau grapple seriously with this anti-ecological reality. which to find their intellectual and spiritual We fail because we operate from a political para- bearings.

[ eco-journal ] 9 Working with you for a Greener Future

Gord James Bidhu Deanne Mackintosh Allum Jha Crothers MLA for St. Johns MLA for Fort MLA for Radisson MLA for St. James 204-582-1550 Garry-Riverview 204-222-0074 204-415-0883 GordMackintosh.ca 204-475-2270 BidhuJha.ca DeanneCrothers.ca JamesAllum.ca

Erna Ron Peter Nancy Braun Lemieux Bjornson Allan MLA for Rossmere MLA for Dawson Trail MLA for Gimli MLA for St. Vital 204-667-7244 204-878-4644 204-642-4977 204-237-8771 ErnaBraun.ca Ron-Lemieux.ca PeterBjornson.ca NancyAllan.ca

Jim Kevin Dave Rondeau Chief Gaudreau MLA for Assiniboia MLA for Point Douglas MLA for St. Norbert 204-888-7722 204-421-9126 204-261-1794 JimRondeau.mb.ca KevinChief.ca DaveGaudreau.ca Canada Disappoints

What do you see as the biggest barriers at UN Climate Talks to achieving a global Karen Rooney, Canadian Youth Delegation, on COP18 climate agreement? The biggest barriers would be a) the fact By Anika Terton, Public Education and Outreach Coordinator, Climate Change Connection that the fossil fuel industry is allowed to at- tend COP and have access to delegates and Another round of global climate talks (COP18, or the 18th negotiators and b) that governments such Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Con- as Canada are actively negotiating on be- vention on Climate Change) wrapped up in Doha, Qatar on De- half of the fossil fuel industry by seeking to cember 7. Despite the comprehensive reports from the International weaken existing legislations (such as the EU on

Panel on Climate Change, COP 18 proceedings failed to deliver real d Fuel Quality Directive) in order to open up a cuts to greenhouse gas emissions, nor adequate financial support for larger market for tar sands oil. developing countries to deal with climate change impacts. Coun- tries did manage to conclude negotiations on a new commitment pe- How is climate change viewed differently riod under the Kyoto Protocol. Although important politically, the by the young people you have worked commitment only covers 15 percent of global emissions and leaves with, versus our official leaders? Photo: KeanePhoto: Plamon loopholes that allow the carryover, use and trading of hot air. Karen Rooney would like to It’s easy for official leaders to become discon- I spoke to Karen Rooney, member of the Canadian Youth Dele- see Canada take a lead role in nected from the severity and the urgency of gation to the United Nations climate change negotiations (COP18), dealing with climate change climate change. Our Canadian officials can worldwide. to discuss her firsthand experiences in Qatar. easily return home to the comforts they are fortunate to have in this country — while You spent two weeks in Doha, Qatar in decision last year to pull out of the Kyoto many negotiators, youth and members of the hot desert. What’s your opinion of Protocol has ensured that they have no cred- global civil society return home to commu- the outcome? What are you taking away ibility at the negotiations. Like a bad student, nities already devastated by drought, fires, from it? Canada has become the country that sits in famine, super storms and other detrimental These past two weeks in Doha, we have seen the corner silently to reflect on its poor be- effects of climate change. very little from any of the developed nations haviour. At the same time, Canada continues when it comes to any desire to cut emissions, to spout the same rhetoric that they have Youth from around the world have recog- any contributions to a Green Climate Fund been for years and yet we continue to see our nized that we are the ones who will be living that would assist developing nations to deal emissions rise, the tar sands expand and our with the effects of the decisions made at nego- with the current and future effects of climate government refuses to take any leadership at tiations such as COP18, and as such, have an change and any acknowledgement that they the international stage. urgent and vested interest in making sure that have a historical responsibility for causing our future has potential and that we will be the climate crisis and thus, must take a larger What do you think Canada should able to enjoy a quality of life based on a green role when it comes to resolving it. do to regain credibility and trust at economy, not a dying, polluting industry. these negotiations? COP18 has cemented the fact that at the end Canada must take a leadership role at the cli- When we talk about a sustainable of the day, money and corporate influence mate negotiations and in order to do that, they future, in your mind, what does it reign supreme at the negotiations. We’ve heard must begin to take responsibility for Canada’s look like? many times over the course of these talks that historical role in creating the climate crisis. To me, a sustainable future starts at home — civil society is not putting enough pressure on Canada has been one of the largest emitters it’s a future where all Canadians have access to their negotiators — which in fact is complete- and contributors to the current situation, and jobs that provide them the means to live and ly untrue, as when we use our voices, there is as such, needs to contribute to mediation mea- enjoy their lives, where those jobs do not come no one in the room to heed them. sures such as the Green Climate Fund. at the cost of the health, quality of life or hu- man rights of their fellow human beings. It’s a Canada’s Environment Minister Peter Canada must also begin to follow the lead of future where we see Canada take on a leader- Kent said “climate change is a very the many countries around the world [that] ship role when it comes to assisting develop- real and present danger and we need are beginning to shift from a fossil fuel-based ing countries to deal with the impacts of a cli- to address it.” Do you think Canada’s economy towards one that is focused on mate crisis they had no role in creating; where approach to climate change reflects the green, just jobs; this will ensure we are not Canada is a trailblazer in renewable technolo- urgency of the issue? only defending the interests of Canadians at gies; and where we see the interests, needs and Absolutely not. Canada has become com- home but also becoming a forward-thinking rights of people prioritized above those who pletely irrelevant here at COP18, as their leader at the international level. would deny us this kind of future. n

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