California Wildfires

Wildfires in southern California’s Kern County have destroyed 25 homes, caused thousands of people to evacuate, and burned about 15,000 acres. Firefighters in the region have had their hands full dealing with spreading fires. As trees burn, they emit stored carbon dioxide. The CO2 along with ash and smoke, worsen air quality which leads to increased incidence of respiratory illnesses.

Source: CNN

Air Pollution

Los Angeles Times Columnist, Gary Polakovic, argues that while the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is truly atrocious, what’s worse is the air polluting emissions that humans release into the atmosphere every day. The state of California alone emits around 2,215 tons of hydrocarbons daily.

The Gulf spill sends about 8,820 tons into the air and, unlike California, there will be an end to it one day. Man-made emissions are a daily byproduct of a modern era and there is no end in sight. Poor air quality kills about 3,860 people per year in California.

Source: LA Times

Mekong River Dam

The Mekong River flows through Cambodia, China, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. It’s also the home to many rare, endangered species that you won’t find anywhere else in the world, like the giant catfish that is roughly the size of a small car.

The World Wildlife Fund says that the 11 hydropower dams could destroy any migration and spawning of the giant fish, forcing them into early extinction. Go here to learn more about the fascinating giants of the Mekong. Watch Alexandra Cousteau’s feature on the Mekong here.

Source: World Wildlife Fund

Vancouver, British Colombia has vowed to be the greenest city in the world by 2020. Vancouver’s Mayor, Gregor Robertson, was a successful green entrepreneur before his life in politics. He has strived to make the city attractive to green businesses around the world.

Councillor Andrea Reimer who chairs the planning and environment committee says Vancouver isn’t just a pretty face but also offers a competitive tax regime and a melting pot of cultures.

Vancouver has identified 10 areas that need improving: economy, climate leadership, building, transportation, carbon footprint, waste, access to nature, air quality, water quality, and a local food economy.

Reimer says that while many cities are doing well in one of the 10 areas, none are doing well in all. Vancouver already has the lowest footprint in North America and investing heavily in bicycle infrastructure.

By 2020 they plan to: double the number of green jobs, reduce emissions by 33%, have all new construction be carbon neutral, improve efficiency by 20% in older buildings, divert 40% of solid waste from ending in a landfill or incinerator, have over 50% of trips using alternative transportation, have all residents living within a five-minute walk to a green space, meet the highest drinking water standards and reduce use by 20%, meet the highest standards for clean air, and create a local food economy.

For more information on Vancouver BC’s Green Goals visit: TalkGreenToUs.ca