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.

The Earth Day 2022 Theme is Invest In Our Planet. What Will You Do? Check out the Earth Day website to find information on Earth Day events, activities, and what individuals and organizations can do to make a difference. Earth Day Canada suggests calling in sick - and taking an action on the 22nd to help the earth.

Later this month, MP’s will debate and vote on the National Strategy Respecting Environmental Racism and Environmental Justice Act (Bill C-226). The following organizations have prepared customizable letters for you to send to your MP to urge them to pass this bill.

Ecojustice
David Suzuki Foundation
Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment

The Government of Canada is seeking input for the latest round of public consultations on a just transition to a net-zero carbon economy.  We need to get as many submissions in as possible.  Fossil fuel lobbyists and supporters will be sharing their views, so it’s critical that the Government hear from people who are concerned about climate change, too! 

Submissions are due on April 30th and are to be sent via email.
Visit www.just-transition.ca for more information.

General messages you may wish to consider conveying in your submission:

• Urgency: the longer it takes to implement a Just Transition, the harder it will be.
• The approach must be a national, multi-tiered, multi-sectoral approach.
• The mandate established through Just Transition legislation must be enforceable.
• Impacted communities must have weighted seating on committees.

To assist you in writing your submission, we have created a google document with a compilation of points that you may wish to include in your email as well as a few examples to help get you started.  

This petition, open until May 10, calls on the government to:

1. Add thermal coal to the Priority Substances List of the Canadian Environment Protection Act (CEPA), and, as soon thereafter as possible, to the Toxic Substances List of CEPA; and

2. Regulate the mining, use, export, and import of thermal coal in Canada in accordance with our international commitments to reduce carbon emissions at home and abroad.

Sunday, May 1, 2022, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM.
Queen's Park, South Lawn, 111 Wellesley St West Toronto 

Take part in the province-wide day of action for a workers-first agenda - an opportunity for all struggles for justice to come together to unite for a better world. In Toronto, the event takes place at Queen's Park, South Lawn, May 01, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM. Find other local actions.

If you’d like to join in with other supportive environmental groups, meet at 11:30 at Grange Park for a joint BBQ with Justice for Workers and march to Queens Park with them at 1pm.

Saturday, May 7, 2:00pm – 3:30 pm
Albert Campbell Square ( Scarborough Civic Centre)

Join TTCRiders at a rally for improved public transit and bus service in Scarborough.

Saturday, May 14th, 1:00 - 3:30 pm
Queen’s Park (south lawn), 111 Wellesley St West Toronto 

Ontario’s environment is under threat. Greenhouse gas emissions are on the rise again, protections for nature are being dismantled, and mega projects are encroaching on our communities. This spring we have a chance to choose another path - one that prioritizes people and the planet. 

In the lead up to the provincial election, show your support for a flourishing, low-carbon Ontario that offers good green jobs, prioritizes our collective health, and respects Indigenous rights. Let’s come together and make it clear that we want a government that will take immediate action to bring down emissions, protect biodiversity, and build sustainable communities. You’ll also hear a range of inspiring speakers and performers!  

This is a family friendly event hosted by Environmental Defence, Climate Voice, David Suzuki Foundation, Ontario Climate Emergency Campaign, Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) - Ontario, ClimateFast, Seniors for Climate Action Now! (SCAN), Music Declares Emergency Canada

#VoteForTheEnvironment

#EmergencyinOntarioRally

May 19th,  4  - 6 PM (online)

Discover a novel vision of what it means for humanity to thrive in the 21st century through the Doughnut Model and Doughnut Economics and explore the mindset and ways of thinking needed to get us there. Attendees will be able to add live comments to see how one of the key brainstorming tools works.

Dr. Kate Raworth, economist and author of international bestseller Doughnut Economics: seven ways to think like a 21st century economist will highlight key components of the approach from a global perspective. 

Mike Layton, Toronto City Councillor for Ward 11, University-Rosedale, has worked tirelessly to protect and improve City services that people depend on. He  will share insights in the application of this model in the Toronto region. 

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has released their report on climate change mitigation. In the words of UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, the report warns of an “enormous, growing emissions gap”, adding up to a “file of shame” that “puts humanity on track toward an unlivable world”. The IPCC report also provides practical solutions and options that could still limit global warming to 1.5 C, if there is international cooperation.
Read the Energy Mix special report on the latest IPCC Report.
Read the IPCC Report Summary for Policymakers