News
Ocean Temperature Breaks the Record
Once again, the world sets new temperature records. According to an analysis by NOAA's National Climatic Data Center in Asheville, USA, the planet’s ocean surface temperature in July has broken the previous high mark from 1998.
The global ocean surface temperature for July was 0.59 degrees C (1.06 degrees F) above the 20th century average of 16.4 degrees C (61.5 degrees F).
All in all, the planet was warmer than normal, though July ranked “only” fifth-warmest since world-wide records began in 1880. The combined average global land and ocean surface temperature for July 2009 ends at 0.57 degrees C (1.03 degrees F) above the 20th century average of 15.8 degrees C (60.4 degrees F).
According to the federal scientists, it was hotter than usual in Europe, Northern Africa and a large part of Western North America. Across these regions, temperatures were about 2-4 degrees C (4-7 degrees F) above average.
Community Action Program for the Environment Web Portal Launched
Visit the new Community Action Programs for the Environment (CAPE) web portal, which brings together, for the first time, Environment Canada's 10 community funding programs on a single website. Canadians now have easy access to information about all our community funding programs, including each programs’ goals, eligibility criteria, funding deadlines, geographic range, available funding, and website. Visit: http://www.ec.gc.ca/pace-cape/Default.asp?lang=En&n=06DD166D-1.
Action Alerts
Climate Change: Bill 95
The Government of Saskatchewan is seeking input on The Management and Reduction of Greenhouse Gases Act - Bill No. 95. We highly recommend that our member agencies read and discuss the implications of this bill on climate change. Read the proposed Act here. Members of the public are also invited to comment. Please send any comments you have to Kim Graybiel, Director, Corporate Policy and Planning, Ministry of Environment at kim.graybiel@gov.sk.ca.
Resources
The Sasquatch
The Sasquatch – a new, independent print and online publication – focusses on stories that affect you and that reflect discussions in kitchens and living rooms across the province and around the country. The Sasquatch tells the stories that get swept under the rug by mainstream media but that desperately need to see the light of day.
But producing good media costs money. And community-supported media needs community support. To succeed, the Sasquatch needs more subscribers. Please take a moment to subscribe today at their discount, introductory rate. Your 20 bucks can make all the difference. Go to their online webstore at http://www.sasquatchnews.com/store or call 1-866-431-5777 (525-2949 in Regina).
Science & Environmental Health Network Blog
Check out the new Science & Environmental Health Network blog at http://www.sehn.org/blog. It's a laboratory of ideas and information for the good of the earth and future generations. You'll see lots of SEHN Executive Director Carolyn Raffensperger's electric brainstorms as well as posts by other SEHN staff and friends.
Coming Events
Regina
Building Operator Training Sessions
September - November, Sandra Schmirler Leisure CentreRising Energy Costs a Concern for Your Facility? Learn energy conservation principles, new technologies and potential facility retrofits to help reduce energy consumption and cost. The Saskatchewan Environmental Society presents: Building Operator Training: A series of sessions ideal for any building operator, custodian or facility personnel.
Regina: All sessions at Sandra Schmirler Leisure Centre: 1:30 - 3:30 pm
- September 8, 2009 - Session 1: Waste and Water
- October 16, 2009 - Session 2: HVAC
- November 3, 2009 - Session 3: Lighting and Electrical Equipment
Flying WILD Environmental Education Program
August 21 - 22Flying WILD is an exciting new education program that introduces middle school students to bird conservation through school bird festivals, hands-on classroom activities, and community service projects http://www.flyingwild.org. Through a new partnership with the Council for Environmental Education (the national office for Flying WILD and Project WILD) and the Saskatchewan Outdoor and Environmental Education Association (SOEEA) Flying WILD training and materials will be offered in Saskatchewan for the next three years.
Our first training event will be held in Regina, on 21st and 22nd August, with an educators training on Friday afternoon and a facilitators training on the Saturday. If you are interested in becoming a Flying WILD facilitator with SOEEA you will need to attend both training events.
These events have been generously sponsored by the CEE and SOEEA and there is no charge for the workshop, however we do ask that you purchase the resource guide at a greatly reduced rate of $10. In addition, if you are traveling to attend the facilitator training (and therefore both training sessions) and you need to travel over 200 kms., there is a small travel compensation possible. Please negotiate this once your registration has been accepted.
An additional educator training will be held at the SOEEA Conference "Keepers of the Prairie" Lake Manitou September 25 - 27, 2009. Space is limited so please contact Peta White at petajwhite@wn.com.au for a registration form and register soon so you don`t miss this great opportunity.
LEED for New Construction Workshop
September 30th, 8 am - 5 pm, Delta HotelRegistration fee of $475 includes: Continental breakfast, lunch and refreshment breaks, the LEED NC/CI reference package at a discounted price of $275 plus GST & shipping. Reference package can be ordered at the workshop or on-line during the registration process. More information at: http://my.cagbc.org/courses.php. If minimum attendance is not reached, CaGBC reserves the right to cancel the workshop up to one week prior.
Saskatoon
Healthy, Liveable, Sustainable Cities Symposium: Urban Visionary Jan Gehl
August 31st and September 1stJan Gehl, one of the great urban designers and public thinkers of the modern era is coming to Saskatoon. This is a tremendous opportunity for the many people who are thinking about how to make Saskatoon a great human-scaled city prepared for the future to come together, hear from Mr. Gehl and have a conversation.
Details at http://artsandscience.usask.ca/news/event.php?newsid=1102. Tickets can be purchased through Picatic at http://www.picatic.com/ticket/event498/index.php.
Saskatoon Natural Grasslands Walk
August 22nd, 8 - 10 amJoin members of the Saskatoon Nature Society for a walk in native grasslands. Meet at the front of Mother Teresa School on Konihowski Road in the Silverspring subdivision. For more information, contact Donna Haugen at 651-5006.
Cosmopolitan Park Warbler Walk
August 29th, 8 - 10 amJoin members of the Saskatoon Nature Society for a walk in Cosmopolitan Park. Meet at the corner of 16th St. and Saskatchewan Cres. East.
Building Operator Training Sessions
September - November, Saskatoon Field HouseRising Energy Costs a Concern for Your Facility? Learn energy conservation principles, new technologies and potential facility retrofits to help reduce energy consumption and cost. The Saskatchewan Environmental Society presents: Building Operator Training: A series of sessions ideal for any building operator, custodian or facility personnel.
All sessions at Saskatoon Field House: 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
- September 15, 2009 - Session 1: Waste and Water
- October 5, 2009 - Session 2: HVAC
- November 2, 2009 - Session 3: Lighting and Electrical Equipment
4th Annual Sustainable Gourmet Fundraiser
September 26th, 2009Tickets are now available for the 4th Annual Sustainable Gourmet. Support the Saskatchewan Environmental Society by purchasing your ticket now: Tickets are $65 with a portion tax-deductible. Tickets available at the SES office 306-665-1915. Only 150 tickets will be sold to this unique event in which all the primary ingredients for the meal will be grown or made locally. This helps our environment, strengthens our community and provides a showcase for local sustainable entreprises.
Risk Management Training Conference
October 6th - 7th, TCU PlaceVolunteer Saskatoon & the United Way of Saskatoon & Area presents Imagine Canada’s Insurance & Liability Resource Centre for Non-Profits Risk Management Conference Presented for the first time in Western Canada, this training conference will: Motivate participants to undertake or improve risk management policy and procedures and will give you the skills and resources to do so; Learn about the key risks facing nonprofit organizations in Canada and how to manage these risks; Provide you with a comprehensive 350 page Resource Binder; Give you an opportunity to examine the challenges and options specific to the non-profit sector and interact with other leaders in the sector.
Visit: http://www.volunteersaskatoon.com/events/ Need help with costs? Check out the training grant/bursary available through The Muttart Foundation http://www.muttart.org/training.htm.
Other
Keepers of the Water IV Conference - cancelled
August 20th - 24th, Hatchett Lake, SKThis conference is cancelled due to an outbreak of H1N1 in the area. For more information, contact Brandy Smart at 306-981-4661 http://www.keepersofthewater.ca.
Climate Action Camp: It's Time to Defend the Planet
August 28th – 30th, Edmonton, AlbertaGreenpeace is offering a 3-day series of workshops to equip your climate activist toolbox so that you can take action and defend your planet! A camp near Edmonton, Alberta will provide informational sessions on the tar sands and climate change, and workshops on non-violent direct action, environmental justice, media, art and activism, action planning and more.
Suggested donation for the weekend is $20 but no one will be turned away due to lack of funds. Rides will also be available from Edmonton. To request a registration form contact, please contact Mike at mhudema@greenpeace.org.
Building Operator Training Sessions
September - November, John M. Cuelenaere Library, Prince AlbertRising Energy Costs a Concern for Your Facility? Learn energy conservation principles, new technologies and potential facility retrofits to help reduce energy consumption and cost. The Saskatchewan Environmental Society presents: Building Operator Training: A series of sessions ideal for any building operator, custodian or facility personnel.
Prince Albert: All sessions at John M. Cuelenaere Library: 1:30 - 3:30 pm
- September 11, 2008 Session - 1: Waste and Water
- October 9 , 2009 - Session 3: Lighting and Electrical Equipment
- November 6, 2009 - Session 2: HVAC
SOEEA Conference: Keepers of the Prairies
September 25 - 27, Camp Easter Seal, Manitou BeachFor more information, please email: soeea.sk@gmail.com or visit SOEEA's website at http://www.soeea.sk.ca/conferences.html.
Nature Saskatchewan 60th Anniversary Fall Meet
September 26th - 28th, Saltcoats, SKYellowhead Flyway Birding Trail Association (YFBTA) is hosting the 60th Anniversary Nature Saskatchewan Fall Meet in Saltcoats, September 26 to 28, 2009. The members of the YFBTA have planned an exciting nature weekend to honour the 60th anniversary of the Nature Saskatchewan. Details at http://www.naturesask.ca/?s=news&p=events.
North American Association for Environmental Education 38th Annual Conference
October 7 - 10, Portland OregonMany environmental, economic, and social challenges face our world, but fortunately environmental educators have the skills to lead communities towards positive decision-making for sustainable solutions. For over 37 years, NAAEE has held an annual conference where educators from around the world present how they deliver quality environmental education. The conference runs from October 7-10, 2009 in Portland, Oregon, with all day Wednesday Workshops, field experiences on Tuesday and Sunday and a Research Symposium Tuesday /Wednesday. Visit the NAAEE conference web site to learn more and to register for the conference: http://naaee.org/conference.
Opportunities/Calls for Delegates/Proposals
Program/Event Coordinator: Summerhill Group
Location: ReginaSummerhill Group is seeking an experienced Program Coordinator to support our various energy efficiency campaigns. Program Coordinators work in concert with Program Managers to support the development and day to day delivery of Summerhill Group initiatives. Preferred candidates will have previous experience and expertise in project/program delivery, marketing, sales and client relationship management.
Our ideal candidate is also passionate about the environment, a competent go getter who is dedicated to providing excellent client service and achieving goals.Full Time Contract September to November 2009. Deadline for applications: August 23rd. Organization: Summerhill Group http://www.summerhillgroup.ca Deatils at Good Work Canada http://www.planetfriendly.net/gwd.php?id=9144.
SCIC Communications and Community Outreach Program Officer
Location: ReginaPrimary responsibilities of this position include working with Saskatchewan Council for International Cooperation’s Executive Director to develop and implement the Council’s communications and marketing strategy including community education/public engagement program planning for Regina and southern Saskatchewan. Typical duties will include: production of SCIC publications; Creation and distribution of promotional and marketing materials; Managing SCIC web pages; Managing media and publicity and marketing; Planning, coordinating and implementing SCIC community education/outreach program activities in Regina and Southern Saskatchewan; Completing regular reports on activities including those for funders of programs implemented;and assisting with general reception duties.
This is a full time position [35 hours per week] with starting salary approximately $40,000 per year plus a generous benefits package. Please send enquiries and applications to scic@earthbeat.sk.ca with a resume and a covering letter outlining the applicant’s interest and qualifications for the position by 5 pm, Wednesday, August 26th, 2009.
Requests for Proposals: Go Green Fund
The Go Green Fund is a financial commitment from the Government of Saskatchewan to assist Saskatchewan's people, communities, non-government organizations and businesses address the province's most important environmental issues. A Request for Proposal system will be the primary process used to solicit competitive bids for projects that achieve these objectives. A clearly-defined business plan outlining your proposal must be submitted by midnight September 1, 2009.
For more information, or to provide suggestions on possible areas for investment, please contact: Go Green Fund Manager, 5th Floor - 3211 Albert Street, Regina, Saskatchewan S4S 5W6, email gogreenfund@gov.sk.ca or see their website at http://www.environment.gov.sk.ca/fund.
Call for Proposals: CEAA Research and Development Program
The 2009-2010 Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency Call for Proposals is now open and will extend to September 7, 2009 (4 pm EST). The R&D Program supports research that furthers the practice of environmental assessment (EA), including the application of EA processes and techniques that promote sustainable development. The purpose of the R&D Program is to encourage innovation and excellence in the application of relevant, credible, efficient Environmental Assessment.
For the 2009 Monograph Series, the Agency will provide up to $42,500 for one successful project to be completed by March 31, 2010. The Agency will entertain research proposals that address at least one of the following priority areas: Adaptive Management or Climate Change.
Details at: http://www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca/default.asp?lang=En&n=0ABA6FD8.
Clean Energy Fund
On May 19th, the Minister for Natural Resources announced the $1 billion Clean Energy Fund (CEF). One component of the CEF is funding for demonstration projects in Renewable Energy and Clean Energy Systems. The scope includes the integration of these systems into the built environment. Innovative community-scale projects are included in the scope. Projects can be funded up to 50 percent of eligible costs, with a minimum CEF contribution of $2.5 million and a maximum of $50 million. Deadline is September 14, 2009.
For further information, and an “Intent to Submit” form, see the CEF web site at http://nrcan.gc.ca/eneene/science/ceffep-eng.php.
Pan-Canadian Biodiversity Best Practices/Case Studies Contest
The Pan-Canadian Biodiversity Best Practices/Case Studies Contest has been extended until September 15, 2009! Increase your organization’s visibility and win $200! All you need to do is send a ˝ page description of your biodiversity project.
In advance of the International Year of Biodiversity in 2010, the Canadian Environmental Network launched a Best Practices/Case Studies Contest to gather innovative and effective examples of environmental non-governmental organizations' (ENGOs) work related to the conservation, sustainable use, and awareness of biodiversity. The "winning" case studies and best practices will be featured in a 20-page handbook that will be posted on the RCEN website and distributed to Environment Canada and the Secretariat of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. Our aim is to include one best practice/case study from each province and territory. If your best practice or case study is selected, you will receive $200 to write a 1-2 page summary to be included in the handbook.
For more information please contact Sarah Heiberg, RCEN National Caucus Coordinator at 514-833-9810. Send your submission by email to sarah@cen-rce.org. Details are on the RCEN website at http://www.cen-rce.org/eng/index.html
Selected submissions will be announced September 18, 2009. Once selected, groups will have until September 28th to submit their final best practice/case study summary to be included in the handbook.
Executive Director: Saskatchewan Association of Watersheds
Location: SaskatoonThe position would be a .25 time contract position based on 40 hrs/month and an ideal position for someone who wishes to work from home. The successful applicant would work with the SAW Board on our work plan to grow and assist our member watersheds. Post-secondary education in environmental sciences or related fields would be an asset. Details at http://www.saskjobs.ca/jsp/joborder/detail.jsp?job_order_id=262144.
Call for Nominations: Fred Heal Conservation Award
Partners FOR the Saskatchewan River Basin is accepting nominations for the 2009 Fred Heal Conservation Award. This award was established in memory of Fred Heal, the former executive director of the Meewasin Valley Authority and the driving force behind the establishment of Partners FOR the Saskatchewan River Basin. Applications will be accepted until October 1, 2009.
The award intended is to recognize a for-profit or a community organization that has taken a direct initiative in the preservation and/or the enhancement of the health of the Saskatchewan River Basin. The organization will have developed and implemented a program or policy that results in a direct benefit to the health of the basin. The organization should show measurable results from the initiative and will show continued dedication toward environmental sustainability.
The presentation for the award will occur at our November 3 - 5 conference - Sustainable Water & Sustainable Energy. The decision committee will be appointed by the PFSRB Board of Directors.
Applications require the following information: name and address of the organization, main contact name(s) and numbers, description of program or policy (not to exceed one page), what they have achieved to date under the program or policy, and evidence of long-term commitment to the Saskatchewan River. Self-nominations are accepted and encouraged. Applications and additional information can be found at http://www.saskriverbasin.ca/.