Watershed watchers issue flood alerts along swelling Rideau, Ottawa rivers
Flood season has arrived in the Ottawa Valley and conservation officials are warning local residents to prepare for the springtime swelling of the national capital’s waterways. After record-breaking mild weather — including a high of 16.3 C on March 16, the highest temperature for that date in Ottawa — heavy snowmelt and rain are rushing over frozen ground and gushing...
U.S. withdrawal from Paris Agreement may disrupt Canada’s climate push, but shouldn’t stop it, experts say
As wildfires raged across California in January, U.S. President Donald Trump lit a match on his country’s commitment to the Paris Agreement on climate change with one of his first executive orders. The move came as the World Weather Attribution, an international research consortium that tracks the impacts of global warming, says elevated carbon emissions in Earth’s atmosphere have intensified...
Councillors welcome plan to make Ottawa’s vehicle fleet zero-emission
City councillors welcomed Ottawa’s latest Green Fleet Strategy, which staff predict could drop greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from city vehicles 93 per cent by 2040, compared with 2012 levels. The strategy aims to move the City of Ottawa vehicle fleet, including ambulances, fire trucks, cars, and snowplows, to low carbon and zero-emission options by 2040. This is aligned with the...
As Canada’s big banks leave Net-Zero alliance, young people think about alternatives
The move by Canada’s biggest financial institutions to walk away from the UN-backed Net-Zero Banking Alliance has many Gen Z young people pondering a breakup with their bank, though some admit that the convenience is a major stumbling block.
Ottawa EV drivers navigate shift to battery-powered vehicles as charging infrastructure slowly improves
Ottawa is getting greener by shifting to no fuel emission vehicles. EV drivers say the battery range on their electric vehicles can be worrisome.
‘Amazing sight to see’: Amid climate upheaval, Ottawa storm chaser shares passion for observing tornadoes up close
Extreme storms have fascinated Ottawa’s Andrew Macklin his entire life. Whether it’s a brewing thunderstorm or a full-fledged tornado, Macklin always wants to get a front row seat to the action. “My grandparents lived on a big hill overlooking Lake Ontario,” Macklin said. “I would sit in my grandfather’s lap and watch lightning every summer night. That really sparked my...
New wildlife management plan for Ottawa will offer more protection for local beavers
Council to vote n new wildlife management plan for City of Ottawa.
No quick fix: Invasive species, fires and a warming climate hamper trees’ ability to capture carbon
Over the last decade, governments in Canada have announced various efforts to boost and conserve these vital forest populations. However, nvasive species, forest fires, and extreme weather are interfering with trees’ ability to sequester carbon dioxide.
Researchers test strategies to sustain ice on Skateway in warmer Ottawa winters
Researchers from Carleton University are working with the NCC to find ways to keep the Rideau Canal Skateway open in the face of a warming climate.
A big bite: Tick populations expected to surge after Ottawa’s mild winter, balmy spring
Warmer winters are causing populations of ticks to expand in the Ottawa area bringing a risk of infection including Lyme disease.
Conservative rally to ‘axe the tax’ previews federal vote over carbon price
WTF? “Where’s the funds?” That’s what federal Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre says Canadians need to ask about the April 1 increase in the national price on carbon under the Liberal government’s centrepiece policy to fight climate change. Conservative supporters at a recent “Axe the Tax” rally at the Infinity Convention Centre in in the city’s south end were part of...
Uplifting awards: Ecology Ottawa to celebrate the Earth — and those leading fight to protect it
Ecology Ottawa awards will be announced on April 22, Earth Day.