Scientists warn of more pandemics as the buffers between humans and animal break down
Discarded masks are just the beginning of the environmental consequences of COVID-19. The intersection of humans and the environment — at a time when the disappearing buffer between people and animals is being blamed for this and expected future pandemics — is challenging sustainability in the context of this global public health emergency.
COVID consequences: Ottawa-area animal sanctuaries short staff, funds
Limited funding for sanctuaries during COVID-19 means a lack of access to volunteers and staff, as well as food, medicine and supply shortages.
Carleton grows wings: Pushed by COVID-19, the 21st butterfly show adapted well to life online
A closer look at Carleton University’s 21st annual butterfly show, and how the event transitioned to virtual platforms for the first time.
Gatineau’s ‘Butterfly Girl’ nominated for 2020 Nature Inspiration Award
A young Gatineau girl who is trying to save the endangered monarch butterfly is among the finalists for the Canadian Museum of Nature’s Inspiration awards.
Museum of Nature unveils new interactive exhibit emphasizing the importance of ice
The Canadian Museum of Nature’s new exhibit, Planet Ice: Mysteries of the Ice Age emphasizes the importance and need for preservation of ice with its use of new multimedia interactive technology.
In climbing, a push to change derogatory route names is underway
For the voice of each man pretending offensive climbing route names are not a problem, there are plenty of others that buoy the need for a widespread effort to change the names of climbing routes across North America. After a broader reckoning with how we name monuments to problematic historical figures, change is coming to both online and physical guidebooks thanks in part to women organizing and pushing for change.
Governments ‘not doing enough’ to control Canada’s worst invasive plant, experts say
Experts say Ottawa is not doing enough to control the spread of Canada’s worst invasive species, despite economic incentives
COVID-19 consequences: Reduced air pollution, less waste, fresh insights
More than 20 million cases of COVID-19 have been reported globally to date. There is no overstating of the scope of the pandemic tragedy for humanity. However, it is also important to recognize that it has resulted in some unexpected environmental benefits — especially when it comes to air pollution and waste management. The World Health Organization estimates that there…
Ottawa finally considers bird-friendly building guidelines 15 years after Toronto, Vancouver
Ottawa City Council is set to approve guidelines for protecting birds, almost 15 years after Toronto and Vancouver adopted their own. This move comes one year after a 2019 report by the U.S. North American Bird Conservation Initiative showed a 30 per cent decline in populations across North America. It’s estimated that 1 billion birds die per year as a result of humans, with collisions being the second largest human-related causes of death besides pet cats.
Insect watching during the pandemic: In a standstill world, nature’s transformations offer soulful reassurance
For many Canadians, this summer has been low key and quieter than most. Since travel during the pandemic isn’t really encouraged, many of us are staying closer to home – and that change may present the opportunity to observe things we don’t usually pay attention to.
New air-quality monitoring project aims to help Ottawa residents Breathe Easy
Ecology Ottawa and Sierra Club will follow in the footsteps of the INHALE project in Hamilton and Toronto which aimed to foster air quality awareness.
Farmers across hot, dry Ottawa pray for a weekend of rain to save summer crops
Ottawa is experiencing higher temperatures and lesser rainy days than usual, meaning local farmers are struggling to mantain their crop poduction.