Archive for 2009 November

Yesterday, I had the privilege of hearing George Monbiot speak live for the second time in my life.  It is a very rare privilege because two years ago, shortly after the last time I saw him, when he was on a tour promoting his then newly-published book Heat: How to Stop the Planet Burning, he promised himself never to fly again.

He joked that he broke his promise for this trip because it was easier than putting off the pestering Canadians any longer.  But he was also clearly here because he was concerned about Canada’s position on climate change and the direction our government was taking both the country and the world.

I was very glad I went.  First of all, I was glad simply because it’s inspiring to listen to someone who is so informed, so eloquent and so principled and inspiring.  But I was also glad because there’s just so much more that can be said in person than could ever fit into a printed article.  It’s relatively easy to make guarded and thoughtful statements when you can erase what you don’t like.  To my delight, Monbiot in person presents as even more compassionate and sensible than he does on paper.

To me the most interesting point of the event occurred during the questions that followed, when one person asked about Mr. Monbiot’s opposition to biochar.     Read more »

Naysayers got your head spinning?  Get your climate info from trustworthy sources.  I recommend the following:

• RealClimate.com — “Climate science from climate scientists.”
• SourceWatch.org — “Your guide to the names behind the news.”
• DeSmogBlog.com — “Clearing the PR pollution that clouds climate science.”

Once a year, at Christmas, it’s nice to settle down to watch Charlie Brown’s special.  So, perhaps for International Buy Nothing Day, you would enjoy The Story of Stuff:

The international climate change treaty summit is less than a month away in Copenhagen.  This week in Toronto, leading experts on the science, policy and politics of global warming will lead a forum on the role Canada is (and isn’t) playing internationally.

• George Monbiot is a columnist for the Guardian and the author of Heat: How to Save the Planet from Burning.
• Richard Littlemore is the co-author of Climate Cover Up: The Crusade to Deny Global Warming.

Countdown to Copenhagen:
Who in Canada is Killing the International Climate Treaty?
Saturday, 2009 November 28, 2 pm – 4 pm
MacLeod Auditorium, Medical Sciences Building
University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle
Suggested donation of $10-$25 or PWYC.
Limited seating; arrive early. Media welcome.     Read more »

Glen Murray is seriously considering campaigning for Mayor of Toronto, and I’d love for you to have the opportunity to meet him and ask him questions in this casual setting.  This is a great way to get a sense of the issues and ideas that will define what is sure to be a hard-fought and important election campaign.

In short, I think it really matters that we elect the right mayor, and I’m excited about what Glen’s candidacy could bring.

If you’ve been to The Ben Wicks before, you’ll know it to be a great atmosphere to enjoy a pint and talk some politics.

Of course, all are welcome to come hang out.  See you there!

Chris Tindal

Come meet Glen Murray
Wednesday, 2009 November 25, 7 pm – 9 pm
The Ben Wicks Pub, 424 Parliament St
Glen could be our next mayor.  Come meet him and ask him your questions.     Read more »

Toilet to Tap is a bus tour from the sewage plant to the drinking water plant, and workshop / discussion — all to celebrate World Toilet Day.

Bus tour led by Helen Mills of Lost Rivers
Saturday, 2009 November 21, 1 pm
Starting at Jonathan Ashbridge Park
(Queen St East and Woodward Ave)
Register here for bus tour

Workshop & discussion with Andrew Hellebust, Nicholas Schulz
Saturday, 2009 November 21, 2:30 pm
St Aidan’s Church, 70 Silver Birch Ave
(Queen St East, four blocks west of Victoria Park)

These events are free including refreshments;
small ($5) donations are welcome.     Read more »

James Hoggan is the Chair of the David Suzuki Foundation and the Canadian chapter of Al Gore’s The Climate Project.  I’m in the middle of reading his book Climate Cover-up: The Crusade to Deny Global Warming.  I frequently find myself referring to the DeSmogBlog.com website he oversees.  I’m looking forward to hearing him in person.

James Hoggan: Climate Cover-up
Tuesday, 2009 November 17, noon – 3 pm
Le Méridien King Edward Hotel, 37 King St East
The Empire Club in the Vanity Fair Ballroom
Tickets are $65, $50 for members – order online     Read more »

Danforth Greens Pub Night
Tue, 2009 Nov 24, 7–10pm
Gabby’s “Library Room”
729 Danforth, east of Pape

We meet on the last Tuesday of each month.  Please join us!

Please take a moment to remember those who served selflessly to protect our lives and our democracy.