Sustainability News

SusGabe supports Snuneymuxw

The following email to government officials expresses Sustainable Gabriola’s support for a Snuneymuxw press release criticizing all levels of government for ignoring or suppressing spills and pollution in Snuneymuxw waters (which are also Gabriola waters). This was the first act of Gabriola Matters, the newly created “action arm” of Sustainable Gabriola.

Date: Fri, Feb 27, 2026, 08:28
Subject: Spills & Toxic Pollution near Gabriola
To: Hon. David Eby, Premier premier@gov.bc.ca,
Hon. Tamara Davidson, Minister of Environment and Parks ENV.Minister@gov.bc.ca,
Hon. Sheila Malcomson, Member of the Legislative Assembly sheila.malcomson.mla@leg.bc.ca,
Hon. Mayor Leonard Krog & Council, City of Nanaimo mayor.council@nanaimo.ca,
Hon. Joanne Thompson, Minister Department of Fisheries & Oceans Canada info@dfo-mpo-gc.ca

Hello —
We, residents of Gabriola Island and members of Sustainable Gabriola, wish to express our concern and dismay at the failure of governmental authorities to enforce compliance with environmental standards of protection and cleanup of the waters recently polluted by an oil spill and contaminated by ongoing toxic effluent.

Our attention was brought to these matters by the Snuneymuxw First Nation and others who are monitoring the waters surrounding Duke Point, False Narrows, and Dodd Narrows, just off the coast of Gabriola. We wish to add our voices to the many area residents and First Nations who live, work, and recreate in this region.

As Chief Wyse so eloquently wrote in a press release sent out weeks after the January 2, 2026 spill at Environmental 360,

“The impacts caused by contamination in our territory and marine areas are not theoretical. The toxic pollutants affect livelihoods, food security, cultural practices, treaty rights and the long-term health of marine life and the marine economy that so many island communities rely on.”

We expect action and more monitoring of the industries that operate along the eastern shore of Vancouver Island near Nanaimo. We understand that the affected area includes a parcel that is under consideration for expanded industrial uses.

Given the poor track record and already significant pollution in that area (HARMAC, Environmental 360, and Western Forest Products) we are hopeful that more air and water polluting industries will not be permitted to be sited there and that these lands and waterways will be restored to support a healthy ecosystem.

Your constituents,
[surnames redacted for privacy] Bob A, Greg B, John B, Tom C, Charlotte C, Janice C, Steven E, Bob M, Betty K, Nancy H, Susan S, Fay W — residents of Gabriola & members of Sustainable Gabriola

It starts with a walk!

Our McGillvary Loop neighbourhood started with a simple walk around the block — around the “Loop,” as we soon came to call it. 

Actually, it started when three households met a few times to talk about the benefits of neighbourhood cohesion, for mutual support, safety and just plain conviviality. We decided to start by inviting everyone in the area out for a walk — something many of us do regularly, but usually on our own. 

Continue reading “It starts with a walk!”

Global climate news: November

COP30, a grim takeaway

November 30, 2025 from Deb F

Another COP wrecked by fossil fuel interests and global leaders’ cowardice. Key observations:

  • 5000 indigenous people were there, but unable to vote or attend closed door meetings.
  • The power of protests – protests happened every day, most notable an Indigenous led “great people’s march” on the Middle Sat.
  • US absence created a vacuum, and an opportunity. In an historic first, America did not send an official delegation. China took an unexpected leadership role.
  • Implementation through side deals – not the main stage – such as the Belem pledge, committed signatories to quadruple sustainable fuels production and use by 2035.
  • The Global transition text – more than 80 countries signed the text for a roadmap to transition away from fossil fuels. But when the final deal was agreed, key references to fossil fuel phase out were missing. Opposition from Saudi Arabia, India and other fuel producers watered it down.

Warming is going to exceed 1.5°C*. Humanity is living beyond limits.

Continue reading “Global climate news: November”

Global climate news: September

Thanks to Deb F for her regular updates on the wider climate scene, beyond just Gabriola. This month’s update is a true labour of love, handwritten (because: computers) and covering:

  • The COP 30 conference (Nov 10-21 in Belém, Brazil), including the Move Mundo public pressure campaign.
  • Nanaimo council is discussing the zoning for an AI data centre, which may or may not be a net benefit for the region.

Global climate news: February

From global finance hopes to commercialization of weather reporting

1. Doomsday Clock 2025

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists sets the Doomsday Clock to 89 seconds to midnight in 2025, the closest it has ever been to catastrophe. The statement warns of the dangers of nuclear risk, climate change, biological events, and disruptive technologies, and urges global leaders to take bold action.

2. We Don’t Have Time

We Don’t Have Time (app.wedonthavetime.org) is the world’s largest media platform for climate action—with a mission to democratize knowledge about climate solutions and inspire and mobilize global action toward a prosperous, fossil-free future. Some recent items:

Continue reading “Global climate news: February”