water crisis
I just learned that this water crisis could go on for two weeks. It sure will be a test to how well we actually adapt to changes when push comes to shove. I was boiling water last night for my household and I didn't even want to give it to the animals, it was brown and, hand on my heart, had twigs in it. I guess when it comes to survival, my squeamishness will have to change.
I also have to come up with an alternative solution for my morning caffeine fix, Starbucks is closed for business, (for all intents and purposes) they are not serving hot drinks. As an emergency stopgap measure today the barista made me a cup of soy milk with the chai syrup in it and I brought it back to the office and warmed it up myself. I'd say I am adapting quite well.
What changes has this water crisis led you to make (voluntary or not)? We'd love to hear from you, so write about them here. And make sure to upload your best Vancouver water crisis photo in your post!
ps - this image belongs to creamaster
Dirty Water to Clean
Dirty Water to Clean Air!
Just got back from an incredibly motivating speech which reached my core. It was Van Jones speaking on the potential of "Green Collar Jobs".He ispoke of the Third Wave of Environmentalism" that we are now witnessing. The first was Conservation (Teddy Rosevelt/Muir and the development of national parks), the second was Regulation (Rachel Carson, ENGOs lobbying government to initiate changes in law for protection of human health and other species, forests) and lastly, Investment (opportunity driven). Here in Vancouver, we have tremendous potential in the clean-tech sector which is expected to reach $167.2 billion by 2015.
Instead of looking at the traditional government structure investing in large projects full of red tape, green scisors will cut through this red tape and promote green industry and no one will be left behind.This needs a partnership in community and business. It is not about finding our own small solutions in dealing with crisis (like the current water crisis which I would argue is really part of the larger climate crisis), it is about coming together and investing in the future.
You can take action. There is an event that I am organizing that is promoting this same concept and you are all invited.
Clean Air Auto Show
Local residents and businesses are teaming up to demonstrate their electric and biofuel vehicles in an effort to spark local dialogue on the future of green transportation in the GVRD.
The Clean Air Auto Show will feature a collection of locally owned bio-fuel and zero-emission vehicles followed by a panel of community and business leaders. The panel will discuss solutions to cut greenhouse gas emissions; to promote alternative transportation; and to develop a strong green economy within the GVRD.
Vehicles on display range from a vegetable oil Mercedes and a biodiesel fueling truck to a 1912 electric car called “The Detroit” an original “Lady driven” car that has been part of BC’s history since 1913.
WHEN: 3pm - 6pm, Saturday, December 2nd, 2006
WHERE: Delaney’s Pub, 5665 Kingsway, Central Burnaby
VISUALS: Green vehicles of various shapes & sizes – live demos and training.
PARTICIPANTS:
- Local owners of biofuel & electric vehicles.
- Local NGOs.
– Local politicians and entrepreneurs/businesses.
-- Media
Hope to see you all there!
JM "Ignoring climate change will be the most costly of all possible choices, for us and our children." Peter Ewins, British Meteorological Office