I recently read an article written by Joycelyn Longdon that really spoke to me, and I'd highly recommend it: Why you don't need to be an 'activist' to make an impact in the climate movement. I think that the author speaks to a feeling that many of us have experienced - that there is one correct way to be the perfect environmentalist, one way to create change towards a more sustainable world. But this simply isn't true. "I began worrying that there was a ‘correct’ way of taking action against climate by being the loudest (and most knowledgeable) in the room, policing others and by attending every march, protest or rally. I thought I had to shed my interests, hobbies or sources of joy in case they sit in direct contradiction of what it seems to mean to be a ‘climate activist'...In these instances, the expectation of perfection can hinder the possibility of any action." I also see this feeling arise in those who care about these issues, but who aren't yet actively involved in this movement. It's the belief that environmentalists look/act one way, and if that's different from who I am, then I must not be an environmentalist. While we work to transform the systems driving the climate and biodiversity crises, we can also welcome people in and show them that they have a place in the movement as the unique person they are. As Jocelyn claims: "In order to make long-term, meaningful change, I believe the climate movement must focus on transformative collective action that celebrates people’s varied interests, capabilities, relationships, commitments and strengths. This work doesn’t need clones, it needs impassioned people to discover and step into their roles within the movement."

West Coast Environmental Law (WCEL) is spearheading a campaign asking British Columbia residents to hold the provincial government accountable on its promise to enact a new law to protect biodiversity. The proposed law is a key part of the transformative change needed for sustainability (specifically, Lever 3, Strengthening Environmental Law). This campaign aims to hold BC’s government to its commitment to implement all 14 recommendations of the Old Growth Strategic Review Panel, including establishing an overarching law in support of biodiversity and ecosystem health. The law would be co-developed with Indigenous Peoples and apply across all sectors, aligning everyone’s actions from “forestry to fracking, highways to hydropower” to help protect the ecosystems that sustain us. Why is this important? As the campaign states: “A holistic, overarching BC biodiversity law could be a game-changer for managing the cumulative effects of industrial development ⁠– and for maintaining forest ecosystems, clean water, thriving wildlife species, and healthy communities into the future.” A blog by WCEL delves further into why such a law could be transformational. A key takeaway: the law could effectively transform BC’s decision-making towards respecting and prioritizing biodiversity and ecosystem health—a monumental shift away from the current management strategy that’s putting these very things at risk. This could close off potential loopholes or exceptions for environmentally detrimental behaviour by placing the well-being of the environment as the ultimate goal. Join WCEL in pushing the provincial government to uphold this commitment: submit a letter here.

Hey everyone! I’m really looking forward to getting to know and build a community here. I feel like my brain has been turning over these issues for years (Questions like: What is standing in the way of a more just and sustainable society? How can we move away from a reliance on endless economic growth?) and trying to imagine what healthier relationships with each other and nature might look like. It means so much to me to be able to engage with others about these topics. I’m all about trying to explore what feels meaningful to me and filling my time with these things when I can – art in different forms (pottery is my newest interest), dance/movement, and cooking are a few examples. But I probably feel the most joyful when I’m backpacking in the mountains. Or, when I’m having a good chat. Feel free to reach out and send me a message if you want to chat! You can also find me on LinkedIn.