Brockville Climate Action Group

British Medical Journal / Angela E Raffle / 01 September 2010

Some cities in the UK are aware of peak oil implications. For example, leaders in Bristol commissioned a report in 2009 on the implications of peak oil. This has helped stimulate work to develop a Bristol Energy Company and a local currency, to analyse the vulnerabilities of the current food supply system, and to adopt a “climate change and energy security framework.” Incorporating peak oil preparedness into England’s official local government planning mechanisms—local transport plans and local development frameworks—is an uphill struggle because central government policies still favour the needs of big food corporations, construction industries, and the road lobby above the need for resilient local systems.

The healthcare conclusions in Bristol’s peak oil report are that oil is a primary raw material for many drugs, equipment, and supplies; that transport for patients, staff, deliveries, and services is heavily oil dependent; that currently suppliers are not required to provide business continuity plans around fuel supply shortages; and that rising oil costs would seriously affect health service budgets. On the positive side, the report noted the resilience afforded by the following facts: most people live within a mile of their nearest general practice; the NHS is used to responding to emergencies and making rapid changes; walking, cycling, and locally grown food are good for health; and the NHS Carbon Reduction Strategy for England does acknowledge peak oil. What this means is that health care will change, whether we like it or not, and that carbon reduction, fuel depletion, and financial stringencies have to be looked at together.

Experts on peak oil and health experts have examined this challenge together at three workshops, and some common themes emerge. These concern the need for simpler more robust systems that are capable of local maintenance, and the importance of fairness regarding access to food, water, transport, and essential health care. The box [see Full Article] summarises possible features identified as characteristic of a healthy prosperous society in the future. Because the workshops explored success not failure the goals may appear idealistic. The alternative could be very different.

[ FULL ARTICLE HERE ]

Ottawa Citizen / Margaret Munro / 25 November 2009

Pedestrians and cyclists should be made king of the urban jungle, according to an international study showing the big benefits of "mass active travel."

It suggests money should be diverted way from roads to make walking and cycling "the most direct, convenient, and pleasant options for most urban trips." Pedestrians and bikers should also get "priority" over cars and trucks at intersections.

Toronto Star / Cameron Smith / 16 August 2008

Wendy Banks has come back from a place of pain and shadows – and she's doing what she can to make sure no one else has to go there.

About 10 years ago, she developed environmental sensitivity, triggered by working in a greenhouse where insecticides and herbicides were present.

The Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network is spearheading the development of a Biosphere Trails Council, and has issued the following proposal.

Why a Biosphere Trails Council?

“Regional Trail Committees act as the support network for the development, management and promotion of these provincial trail structures at the local level. As most trail development occurs at the grass roots level, support at the local level translates into support at the provincial level.” (Ontario Trails Council)

A Biosphere-based council would embrace the geological and biological diversity of the area as recognized by the United Nations. Through the creation of a Biosphere Trails Council, municipalities and constituent organizations would benefit from the support and guidance of the Ontario Trails Council, which fosters the development of trails across the province. It is a strong advocate of regionally based trails councils.

The 2008 Upwind Downwind Conference: Climate Change & Healthy Cities will be held on February 25th & 26th, 2008 at the Hamilton Convention Centre in Hamilton, Ontario. The two day conference will focus on Air Quality and Climate Change and the linkages with public health, planning and action.

Who should attend?

Between November 2nd and 4th, 2007, more than 500 citizens from the Kingston region gathered at the Food Down the Road Local Food Summit to celebrate the successes and challenges of building a sustainable local food system.* Participants were invited to write down their ideas on “key priorities to build our sustainable local food system.” This invitation yielded more than 600 thoughtful submissions; during the final session of the Summit, participants sorted this data and identified priorities for our local food system.