The Burren, in western Ireland, is home to a traditional regenerative system of cattle management known as winterage. (Philip Loring), CC BY-NC-SA Philip A Loring, University of Guelph Global food systems are at a breaking point. Not only are they responsible for roughly a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions, they are also the top contributors to water pollution and biodiversity collapse. On top of … Continue reading Long-standing systems for sustainable farming could feed people and the planet — if industry is willing to step back

A new study finds that companies’ emissions reductions may not be what they seem. (Shutterstock) Anders Bjørn, Concordia University; H. Damon Matthews, Concordia University; Matthew Brander, University of Edinburgh, and Shannon M Lloyd, Concordia University Big companies are increasingly setting voluntary greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets that are derived from the 1.5 C temperature goal of the Paris Agreement. As part of these science-based targets … Continue reading Most companies buying renewable energy certificates aren’t actually reducing emissions

Midnight sun over Great Bear Lake, after feeding the lake, a way to honour the water. (Mylène Ratelle), Author provided Mylène Ratelle, University of Waterloo and Jessie Yakeleya In Indigenous communities that have lacked access to safe water for years, getting access to a safe water supply is crucial. However, perceptions of the water supply — not just how it tastes and smells, but also … Continue reading Living water: Northern Indigenous communities’ use and perceptions of drinking water

Although it is important to have a diversity of tree species in urban landscapes, planting and protecting taller species should be strongly encouraged. (Shutterstock) Alison Munson, Université Laval and Anaïs Paré, Université Laval Trees are important elements of our urban landscape. With more than 50 per cent of the world’s population living in cities, it is impossible to imagine cities without the many services and … Continue reading Large trees are essential for healthy cities