March 20 - UVic scores funding for big project on little rocks

Good morning !

Today we have some exciting news about reducing global carbon-dioxide emissions and some disappointing news about local emission targets not being reached. But any progress is good progress when it comes to fighting the climate crisis.

— Robyn

Today’s approx. read time: 5 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: 🌧️ 8 / 7

Tomorrow: 🌦️ 8 / 5

Saturday: 🌦️ 8 / 7

7-day forecast

NEWS

Feds fund $24M for UVic carbon removal research project

One of the most promising solutions for climate change can be found at the bottom of the ocean. A small volcanic rock, ocean basalt, has the power to store carbon dioxide—forever. And it happens to be abundant throughout the world’s oceans.

UVic researchers on the Solid Carbon team of Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) have spent eight years studying an area of basalt 200km west of the Island, to better understand how basalt could be used to reach a future of net-zero emissions. They conducted feasibility studies, laboratory experiments, and modelling to understand how basalt could be utilized. 

In 2023, the planet hit a record high of 37.4 billion tonnes (or 37.4 gigatonnes); with the technology Solid Carbon is developing, ocean basalt regions could remove an estimated tens of thousands of gigatonnes of carbon dioxide.

“The ongoing development of CDR [carbon dioxide removal] technology has the potential to transform Canadian industry as we transition away from fossil fuels towards building a diverse, equitable blue economy and climate industry,” Kate Moran, CEO of ONC and principal investigator of the project, said in a release.

Now, thanks to $24M in federal support from Canada’s New Frontiers in Research Fund, the Solid Carbon project will be expanded. Utilizing ONC’s subsea cable—which is used for monitoring seafloor creatures and temperatures, among other things—the Solid Carbon research team will be able to study the area of basalt 24/7. Small-scale demonstration projects are in the works as its carbon capture technology is developed.

Next steps for the project also will include public engagement, including consultation with coastal and Indigenous communities.

Lisa Kalynchuk, UVic’s vice-president of research, says the funding brings the school “one step closer to developing the innovative technologies we need to reduce the rapid accumulation of carbon in our atmosphere.”

Another study from UVic, released earlier this year, argues that expanding marine-protected areas to preserve natural carbon storage in key locations on the seafloor could be an additional strategy to help limit climate change.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Heavy rain: The Westshore could see up to 30mm of rain today—further west could get up to 100mm. [Weather Network]

West Shore RCMP town hall tonight. [7-9pm]

Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.

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NEWS

80 of the best daily food specials in Victoria

There may be no such thing as a free lunch, but a cheap lunch—and breakfast, dinner, etc.—is definitely in the cards with a multitude of daily specials around town. 

There’s a deal to be found any day—from half-priced wings or burgers to taco Tuesdays and Sunday roasts—so don’t let your schedule hold you back from enjoying Victoria’s food scene. 

Whether it’s an all-day happy hour, a prix-fixed menu, or a $10 cocktail offer, your next night out doesn’t need to hurt your wallet.

Check out the jam-packed guide, listing seven days of specials, at Tasting Victoria.

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⭐️ Capital Picks

🐚 Incredible goose barnacle colony on a washed-up log in Sooke. [Facebook photos]

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🚢 Steamboat Vic: See the Inner Harbour captured in 1905. [Facebook photo]

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🗞️ In Other News

Bus fare to go up next month in Victoria, first time since 2010
The last time we saw fares rise, Stephen Harper was prime minister, Barack Obama was US president—and our two countries actually got along. But change is in the air. Starting April 1, single-ride fares will cost $3, up from $2.50, while a DayPASS will cost $6, a dollar more. Ten single ride tickets for handyDART will be fetched for $30 instead of $25. Pricing for all speciality passes including youth, student and senior fares, will remain as they are. 

Saanich still falling behind on greenhouse gas emission reduction target
Saanich’s target—set in 2020—is to cut community greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050. At the municipal level, the goal was set at reducing emissions by 50% this year. Last year, it was found that the district had only achieved a 16% cut in emissions, and it’s only cut a further 1.6% since. The district says 103 of 131 action items in its climate action plan are either complete or underway. [Times Colonist]

End of consumer carbon tax leaves $1.5B hole in BC budget
According to the budget released earlier this month, the province had banked on $1.5B in carbon tax revenues and will have to either cut spending or find another tax to replace those lost dollars. Drivers will see a break at the gas pumps—and will save about 17 cents per litre. In 2008, BC became the first North American jurisdiction to adopt the carbon tax. Last week, Prime Minister Mark Carney voided the federal version and BC has followed suit. [CBC/CP]

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🗓️ Things to do

🎹 Skye Douglas Project: Experience modern and historic interpretations of new music along with well-known standards by the Skye Douglas Project at Hermann's tonight. 7pm. [Info]​

🪵 Layered Wood Art at The Crooked Goose: Create your own layered wood art piece in this guided workshop at The Crooked Goose tonight. 6:30pm. [Info]​

🧼 Melt & Pour Soap Making for Kids: Bring your kids, aged 7 to 13, to this soap-making workshop at Westshore Town Centre tomorrow. 1pm. [Info]​

🎙️ Miss Emily: Enjoy a soul-infused performance by powerhouse vocalist Miss Emily at Hermann's tomorrow. 7pm. [Info]

🌱 BYOV Terrarium Workshop: Bring your own glass vessel for this hands-on terrarium workshop at VI Plant Shop tomorrow. 5:30pm. [Info]

🧚 Peter Pan on Ice: Experience the classic tale of Peter Pan brought to life on ice by the Racquet Club of Victoria at the Archie Browning Sports Centre. Sat. 2pm & 7pm; Sun. 1pm. [Info]

👠 Hot Pink: See Victoria’s award-winning burlesque troupe, The Cheesecake Burlesque Revue, at this fundraising show at Belfry Theatre. Sat. [Info]

🏃 Michael Dunahee Keep the Hope Alive Run: Participate in a 5-km run/walk—raising awareness for missing children—starting at Esquimalt Recreation Centre. Sun. 10am. [Info]

👀 In Case You Missed It

Wednesday’s headlines: Langford man found not criminally responsible in mother’s killing; Preparing for no Crystal Pool; Sarah Beckett’s widower receives king’s medal. [Mar. 19]

Homelessness activist group wants ‘functional zero’ by 2030. [Capital Daily] 

Copper wire thefts, damage costs BC Hydro $170K. [CHEK]

Weeding out US produce is now a thing. [Times Colonist]

Approved: A 9.77% tax hike for Langfordites.

Vintage cherry blossoms: See the blooms in 1961 Victoria. [Facebook photo]

An upside-down harbour seal chills in Nanaimo. [Van Isle Wildlife]

That’s it!

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