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- Aug 30 - Wildfires make Canada a carbon culprit
Aug 30 - Wildfires make Canada a carbon culprit
Plus: Looks like a blast tomorrow in Langford
Capital Daily Team
August 30, 2024
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Good morning !
It was pretty cool to see a Bigg’s orca just metres from the shore late yesterday afternoon at the bluffs on Dallas. Thank you, whale expert Liam, for the awesome and informative commentary as the whale paraded by!
#KillerWhalesRock
— Mark
It's been a lively season for orca sightings. Have you seen any? |
Today’s approx. read time: 5 minutes
🌡️ Weather Forecast
NEWS
Canada’s 2023 wildfires were a top global carbon emitter
Cameron Bluffs fire in 2023. Photo: James MacDonald / Capital Daily
The wildfires that burned across the country last year—and made 2023 Canada’s worst wildfire season on record—produced more carbon emissions in six months than the burning of fossil fuels in all but three countries over a year, according to a study published in Nature last week.
The fires were extraordinary in both size and length of time burning. According to the study, “more than seven times the average annual area burned compared to the previous four decades.” The only countries to emit more greenhouse gasses (GHG) through fossil fuel burning were the US, China, and India—the usual top three when looking at emissions.
These fires also have affected the ability of Canada’s forests to absorb carbon from the atmosphere, further driving the rate of emissions from a country heating up at twice the global rate. The study calls into question how much carbon these forests will be able to absorb in the future—and whether emissions targets need to be adjusted as a result.
The study points to another released earlier this month by Nature, looking at the main driver of last year’s wildfires. Overall, it was the widespread hot, dry weather: last year was the warmest and driest year in Canada since 1980.
Studies released in April concluded in the coming decades, the CRD and Nanaimo will have hotter and drier summers, warmer nights, warmer winter temperatures with less snowpack, and more extreme heatwaves. While the winter and spring seasons are anticipated to be wetter, the projections for future summers point to the exact factors laid out as wildfire drivers.
⚠️ Capital Bulletin
High-risk missing person Sevina “Moxie,” 28, last seen Aug. 20 in the downtown area. [VicPD]
Planning a labour-day weekend trip? Plan ahead. [BC Gov]
Blanshard-Hillside traffic lights are to come back online as of 6am today, after shutoff last night.
School zone speeding regulations are back effective Tue.
Air quality: Low risk today (2/10). Current smoke forecast. [Details]
Driving today? Check the current traffic situation via Google.
EVENTS
Songs from the stars at Starlight Stadium tomorrow
Completely Creedence performing live. Photo: Completely Creedence / Facebook
Some classic music is going to be emanating from the Langford rugby and footy field—and it’s going to get a few feet tapping.
If you like the music of David Bowie, Tom Petty, CCR, and Canadian darlings The Tragically Hip, the Langford Rocks Tribute Concert could be just the ticket for you. Starting at 1pm and continuing through the evening (‘til 10pm), some of the best cover bands playing their tunes will be rockin’ it.
You can bring your own food and will be able to top up your water bottles at water-filling stations. If you don’t feel like packing a lunch, food vendors on site will include Greek on The Street, Big Bad Bob Hot Dogs, Lexi's Ice Cream and Treats, Willy Wonka Candy Factory, and the Starlight Stadium Food Concession.
It’s going to be a gorgeous day for some rock n’ roll, and there are still some tickets left. General admission tickets are $59.99, VIP premium tix cost $99.99, children 12 and under pay $24.99, and infants and toddlers two and under get in for free.
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⭐️ Capital Picks
🍰 Deer & Dough Bakery Cafe: The cafe previously located in Fairfield is now open at 770 Fisgard.
🩰 Save up to 15% with Early Bird tickets for Dance Victoria's special presentation of Royal Winnipeg Ballet's Nutcracker. This offer is valid until Sept. 16!*
🐦 Unlikely visitor: A pelican was spotted near Salt Spring. While not unheard of, it’s uncommon for pelicans to fly to the Pacific Northwest. [Facebook photo]
🤝 Now hiring: Display Technician at The Butchart Gardens.
*Sponsored Listing
🗞️ In Other News
Saanich Fair is back this weekend for Year 156
And so are those awesome animal smells wafting in from the agricultural side of the fair, featuring alpacas, llamas, cows, pigs, horses, waterfowl, rabbits, goats, and more. There’s a giant pumpkin contest (last year the winner weighed 695 pounds); and of course the popular midway rides and musical performances (Fleetwood Magic tomorrow, the ‘Peg’s StreetHeart on Sun). There will be beer and cider this year. [CHEK]
UVic to commission engineering study following calls to keep McKinnon Pool open
The natatorium’s future is riding on whatever comes out of the study, which will look into how much it would cost to keep it operational. The pool will be closed until Sept. 15 as the study is conducted. UVic also is trying to figure out whether there are funding opportunities out there for a pool in the long term. [UVic]
Province steps up housing plan: drops building code stairs requirement
The adjusted BC Building Code would allow for single stairways in buildings with up to six floors. Additional safety measures such as wider stairwells, sprinklers, and smoke management systems will be required. The change aims to allow housing to be built on smaller lots and to increase the number of multi-bedroom apartments. [BC Gov]
Man gets 3 years’ probation for groping 2 women on Colwood bus
The 36-year-old said he was “really drunk” and that “it would be a good way to find a girlfriend” when he grabbed the buttocks of two female passengers on a BC Transit bus in Nov. 2021. Alex James Barber pleaded guilty to two charges of sexual assault. Barber, who has a history of mental-health challenges, previously was charged with sexual assault in Sept. 2021, for which he received a conditional discharge and two years’ probation. [CTV]
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🗓️ Things to do
🇬🇷 GreekFest: This celebration of Greek culture at the Hellenic Community Centre features music, dance, and authentic Greek food. Today until Mon. [Info]
👱♀️ Clueless at Cinecenta: The ‘90s high school rom-com / satire / Jane Austen adaptation plays at UVic Sept. 1, 2, & 3. [Showtimes]
💃 Tango, It Takes Two: This Fringe show presents award-winning Argentinian dance company PointeTango at Kirk Hall. Tonight. 7:30pm. [Info]
🖼️ Four Friends Having Fun: See the work from these local artist friends at ArtSea Gallery in Sidney. Opens today and runs through Sept. 5. 10am-4pm. [Info]
🎷 A Tribute to Neo Soul: Listen to a timeless blend of jazz, soul, and R&B at Hermann’s. Today. 7pm. [Info]
😂 Brad Williams: This popular comedian will perform his standup at The Farquhar at UVic. Today. 7pm. [Info]
🎹 New Wave Your Behaviour: See the Fringe story of one man coping with mental-health issues through new-wave music at the Baumann Centre. Today. 6pm. Sun. 2:15pm. [Info]
☕ Ciarán and Islay Make Coffee: This immersive show will see performers weave a story while serving coffee at Habit. Today. 8pm. Runs until Sun. [Info]
🎵 Colwood’s Music in the Park: Daniel Cook & The Radiators will perform at Herm Williams Park. Today. 5:30-7:30pm. [Info]
🎨 Multiple Organism: See this Fringe show about an artist’s model who takes control of art at Metro Studio. Today 5:30pm. Tomorrow 8:45pm. [Info]
🎡 Saanich Fair: Ring in the fall season with this annual fair, featuring rides, games, a farmers market, animals, and more. Today until Mon. [Info]
⛵ Classic Boat Festival: See these classic boats gathered in the Inner Harbour and check out boat racing all weekend. Today until Mon. [Info]
🎶 Music in the Park: Islanders Hot Club will perform at the Cameron Bandshell at Beacon Hill Park. Today. 1:30-3:30pm. [Info]
👀 In Case You Missed It
Thursday’s headlines: Non-profit needs new warehouse space; Vancouver Island Brewing to lay off workers; BC United suspends campaign; And more. [Aug. 29]
BC’s health authority board directors made $1,400/day after 53% pay hike. [Fraser Valley Current]
For the CRD, climate change is an economic challenge, not a cultural one. [Capital Daily]
New 8-seater omakase bar opens downtown. [Tasting Victoria]
BC activates early earthquake detection system. [CP / Castanet]
Shell shocked: A heron seems perturbed by a turtle. [Facebook photo]
Battle of the species: Native Western terrestrial garter snake takes on invasive American bullfrog. [Facebook photo]
That’s it!
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