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In this edition of EcoNews, we bring you the latest blow to chemical giant and glyphosate-producer Bayer as the US EPA is ordered to take a harder look at the human and ecological impacts of the hardwood-killing herbicide; we help you find local events to better learn about and celebrate Indigenous culture in New Brunswick; we celebrate a major win for our parks, rivers and oceans as Canada announces a ban on the most common single-use plastics; our Fundy Baykeeper brings you his five-star review of the powerful and moving documentary, Last of the Right Whales; and more.
Back To The Drawing Board For Glyphosate: American Court
The US Environmental Protection Agency’s finding that glyphosate posed no risk to human health “was not supported by substantial evidence” and the agency’s “errors in assessing human health risks are serious.” Those are the topline takeaways from a recent California appeals court ruling that ordered the US EPA to reassess the human health and ecological risks of glyphosate use. It’s been a tough year in North America for glyphosate, the main active ingredient in herbicides used in New Brunswick forests: you’ll remember that back in February, a Canadian appeals court sent Health Canada back to the drawing board on glyphosate, too.
Celebrating National Indigenous History Month
Our team was honoured to take in some of the activities during the Wolastoqey Nation in New Brunswick’s National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration at the provincial legislature earlier this week. June marks National Indigenous Peoples History Month in Canada. It’s an important time for all of us to learn about and celebrate Indigenous culture and to better understand Canada’s past and present treatment of Indigenous communities. To help you get involved, check out the link below for the Indigenous Tourism Association of New Brunswick’s list of powwows taking place across unceded Wabanaki territory this summer.
Victory From The Baies Des Chaleurs To The Bay Of Fundy: Canada Bans Single-Use Plastics
It’s a win that’s been a long time coming—Canada is banning some of the most common plastic waste littering our streets, beaches, forests, rivers and oceans. That’s right: by the end of the year, it will be illegal in Canada to manufacture or import single-use plastic items including grocery bags, cutlery, stir sticks, six-pack rings, straws and certain take out containers. We’re celebrating and sending a heartfelt thank you to the thousands of New Brunswickers who signed our petitions over the years to help make this happen.
Long Distance Flyers To Elusive Lichen: Draft Regulations For Five Species Listed Under New Brunswick’s Species At Risk Act
There’s been some new sightings in the saga to get New Brunswick’s most vulnerable animals, plants and insects the protection they deserve. From a beach-combing weed to a flycatcher that might make you momentarily question just where you are, our new communications intern brings you a rundown of the new draft regulations for five species listed under New Brunswick’s Species At Risk Act.
A Fundy Baykeeper Must-Watch: Last Of The Right Whales
Our Fundy Baykeeper brings you his five-star review of acclaimed filmmaker Nadine Pequeneza’s documentary, Last of the Right Whales. The powerful documentary tells the plight of the critically endangered right whale and the people and organizations working desperately to save them from extinction. Read what our Baykeeper thought of the film and join him in Shediac next month for a free screening of the film and Q&A with local fishers and guest whale experts.
We work hard to ensure a strong environmental voice is heard in the New Brunswick print, radio and television media. Click the link below for the latest stories Conservation Council staff have been called upon for expertise, analysis and commentary: