Did you know that the middle class will grow from 25% of the world’s population to 50% of the world’s population between now and 2030? This stat was put forward by one of the keynote speakers at the Canadian Commission for UNESCO’s AGM that I recently attended. If true, the implications are quite amazing. Many national governments that now represent mostly poor people will soon represent mostly middle class people – people whose basic needs are met and who can focus on broader issues such as environmental sustainability and social justice. Is our world about to change for the better?…

A recent UNB study found that, given climate predictions, we can expect lots of changes across the New Brunswick landscape. The researchers interviewed more than 40 New Brunswick climatologists, biologists and other scientists on ecological changes they expect to see in the province by 2050 and 2100. “Terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems will be vastly affected as climate change influences, both directly and indirectly, the ecological parameters that present limitations or favourable conditions for specific organisms.” states the report. Expected changes include decline of balsam fir and white spruce and increased red oak and red spruce. Similarly, lynx will be out-competed…

Have you been wondering if the proposed bitumen pipeline passes by your door? Or perhaps your favourite wild haunts? Here’s a map of the route through New Brunswick to Saint John. The Pembina Institute has done an interesting analysis of the climate implications caused by increased tar sands production that would result from the Keystone pipeline. These climate implications would also apply to an eastern pipeline. According to David Coon, Leader of the Green Party, “It looks like the pipeline to the Port of Saint John would support a 27% increase in tar sands production which in upstream emissions alone…

Have you checked out the changes to the provincial election ridings? The CBC has a link to a great map which will show you any riding in the province – as it is now and as it is proposed to be. The Electoral Boundaries and Representation Commission is currently holding public meetings and accepting comments on its proposal. There has been back-lash from some small communities across New Brunswick who feel that the new boundaries do not respect their community ties. From my point of view, it seems that our democratic institutions are being steadily eroded. Alex Himelfarb, a former…