Wednesday Afternoon Links

Miscellaneous material for your mid-week reading.

- Jess Davis reports on the World Meteorological Organization's conclusion that 2023 saw the worst-ever level of climate breakdown under every key indicator. And Brett Christophers rightly argues that we'll never make progress in combating the climate crisis as long as we're operating under the short-sighted, greed-based capitalist system that precipitated it (and whose main actors are systematically breaching even their own selective promises).  

- Bob Yirka reports on research showing that food packaging is replete with dozens of "forever chemicals" - the vast majority of which are banned from exactly that use. And Dylan Baddour discusses the massive handouts being shoveled into petrochemicals and plastics manufacturing which cause immense environmental harm at both the individual and community levels.  

- Meanwhile, Aki Ito reports on research showing that recessions may actually be producing longer lifespans, as the positive effects of reduced traffic and pollution outweigh any effects of reduced income. 

- Erica Ifill writes that the Libs' attempt to solve a shortage of housing with handouts to rich developers is doing nothing but to strengthen the position of the Cons as they seek to make matters even worse. 

- Finally, Mordecai Kurz discusses how capitalism is directly opposed to the pursuit of democracy.

Monday Morning Links

Miscellaneous material to start your week.

- Tzvi Joffre reports on the C.1.2 COVID variant which is confirming that the threat posed by the coronavirus continues to change and spread. And Emily Willingham comments on the importance of masks in schools to protect schools and individual health alike. 

- David Climenhaga points out the perils facing Alberta due to Jason Kenney's utter abdication of any leadership role in a pandemic, while Paul Parks discusses how Alberta's health care system is already in dire straits before the worst of the fourth wave crests. And health care workers in both Alberta and Saskatchewan are rightly calling for public health measures to ensure they (and vulnerable populations) don't face impossible burdens due to irresponsible governments and selfish individuals alike. 

- Meanwhile, Erica Ifill discusses how the pandemic has changed the nature of work - and the need for Canada's political leaders to start addressing the structural stresses it's placed on already-vulnerable populations. 

- Justin Mikulka highlights how "blue hydrogen" is nothing but the latest attempt to greenwash the fossil fuel sector's continued spewing of carbon pollution into our atmosphere. And Kayah George writes that the Trans-Mountain Pipeline represents a genocide against the Tsleil-Waututh people in addition to a suicidal bet for its funders and insurers. 

- Finally, Zena Selam reports on the miserable end to Khaleel Seivwright's efforts to build shelters for homeless people in Toronto, as the City has used its power to stop him from doing so rather than to ensure that the needs of its citizens are met.