John Woodside
@woodsideful.bsky.social
Ottawa Bureau Chief with @nationalobserver.com. Covering the money and politics fuelling the climate crisis.
Reposted by John Woodside
Mark Carney may be aiming to hasten Ksi Lisims LNG plant and its associated infrastructure through the regulatory process — but what about the courts? @woodsideful.bsky.social and @natashabulowski.bsky.social report.
Feds send Ksi Lisims LNG to Major Projects Office amid court challenges
Indigenous leaders, climate advocates and financial experts are condemning Prime Minister Mark Carney's decision to refer the Ksi Lisims LNG project to the Major Projects Office for potential fast-tra...
www.nationalobserver.com
November 14, 2025 at 8:07 PM
Mark Carney may be aiming to hasten Ksi Lisims LNG plant and its associated infrastructure through the regulatory process — but what about the courts? @woodsideful.bsky.social and @natashabulowski.bsky.social report.
New from me and @natashabulowski.bsky.social on Carney's decision today to refer Ksi Lisims LNG, which would require a new gas pipeline snaking through Indigenous territory without consent, to the Major Projects Office.
Expect more court challenges to this carbon bomb in the months ahead.
Expect more court challenges to this carbon bomb in the months ahead.
Feds send Ksi Lisims LNG to Major Projects Office amid court challenges
Indigenous leaders, climate advocates and financial experts are condemning Prime Minister Mark Carney's decision to refer the Ksi Lisims LNG project to the Major Projects Office for potential fast-tra...
www.nationalobserver.com
November 14, 2025 at 12:30 AM
New from me and @natashabulowski.bsky.social on Carney's decision today to refer Ksi Lisims LNG, which would require a new gas pipeline snaking through Indigenous territory without consent, to the Major Projects Office.
Expect more court challenges to this carbon bomb in the months ahead.
Expect more court challenges to this carbon bomb in the months ahead.
Three decades of climate summits and the planet is still getting hotter. We know these meetings aren’t working well enough, but if you believe that means it’s pointless, you’re dead wrong. Better questions to ask are how to improve it and which complimentary tools can best help.
UN climate summits are an arena of politics worthy of your attention
Three decades of climate summits and the planet is still getting hotter. We know these meetings aren’t working well enough, but if you believe that means it’s pointless, I’m here to tell you you’re de...
www.nationalobserver.com
November 11, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Three decades of climate summits and the planet is still getting hotter. We know these meetings aren’t working well enough, but if you believe that means it’s pointless, you’re dead wrong. Better questions to ask are how to improve it and which complimentary tools can best help.
If COPs didn’t have potential to help address the climate crisis, the fossil fuel industry wouldn’t devote itself to infiltrating them. Climate diplomacy skeptics should recognize these are vital arenas of modern international relations and consequently worth paying serious attention to.
Exclusive by me: How thousands fossil fuel lobbyists got access to UN climate talks – and then oil and gas companies kept drilling
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
How thousands of fossil fuel lobbyists got access to UN climate talks – and then kept drilling
Exclusive: Research shows oil, gas and coal firms’ unprecedented access to Cop26-29, blocking urgent climate action
www.theguardian.com
November 9, 2025 at 2:07 PM
If COPs didn’t have potential to help address the climate crisis, the fossil fuel industry wouldn’t devote itself to infiltrating them. Climate diplomacy skeptics should recognize these are vital arenas of modern international relations and consequently worth paying serious attention to.
Incredibly weak statement from Canada at COP30. It says “effective action starts with detailed planning” and points to this week’s climate competitiveness plan as proof of Canada’s efforts. Weird given that plan has no target, no GHG modelling, dismantles policies policies and calls LNG low carbon.
Canada delivers its national statement at COP30 - Canada.ca
Canada delivers its national statement at COP30
www.canada.ca
November 8, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Incredibly weak statement from Canada at COP30. It says “effective action starts with detailed planning” and points to this week’s climate competitiveness plan as proof of Canada’s efforts. Weird given that plan has no target, no GHG modelling, dismantles policies policies and calls LNG low carbon.
Reposted by John Woodside
“I don't see any prospect of a pipeline unless it is fully taxpayer funded, and the federal government forces it through provincial and indigenous objections," says BC Premier David Eby.
Eby and coast First Nations push Ottawa to honour oil tanker ban. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/06/n...
Eby and coast First Nations push Ottawa to honour oil tanker ban. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/06/n...
BC and First Nations unite to defend tanker ban
Premier David Eby and coastal First Nations signed a declaration on Wednesday calling on the federal government to defend BC's oil tanker ban.
www.nationalobserver.com
November 6, 2025 at 9:14 PM
“I don't see any prospect of a pipeline unless it is fully taxpayer funded, and the federal government forces it through provincial and indigenous objections," says BC Premier David Eby.
Eby and coast First Nations push Ottawa to honour oil tanker ban. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/06/n...
Eby and coast First Nations push Ottawa to honour oil tanker ban. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/06/n...
Since April's election, oil and gas lobbyists notched at least 177 meetings with federal officials — a third of which were in September alone. If the budget is any indication, they successfully persuaded Mark Carney's government.
Feds faced intense lobbying pressure before budget
Since April's election, oil and gas lobbyists notched at least 177 meetings with federal officials — a third of which were in September alone. If Tuesday's budget is any indication, they successfully ...
www.nationalobserver.com
November 6, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Since April's election, oil and gas lobbyists notched at least 177 meetings with federal officials — a third of which were in September alone. If the budget is any indication, they successfully persuaded Mark Carney's government.
This is the most harmful budget from a climate perspective since the Harper era. It's a complete abdication of climate responsibilities, and while at least $3 billion in climate funding gets cut, taxpayer supports for oil and gas are set to grow.
Great breakdown @hadrianmk.bsky.social
Great breakdown @hadrianmk.bsky.social
Oil and gas trumps climate action in brutal federal budget
The budget makes clear that fossil fuel production for export is a central pillar of this government’s economic strategy — and that it won’t let climate measures get in the way.
www.nationalobserver.com
November 4, 2025 at 9:50 PM
This is the most harmful budget from a climate perspective since the Harper era. It's a complete abdication of climate responsibilities, and while at least $3 billion in climate funding gets cut, taxpayer supports for oil and gas are set to grow.
Great breakdown @hadrianmk.bsky.social
Great breakdown @hadrianmk.bsky.social
Reposted by John Woodside
I’m still with @nationalobserver.com, but as of today, I’m reporting from Toronto! Excited to cover climate, energy and the environment from a new perspective — please reach out with story ideas or just to say hi ☺️
November 3, 2025 at 7:58 PM
I’m still with @nationalobserver.com, but as of today, I’m reporting from Toronto! Excited to cover climate, energy and the environment from a new perspective — please reach out with story ideas or just to say hi ☺️
Reposted by John Woodside
For my 400th story with @nationalobserver.com (and my last from Atlantic Canada!) I reported from the Chignecto Isthmus, where efforts to preserve a fragile landscape meet plans for a new gas plant with a 25 year lifespan.
Planned New Brunswick gas plant could threaten vital migratory bird corridor
As the province moves ahead with plans for a new gas plant, experts and residents warn it could endanger one of Canada’s most fragile and important ecological corridors.
www.nationalobserver.com
November 3, 2025 at 7:46 PM
For my 400th story with @nationalobserver.com (and my last from Atlantic Canada!) I reported from the Chignecto Isthmus, where efforts to preserve a fragile landscape meet plans for a new gas plant with a 25 year lifespan.
A showdown is looming as petro-provinces and nearly 100 oil and gas executives pressure Carney to walk back the workhorse policy for emissions reductions: the industrial carbon price.
Canada risks becoming 'rust-belt petrostate' without industrial carbon pricing, critics say
A showdown is looming as petro-provinces and nearly 100 oil and gas executives pressure Carney to walk back Ottawa's role enforcing the industrial carbon price.
www.nationalobserver.com
November 3, 2025 at 2:41 PM
A showdown is looming as petro-provinces and nearly 100 oil and gas executives pressure Carney to walk back the workhorse policy for emissions reductions: the industrial carbon price.
Reposted by John Woodside
Even after Ontario's disastrous experience with Trump, BC Premier David Eby will run his own anti-tariff ads in the US. His office said the prime minister has not been consulted on the ads, @natashabulowski.bsky.social reports.
Eby sidesteps Carney with anti-tariff ads after Ontario blowup
BC Premier David Eby plans to press ahead with an anti-tariff ad campaign despite US President Donald Trump's swift reprisal following Ontario's anti-tariff ad ran during the baseball World Series. To...
www.nationalobserver.com
October 31, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Even after Ontario's disastrous experience with Trump, BC Premier David Eby will run his own anti-tariff ads in the US. His office said the prime minister has not been consulted on the ads, @natashabulowski.bsky.social reports.
While acknowledging wildfires “have become a cross border issue,” EPA administrator Lee Zeldin echoed a familiar talking point from Trump allies: blaming Canada’s forest practices instead of climate-driven extreme heat and drought. via @matinsarfraz.bsky.social
US officials praise Canada on wildfires but ignore climate at Toronto G7 meeting
Senior members of the Trump administration praised Canada for wildfire coordination on Friday at the G7 meeting in Toronto, while downplaying climate science and pushing forest management as the main ...
www.nationalobserver.com
October 31, 2025 at 6:07 PM
While acknowledging wildfires “have become a cross border issue,” EPA administrator Lee Zeldin echoed a familiar talking point from Trump allies: blaming Canada’s forest practices instead of climate-driven extreme heat and drought. via @matinsarfraz.bsky.social
Residents say they had expected some smoke and pollution, but the intensity and persistence of the noise from the LNG plant have taken them by surprise.
Imagine that, a fossil fuel company misled residents and suckered them in to a worse life. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/30/n...
Imagine that, a fossil fuel company misled residents and suckered them in to a worse life. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/30/n...
When the Sound starts to rumble
For residents in Squamish, the experience of Kitimat locals following the opening of the LNG liquefaction plant there has become a cautionary tale. With construction of the Woodfibre LNG project now w...
www.nationalobserver.com
October 30, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Residents say they had expected some smoke and pollution, but the intensity and persistence of the noise from the LNG plant have taken them by surprise.
Imagine that, a fossil fuel company misled residents and suckered them in to a worse life. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/30/n...
Imagine that, a fossil fuel company misled residents and suckered them in to a worse life. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/30/n...
An expansion at the Port of Montreal is shaping up to be the first test of Mark Carney's major projects agenda, as a Quebec environmental group warns of court challenges ahead if regulations are sidestepped in the name of building fast. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/30/n...
Port of Montreal says it doesn’t need Carney’s fast-track, but not everyone is so sure
A planned expansion at the Port of Montreal is shaping up to be the first test of Prime Minister Mark Carney's major projects agenda, as a Quebec environmental group warns of court challenges ahead if...
www.nationalobserver.com
October 30, 2025 at 1:16 PM
An expansion at the Port of Montreal is shaping up to be the first test of Mark Carney's major projects agenda, as a Quebec environmental group warns of court challenges ahead if regulations are sidestepped in the name of building fast. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/30/n...
As New Brunswick moves toward potentially approving a new gas plant, experts and residents warn it could endanger one of Canada’s most fragile and important ecological corridors. From @cloelogan.bsky.social www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/29/n...
Planned New Brunswick gas plant could threaten vital migratory bird corridor
As the province moves ahead with plans for a new gas plant, experts and residents warn it could endanger one of Canada’s most fragile and important ecological corridors.
www.nationalobserver.com
October 29, 2025 at 6:38 PM
As New Brunswick moves toward potentially approving a new gas plant, experts and residents warn it could endanger one of Canada’s most fragile and important ecological corridors. From @cloelogan.bsky.social www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/29/n...
At a time when fossil fuel projects are part of Ottawa’s nation-building agenda, new research shows climate impacts driven by burning fossil fuels could cause more damage to GDP than previously thought. via @natashabulowski.bsky.social
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/29/n...
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/29/n...
Climate change will hurt Canada's GDP more than previously thought
New economic research indicates Canada (and all countries) will see a larger hit to GDP thanks to climate change.
www.nationalobserver.com
October 29, 2025 at 6:27 PM
At a time when fossil fuel projects are part of Ottawa’s nation-building agenda, new research shows climate impacts driven by burning fossil fuels could cause more damage to GDP than previously thought. via @natashabulowski.bsky.social
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/29/n...
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/29/n...
Reposted by John Woodside
Change course now’: humanity has missed 1.5C climate target, says UN head.
Exclusive: ‘Devastating consequences’ now inevitable but emissions cuts still vital, says António Guterres in sole interview before Cop30
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Exclusive: ‘Devastating consequences’ now inevitable but emissions cuts still vital, says António Guterres in sole interview before Cop30
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
‘Change course now’: humanity has missed 1.5C climate target, says UN head
Exclusive: ‘Devastating consequences’ now inevitable but emissions cuts still vital, says António Guterres in sole interview before Cop30
www.theguardian.com
October 28, 2025 at 10:38 PM
Change course now’: humanity has missed 1.5C climate target, says UN head.
Exclusive: ‘Devastating consequences’ now inevitable but emissions cuts still vital, says António Guterres in sole interview before Cop30
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Exclusive: ‘Devastating consequences’ now inevitable but emissions cuts still vital, says António Guterres in sole interview before Cop30
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Reposted by John Woodside
The pension plan rejects the young people's accusation: “An action against CPP Investments and its efforts to maintain the sustainability of the CPP, is an action against the retirement security of 22 million Canadians,” a CPP spokesperson said in a statement.
Young Canadians accuse the Canada Pension Plan of mismanaging climate risks
In lawsuit filed Monday, four young Canadians allege the Canada Pension Plan is mismanaging their retirement savings by underestimating climate-related financial risks — the first legal challenge of i...
www.nationalobserver.com
October 27, 2025 at 9:14 PM
The pension plan rejects the young people's accusation: “An action against CPP Investments and its efforts to maintain the sustainability of the CPP, is an action against the retirement security of 22 million Canadians,” a CPP spokesperson said in a statement.
In lawsuit filed Monday, four young Canadians allege the Canada Pension Plan is mismanaging their retirement savings by underestimating climate-related financial risks — the first legal challenge of its kind. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/27/n...
Young Canadians accuse the Canada Pension Plan of mismanaging climate risks
In lawsuit filed Monday, four young Canadians allege the Canada Pension Plan is mismanaging their retirement savings by underestimating climate-related financial risks — the first legal challenge of i...
www.nationalobserver.com
October 27, 2025 at 9:19 PM
In lawsuit filed Monday, four young Canadians allege the Canada Pension Plan is mismanaging their retirement savings by underestimating climate-related financial risks — the first legal challenge of its kind. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/27/n...
Reposted by John Woodside
Climate and energy could become wedge issue in NDP leadership contest by @natashabulowski.bsky.social @nationalobserver.com www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/24/n...
Climate and energy could become wedge issue in NDP leadership contest
At a forum hosted by the Canadian Labour Congress, the official leadership candidates spoke about putting workers first, how to rebuild the party and took shots at corporate Canada. But the moderated ...
www.nationalobserver.com
October 27, 2025 at 1:56 PM
Climate and energy could become wedge issue in NDP leadership contest by @natashabulowski.bsky.social @nationalobserver.com www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/24/n...
A few days ago, the feds designated the 1825 Miramichi Fire a "National Historic Event."
Back in August I wrote about the fire, its lasting impact and some surprising lessons from that era of megafires applicable to our fossil fuel driven inferno age today. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/08/25/a...
Back in August I wrote about the fire, its lasting impact and some surprising lessons from that era of megafires applicable to our fossil fuel driven inferno age today. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/08/25/a...
How a centuries-old fire foreshadowed the future
Two centuries ago, the Miramichi fire roared through New Brunswick, heralding an era of megafires. Historians say it's time to learn its lessons.
www.nationalobserver.com
October 27, 2025 at 4:08 PM
A few days ago, the feds designated the 1825 Miramichi Fire a "National Historic Event."
Back in August I wrote about the fire, its lasting impact and some surprising lessons from that era of megafires applicable to our fossil fuel driven inferno age today. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/08/25/a...
Back in August I wrote about the fire, its lasting impact and some surprising lessons from that era of megafires applicable to our fossil fuel driven inferno age today. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/08/25/a...
After Carney touts "buy Canadian" at just about every turn, Canada’s first major “nation-building” investment is going toward a small modular reactor project that depends heavily on US suppliers for key technology and components. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/23/n...
Canada's first 'nation-building' nuclear project relies on US suppliers
Canada’s first major “nation-building” investment is going toward a small modular reactor project that depends heavily on US suppliers for key technology and components.
www.nationalobserver.com
October 24, 2025 at 1:23 PM
After Carney touts "buy Canadian" at just about every turn, Canada’s first major “nation-building” investment is going toward a small modular reactor project that depends heavily on US suppliers for key technology and components. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/23/n...
Smith's testimony today was wild even by her standards.
Does she accept human activity like burning fossil fuels drives climate change? "I don't know, I'm not a scientist."
She also wants 2030 and 2035 emission targets scrapped, and said Trans Mountain is advising her on Northern Gateway 2.0
Does she accept human activity like burning fossil fuels drives climate change? "I don't know, I'm not a scientist."
She also wants 2030 and 2035 emission targets scrapped, and said Trans Mountain is advising her on Northern Gateway 2.0
Danielle Smith dodges climate science in parliament
Are human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, driving climate change? Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says she doesn't know, as the province plans to double oil production and build pipelines in ...
www.nationalobserver.com
October 23, 2025 at 8:55 PM
Smith's testimony today was wild even by her standards.
Does she accept human activity like burning fossil fuels drives climate change? "I don't know, I'm not a scientist."
She also wants 2030 and 2035 emission targets scrapped, and said Trans Mountain is advising her on Northern Gateway 2.0
Does she accept human activity like burning fossil fuels drives climate change? "I don't know, I'm not a scientist."
She also wants 2030 and 2035 emission targets scrapped, and said Trans Mountain is advising her on Northern Gateway 2.0