Cloe Logan
@cloelogan.bsky.social
she/her | Toronto-based climate reporter at Canada’s National Observer
Pinned
Cloe Logan
@cloelogan.bsky.social
· Apr 5
Driving the ice road: a journey along a community’s disappearing lifeline
People call ice roads “lifelines” for a reason – without them, entire communities are cut off from goods and services that those in places connected by permanent roads take for granted. Climate change...
www.nationalobserver.com
Last month, I travelled to Ontario for a series
@nationalobserver.com is launching today on ice roads. This story focuses on the drive between Moosonee and Fort Albany along the James Bay Winter Road, built up each year over rivers, streams and muskeg. 🧊
@nationalobserver.com is launching today on ice roads. This story focuses on the drive between Moosonee and Fort Albany along the James Bay Winter Road, built up each year over rivers, streams and muskeg. 🧊
ICYMI: Yesterday, documents from the City of Toronto showed it is indefinitely putting its building emissions performance standards on hold. The standards were seen as the key way to reach emission reduction targets in buildings – which produce nearly 60 per cent of Toronto’s overall emissions.
Toronto blames federal funding cuts and Ford-era limits for shelving building emissions bylaw
The City of Toronto has pulled back planned rules for cutting building emissions, citing new federal and provincial barriers.
www.nationalobserver.com
November 28, 2025 at 10:27 PM
ICYMI: Yesterday, documents from the City of Toronto showed it is indefinitely putting its building emissions performance standards on hold. The standards were seen as the key way to reach emission reduction targets in buildings – which produce nearly 60 per cent of Toronto’s overall emissions.
Reposted by Cloe Logan
After becoming Trudeau’s climate minister, Guilbeault was a prolific supporter and architect of many of the climate policies that came to define the previous government’s vision — many of which were abandoned on Thursday in Mark Carney’s deal with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith.
Hours after Carney’s pipeline deal unveiled, Steven Guilbeault resigns
After becoming Trudeau’s climate minister, Guilbeault was a prolific supporter and architect of many of the climate policies that came to define the previous government’s vision — many of which were a...
www.nationalobserver.com
November 27, 2025 at 9:55 PM
After becoming Trudeau’s climate minister, Guilbeault was a prolific supporter and architect of many of the climate policies that came to define the previous government’s vision — many of which were abandoned on Thursday in Mark Carney’s deal with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith.
Alberta Premier Smith has long demanded the federal government roll back climate policies, further support its highly polluting fossil fuel sector, and threatened a constitutional unity crisis if she doesn’t get her way.
Today PM Carney blinked.
Today PM Carney blinked.
Alberta gets its way in deal with Ottawa
A newly signed memorandum of understanding gives Alberta almost its entire list of demands, from the removal of regulations to the fast-tracking of a pipeline.
www.nationalobserver.com
November 27, 2025 at 6:46 PM
Alberta Premier Smith has long demanded the federal government roll back climate policies, further support its highly polluting fossil fuel sector, and threatened a constitutional unity crisis if she doesn’t get her way.
Today PM Carney blinked.
Today PM Carney blinked.
SCOOP from me for @nationalobserver.com. A major climate measure in Toronto is on hold. The city has shelved its building emissions standards, pointing to shifting federal climate policy and limit imposed by Ford.
Toronto blames federal funding cuts and Ford-era limits for shelving building emissions bylaw
The City of Toronto has pulled back planned rules for cutting building emissions, citing new federal and provincial barriers.
www.nationalobserver.com
November 27, 2025 at 6:04 PM
SCOOP from me for @nationalobserver.com. A major climate measure in Toronto is on hold. The city has shelved its building emissions standards, pointing to shifting federal climate policy and limit imposed by Ford.
Reposted by Cloe Logan
A few months ago @thelocal.to got a promising pitch from a writer with bylines in whole bunch of reputable publications—The Cut, The Guardian, Dwell, Architectural Digest, etc. Then I started investigating. Here's a story about fabulists in journalism's AI slop era. thelocal.to/investigatin...
Investigating a Possible Scammer in Journalism’s AI Era | The Local
A suspicious pitch from a freelancer led editor Nicholas Hune-Brown to dig into their past work. By the end, four publications, including The Guardian and Dwell, had removed articles from their sites.
thelocal.to
November 19, 2025 at 2:10 PM
A few months ago @thelocal.to got a promising pitch from a writer with bylines in whole bunch of reputable publications—The Cut, The Guardian, Dwell, Architectural Digest, etc. Then I started investigating. Here's a story about fabulists in journalism's AI slop era. thelocal.to/investigatin...
Reposted by Cloe Logan
Carney said the Major Projects Office would develop a strategy for “Pathways Plus” — essentially marrying a major investment in carbon capture with a new pipeline to export oil from Alberta — which seems like it will see a breakthrough tomorrow.
Here's a refresher on why it's a very bad bet.
Here's a refresher on why it's a very bad bet.
Carney's latest pipedream explained
Prime Minister Mark Carney wants to see the Pathways Alliance project built in exchange for a new oil pipeline to the BC coast — a risky bet on the country’s economic future.
www.nationalobserver.com
November 26, 2025 at 2:29 PM
Carney said the Major Projects Office would develop a strategy for “Pathways Plus” — essentially marrying a major investment in carbon capture with a new pipeline to export oil from Alberta — which seems like it will see a breakthrough tomorrow.
Here's a refresher on why it's a very bad bet.
Here's a refresher on why it's a very bad bet.
Doug Ford has scrapped legislation that required large buildings in Toronto to install green roofs. I wanted to see how this bylaw has transformed the tip tops of the city since it was introduced in 2009. Here's one example. For @nationalobserver.com
Toronto’s rooftop farms show what’s at stake after Ford scraps green roof rule
Rooftop farms reveal the cooling, flood-reducing and food-growing power green roofs brought to Toronto.
www.nationalobserver.com
November 25, 2025 at 5:35 PM
Doug Ford has scrapped legislation that required large buildings in Toronto to install green roofs. I wanted to see how this bylaw has transformed the tip tops of the city since it was introduced in 2009. Here's one example. For @nationalobserver.com
Electricity prices in ON have already risen 29% this year, partly tied to nuclear spending. New report from @pembina.org warns that leaning on nat gas in the short term + new nuclear in the long term will lead to the province missing low-cost opportunities in renewables. @matinsarfraz.bsky.social
Ford's nuclear push could backfire with higher bills, US gas reliance: report
A new analysis from the Pembina Institute channels the province's plans to invest heavily in nuclear, backstopped by gas, rather than developing renewable energy that it says is cheaper and not relian...
www.nationalobserver.com
November 25, 2025 at 5:27 PM
Electricity prices in ON have already risen 29% this year, partly tied to nuclear spending. New report from @pembina.org warns that leaning on nat gas in the short term + new nuclear in the long term will lead to the province missing low-cost opportunities in renewables. @matinsarfraz.bsky.social
The Toronto area is packed with highrises + sprawling suburbs, but it’s not exempt from rising wildfire risk. I was at Queen's Park yesterday to hear about a new bill introduced by the Ontario NDP that would require the province to create an urban wildfires advisory committee. @nationalobserver.com
Growing urban wildfire risk spurs Ontario NDP bill
On Thursday, the party introduced legislation to address the rising threat of fires that could jump from nearby natural areas into metropolitan centres.
www.nationalobserver.com
November 21, 2025 at 4:35 PM
The Toronto area is packed with highrises + sprawling suburbs, but it’s not exempt from rising wildfire risk. I was at Queen's Park yesterday to hear about a new bill introduced by the Ontario NDP that would require the province to create an urban wildfires advisory committee. @nationalobserver.com
Reposted by Cloe Logan
For residents who say toxic air has made them sick for nearly three years, the decision felt like the first real hope the company may finally be forced to fix the problem or shut down, @matinsarfraz.bsky.social reports.
City takes landfill to court after Ontario refuses to act
Dozens of Upper Stoney Creek community residents packed Hamilton’s council chamber last week, cheering as councillors voted to take GFL Environmental to court over the foul odours coming from its land...
www.nationalobserver.com
November 19, 2025 at 6:02 PM
For residents who say toxic air has made them sick for nearly three years, the decision felt like the first real hope the company may finally be forced to fix the problem or shut down, @matinsarfraz.bsky.social reports.
Reposted by Cloe Logan
The chaos and confidence votes on the federal budget forced ministers to leave critical international climate negotiations a week early, right as negotiations are going down to the wire. From me and @woodsideful.bsky.social www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/19/n...
Federal budget scramble leaves Canadian negotiators rudderless at UN climate summit
The federal budget made it through confidence votes unscathed at the cost of Canada sacrificing its ministerial presence at international climate negotiations in Brazil.
www.nationalobserver.com
November 19, 2025 at 3:31 PM
The chaos and confidence votes on the federal budget forced ministers to leave critical international climate negotiations a week early, right as negotiations are going down to the wire. From me and @woodsideful.bsky.social www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/19/n...
“Not just the building sector emissions would have been down, but overall emissions wouldn't have increased this year, if not for the significant increase in electricity generation emissions,” said Bryan Purcell of @atmosphericfund.bsky.social. New from me for @nationalobserver.com
Toronto-area emissions rise as Ontario burns more natural gas
A new report from The Atmospheric Fund found that emissions went up one per cent in 2024. While the increase is slight, it comes in the context of emissions needing to go down by 11 per cent each year...
www.nationalobserver.com
November 18, 2025 at 10:25 PM
“Not just the building sector emissions would have been down, but overall emissions wouldn't have increased this year, if not for the significant increase in electricity generation emissions,” said Bryan Purcell of @atmosphericfund.bsky.social. New from me for @nationalobserver.com
Reposted by Cloe Logan
NEW: Councillors and sources inside the City of Vancouver say the city's mayor, Ken Sim, will put forth a budget Wednesday that will eliminate the city's celebrated climate and sustainability department.
Vancouver mayor plans to eliminate city's climate and sustainability department
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim is planning to eliminate the city's sustainability and climate department under the guise of a push to prevent increases to property taxes. Canada's National Observer learned a...
www.nationalobserver.com
November 11, 2025 at 1:47 AM
NEW: Councillors and sources inside the City of Vancouver say the city's mayor, Ken Sim, will put forth a budget Wednesday that will eliminate the city's celebrated climate and sustainability department.
Reposted by Cloe Logan
Toronto! @cloelogan.bsky.social is the new reporter in town. Drop her a line with your story tips and burning questions you need answered about the city's changing climate, building plans and political challenges.
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 10:21 PM
Toronto! @cloelogan.bsky.social is the new reporter in town. Drop her a line with your story tips and burning questions you need answered about the city's changing climate, building plans and political challenges.
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.
Reposted by Cloe Logan
Perhaps the least hinged quote I've seen from this government so far.
Dawn Farrell, the former CEO of Trans Mountain who now leads the federal government's Major Projects Office was asked whether the oil pipeline contributes to the fight against climate change.
“The answer is yes,” she replied.
“The answer is yes,” she replied.
Head of Carney’s Major Projects Office thinks Trans Mountain is good for climate
Dawn Farrell, the former CEO of Trans Mountain who now leads the federal government's Major Projects Office told the House of Commons environment committee that the oil pipeline helps fight climate ch...
www.nationalobserver.com
October 10, 2025 at 9:18 PM
Perhaps the least hinged quote I've seen from this government so far.
Reposted by Cloe Logan
Enbridge execs have been boasting to shareholders they plan to return $40-$45 billion to them over the next five years supported by gas expansions across the continent. Ontario in particular is a cash cow where they have an opportunity to "over earn."
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/09/a...
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/09/a...
Enbridge investors to get billions as gas giant expands into small-town Ontario
Enbridge executives know Ontario ratepayers are a cash cow for its gas business, and in recent calls with investors they said they plan to milk it for all its worth.
www.nationalobserver.com
October 9, 2025 at 1:09 PM
Enbridge execs have been boasting to shareholders they plan to return $40-$45 billion to them over the next five years supported by gas expansions across the continent. Ontario in particular is a cash cow where they have an opportunity to "over earn."
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/09/a...
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/09/a...
Exciting news! Yesterday, a new tool developed by @nationalobserver.com's @rorywh.bsky.social
launched. It allows you to search through the transcripts of 550 municipalities’ public meetings. We've been using it internally for a few months and it's been so helpful for our reporting.
launched. It allows you to search through the transcripts of 550 municipalities’ public meetings. We've been using it internally for a few months and it's been so helpful for our reporting.
Canada’s National Observer unveils a powerful tool for fighting disinformation
Civic Searchlight brings together municipal meeting transcripts from across Canada into a searchable database for the first time. It has already been used to fight disinformation, report on impact, di...
www.nationalobserver.com
October 9, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Exciting news! Yesterday, a new tool developed by @nationalobserver.com's @rorywh.bsky.social
launched. It allows you to search through the transcripts of 550 municipalities’ public meetings. We've been using it internally for a few months and it's been so helpful for our reporting.
launched. It allows you to search through the transcripts of 550 municipalities’ public meetings. We've been using it internally for a few months and it's been so helpful for our reporting.
Reposted by Cloe Logan
Freelancers based on Vancouver Island or the BC coast, please get in touch if you're available over the next few weeks!
October 3, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Freelancers based on Vancouver Island or the BC coast, please get in touch if you're available over the next few weeks!
Today for @nationalobserver.com, I dig into the federal gov's off diesel goal by 2030 for remote Indigenous communities. That goal was stated as a commitment, but a briefing note we obtained shows the feds never believed it could meet the target — considering it, rather, as “directional.”
Ottawa knew getting the North off diesel by 2030 was impossible, despite promises
Experts say the federal goal was unrealistic from the start, but progress made so far shows a pathway forward if governments keep funding clean projects in remote Indigenous communities.
www.nationalobserver.com
September 25, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Today for @nationalobserver.com, I dig into the federal gov's off diesel goal by 2030 for remote Indigenous communities. That goal was stated as a commitment, but a briefing note we obtained shows the feds never believed it could meet the target — considering it, rather, as “directional.”
New from @rorywh.bsky.social and I. The wildfire danger where homes meet forests is rising worldwide. Using new data, we built a detailed map of Halifax’s fire-prone forest edge — and explain what it says about the state of the wildland urban interface in Canada.
Building to the forest's edge fuels fire danger
As cities expand into forests already primed to burn, experts say Canada needs stronger maps, building codes and planning rules to keep people safe.
www.nationalobserver.com
September 17, 2025 at 3:56 PM
New from @rorywh.bsky.social and I. The wildfire danger where homes meet forests is rising worldwide. Using new data, we built a detailed map of Halifax’s fire-prone forest edge — and explain what it says about the state of the wildland urban interface in Canada.
Reposted by Cloe Logan
Just now speaking to the Liberal caucus, Carney offered more detail about this forthcoming climate competitiveness strategy. He said it will focus on “results over prohibition.”
The clearest signal yet the proposed oil and gas emissions cap will be killed. 4 years of government work down the drain.
The clearest signal yet the proposed oil and gas emissions cap will be killed. 4 years of government work down the drain.
Carney hinted he’ll soon release a ‘climate competitiveness strategy’ that insiders expect will boost industrial carbon pricing while cutting other emission reduction policies, echoing previously failed attempts at striking a grand bargain. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/09/09/a...
Carney insiders hint at climate strategy with industrial carbon price hikes
Prime Minister Carney hinted he’ll soon release a ‘climate competitiveness strategy’ that insiders expect will boost industrial carbon pricing while cutting other emission reduction policies, echoing ...
www.nationalobserver.com
September 10, 2025 at 3:38 PM
Just now speaking to the Liberal caucus, Carney offered more detail about this forthcoming climate competitiveness strategy. He said it will focus on “results over prohibition.”
The clearest signal yet the proposed oil and gas emissions cap will be killed. 4 years of government work down the drain.
The clearest signal yet the proposed oil and gas emissions cap will be killed. 4 years of government work down the drain.
Reposted by Cloe Logan
@cloelogan.bsky.social and I were working on a story about cuts to a program that monitors endangered whales. But we were stonewalled by Transport Canada for weeks. Frustrated and wanting to know why, I filed an ATIP.
I got nearly 400 pages of emails in response: the dumbest coverup I've ever seen.
I got nearly 400 pages of emails in response: the dumbest coverup I've ever seen.
Again and again, well-intentioned experts in the government suggested clear answers and were immediately shut down by more senior — and more political — staff trying to cover for the government, which had cut funding for the program, @jameswsthomson.com recounts.
Inside Transport Canada's pointless coverup
What an Access to Information request into a weeks-long runaround to dodge a simple answer to a question about a North Atlantic right whale surveillance program reveals about the inner workings of the...
www.nationalobserver.com
August 30, 2025 at 2:44 PM
@cloelogan.bsky.social and I were working on a story about cuts to a program that monitors endangered whales. But we were stonewalled by Transport Canada for weeks. Frustrated and wanting to know why, I filed an ATIP.
I got nearly 400 pages of emails in response: the dumbest coverup I've ever seen.
I got nearly 400 pages of emails in response: the dumbest coverup I've ever seen.
I will be chatting with Markus Schwabe of CBC Sudbury's Morning North at 8:10 EST this AM about ice roads — highlighting my @nationalobserver.com series on winter roads in the James Bay region.
Morning North with Markus Schwabe | Live Radio | CBC Listen
CBC Radio's Morning North is a weekday news and current affairs program hosted by Markus Schwabe.
www.cbc.ca
August 20, 2025 at 11:50 AM
I will be chatting with Markus Schwabe of CBC Sudbury's Morning North at 8:10 EST this AM about ice roads — highlighting my @nationalobserver.com series on winter roads in the James Bay region.