Estelle Hjertaas
@ehjertaas.bsky.social
Mommy. Lawyer. Activist. Environmentalist. 2x federal political candidate, now just regular person.
Enough deals with provinces, just enforce the law: Guilbeault www.nationalobserver.com/2025/12/18/n...
Enough deals with provinces, just enforce the law: Guilbeault
To make progress on the targets, the federal government should keep federal regulations to clean up Canada’s electricity grid, make good on repeated (and so far unfulfilled) promises to strengthen ind...
www.nationalobserver.com
December 20, 2025 at 11:40 AM
Enough deals with provinces, just enforce the law: Guilbeault www.nationalobserver.com/2025/12/18/n...
"If Europeans believe that they are at risk from consuming produce imported from Canada, that does not bode well for this government's ambitions to expand new trade partners," said Sean O'Shea, trade expert with Ecojustice. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/12/03/n...
France recalls Canadian lentils as Carney weakens pesticide rules
Health risks exposed in a blockbuster French TV investigation about Canadian lentils have introduced new tensions between Carney's European trade ambitions and his government's proposal to eliminate a...
www.nationalobserver.com
December 7, 2025 at 7:09 AM
"If Europeans believe that they are at risk from consuming produce imported from Canada, that does not bode well for this government's ambitions to expand new trade partners," said Sean O'Shea, trade expert with Ecojustice. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/12/03/n...
The quiet tax break that could charge-up plans for a Trans-Canada clean power grid www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/27/a...
The quiet tax break that could charge-up plans for a Trans-Canada clean power grid
Ottawa and Alberta has struck a 'grand bargain' that hinges on a new pipeline being built to boost oil and gas exports from the BC coast. But clean economy advocates say there is a better way for Cana...
www.nationalobserver.com
November 28, 2025 at 8:27 AM
The quiet tax break that could charge-up plans for a Trans-Canada clean power grid www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/27/a...
Kelsey Jacko, chief of Cold Lake First Nations said Prime Minister Mark Carney, both during his campaign and later in Ottawa, promised to visit Cold Lake before any decisions were made — a visit that still hasn’t happened. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/26/n...
Carney-Smith deal will bring carbon capture to Cold Lake. They don't want it
Alberta First Nations are being shut out of a sprawling carbon capture and storage project on their traditional territories that is a key part of Thursday's Alberta-Ottawa pipeline deal, chiefs say.
www.nationalobserver.com
November 27, 2025 at 7:31 PM
Kelsey Jacko, chief of Cold Lake First Nations said Prime Minister Mark Carney, both during his campaign and later in Ottawa, promised to visit Cold Lake before any decisions were made — a visit that still hasn’t happened. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/26/n...
Researchers are warning Canada needs to do more about the amount of plastic waste generated by the construction industry. A recent report found that a single large institution generates about 700,000 kg of plastic waste. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/16/n...
The plastic waste problem behind Canada's building boom
Researchers are warning Canada needs to do more about the amount of plastic waste generated by the construction industry. A recent report found that a single large institution generates about 700,000 ...
www.nationalobserver.com
November 11, 2025 at 6:26 PM
Researchers are warning Canada needs to do more about the amount of plastic waste generated by the construction industry. A recent report found that a single large institution generates about 700,000 kg of plastic waste. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/16/n...
The new federal budget dropped this week, and absent was any new money for building retrofits. Also this week: Premier Doug Ford further gutting environmental legislation. Where does this leave the City of Toronto? www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/07/n...
Toronto battles Ford — and now feds, too — on climate
Some experts say Ottawa’s budget leaves climate action in cities like Toronto hanging, with no new money for retrofits, EV adoption or green infrastructure.
www.nationalobserver.com
November 11, 2025 at 6:19 PM
The new federal budget dropped this week, and absent was any new money for building retrofits. Also this week: Premier Doug Ford further gutting environmental legislation. Where does this leave the City of Toronto? www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/07/n...
"Canada told the fossil fuel industry greenwashing was illegal, and its response was that having to be honest and transparent would make it too hard to do business. Apparently the threat worked," says Phil Newell of @caadcoalition.bsky.social www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/04/n...
Carney scraps anti-greenwashing law despite public call for climate truth
Most Canadians want the federal government to do more about climate disinformation, especially during extreme weather, new research shows, even as the Carney government scraps Canada's laws against gr...
www.nationalobserver.com
November 11, 2025 at 6:18 PM
"Canada told the fossil fuel industry greenwashing was illegal, and its response was that having to be honest and transparent would make it too hard to do business. Apparently the threat worked," says Phil Newell of @caadcoalition.bsky.social www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/04/n...
Toronto slashes single-use waste by third, plans to expand bylaw www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/15/n...
Toronto slashes single-use waste by third, plans to expand bylaw
The city wants to expand its successful bylaw to large events, sports venues and restaurants. Under the next phase, these businesses could be required to use reusable dishware.
www.nationalobserver.com
October 19, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Toronto slashes single-use waste by third, plans to expand bylaw www.nationalobserver.com/2025/10/15/n...
Reposted by Estelle Hjertaas
Recommended read: @climatechangenews.com reported on a “forest carbon megaproject” in Zimbabwe that has allegedly “generated millions of junk credits”.
📝 @mcivillini.bsky.social
📝 @mcivillini.bsky.social
Zimbabwe forest carbon megaproject generated millions of junk credits
Verra is seeking compensation for offsets issued "in excess" by the controversial Kariba REDD+ scheme. But the registry's track record in obtaining remedies raises concerns
buff.ly
October 4, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Recommended read: @climatechangenews.com reported on a “forest carbon megaproject” in Zimbabwe that has allegedly “generated millions of junk credits”.
📝 @mcivillini.bsky.social
📝 @mcivillini.bsky.social
If Mark Carney is going to strike a "grand bargain" with Danielle Smith, he needs to ensure she's also giving up something of value. An immediate end to her government's ongoing attacks on the industrial carbon price is a good place to start. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/09/24/o...
It’s time for Mark Carney to draw the line on climate policy
Canada's prime minister has sacrificed a host of climate policies in his pursuit of political power. Now it's time for him to fight for the most important one of all — and win.
www.nationalobserver.com
September 26, 2025 at 8:10 AM
If Mark Carney is going to strike a "grand bargain" with Danielle Smith, he needs to ensure she's also giving up something of value. An immediate end to her government's ongoing attacks on the industrial carbon price is a good place to start. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/09/24/o...
Ottawa knew getting the North off diesel by 2030 was impossible, despite promises www.nationalobserver.com/2025/09/25/n...
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 26, 2025 at 8:08 AM
Ottawa knew getting the North off diesel by 2030 was impossible, despite promises www.nationalobserver.com/2025/09/25/n...
In a wide-ranging interview ahead of the launch of her memoir, former climate minister Catherine McKenna warns consequences are coming for the fossil fuel industry, even as the federal government pursues a grand bargain with it. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/09/24/n...
Catherine McKenna isn’t buying Carney’s carbon capture grand bargain
In a wide-ranging interview ahead of the launch of her memoir, former climate minister Catherine McKenna warns consequences are coming for the fossil fuel industry, even as the federal government purs...
www.nationalobserver.com
September 26, 2025 at 8:04 AM
In a wide-ranging interview ahead of the launch of her memoir, former climate minister Catherine McKenna warns consequences are coming for the fossil fuel industry, even as the federal government pursues a grand bargain with it. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/09/24/n...
The perception that a bureaucratic maze is preventing Canada from building major projects, as PM Mark Carney has argued to support his deregulatory nation-building agenda, doesn’t hold up according to a data analysis of projects already underway. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/09/15/a...
Carney's red tape narrative doesn't hold up
The perception that a bureaucratic maze is preventing Canada from building major projects, as Prime Minister Mark Carney has argued to support his deregulatory nation-building agenda, doesn’t hold up ...
www.nationalobserver.com
September 20, 2025 at 12:31 PM
The perception that a bureaucratic maze is preventing Canada from building major projects, as PM Mark Carney has argued to support his deregulatory nation-building agenda, doesn’t hold up according to a data analysis of projects already underway. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/09/15/a...
Heat pumps in factories could save trillions and 77,000 lives, report finds www.nationalobserver.com/2025/08/21/n...
Heat pumps in factories could save trillions and 77,000 lives, report finds
A new report finds that replacing conventional boilers with heat pumps could also avoid 33 million asthma attacks by 2050, thanks to improved air quality.
www.nationalobserver.com
August 21, 2025 at 10:07 AM
Heat pumps in factories could save trillions and 77,000 lives, report finds www.nationalobserver.com/2025/08/21/n...
Reposted by Estelle Hjertaas
Given that other AI companies like Meta are also trying to build gas-powered data centers I would say pushback is warranted in many circumstances, which is why I think it is pretty valid for people to say one reason they dislike (excessive) AI use is due to environmental concerns.
August 11, 2025 at 1:34 PM
Given that other AI companies like Meta are also trying to build gas-powered data centers I would say pushback is warranted in many circumstances, which is why I think it is pretty valid for people to say one reason they dislike (excessive) AI use is due to environmental concerns.
Reposted by Estelle Hjertaas
But to clarify, my first post probably should've said "the environmental implications of AI" as that is why most people that I see are concerned about the energy use.
August 11, 2025 at 1:53 PM
But to clarify, my first post probably should've said "the environmental implications of AI" as that is why most people that I see are concerned about the energy use.
Reposted by Estelle Hjertaas
I agree it's good that we're not getting those headlines. But people who care about the environment understand why we need EVs and heat pumps. Electricity-intensive AI isn't for the most part displacing some fossil fuel-intensive thing. For many, it as useless as crypto
August 11, 2025 at 1:52 PM
I agree it's good that we're not getting those headlines. But people who care about the environment understand why we need EVs and heat pumps. Electricity-intensive AI isn't for the most part displacing some fossil fuel-intensive thing. For many, it as useless as crypto
Reposted by Estelle Hjertaas
I'm not seeing quite as many people here as I used to claiming that "the energy implications of AI are so small it's not worth talking about" but that was a wild thing to say 6 months ago and it would be even wilder now.
One study concluded 70% of increased electric cost across US due to AI data centers.
apnews.com/article/elec...
apnews.com/article/elec...
As electric bills rise, evidence mounts that data centers share blame. States feel pressure to act
Amid rising electric bills, states are under pressure to insulate regular household and business ratepayers from the costs of feeding Big Tech’s energy-hungry data centers.
apnews.com
August 11, 2025 at 12:56 PM
I'm not seeing quite as many people here as I used to claiming that "the energy implications of AI are so small it's not worth talking about" but that was a wild thing to say 6 months ago and it would be even wilder now.
Reposted by Estelle Hjertaas
Nuclear energy is subject to all sorts of wild card problems just like every technology…
"shut down due to a swarm of jellyfish in the cooling systems... likely due to rising water temperatures because of global warming"
> that's why I say continuing to pursue #nuclear energy is dumb
"shut down due to a swarm of jellyfish in the cooling systems... likely due to rising water temperatures because of global warming"
> that's why I say continuing to pursue #nuclear energy is dumb
Nuclear energy is dumb energy
There is a renewed push for nuclear energy globally as it is low-carbon and so it is included in most planning scenarios for net zero but Ran Boydell makes the case that nuclear energy is essentially ...
thefifthestate.com.au
August 11, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Nuclear energy is subject to all sorts of wild card problems just like every technology…
"shut down due to a swarm of jellyfish in the cooling systems... likely due to rising water temperatures because of global warming"
> that's why I say continuing to pursue #nuclear energy is dumb
"shut down due to a swarm of jellyfish in the cooling systems... likely due to rising water temperatures because of global warming"
> that's why I say continuing to pursue #nuclear energy is dumb
Reposted by Estelle Hjertaas
Swarm of jellyfish shuts French nuclear plant reut.rs/3Jc7S0y
Swarm of jellyfish shuts French nuclear plant
Four reactors at France's Gravelines nuclear power plant were shut down late Sunday due to a swarm of jellyfish in the filter drums that pull in cooling water, operator EDF said on Monday.
reut.rs
August 11, 2025 at 10:40 AM
Swarm of jellyfish shuts French nuclear plant reut.rs/3Jc7S0y
In a report published Thursday by the UN Environment Agency, a team of researchers warn that mega-floods could contaminate huge areas of land with chemicals, including some banned decades ago because they're so toxic. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/07/11/n...
Climate change is fuelling mega-floods, awakening toxic zombie chemicals
In a report published Thursday by the UN Environment Agency, a team of researchers warn that mega-floods could contaminate huge areas of land with chemicals, including some banned decades ago because ...
www.nationalobserver.com
July 14, 2025 at 6:08 PM
In a report published Thursday by the UN Environment Agency, a team of researchers warn that mega-floods could contaminate huge areas of land with chemicals, including some banned decades ago because they're so toxic. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/07/11/n...
Sasha Emery brings climate conversations to young francophones. This 22-year-old from Yukon and her Franco-Manitoban friend, Anne-Sophie Règnier, produce the Conversations Climatiques podcast. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/07/09/o...
A French podcast brings climate conversations to young listeners
Sasha Emery brings climate conversations to young francophones. This 22-year-old from Yukon and her Franco-Manitoban friend, Anne-Sophie Règnier, produce the Conversations Climatiques podcast. Sasha r...
www.nationalobserver.com
July 14, 2025 at 1:09 PM
Sasha Emery brings climate conversations to young francophones. This 22-year-old from Yukon and her Franco-Manitoban friend, Anne-Sophie Règnier, produce the Conversations Climatiques podcast. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/07/09/o...