Kyoto watchers are waiting to see if the world’s governments will take serious action to prevent dangerous climate change. The 11th Conference of the Parties (COP11) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, taking place in Montreal between November 28 and December 9, is a major opportunity for governments to work towards a sustainable energy future.

More than 10,000 delegates will spend two weeks assessing the progress of countries in implementing the Kyoto Protocol and discussing how to move towards much greater emission reductions once the first Kyoto “commitment period” ends in 2012. Leading environmental organizations from around the world will be participating and pressing for the launch of negotiations for an effective post-2012 regime.

The Pembina Institute is planning several workshops on topics such as the environmental impacts of oil sands development and how renewable energy strategies can accomplish deep emissions cuts. We will also be releasing major publications designed to help Canadians and the international community understand the urgency of deep reductions in greenhouse gas emissions to prevent dangerous climate change.

Watch for more details in upcoming issues of eNews and visit www.pembina.org for ongoing updates.

Ottawa Citizen — Edmonton Journal: Record-breaking gasoline prices don't look like good news to most Canadians. But for the environment, the recent hike in oil prices is a step in the right direction. And if governments make the right choices, we should end up saving, not losing, money.

So says Dr. Matthew Bramley, the Pembina Institute’s climate change expert in an op-ed recently published in several Canadian newspapers.

On Sept 1, 2005 The Edmonton Journal published the visions of some prominent Albertans about what life in Alberta might look like in 2105 when the province celebrates its bicentennial.

Dr. Mary Griffiths envisions two scenarios: one depicts a future where Alberta’s huge oil sands resources have been exploited at a high cost to the boreal forest and rivers of northeastern Alberta and to future generations of Canadians. The other envisions a more measured development of resources that protects the land and water resources.

Read Dr. Mary Griffiths’s unabridged version.

Message from Marlo Raynolds, Executive Director of the Pembina Institute.

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita are tragic reminders of the devastating effects extreme weather events can inflict on vulnerable communities — even those we assume are prepared. Scientists warn that such events are likely to become more frequent and severe with increasing global temperatures caused by increased emissions of greenhouse gases. While we pause in memory of those lost and reflect on what has occurred, these sobering events also reinforce our commitment to addressing environmental issues through a responsible and precautionary approach. The Pembina Institute works to create solutions to current and long-term challenges and helps build a more sustainable future.

We invite you to be part of the solution by participating in our most recent fundraising initiative — the Cash for Clean Air raffle. Your participation helps to support The Pembina Institute’s sustainable energy programs.
Individual tickets for the raffle are only $20 for one, or $50 for three. With only 1,100 tickets printed, you have great odds of winning cash prizes.

If you have any questions, please contact Sandra Gomez, Development Officer, Annual Giving at 403.269.3344 Ext. 124 or by email at sandrag(at)pembina.org. All the information you need to purchase tickets is on our secure and easy-to-use website.

The 51, two-page summary reports that make up the Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI) Reports are now updated and available free online at Pembina’s new Genuine Progress Indicator site.

The GPI is a new system for measuring the total well-being and sustainability of regions. By accounting for economic, social and environmental factors, the GPI provides an alternative to current measures of economic progress such as the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) that are inappropriately used as a measure of total well-being.

Amy Taylor, Pembina’s green economist, has been a regular guest on QR 77’s Wayne Nelson show and the Calgary Herald published a series of eight articles on compelling topics such as problem gambling, obesity, free time and ecological health.

Visit the new GPI site to learn more about what “progress” really means.

Residents in the Drayton Valley region know what can happen when drilling for gas goes wrong. In 1982, this region experienced a catastrophic sour gas blowout, Canada’s largest industrial accident. Petroleum companies have tabled plans to drill hundreds more sour gas wells in the region over the next few years, and residents are very concerned. The Pembina Institute has provided local residents, represented by the Pembina Agricultural Protection Association (PAPA), with resources and technical information to help them protect their communities. PAPA is calling for an assessment of impacts from oil and gas development based on a reasonable regional development scenario and the application of best practices in all new sour gas projects. This process has successfully secured some positive commitments from companies so far, and PAPA membership is growing. Landowners with similar concerns in other parts of Alberta have contacted the Pembina Institute. Rural communities are increasingly demanding better environmental practices and regional planning and assessment of oil and gas developments.

Want to know more? Contact JP Jepp 403.269.3344 Ext. 102

The Pembina Institute has also produced a guide to help landowners understand their rights. Copies of When the Oilpatch Comes to Your Backyard can be purchased from our Drayton Valley office.

Download a sample chapter