January 20, 2026 EcoCentric

Failing grades for Clean BC climate plan – Emiko Newman, BC Climate Emergency Campaign.
Canada let’s in Chinese EVs – Adam Thorn, Pembina Institute.
Scourge of Disinformation – Aaron Korbacher, local researcher.

LISTEN OR DOWNLOAD JANUARY 20 SHOW HERE:

Every year the BC Climate Emergency Campaign puts out a report card on CLEAN BC, the province’s climate plan. This year the report says progress has stalled and gave Clean BC eight failing grades. Emiko Newman, staff with the campaign tells us about it.

Mark Carney signed a deal with China to allow importing 49,000 EVs to Canada. It’s just a small concessions but Adam Thorn, director of the transportation program at the Pembina Institute says it could be a step toward reducing climate pollution in Canada.

Disinformation has morphed quickly into a giant social and political force in the world. It’s destructive, says Kootenay local Aaron Korbacher who has been researching and giving talks about the impact of people and corporations deliberately spreading lies. This is part one of a discussion.

LINKS MENTIONED:

BC Climate Emergency Campaign Report on progress on tackling the climate crisis in the province.
https://bcclimateemergency.ca/progress-report

The Pembina Institute’s Statement on Chinese EV deal
https://www.pembina.org/media-release/canada-takes-step-grow-ev-market-strengthen-auto-sector

Clean Energy Canada’s analysis of the Chinese EV announcment
https://cleanenergycanada.org/deal-allowing-a-quota-of-chinese-evs-a-breakthrough-for-consumers-wth-potential-for-investment-in-a-modern-auto-sector/

A Reference Guide to Canada’s Disinformation Network
https://thedemocracydefender.substack.com/p/whos-behind-the-hard-right-in-canada

Column on Naomi Klein’s important book Doppelganger
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/sep/09/doppelganger-a-trip-into-the-mirror-world-by-naomi-klein-review-a-case-of-mistaken-identity

COMING EVENTS

Saturday, Jan 24, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Groove for Old Growth
w DJ Rafferty Funksmith
Nelson Legion 402 Victoria St,

Let’s raise the roof, and some funds! Support Save What’s Left in their commitment to stop destructive logging across BC. $15 Minimum Donation.
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Sunday, Feb 01, 2026, 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Building homes for ducks
Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society
Nelson United Church, 602 Silica St,

This free event invites participants to assemble pre-cut Wood Duck nest boxes, which will be installed in suitable wetland and riparian habitats around Kootenay Lake. Wood Ducks rely on tree cavities for nesting, and in many areas these natural sites are limited—nest boxes are a simple, effective way to support local populations.

By the end of the workshop, our group will have helped assemble five (5) Wood Duck nest boxes, supporting healthy wetland ecosystems and biodiversity around Kootenay Lake.

No prior experience is required—just an interest in wetlands, wildlife, and community stewardship. We look forward to building together.

Winter Stewardship Events