January 27, 2026 EcoCentric

Natural forests help reduce floods and disaster – hydrologist Dr. Younes Alila.

Canadians are NOT climate Doomers – Cara Pike, from ReClimate.ca

BC’s LNG gamble facing uncertainty – Dr. Andy Hira, Clean Energy Research Group

LISTEN OR DOWNLOAD JANUARY 27 ECOCENTRIC HERE

More flooding in BC as the province gets hit by heavy rains. UBC forest hydrology professor Dr. Younes Alila says intact ecosystem forests reduce risks from extreme climate events, including floods and landslides.

“Climate Doom” is a pretext some folks use for turning a blind eye to the climate emergency. But it’s fewer people in Canada than you might think. Cara Pike from ReClimate.ca says research shows the vast majority of Canadians want our country to be a climate champion.

Reuters News this week forecast lower LNG prices in 2026 and Shell and Mitsubishi are trying to sell off parts of their interest in the brand new Kitimat LNG liquefaction plan. Dr. Andy Hira from the Clean Energy Research Group at Simon Fraser University says the BC government huge investments in the sector are looking shaky.

LINKS MENTIONED

Trouble in the Watershed, documentary by Daniel Pierce about clear cutting, flooding and Grand Forks.
https://youtu.be/WjG8oIqgLVU?si=YI0eMv46m1eRZC62

B.C.’s flood strategy must incorporate current science on the multiple causes of flood risk
https://vancouversun.com/opinion/younes-alila-b-c-s-flood-strategy-must-incorporate-current-science-on-the-multiple-causes-of-flood-risk

ReClimate, Cara Pike’s article: Canadians haven’t given up on climate action, they just think everyone else has
https://reclimate.ca/canadians-havent-given-up-on-climate-action-they-just-think-everyone-else-has/

New from the Clean Energy Research Group at SFU
https://www.sfu.ca/politics/CERG.html

Launching a Loss: IISD looks at BC LNG subsidies and strategy
https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2025-09/government-support-lng-british-columbia.pdf

EVENTS

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.

cdnpoli, #bcpoli, #environment, #climate, #climate action, #old-growth, #logging, #keepitintheground, #nelsonbc, #westkootenay, #BIKETRAILS, #railtrails, #Kootenays, #CLEARCUT, #OldGrowth, #activetransportation,

West Kootenay Watershed Collaborative has already flagged the date for Making Waves, A World Water Day Symposium to take place in Nelson. You can put it in your calendar now: Sunday March 22, starting at noon.