‘Really Worrying’: McKenna Wants More Protection For Politicians Facing Threats: OTTAWA — Infrastructure Minister Catherine McKenna says new measures must be taken to protect Canadian politicians from threatening behaviour.

Her comments come after police launched an investigation this week into an incident at her constituency office, as well as reports that two other Ottawa-area politicians also faced threats recently.

McKenna, who has spoken out in the past about being a target, said she’s heard from many politicians who have experienced similar incidents, some never reported publicly.

‘Really Worrying’: McKenna Wants More Protection For Politicians Facing Threats: OTTAWA — Infrastructure Minister Catherine McKenna says new measures must be taken to protect Canadian politicians from threatening behaviour.Her comments come after police launched an investigation this week into an incident at her constituency office, as well as reports that two other Ottawa-area politicians also faced threats recently.McKenna, who has spoken out in the past about being a target, said she’s heard from many politicians who have experienced similar incidents, some never reported publicly.Read More

Wind and solar double global share of power in five years | Renewables | JWN Energy: The sources of renewable energy made up nearly 10 per cent of power in most parts of the world in the first half of this year, according to analysis from U.K. environmental group Ember.

That decarbonization of the power grid was boosted this year as shutdowns to contain the coronavirus reduced demand overall, leaving renewables to pick up the slack.

Wind and solar double global share of power in five years | Renewables | JWN Energy: The sources of renewable energy made up nearly 10 per cent of power in most parts of the world in the first half of this year, according to analysis from U.K. environmental group Ember.That decarbonization of the power grid was boosted this year as shutdowns to contain the coronavirus reduced demand overall, leaving renewables to pick up the slack.Read More

Alberta eyes cleaner future as hydrogen superpower:

In an ideal world the answer would be from surplus electricity generated from renewable sources and used to electrolyse water to create hydrogen and oxygen with zero emissions. This “green” hydrogen could provide energy for industrial processes, for power generation (largely as a back-up to renewables when the wind is not blowing or the sun not shining) and even for residential and commercial use. Unfortunately, although this outcome would be perfect in theory, the practical reality is that it is highly unlikely to provide sufficient energy by 2050 to be a viable solution on its own.

Alberta eyes cleaner future as hydrogen superpower: In an ideal world the answer would be from surplus electricity generated from renewable sources and used to electrolyse water to create hydrogen and oxygen with zero emissions. This “green” hydrogen could provide energy for industrial processes, for power generation (largely as a back-up to renewables when the wind is not blowing or the sun not shining) and even for residential and commercial use. Unfortunately, although this outcome would be perfect in theory, the practical reality is that it is highly unlikely to provide sufficient energy by 2050 to be a viable solution on its own.Read More

Massive oil refiners are turning into biofuel plants in the west | Carbon & Sustainability | JWN Energy: The latest sign of a worldwide energy transition: Massive oil refineries across the western U.S. are being converted into biofuel plants.

Phillips 66 on Wednesday became the latest in a string of U.S. refiners to say it’s converting an oil refinery in California into a biofuel plant as gasoline loses its lustre to fuels derived from agricultural and waste products. The company said its 120,000 barrel-a-day Rodeo refinery near San Francisco will become the world’s biggest plant that makes so-called renewable diesel, as well as gasoline and jet fuel, out of used cooking oil, fats, greases and soybean oils.

Massive oil refiners are turning into biofuel plants in the west | Carbon & Sustainability | JWN Energy: The latest sign of a worldwide energy transition: Massive oil refineries across the western U.S. are being converted into biofuel plants.Phillips 66 on Wednesday became the latest in a string of U.S. refiners to say it’s converting an oil refinery in California into a biofuel plant as gasoline loses its lustre to fuels derived from agricultural and waste products. The company said its 120,000 barrel-a-day Rodeo refinery near San Francisco will become the world’s biggest plant that makes so-called renewable diesel, as well as gasoline and jet fuel, out of used cooking oil, fats, greases and soybean oils.Read More

Police violence is a public health crisis, so why aren’t there health-based solutions?:

Cities across Canada are facing calls and protests to cut police budgets and to reinvest that money into community and social programs. So far, Edmonton, Alberta, has passed a motion to cut the police budget by $11 million over the next two years. Meanwhile, Toronto has dismissed motions to reduce the police budget, and has instead invested more money into reform strategies such as body cameras.

Police violence is a public health crisis, so why aren’t there health-based solutions?: Cities across Canada are facing calls and protests to cut police budgets and to reinvest that money into community and social programs. So far, Edmonton, Alberta, has passed a motion to cut the police budget by $11 million over the next two years. Meanwhile, Toronto has dismissed motions to reduce the police budget, and has instead invested more money into reform strategies such as body cameras.Read More