Joan Baxter
@joanbaxter.bsky.social
Author, independent investigative journalist, member ICIJ global network - environment, climate, and corporate capture my obsessions - allergic to hypocrisy, propaganda and greenwashing grifters. Still writing after all these years. Opinions my own.
Reposted by Joan Baxter
We just submitted an open letter to Vancouver Council signed by 250+ residents, including >100 physicians & other health professionals, urging them to withdraw the proposed 2026 budget. The budget puts climate action, public health, & community safety at risk. @womentcities.bsky.social
CAPE, CANE + WTC Letter to City of Vancouver on 2026 Budget.pdf
drive.google.com
November 24, 2025 at 9:46 PM
We just submitted an open letter to Vancouver Council signed by 250+ residents, including >100 physicians & other health professionals, urging them to withdraw the proposed 2026 budget. The budget puts climate action, public health, & community safety at risk. @womentcities.bsky.social
Reposted by Joan Baxter
A great win for drivers who will get to see more of their follow motorists on the road! I hear these slow moving congregations of motorists a day are called "jams" and I hear they are enjoyed by all motorists. As they generally all throw jams for each other on the way to work and on their way home.
November 24, 2025 at 11:12 PM
A great win for drivers who will get to see more of their follow motorists on the road! I hear these slow moving congregations of motorists a day are called "jams" and I hear they are enjoyed by all motorists. As they generally all throw jams for each other on the way to work and on their way home.
Reposted by Joan Baxter
ICYMI: “In the era of the climate crisis, politicians campaigning against bike-lanes aren’t fit for office.”— @taylornoakes.com in @cultmtl.com
Also in an era of worsening urban traffic, pollution, city noise, exploding public costs, competition among cities, & not nearly enough space in cities.
Also in an era of worsening urban traffic, pollution, city noise, exploding public costs, competition among cities, & not nearly enough space in cities.
In the era of the climate crisis, politicians campaigning against bike lanes aren’t fit for office
Amid the climate crisis, politicians campaigning against bike lanes — as in Montreal municipal election campaign — aren’t fit for office.
cultmtl.com
November 23, 2025 at 7:52 PM
ICYMI: “In the era of the climate crisis, politicians campaigning against bike-lanes aren’t fit for office.”— @taylornoakes.com in @cultmtl.com
Also in an era of worsening urban traffic, pollution, city noise, exploding public costs, competition among cities, & not nearly enough space in cities.
Also in an era of worsening urban traffic, pollution, city noise, exploding public costs, competition among cities, & not nearly enough space in cities.
Reposted by Joan Baxter
Carney's budget claims Canada's anti-greenwashing law led to “some parties slowing or reversing efforts to protect the environment.” The government couldn't name any examples when I asked. Experts say the risks are exaggerated and the law could be working as intended thenarwhal.ca/greenwashing...
Canada says anti-greenwashing rules silence industry | The Narwhal
Carney is moving to nix some of Canada’s rules that restrict how oil and gas companies and other industries advertise environmental claims
thenarwhal.ca
November 21, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Carney's budget claims Canada's anti-greenwashing law led to “some parties slowing or reversing efforts to protect the environment.” The government couldn't name any examples when I asked. Experts say the risks are exaggerated and the law could be working as intended thenarwhal.ca/greenwashing...
Reposted by Joan Baxter
Influencers made millions pushing ‘wild’ births – now the Free Birth Society is linked to baby deaths around the world
Influencers made millions pushing ‘wild’ births – now the Free Birth Society is linked to baby deaths around the world
A year-long investigation reveals how mothers lost children after being radicalised by uplifting podcast tales of births without midwives or doctors
www.theguardian.com
November 22, 2025 at 5:50 PM
Influencers made millions pushing ‘wild’ births – now the Free Birth Society is linked to baby deaths around the world
Reposted by Joan Baxter
Gonna check in on Canada, where politics is more normal... I see there is a convoy headed to Ottawa to avenge a flock of dead ostriches
November 22, 2025 at 12:01 AM
Gonna check in on Canada, where politics is more normal... I see there is a convoy headed to Ottawa to avenge a flock of dead ostriches
Reposted by Joan Baxter
"Convoy leaders, including Kerr, say they plan to stage events targeting regional offices for Canada’s food inspection agency, though none can point to any specific rules or regulations they want the CFIA to change."
In case you’re wondering:
The key people behind tomorrow’s planned nationwide Ostrich Convoy include an aging Burning Man attendee who drives a psychedelic school bus called the “Church of Bubbles” and a Dutch-born Gen Z social media marketer who imports maple syrup to Utrecht, Netherlands
The key people behind tomorrow’s planned nationwide Ostrich Convoy include an aging Burning Man attendee who drives a psychedelic school bus called the “Church of Bubbles” and a Dutch-born Gen Z social media marketer who imports maple syrup to Utrecht, Netherlands
Leaders of Canada’s Newest Convoy Worry Police Are Trying to Sabotage a Nationwide Protest Avenging a Flock of Dead Ostriches
Convoy organizers say they are at ‘war’ with the federal government, but insist they will remain ‘peaceful’
pressprogress.ca
November 22, 2025 at 12:11 AM
"Convoy leaders, including Kerr, say they plan to stage events targeting regional offices for Canada’s food inspection agency, though none can point to any specific rules or regulations they want the CFIA to change."
Reposted by Joan Baxter
I’m no fan of Elizabeth May but she’s educating us on proposed projects
November 22, 2025 at 12:30 AM
I’m no fan of Elizabeth May but she’s educating us on proposed projects
Reposted by Joan Baxter
In case you’re wondering:
The key people behind tomorrow’s planned nationwide Ostrich Convoy include an aging Burning Man attendee who drives a psychedelic school bus called the “Church of Bubbles” and a Dutch-born Gen Z social media marketer who imports maple syrup to Utrecht, Netherlands
The key people behind tomorrow’s planned nationwide Ostrich Convoy include an aging Burning Man attendee who drives a psychedelic school bus called the “Church of Bubbles” and a Dutch-born Gen Z social media marketer who imports maple syrup to Utrecht, Netherlands
Leaders of Canada’s Newest Convoy Worry Police Are Trying to Sabotage a Nationwide Protest Avenging a Flock of Dead Ostriches
Convoy organizers say they are at ‘war’ with the federal government, but insist they will remain ‘peaceful’
pressprogress.ca
November 21, 2025 at 9:47 PM
In case you’re wondering:
The key people behind tomorrow’s planned nationwide Ostrich Convoy include an aging Burning Man attendee who drives a psychedelic school bus called the “Church of Bubbles” and a Dutch-born Gen Z social media marketer who imports maple syrup to Utrecht, Netherlands
The key people behind tomorrow’s planned nationwide Ostrich Convoy include an aging Burning Man attendee who drives a psychedelic school bus called the “Church of Bubbles” and a Dutch-born Gen Z social media marketer who imports maple syrup to Utrecht, Netherlands
Reposted by Joan Baxter
Nearly 30 countries refuse to sign a final #COP30 agreement that doesn't include "fossil fuel phase-out," as negotiations head into overtime.
Live updates from @fionaharvey.bsky.social, @olliemilman.bsky.social and @theguardian.com here: www.theguardian.com/world/live/2...
Live updates from @fionaharvey.bsky.social, @olliemilman.bsky.social and @theguardian.com here: www.theguardian.com/world/live/2...
November 21, 2025 at 6:28 PM
Nearly 30 countries refuse to sign a final #COP30 agreement that doesn't include "fossil fuel phase-out," as negotiations head into overtime.
Live updates from @fionaharvey.bsky.social, @olliemilman.bsky.social and @theguardian.com here: www.theguardian.com/world/live/2...
Live updates from @fionaharvey.bsky.social, @olliemilman.bsky.social and @theguardian.com here: www.theguardian.com/world/live/2...
Reposted by Joan Baxter
China's electrification transition is dramatic, and leaving us in the dust.
So much for LNG-powered trucks! China and soon India are leapfrogging to the new. And our leaders pushing LNG and retreating on ZEVs look sad & vision-less in comparison.
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/19/n...
So much for LNG-powered trucks! China and soon India are leapfrogging to the new. And our leaders pushing LNG and retreating on ZEVs look sad & vision-less in comparison.
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/19/n...
China's diesel trucks shift to electric. This could change global LNG and diesel demand.
China is replacing its diesel trucks with electric models faster than expected, potentially reshaping global fuel demand and the future of heavy transport.
www.nationalobserver.com
November 21, 2025 at 12:15 AM
China's electrification transition is dramatic, and leaving us in the dust.
So much for LNG-powered trucks! China and soon India are leapfrogging to the new. And our leaders pushing LNG and retreating on ZEVs look sad & vision-less in comparison.
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/19/n...
So much for LNG-powered trucks! China and soon India are leapfrogging to the new. And our leaders pushing LNG and retreating on ZEVs look sad & vision-less in comparison.
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/19/n...
Reposted by Joan Baxter
Someone recently questioned me about whether I was actually being serious when I spoke of the serious threat posed to our nation.
They wondered if I was fear-mongering about Trump.
I wish I was.
I really wish I was.
They wondered if I was fear-mongering about Trump.
I wish I was.
I really wish I was.
November 20, 2025 at 4:58 PM
Someone recently questioned me about whether I was actually being serious when I spoke of the serious threat posed to our nation.
They wondered if I was fear-mongering about Trump.
I wish I was.
I really wish I was.
They wondered if I was fear-mongering about Trump.
I wish I was.
I really wish I was.
Reposted by Joan Baxter
Halifax needs to make a blanket speed limit of 30km/h on residential streets. And 50km/h maximum city wide.
Making downtown "kid friendly" starts with reducing traffic speeds down below 20 miles per hour. www.minnpost.com/community-vo...
Let's make downtown Minneapolis more kid-friendly - MinnPost
The city's 2035 Plan outlines a smart and ambitious strategy for downtown, except when it comes to kids. Here's how to do better.
www.minnpost.com
November 20, 2025 at 8:03 PM
Halifax needs to make a blanket speed limit of 30km/h on residential streets. And 50km/h maximum city wide.
Reposted by Joan Baxter
I wrote a little thing.
Alt title: the Hypocrisy in Having Value(s)
Alt title: the Hypocrisy in Having Value(s)
Carney’s calamitous course causes consternation at climate summit
Canada arrived at COP30 with empty hands, expressly moving backwards on almost every climate policy we’ve put in place since Paris.
www.nationalobserver.com
November 20, 2025 at 10:32 AM
I wrote a little thing.
Alt title: the Hypocrisy in Having Value(s)
Alt title: the Hypocrisy in Having Value(s)
Reposted by Joan Baxter
Global civil society took note, and handed Canada a “Fossil of the Day.” A signal that our credibility is slipping just as climate disasters escalate. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/20/o...
Carney’s calamitous course causes consternation at climate summit
Canada arrived at COP30 with empty hands, expressly moving backwards on almost every climate policy we’ve put in place since Paris.
www.nationalobserver.com
November 20, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Global civil society took note, and handed Canada a “Fossil of the Day.” A signal that our credibility is slipping just as climate disasters escalate. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/20/o...
Canada under Mark Carney, is “slipping into the robe of a petrostate, just like all the other petrostates.”https://www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/20/opinion/canada-climate-policy-cop30
Carney’s calamitous course causes consternation at climate summit
Canada arrived at COP30 with empty hands, expressly moving backwards on almost every climate policy we’ve put in place since Paris.
www.nationalobserver.com
November 20, 2025 at 12:32 PM
Canada under Mark Carney, is “slipping into the robe of a petrostate, just like all the other petrostates.”https://www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/20/opinion/canada-climate-policy-cop30
Reposted by Joan Baxter
This thread sharing my comments to city council today on the proposed Vancouver “austerity” city budget may seem very local, but a LOT of cities, provinces and even countries are facing severe austerity budgets right now. You might find how I tried to push back to be useful. If so, please share.
“My name is Brent Toderian. I’m a resident of Vancouver. I’m also a city planner, a former chief planner for Vancouver, and now an advisor to cities across Canada & around the world.
Council knows I don’t make a habit of this. I can count on one hand the times I’ve spoken to council as a citizen.”
Council knows I don’t make a habit of this. I can count on one hand the times I’ve spoken to council as a citizen.”
November 20, 2025 at 1:42 AM
This thread sharing my comments to city council today on the proposed Vancouver “austerity” city budget may seem very local, but a LOT of cities, provinces and even countries are facing severe austerity budgets right now. You might find how I tried to push back to be useful. If so, please share.
The wildfires, floods and droughts are in our neighbourhoods, worldwide, but the billionaires and their propaganda platforms pushing fossil fuel business as usual, but much more of it and even faster and more profits for them, are causing a pandemic of turning away from the climate crisis.
"If climate change were a rising river near our street, we'd all be at the dikes, filling and carting sandbags with neighbours and strangers."
From 2008
www.ipsnews.net/2008/04/clim...
From 2008
www.ipsnews.net/2008/04/clim...
November 20, 2025 at 12:42 AM
The wildfires, floods and droughts are in our neighbourhoods, worldwide, but the billionaires and their propaganda platforms pushing fossil fuel business as usual, but much more of it and even faster and more profits for them, are causing a pandemic of turning away from the climate crisis.
Reposted by Joan Baxter
‘Potential debris may splash down:’ Maritime Launch plans to send up a high-power rocket from Canso this week
reported by @joanbaxter.bsky.social
reported by @joanbaxter.bsky.social
‘Potential debris may splash down:’ Maritime Launch plans to send up a high-power rocket from Canso this week - Halifax Examiner
Countdown is on for the rocket's launch, a rocket we know little about, a launch closed to the media, and about which the people who live in the area have not even been informed.
www.halifaxexaminer.ca
November 18, 2025 at 1:13 PM
‘Potential debris may splash down:’ Maritime Launch plans to send up a high-power rocket from Canso this week
reported by @joanbaxter.bsky.social
reported by @joanbaxter.bsky.social
Reposted by Joan Baxter
Ok, no election yet. Probably for the best. But progressive parties, please get it together ASAP. Meaning actually be progressive and proud of it. And for "Green" MPs who supported this trainwreck budget, yeah, no thanks.
November 18, 2025 at 1:39 AM
Ok, no election yet. Probably for the best. But progressive parties, please get it together ASAP. Meaning actually be progressive and proud of it. And for "Green" MPs who supported this trainwreck budget, yeah, no thanks.
Reposted by Joan Baxter
Oh look there is the Thiel and Musk-funded dropout boy who paid to freeze his brain *before* he dies telling us AI will "automate science";
another fantastic piece by @carolecadwalla.bsky.social
broligarchy.substack.com/p/the-great-...
another fantastic piece by @carolecadwalla.bsky.social
broligarchy.substack.com/p/the-great-...
The Great AI Bubble
Yes, it's a bubble. And yes, it's going to burst.
broligarchy.substack.com
November 17, 2025 at 1:44 AM
Oh look there is the Thiel and Musk-funded dropout boy who paid to freeze his brain *before* he dies telling us AI will "automate science";
another fantastic piece by @carolecadwalla.bsky.social
broligarchy.substack.com/p/the-great-...
another fantastic piece by @carolecadwalla.bsky.social
broligarchy.substack.com/p/the-great-...
Reposted by Joan Baxter
Canada is also falling for AI industry hype, which is threatening to escalate the environmental crisis and derail democracy.
"policymakers have a duty to serve the citizens and not cater to the whims of tech CEOs."
@mark-carney.bsky.social
"policymakers have a duty to serve the citizens and not cater to the whims of tech CEOs."
@mark-carney.bsky.social
Europe’s policy makers continue to echo corporate hype and tech CEOs' speculations about “AGI” and “superintelligence”. In this piece, @krisshrishak.bsky.social & I call on our policy makers to be grounded in empirical evidence
www.techpolicy.press/ai-hype-is-s...
www.techpolicy.press/ai-hype-is-s...
AI Hype Is Steering EU Policy Off Course | TechPolicy.Press
Kris Shrishak and Abeba Birhane say policymakers should stop peddling in unscientific discourse about "AGI" and "superintelligence."
www.techpolicy.press
November 18, 2025 at 1:32 AM
Canada is also falling for AI industry hype, which is threatening to escalate the environmental crisis and derail democracy.
"policymakers have a duty to serve the citizens and not cater to the whims of tech CEOs."
@mark-carney.bsky.social
"policymakers have a duty to serve the citizens and not cater to the whims of tech CEOs."
@mark-carney.bsky.social
Here’s hoping no one needs an urgent helicopter patient transfer from Eastern Memorial Hospital in Canso during the times blocked for the rocket launches this week. And that no debris lands on anyone on land or the ocean. It is hunting season and also tuna fishing time. But hey, rockets!!!🚀
‘Potential debris may splash down:’ Maritime Launch plans to send up a high-power rocket from Canso this week
By @joanbaxter.bsky.social
By @joanbaxter.bsky.social
‘Potential debris may splash down:’ Maritime Launch plans to send up a high-power rocket from Canso this week - Halifax Examiner
Countdown is on for the rocket's launch, a rocket we know little about, a launch closed to the media, and about which the people who live in the area have not even been informed.
www.halifaxexaminer.ca
November 17, 2025 at 11:20 PM
Here’s hoping no one needs an urgent helicopter patient transfer from Eastern Memorial Hospital in Canso during the times blocked for the rocket launches this week. And that no debris lands on anyone on land or the ocean. It is hunting season and also tuna fishing time. But hey, rockets!!!🚀
Reposted by Joan Baxter
Very disappointed none of you told me that Lewis Mumford made a 1963 film about car dependency, and it's available on YouTube.
"The motor car inflates our private ego, proclaims our social status, and provides us with the illusion of freedom and power."
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIKZ...
"The motor car inflates our private ego, proclaims our social status, and provides us with the illusion of freedom and power."
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIKZ...
November 16, 2025 at 8:51 PM
Very disappointed none of you told me that Lewis Mumford made a 1963 film about car dependency, and it's available on YouTube.
"The motor car inflates our private ego, proclaims our social status, and provides us with the illusion of freedom and power."
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIKZ...
"The motor car inflates our private ego, proclaims our social status, and provides us with the illusion of freedom and power."
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIKZ...
Reposted by Joan Baxter
"Like letting the fox in the henhouse"
"Like letting Big Tobacco write health policy"
"Like a Trojan horse for fossil fuel interests"
No matter how you say it, letting fossil fuel lobbyists join #Canada's COP30 delegation is messed up
Latest @desmog.com #cdnpoli
www.desmog.com/2025/11/13/i...
"Like letting Big Tobacco write health policy"
"Like a Trojan horse for fossil fuel interests"
No matter how you say it, letting fossil fuel lobbyists join #Canada's COP30 delegation is messed up
Latest @desmog.com #cdnpoli
www.desmog.com/2025/11/13/i...
‘Inviting the Fox Into the Henhouse’: Canada Delegation to COP30 Loaded with Fossil Fuel Representatives
Delegation’s composition consistent with new KBPO report revealing this year’s U.N. climate talks have the largest number of fossil fuel lobbyists to date.
www.desmog.com
November 15, 2025 at 4:26 PM
"Like letting the fox in the henhouse"
"Like letting Big Tobacco write health policy"
"Like a Trojan horse for fossil fuel interests"
No matter how you say it, letting fossil fuel lobbyists join #Canada's COP30 delegation is messed up
Latest @desmog.com #cdnpoli
www.desmog.com/2025/11/13/i...
"Like letting Big Tobacco write health policy"
"Like a Trojan horse for fossil fuel interests"
No matter how you say it, letting fossil fuel lobbyists join #Canada's COP30 delegation is messed up
Latest @desmog.com #cdnpoli
www.desmog.com/2025/11/13/i...