Stefan Labbé
@stefanlabbe.bsky.social
Journalist covering investigations on environment and climate mostly in Western Canada. inglés/español >> Send tips to [email protected]
A B.C. Supreme Court judge has approved Teal-Jones' interim sale of a Fraser Valley forest licence before the province could consult First Nations.
Some worry the deal leaves endangered spotted owl habitat open to logging.
Others claim the deal represents an “end run” around Indigenous rights.
Some worry the deal leaves endangered spotted owl habitat open to logging.
Others claim the deal represents an “end run” around Indigenous rights.
B.C. logging deal sparks clash over Indigenous rights and endangered owl
A B.C. Supreme Court judge has approved Teal-Jones' interim sale of a Fraser Valley forest licence, leaving endangered spotted owl habitat open to logging before the province consults First Nations
www.biv.com
June 20, 2025 at 2:35 PM
A B.C. Supreme Court judge has approved Teal-Jones' interim sale of a Fraser Valley forest licence before the province could consult First Nations.
Some worry the deal leaves endangered spotted owl habitat open to logging.
Others claim the deal represents an “end run” around Indigenous rights.
Some worry the deal leaves endangered spotted owl habitat open to logging.
Others claim the deal represents an “end run” around Indigenous rights.
B.C. and Alberta have shared a major electricity intertie for almost 40 years.
It has chronically failed to meet capacity — offering lessons on what stands in the way of the Prime Minister Mark Carney's plan for an east-to-west grid
It has chronically failed to meet capacity — offering lessons on what stands in the way of the Prime Minister Mark Carney's plan for an east-to-west grid
Failed B.C.-Alberta transmission line holds lessons for a national grid
The cross-border intertie has never met capacity, offering lessons on what stands in the way of the Prime Minister Mark Carney's plan for an east-to-west grid
www.timescolonist.com
May 29, 2025 at 4:52 PM
B.C. and Alberta have shared a major electricity intertie for almost 40 years.
It has chronically failed to meet capacity — offering lessons on what stands in the way of the Prime Minister Mark Carney's plan for an east-to-west grid
It has chronically failed to meet capacity — offering lessons on what stands in the way of the Prime Minister Mark Carney's plan for an east-to-west grid
The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority says it is in the early stages of a plan to dredge Burrard Inlet to allow more oil to be shipped through the harbour.
The project raises environmental concerns and questions over Indigenous rights
via @brentrichter.bsky.social
The project raises environmental concerns and questions over Indigenous rights
via @brentrichter.bsky.social
Port of Vancouver seeks to dredge Burrard Inlet for oil tankers
The project raises environmental concerns and questions over Indigenous rights
www.biv.com
May 27, 2025 at 12:07 AM
The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority says it is in the early stages of a plan to dredge Burrard Inlet to allow more oil to be shipped through the harbour.
The project raises environmental concerns and questions over Indigenous rights
via @brentrichter.bsky.social
The project raises environmental concerns and questions over Indigenous rights
via @brentrichter.bsky.social
Reposted by Stefan Labbé
"The B.C. government-run corporation responsible for administering a fifth of the province’s annual logging quota says it will pause new operations that overlap with habitat of a threatened caribou herd north of Revelstoke" via @stefanlabbe.bsky.social #bcpoli
www.biv.com/news/bc-timb...
www.biv.com/news/bc-timb...
BC Timber Sales pauses logging in threatened caribou habitat
The pause applies to new logging investments in the Revelstoke-Shuswap region, where the Columbia North caribou herd is losing habitat faster than it's replaced
www.biv.com
May 20, 2025 at 8:16 PM
"The B.C. government-run corporation responsible for administering a fifth of the province’s annual logging quota says it will pause new operations that overlap with habitat of a threatened caribou herd north of Revelstoke" via @stefanlabbe.bsky.social #bcpoli
www.biv.com/news/bc-timb...
www.biv.com/news/bc-timb...
At least 260 ha. of tidal marsh that protect Metro Vancouver's dikes have disappeared in recent decades.
Some worry the 9 million tonnes of sand dredged out of the Fraser River annually is playing a role.
But unlike other jurisdictions, Canada stopped measuring the problem years ago.
Some worry the 9 million tonnes of sand dredged out of the Fraser River annually is playing a role.
But unlike other jurisdictions, Canada stopped measuring the problem years ago.
Canada’s failure to monitor Fraser sands threatens region's future
Ottawa stopped measuring sediment years ago, throwing the future of flood defences, farmland, cities and delta health into question
www.biv.com
May 20, 2025 at 11:40 PM
At least 260 ha. of tidal marsh that protect Metro Vancouver's dikes have disappeared in recent decades.
Some worry the 9 million tonnes of sand dredged out of the Fraser River annually is playing a role.
But unlike other jurisdictions, Canada stopped measuring the problem years ago.
Some worry the 9 million tonnes of sand dredged out of the Fraser River annually is playing a role.
But unlike other jurisdictions, Canada stopped measuring the problem years ago.
A network of “bot-like” social media accounts targeted Liberal Leader Mark Carney in the lead-up to the federal election, a new analysis says
The accounts claimed Carney's old firm would benefit from the party’s “net zero agenda” in what experts say is a familiar climate disinformation tactic
The accounts claimed Carney's old firm would benefit from the party’s “net zero agenda” in what experts say is a familiar climate disinformation tactic
‘Bot-like’ network attacked Carney over ‘net zero agenda,’ says analysis
Social media bot network suspected of using climate change disinformation campaign against Liberal leader
biv.com
April 25, 2025 at 9:33 PM
A network of “bot-like” social media accounts targeted Liberal Leader Mark Carney in the lead-up to the federal election, a new analysis says
The accounts claimed Carney's old firm would benefit from the party’s “net zero agenda” in what experts say is a familiar climate disinformation tactic
The accounts claimed Carney's old firm would benefit from the party’s “net zero agenda” in what experts say is a familiar climate disinformation tactic
Vancouver-based The Metals Company says it is now seeking U.S. approval for deep sea mining in international waters.
The head of the United Nations seabed authority warned the move would be “violation of international law” and undermine multilateral efforts to govern the world's oceans.
The head of the United Nations seabed authority warned the move would be “violation of international law” and undermine multilateral efforts to govern the world's oceans.
B.C. company to seek U.S. approval for deep sea mining in international waters
Head of United Nations seabed authority warns move would be 'violation of international law' and undermine multilateral efforts to govern the world's oceans.
www.biv.com
April 1, 2025 at 4:29 PM
Vancouver-based The Metals Company says it is now seeking U.S. approval for deep sea mining in international waters.
The head of the United Nations seabed authority warned the move would be “violation of international law” and undermine multilateral efforts to govern the world's oceans.
The head of the United Nations seabed authority warned the move would be “violation of international law” and undermine multilateral efforts to govern the world's oceans.
Nearly half of 1,300 landslides that occurred during B.C.'s November 2021 atmospheric river event started in areas burned by wildfire or disturbed by logging.
The study raises questions over the long-term safety of B.C.’s highways and communities downstream of disturbed hillsides.
The study raises questions over the long-term safety of B.C.’s highways and communities downstream of disturbed hillsides.
Nearly half of B.C. landslides linked to logging, wildfires, study finds
Study finds nearly half of 1,300 landslides that occurred during B.C.'s November 2021 atmospheric river event started in areas burned by wildfire or disturbed by logging.
www.biv.com
March 19, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Nearly half of 1,300 landslides that occurred during B.C.'s November 2021 atmospheric river event started in areas burned by wildfire or disturbed by logging.
The study raises questions over the long-term safety of B.C.’s highways and communities downstream of disturbed hillsides.
The study raises questions over the long-term safety of B.C.’s highways and communities downstream of disturbed hillsides.
B.C. company says its fusion reactor will produce more power than it consumes by 2027 — a breakthrough that could eventually help scale the technology into a power plant without risks of emissions, a runaway reaction, nuclear waste or weaponization.
I visited the new test reactor to learn more
I visited the new test reactor to learn more
B.C. company plans to ignite fusion within three years
General Fusion says its new fusion reactor will produce more power than it consumes by 2027 — a breakthrough that could eventually help scale the technology into a power plant.
www.biv.com
March 19, 2025 at 4:56 PM
B.C. company says its fusion reactor will produce more power than it consumes by 2027 — a breakthrough that could eventually help scale the technology into a power plant without risks of emissions, a runaway reaction, nuclear waste or weaponization.
I visited the new test reactor to learn more
I visited the new test reactor to learn more
Climate change could improve grape-growing conditions in British Columbia -- at a cost
Rising temperatures could transform B.C. wine sector
Climate change could improve grape-growing conditions for the province—at a cost
www.biv.com
February 28, 2025 at 5:58 PM
Climate change could improve grape-growing conditions in British Columbia -- at a cost
Across Canada, more than 50 oil and gas companies and their industry groups have influenced K-12 education on climate change, a new report has found.
Among them is the FortisBC-funded “Energy Champions”program that sends BC Lions football players into schools
Among them is the FortisBC-funded “Energy Champions”program that sends BC Lions football players into schools
Nearly 40 fossil fuel companies shaping Canadian K-12 curriculums, report finds
Report found more than 50 oil and gas companies and industry groups influenced 34 educational institutions across Canada, who, in turn, provided education to K-12 students
www.biv.com
February 18, 2025 at 7:58 PM
Across Canada, more than 50 oil and gas companies and their industry groups have influenced K-12 education on climate change, a new report has found.
Among them is the FortisBC-funded “Energy Champions”program that sends BC Lions football players into schools
Among them is the FortisBC-funded “Energy Champions”program that sends BC Lions football players into schools
A new financing program will help protect communities from disaster, but it won't help those still vulnerable from the last strike
Merritt's Sean Strang said the city has been left behind
“It’s frankly a slap in the face.”
www.biv.com/news/economy...
Merritt's Sean Strang said the city has been left behind
“It’s frankly a slap in the face.”
www.biv.com/news/economy...
'Slap in the face': B.C. communities frustrated with new federal disaster funding
A new financing program will help protect communities from future floods and wildfires, but it won't help municipalities still vulnerable from the last strike.
www.biv.com
February 13, 2025 at 5:24 PM
A new financing program will help protect communities from disaster, but it won't help those still vulnerable from the last strike
Merritt's Sean Strang said the city has been left behind
“It’s frankly a slap in the face.”
www.biv.com/news/economy...
Merritt's Sean Strang said the city has been left behind
“It’s frankly a slap in the face.”
www.biv.com/news/economy...
Logging records show Drax still sources whole trees from primary forests felled by other companies in B.C. despite its own sustainability criteria saying the company will "avoid damage or disturbance to high carbon forests" including “primary forest"
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Drax power station didn't properly disclose burning forest wood - BBC News
The Drax facility, which burns wood pellets, is required to report where it sources its wood from.
www.bbc.com
February 9, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Logging records show Drax still sources whole trees from primary forests felled by other companies in B.C. despite its own sustainability criteria saying the company will "avoid damage or disturbance to high carbon forests" including “primary forest"
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
The B.C. government has sanctioned a Chilliwack slaughterhouse and is “re-focusing the role of inspectors” at all slaughter facilities across the province.
Their new mandate, said the ministry — focus on both food safety and the humane treatment of animals.
www.nsnews.com/resources-ag...
Their new mandate, said the ministry — focus on both food safety and the humane treatment of animals.
www.nsnews.com/resources-ag...
B.C. orders changes at slaughterhouse following animal welfare investigation
Animal welfare group calls for more oversight after province sanctions B.C. slaughterhouse.
www.nsnews.com
January 30, 2025 at 6:01 PM
The B.C. government has sanctioned a Chilliwack slaughterhouse and is “re-focusing the role of inspectors” at all slaughter facilities across the province.
Their new mandate, said the ministry — focus on both food safety and the humane treatment of animals.
www.nsnews.com/resources-ag...
Their new mandate, said the ministry — focus on both food safety and the humane treatment of animals.
www.nsnews.com/resources-ag...
Big trees crucial to migrate B.C. forests under climate change, finds study
The goal of the experiment was:
- find out how Douglas fir trees handle human-assisted migration
- if they would do better in forests left partially intact after logging
www.nsnews.com/environment/...
The goal of the experiment was:
- find out how Douglas fir trees handle human-assisted migration
- if they would do better in forests left partially intact after logging
www.nsnews.com/environment/...
Big trees crucial to migrate B.C. forests under climate change, finds study
The B.C. study could help planners ramp up 'assisted migration' of forests under stress from climate change.
www.nsnews.com
January 30, 2025 at 5:57 PM
Big trees crucial to migrate B.C. forests under climate change, finds study
The goal of the experiment was:
- find out how Douglas fir trees handle human-assisted migration
- if they would do better in forests left partially intact after logging
www.nsnews.com/environment/...
The goal of the experiment was:
- find out how Douglas fir trees handle human-assisted migration
- if they would do better in forests left partially intact after logging
www.nsnews.com/environment/...
A legal challenge claiming the planned expansion of Canada’s largest port would threaten the survival of endangered southern resident killer whales has been struck down by a federal judge.
Court upholds approval of B.C. port expansion despite risks to whales
Both Canada's environment minister and Cabinet acted reasonably in approving the expansion of a shipping terminal near Vancouver, B.C., estimated to add $3 billion to the country's GDP.
www.biv.com
January 13, 2025 at 10:38 PM
A legal challenge claiming the planned expansion of Canada’s largest port would threaten the survival of endangered southern resident killer whales has been struck down by a federal judge.
Underwater volcano off B.C. coast is primed to erupt.
The Axial Seamount is not expected to threaten human population centres but it could help scientists forecast the eruption of more dangerous volcanoes.
The Axial Seamount is not expected to threaten human population centres but it could help scientists forecast the eruption of more dangerous volcanoes.
Underwater volcano off B.C. coast primed to erupt
The Axial Seamount is not expected to threaten human population centres but it could help scientists forecast the eruption of more dangerous volcanoes.
www.nsnews.com
January 9, 2025 at 11:44 PM
Underwater volcano off B.C. coast is primed to erupt.
The Axial Seamount is not expected to threaten human population centres but it could help scientists forecast the eruption of more dangerous volcanoes.
The Axial Seamount is not expected to threaten human population centres but it could help scientists forecast the eruption of more dangerous volcanoes.
“We’re going to spin it. And we’re going to knit it. And we’re going to see what happens.”
www.biv.com/news/bc-rese...
www.biv.com/news/bc-rese...
B.C. researchers aim to make the perfect T-shirt — from lumber
The bid to locally produce a sustainable high-end textile is still in its early stages, but researchers hope to have enough material to create prototypes within a year.
www.biv.com
January 9, 2025 at 5:36 PM
“We’re going to spin it. And we’re going to knit it. And we’re going to see what happens.”
www.biv.com/news/bc-rese...
www.biv.com/news/bc-rese...
British Columbia's government expects to plant nearly 60 million fewer trees next year — a 23 per cent drop from this year's planting season.
The steep decline is the biggest in years and comes after two massive wildfire seasons.
The steep decline is the biggest in years and comes after two massive wildfire seasons.
B.C. tree planting to plummet 23% amid wildfire boom
British Columbia's government expects to plant nearly 60 million fewer trees next year — a 23 per cent drop from this year's planting season.
www.biv.com
December 18, 2024 at 3:28 PM
British Columbia's government expects to plant nearly 60 million fewer trees next year — a 23 per cent drop from this year's planting season.
The steep decline is the biggest in years and comes after two massive wildfire seasons.
The steep decline is the biggest in years and comes after two massive wildfire seasons.
New data shows parts of B.C. are losing icy winters faster than the rest of Canada
Vancouver leads Canada's major cities, losing 19 days of winter over the past decade
And at the regional level, two Island communities lead the rest of the country
www.nsnews.com/highlights/t...
Vancouver leads Canada's major cities, losing 19 days of winter over the past decade
And at the regional level, two Island communities lead the rest of the country
www.nsnews.com/highlights/t...
December 17, 2024 at 1:34 AM
New data shows parts of B.C. are losing icy winters faster than the rest of Canada
Vancouver leads Canada's major cities, losing 19 days of winter over the past decade
And at the regional level, two Island communities lead the rest of the country
www.nsnews.com/highlights/t...
Vancouver leads Canada's major cities, losing 19 days of winter over the past decade
And at the regional level, two Island communities lead the rest of the country
www.nsnews.com/highlights/t...
I wade into the perennial eco-friendly tree debate: plastic, freshly cut or something else altogether?
Here’s what some of the science says:
www.timescolonist.com/environment/...
Here’s what some of the science says:
www.timescolonist.com/environment/...
Plastic or pine: Which Christmas tree is better for the planet?
Choosing the most eco-friendly Christmas tree can be tough. We wade through the options: plastic, cut, or something else altogether.
www.timescolonist.com
December 13, 2024 at 5:21 PM
I wade into the perennial eco-friendly tree debate: plastic, freshly cut or something else altogether?
Here’s what some of the science says:
www.timescolonist.com/environment/...
Here’s what some of the science says:
www.timescolonist.com/environment/...
Audit finds delays to approve dozens of B.C. mines were largely caused by market forces — not government permitting.
“These fly directly in the face of this narrative that these mines are delayed by regulation,” said one researcher
“These fly directly in the face of this narrative that these mines are delayed by regulation,” said one researcher
Contrary to industry claims, red tape not slowing B.C. mineral boom, finds audit
Audit finds delays to approve dozens of B.C. mines were largely caused by market forces — not government permitting.
www.nsnews.com
December 11, 2024 at 5:12 PM
Audit finds delays to approve dozens of B.C. mines were largely caused by market forces — not government permitting.
“These fly directly in the face of this narrative that these mines are delayed by regulation,” said one researcher
“These fly directly in the face of this narrative that these mines are delayed by regulation,” said one researcher
'Are they going to walk away?': Charges 10 years after B.C.'s Mount Polley disaster
'Are they going to walk away?': Charges 10 years after B.C.'s Mount Polley disaster
Doug Watt won't forget the sound of a tailings pond collapsing at the Mount Polley Mine more than 10 years ago, sending millions of cubic metres of waste into waterways in the British Columbia Interio...
www.timescolonist.com
December 11, 2024 at 5:08 PM
'Are they going to walk away?': Charges 10 years after B.C.'s Mount Polley disaster
A new study links leaded gasoline to surge in U.S. mental health illnesses — especially for people born between 1966 and 1986.
Experts warn the same multi-generational problem could be quietly playing out in Canada
Experts warn the same multi-generational problem could be quietly playing out in Canada
Leaded gasoline legacy linked to surge in schizophrenia, ADHD and anxiety disorders, finds study
Study links leaded gasoline to surge in U.S. mental health illnesses. Experts warn same multi-generational problem could be quietly playing out in Canada.
www.nsnews.com
December 5, 2024 at 5:39 PM
A new study links leaded gasoline to surge in U.S. mental health illnesses — especially for people born between 1966 and 1986.
Experts warn the same multi-generational problem could be quietly playing out in Canada
Experts warn the same multi-generational problem could be quietly playing out in Canada
Metro Vancouver has approved a motion seeking federal intervention on what is truly "flushable."
The move comes as mislabeled sanitary wipes continues to cost Canadian cities hundreds of millions of dollars a year.
The move comes as mislabeled sanitary wipes continues to cost Canadian cities hundreds of millions of dollars a year.
Metro Vancouver takes aim at 'flushable' wipes with federal plea
As sanitary wipes labelled 'flushable' clog up Canadian sewers, Metro Vancouver calls on the federal government to define what should really go down the toilet.
www.burnabynow.com
November 29, 2024 at 10:34 PM
Metro Vancouver has approved a motion seeking federal intervention on what is truly "flushable."
The move comes as mislabeled sanitary wipes continues to cost Canadian cities hundreds of millions of dollars a year.
The move comes as mislabeled sanitary wipes continues to cost Canadian cities hundreds of millions of dollars a year.