Zoë Yunker
@zoeyunker.bsky.social
Environmental journalist covering forests, climate and the energy transition.
ICYMI: critical background on the history of Canada's tanker ban from @amandafollett.bsky.social
thetyee.ca/News/2025/11...
thetyee.ca/News/2025/11...
The Oil Tanker Ban That Dims Alberta’s Pipeline Hopes | The Tyee
The law is six years old. But federal promises to protect BC’s north coast from spills date back decades.
thetyee.ca
November 25, 2025 at 5:15 PM
ICYMI: critical background on the history of Canada's tanker ban from @amandafollett.bsky.social
thetyee.ca/News/2025/11...
thetyee.ca/News/2025/11...
David Eby says BC will be Canada's "economic engine," powered by clean electricity.
BC Hydro has other, less flashy plans.
Among them: a major shortfall in the energy BC would need to meet its climate targets.
My latest via @thetyee.ca
BC Hydro has other, less flashy plans.
Among them: a major shortfall in the energy BC would need to meet its climate targets.
My latest via @thetyee.ca
Will BC Electrify Its Economy? BC Hydro Doubts It | The Tyee
The Crown corporation’s new long-term plan for BC’s energy future is a missed opportunity to commit to electrification, experts say.
thetyee.ca
November 24, 2025 at 4:12 PM
David Eby says BC will be Canada's "economic engine," powered by clean electricity.
BC Hydro has other, less flashy plans.
Among them: a major shortfall in the energy BC would need to meet its climate targets.
My latest via @thetyee.ca
BC Hydro has other, less flashy plans.
Among them: a major shortfall in the energy BC would need to meet its climate targets.
My latest via @thetyee.ca
Reposted by Zoë Yunker
Premier Eby recently described B.C. as Canada’s future “economic engine,” one that would be powered “by clean, reliable, affordable power.”
Ten days later, BC Hydro quietly released a more muted vision of the path ahead. @zoeyunker.bsky.social explains. ⚡️ #bcpoli
Ten days later, BC Hydro quietly released a more muted vision of the path ahead. @zoeyunker.bsky.social explains. ⚡️ #bcpoli
Will BC Electrify Its Economy? BC Hydro Doubts It | The Tyee
The Crown corporation’s new long-term plan for BC’s energy future is a missed opportunity to commit to electrification, experts say.
thetyee.ca
November 24, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Premier Eby recently described B.C. as Canada’s future “economic engine,” one that would be powered “by clean, reliable, affordable power.”
Ten days later, BC Hydro quietly released a more muted vision of the path ahead. @zoeyunker.bsky.social explains. ⚡️ #bcpoli
Ten days later, BC Hydro quietly released a more muted vision of the path ahead. @zoeyunker.bsky.social explains. ⚡️ #bcpoli
82 countries are calling for a "roadmap" to phase out coal, oil and natural gas at #COP30, making it "one of the most substantial and likely divisive topics of the two-week negotiations"
Double down on push to abandon fossil fuels, 82 countries urge at climate summit
Governments across Europe, the Pacific islands, Latin America and Africa embraced the call. The United States did not.
www.politico.com
November 19, 2025 at 3:35 PM
82 countries are calling for a "roadmap" to phase out coal, oil and natural gas at #COP30, making it "one of the most substantial and likely divisive topics of the two-week negotiations"
Who owns Ksi Lisims? Helpful context on the project from @amandafollett.bsky.social
Ksi Lisims LNG Makes Federal List of ‘Nation-Building’ Projects | The Tyee
The prime minister sidestepped questions about US ownership and First Nations opposition at a northern BC presser.
thetyee.ca
November 14, 2025 at 6:47 PM
Who owns Ksi Lisims? Helpful context on the project from @amandafollett.bsky.social
Seriously appreciating this close-up translation of Carney's energy plans from @arnokopecky.bsky.social 👏
In four minutes, Carney revealed his energy policy
In four minutes at the Canadian Club Toronto, Carney gave away more than he has all year.
www.nationalobserver.com
November 14, 2025 at 5:28 PM
Seriously appreciating this close-up translation of Carney's energy plans from @arnokopecky.bsky.social 👏
Reposted by Zoë Yunker
quickest way to get an ancient tree cut down in B.C. is to put it in a recommended deferral zone, apparently! important story from @zoeyunker.bsky.social
A new Sierra Club BC report reveals gaps between B.C.’s forestry promises, including old-growth deferrals, and reality. thenarwhal.ca/bc-forests-l... #bcpoli
How logging has sent B.C. forests into freefall | The Narwhal
A Sierra Club BC report reveals a gap between B.C.’s forestry promises, including old-growth deferrals, and reality
thenarwhal.ca
November 12, 2025 at 5:58 PM
quickest way to get an ancient tree cut down in B.C. is to put it in a recommended deferral zone, apparently! important story from @zoeyunker.bsky.social
Old growth in recommended deferral zones was four times more likely to be logged than forests outside, according to a new report out today from Sierra Club BC.
My latest for @thenarwhal.ca
🧵
My latest for @thenarwhal.ca
🧵
How logging has sent B.C. forests into freefall | The Narwhal
A Sierra Club BC report reveals a gap between B.C.’s forestry promises, including old-growth deferrals, and reality
thenarwhal.ca
November 12, 2025 at 5:28 PM
Old growth in recommended deferral zones was four times more likely to be logged than forests outside, according to a new report out today from Sierra Club BC.
My latest for @thenarwhal.ca
🧵
My latest for @thenarwhal.ca
🧵
Infuriating and important reporting from @amandafollett.bsky.social 🔥
BC's FOI system is getting slower, more expensive and less transparent following the NDP gov's decision to charge a $10 fee.
thetyee.ca/News/2025/11...
BC's FOI system is getting slower, more expensive and less transparent following the NDP gov's decision to charge a $10 fee.
thetyee.ca/News/2025/11...
November 11, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Infuriating and important reporting from @amandafollett.bsky.social 🔥
BC's FOI system is getting slower, more expensive and less transparent following the NDP gov's decision to charge a $10 fee.
thetyee.ca/News/2025/11...
BC's FOI system is getting slower, more expensive and less transparent following the NDP gov's decision to charge a $10 fee.
thetyee.ca/News/2025/11...
US podcaster Ezra Klein is the rising star of the tech-funded "Abundance" movement, which calls for fast-tracking major projects.
Seemingly wooed, BC's NDP invited Klein to present to caucus, just months after their own deregulatory spree.
My latest for @thetyee.ca
🧵
Seemingly wooed, BC's NDP invited Klein to present to caucus, just months after their own deregulatory spree.
My latest for @thetyee.ca
🧵
How the Abundance Movement Is Dividing the Left | The Tyee
Calls for fewer rules and faster building have found a progressive audience, including in the BC government.
thetyee.ca
November 7, 2025 at 4:55 PM
US podcaster Ezra Klein is the rising star of the tech-funded "Abundance" movement, which calls for fast-tracking major projects.
Seemingly wooed, BC's NDP invited Klein to present to caucus, just months after their own deregulatory spree.
My latest for @thetyee.ca
🧵
Seemingly wooed, BC's NDP invited Klein to present to caucus, just months after their own deregulatory spree.
My latest for @thetyee.ca
🧵
Reposted by Zoë Yunker
Today in @thetyee.ca, a look at how the book Abundance is influencing Canadian politics and “helping shape Canada’s fast-track agenda with its rallying cry for scrapping regulations in the pursuit of economic growth,” by @zoeyunker.bsky.social.
thetyee.ca/News/2025/11...
thetyee.ca/News/2025/11...
How the Abundance Movement Is Dividing the Left | The Tyee
Calls for fewer rules and faster building have found a progressive audience, including in the BC government.
thetyee.ca
November 7, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Today in @thetyee.ca, a look at how the book Abundance is influencing Canadian politics and “helping shape Canada’s fast-track agenda with its rallying cry for scrapping regulations in the pursuit of economic growth,” by @zoeyunker.bsky.social.
thetyee.ca/News/2025/11...
thetyee.ca/News/2025/11...
Reposted by Zoë Yunker
Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson’s “Abundance” is a pitch to disoriented liberals for a new order.
After it was published in March, Canadian governments released laws aimed at cutting regulations.
That's not a coincidence, said BC Green MLA Jeremy Valeriote. @zoeyunker.bsky.social reports. 🇺🇸📖🇨🇦
After it was published in March, Canadian governments released laws aimed at cutting regulations.
That's not a coincidence, said BC Green MLA Jeremy Valeriote. @zoeyunker.bsky.social reports. 🇺🇸📖🇨🇦
How the Abundance Movement Is Dividing the Left | The Tyee
Calls for fewer rules and faster building have found a progressive audience, including in the BC government.
thetyee.ca
November 7, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson’s “Abundance” is a pitch to disoriented liberals for a new order.
After it was published in March, Canadian governments released laws aimed at cutting regulations.
That's not a coincidence, said BC Green MLA Jeremy Valeriote. @zoeyunker.bsky.social reports. 🇺🇸📖🇨🇦
After it was published in March, Canadian governments released laws aimed at cutting regulations.
That's not a coincidence, said BC Green MLA Jeremy Valeriote. @zoeyunker.bsky.social reports. 🇺🇸📖🇨🇦
"“The approach has been behind-the-scenes, intentionally not seeking public kudos for its efforts,” Atlas wrote in notes summarising a meeting with Exxon executives in 2000. “The objective is to help, but not be known for its help.”"
Exxon funded thinktanks to spread climate denial in Latin America, documents reveal
Texas-based fossil fuel company financed Atlas Network in attempt to derail UN-led climate treaty process
www.theguardian.com
November 3, 2025 at 2:57 PM
"“The approach has been behind-the-scenes, intentionally not seeking public kudos for its efforts,” Atlas wrote in notes summarising a meeting with Exxon executives in 2000. “The objective is to help, but not be known for its help.”"
BC’s first grid-scale solar project launched this month.
Led by the Nlaka’pamux Nation, the project and the 14-year saga it faced have lessons for B.C.’s fast-track regime.
“This is what we can do when we’re getting it right” - NNTC's Nadine Hoehne.
via @thenarwhal.ca @indiginews.bsky.social
Led by the Nlaka’pamux Nation, the project and the 14-year saga it faced have lessons for B.C.’s fast-track regime.
“This is what we can do when we’re getting it right” - NNTC's Nadine Hoehne.
via @thenarwhal.ca @indiginews.bsky.social
Nlaka’pamux solar project offers lessons for B.C. | The Narwhal
Led by the Nlaka’pamux Nation, the quA-ymn solar project is the first major solar power facility in B.C. It came online well ahead of schedule
thenarwhal.ca
October 30, 2025 at 9:05 PM
BC’s first grid-scale solar project launched this month.
Led by the Nlaka’pamux Nation, the project and the 14-year saga it faced have lessons for B.C.’s fast-track regime.
“This is what we can do when we’re getting it right” - NNTC's Nadine Hoehne.
via @thenarwhal.ca @indiginews.bsky.social
Led by the Nlaka’pamux Nation, the project and the 14-year saga it faced have lessons for B.C.’s fast-track regime.
“This is what we can do when we’re getting it right” - NNTC's Nadine Hoehne.
via @thenarwhal.ca @indiginews.bsky.social
Reposted by Zoë Yunker
After a 14-year saga, Nlaka’pamux Nation Tribal Council has brought B.C.'s first grid-scale solar project online 💡 and they're already thinking bigger. A collaboration with @indiginews.bsky.social, written by @zoeyunker.bsky.social with photos by Aaron Hemens.
thenarwhal.ca/nlakapamux-q...
thenarwhal.ca/nlakapamux-q...
Nlaka’pamux solar project offers lessons for B.C. | The Narwhal
Led by the Nlaka’pamux Nation, the quA-ymn solar project is the first major solar power facility in B.C. It came online well ahead of schedule
thenarwhal.ca
October 30, 2025 at 6:16 PM
After a 14-year saga, Nlaka’pamux Nation Tribal Council has brought B.C.'s first grid-scale solar project online 💡 and they're already thinking bigger. A collaboration with @indiginews.bsky.social, written by @zoeyunker.bsky.social with photos by Aaron Hemens.
thenarwhal.ca/nlakapamux-q...
thenarwhal.ca/nlakapamux-q...
Reposted by Zoë Yunker
Very timely reporting from Zoe on the legacy and future of forestry in BC!
With the US imposing 45% tariffs on BC softwood, the province is calling on Ottawa to protect the forestry industry and the people who work in it #bcpoli
With the US imposing 45% tariffs on BC softwood, the province is calling on Ottawa to protect the forestry industry and the people who work in it #bcpoli
For over a century, major companies liquidated forests from First Nations’ territories without consent. Now they're leaving.
In their wake, First Nations are working to reshape the industry that long excluded them, but it won't be easy.
My latest for @thenarwhal.ca
In their wake, First Nations are working to reshape the industry that long excluded them, but it won't be easy.
My latest for @thenarwhal.ca
What does First Nations ownership mean for B.C. forestry? | The Narwhal
More First Nations are buying B.C. forestry tenures. With old growth dwindling, can they nudge the industry to a more sustainable future?
thenarwhal.ca
October 15, 2025 at 9:23 PM
Very timely reporting from Zoe on the legacy and future of forestry in BC!
With the US imposing 45% tariffs on BC softwood, the province is calling on Ottawa to protect the forestry industry and the people who work in it #bcpoli
With the US imposing 45% tariffs on BC softwood, the province is calling on Ottawa to protect the forestry industry and the people who work in it #bcpoli
For over a century, major companies liquidated forests from First Nations’ territories without consent. Now they're leaving.
In their wake, First Nations are working to reshape the industry that long excluded them, but it won't be easy.
My latest for @thenarwhal.ca
In their wake, First Nations are working to reshape the industry that long excluded them, but it won't be easy.
My latest for @thenarwhal.ca
What does First Nations ownership mean for B.C. forestry? | The Narwhal
More First Nations are buying B.C. forestry tenures. With old growth dwindling, can they nudge the industry to a more sustainable future?
thenarwhal.ca
October 15, 2025 at 6:27 PM
For over a century, major companies liquidated forests from First Nations’ territories without consent. Now they're leaving.
In their wake, First Nations are working to reshape the industry that long excluded them, but it won't be easy.
My latest for @thenarwhal.ca
In their wake, First Nations are working to reshape the industry that long excluded them, but it won't be easy.
My latest for @thenarwhal.ca
LNG Canada's fast-tracked Phase 2 breaches Canada's air standards for nitrogen dioxide in Kitimat.
That could mean growing acid rain and ground-level ozone.
"It rusts the body," said U of T prof Jeffrey Brook.
That could mean growing acid rain and ground-level ozone.
"It rusts the body," said U of T prof Jeffrey Brook.
Exclusive: LNG Expansion Brings New Health Risks to Kitimat | The Tyee
The project’s fast-tracked second phase would push a key pollutant far above current limits, documents reveal.
thetyee.ca
September 24, 2025 at 3:54 PM
LNG Canada's fast-tracked Phase 2 breaches Canada's air standards for nitrogen dioxide in Kitimat.
That could mean growing acid rain and ground-level ozone.
"It rusts the body," said U of T prof Jeffrey Brook.
That could mean growing acid rain and ground-level ozone.
"It rusts the body," said U of T prof Jeffrey Brook.
Sobering estimates from @climateinstitute.bsky.social today:
Canada has stalled its progress on climate, putting its 2030 emissions target farther out of reach.
Modest reductions in electricity and buildings were drowned out by rising emissions from oil and gas.
Canada has stalled its progress on climate, putting its 2030 emissions target farther out of reach.
Modest reductions in electricity and buildings were drowned out by rising emissions from oil and gas.
Canada’s emissions flatlined in 2024, early estimate shows
Canada's success in decoupling economic growth from emissions is faltering. While national emissions in 2024 were down 8.5 per ...
440megatonnes.ca
September 18, 2025 at 1:53 PM
Sobering estimates from @climateinstitute.bsky.social today:
Canada has stalled its progress on climate, putting its 2030 emissions target farther out of reach.
Modest reductions in electricity and buildings were drowned out by rising emissions from oil and gas.
Canada has stalled its progress on climate, putting its 2030 emissions target farther out of reach.
Modest reductions in electricity and buildings were drowned out by rising emissions from oil and gas.
Reposted by Zoë Yunker
NEW: BC has announced approval for the Ksi Lisims LNG facility.
It comes a week after medical professionals called on the province to halt LNG expansion until it has completed a comprehensive health review.
My reporting, with @zoeyunker.bsky.social, from last week:
thetyee.ca/News/2025/09...
It comes a week after medical professionals called on the province to halt LNG expansion until it has completed a comprehensive health review.
My reporting, with @zoeyunker.bsky.social, from last week:
thetyee.ca/News/2025/09...
Halt LNG Expansion Until Health Risks Studied, Say Doctors | The Tyee
First Nations leaders and health professionals say people are getting sick, and BC needs to hit pause.
thetyee.ca
September 15, 2025 at 11:21 PM
NEW: BC has announced approval for the Ksi Lisims LNG facility.
It comes a week after medical professionals called on the province to halt LNG expansion until it has completed a comprehensive health review.
My reporting, with @zoeyunker.bsky.social, from last week:
thetyee.ca/News/2025/09...
It comes a week after medical professionals called on the province to halt LNG expansion until it has completed a comprehensive health review.
My reporting, with @zoeyunker.bsky.social, from last week:
thetyee.ca/News/2025/09...
BC excluded the health impacts of fracking in a review years ago. Its panel members raised concerns anyway.
As LNG in BC gets ready to boom, First Nations leaders and doctors are calling for a study before it's too late.
A collab with @amandafollett.bsky.social!
thetyee.ca/News/2025/09...
As LNG in BC gets ready to boom, First Nations leaders and doctors are calling for a study before it's too late.
A collab with @amandafollett.bsky.social!
thetyee.ca/News/2025/09...
Halt LNG Expansion Until Health Risks Studied, Say Doctors | The Tyee
First Nations leaders and health professionals say people are getting sick, and BC needs to hit pause.
thetyee.ca
September 11, 2025 at 9:42 PM
BC excluded the health impacts of fracking in a review years ago. Its panel members raised concerns anyway.
As LNG in BC gets ready to boom, First Nations leaders and doctors are calling for a study before it's too late.
A collab with @amandafollett.bsky.social!
thetyee.ca/News/2025/09...
As LNG in BC gets ready to boom, First Nations leaders and doctors are calling for a study before it's too late.
A collab with @amandafollett.bsky.social!
thetyee.ca/News/2025/09...
Fascinating report on Fortis claims re: renewable natural gas and the strange credit system they use to justify it.
"FortisBC admitted it doesn't always receive certificates which act as a safeguard against double-counting."
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/09/11/n...
"FortisBC admitted it doesn't always receive certificates which act as a safeguard against double-counting."
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/09/11/n...
The investigation that could scuttle FortisBC's climate plan
BC’s gas utility is facing regulatory scrutiny over its accounting practices for the environmental credits it uses to claim some of its natural gas sales are carbon-neutral, "renewable” and reduce emi...
www.nationalobserver.com
September 11, 2025 at 1:39 PM
Fascinating report on Fortis claims re: renewable natural gas and the strange credit system they use to justify it.
"FortisBC admitted it doesn't always receive certificates which act as a safeguard against double-counting."
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/09/11/n...
"FortisBC admitted it doesn't always receive certificates which act as a safeguard against double-counting."
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/09/11/n...
Some things I learned while writing this story on Canada’s new “pillar” of Aboriginal Law, Cowichan Tribes v. Canada, for @thetyee.ca:
🧵
thetyee.ca/News/2025/08...
🧵
thetyee.ca/News/2025/08...
Inside Richmond’s Precedent-Setting Cowichan Tribes v. Canada Case | The Tyee
The BC Supreme Court decision affirms Aboriginal title on private lands. What’s next?
thetyee.ca
August 19, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Some things I learned while writing this story on Canada’s new “pillar” of Aboriginal Law, Cowichan Tribes v. Canada, for @thetyee.ca:
🧵
thetyee.ca/News/2025/08...
🧵
thetyee.ca/News/2025/08...
Reposted by Zoë Yunker
“All of the Cowichan Title Lands were sold to settlers with no regard for the Cowichan’s interest.”
@zoeyunker.bsky.social with a comprehensive report on the decision, described as a “pillar” of Aboriginal law, which received an immediate smack down from BC.
@thetyee.ca thetyee.ca/News/2025/08...
@zoeyunker.bsky.social with a comprehensive report on the decision, described as a “pillar” of Aboriginal law, which received an immediate smack down from BC.
@thetyee.ca thetyee.ca/News/2025/08...
Inside Richmond’s Precedent-Setting Cowichan Tribes v. Canada Case | The Tyee
The BC Supreme Court decision affirms Aboriginal title on private lands. What’s next?
thetyee.ca
August 19, 2025 at 2:44 PM
“All of the Cowichan Title Lands were sold to settlers with no regard for the Cowichan’s interest.”
@zoeyunker.bsky.social with a comprehensive report on the decision, described as a “pillar” of Aboriginal law, which received an immediate smack down from BC.
@thetyee.ca thetyee.ca/News/2025/08...
@zoeyunker.bsky.social with a comprehensive report on the decision, described as a “pillar” of Aboriginal law, which received an immediate smack down from BC.
@thetyee.ca thetyee.ca/News/2025/08...
Reposted by Zoë Yunker
A year and a half after an airstrike injured a three-year-old boy in Gaza, his aunt continues to try to get him to Canada. Nariman Ajjur says her nephew is now showing “clear signs of malnutrition” as well as the psychological effects of living in a war zone. thetyee.ca/News/2025/08...
As Gazans Starve, Families in Canada Struggle to Get Loved Ones Out | The Tyee
‘We are watching ethnic cleansing live on television. Powers that could make a difference are not acting.’
thetyee.ca
August 5, 2025 at 3:08 PM
A year and a half after an airstrike injured a three-year-old boy in Gaza, his aunt continues to try to get him to Canada. Nariman Ajjur says her nephew is now showing “clear signs of malnutrition” as well as the psychological effects of living in a war zone. thetyee.ca/News/2025/08...