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Here are the main points in the global biodiversity deal adopted at COP15 in Montreal

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Negotiators in Montreal have adopted a new agreement aimed at halting the destruction of nature and beginning to repair the damage. Here are six of the main commitments in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

30 by 30 — The framework’s signature pledge is the agreement to ensure 30 per cent of the world’s land, water, coast and marine areas fall under some form of conservation by 2030. Another target in the agreement stipulates that at least 30 per cent of degraded ecosystems need to be in the process of being restored by the end of the decade.

Financing — The agreement calls on countries to mobilize significant financial resources to fund nature promises. That includes a commitment to raise US$200 billion per year from all public, private, and philanthropic sources, as well as US$30 billion in annual aid to flow from richer countries to developing ones by 2030. Countries are also being asked to reduce subsidies to harmful industries, such as unsustainable agriculture, industrial fishing and oil and gas, and redirect them to more sustainable practices — a US$500 billion pledge.

Business accountability — Governments are expected to take measures to ensure large businesses and financial institutions monitor and disclose the impact of their activities on nature. Businesses are also expected to provide information to consumers to promote sustainable consumption choices and comply with regulations in place to reduce negative impacts on biodiversity.

Equity — Countries are expected to ensure Indigenous people and local communities are represented and included in decision-making, access to justice and information, while respecting their cultures, land rights and traditional knowledge. Women, youth, and people with disabilities are also included. A separate target calls on countries to ensure gender equality in the implementation of the framework.

Pollution and pesticides — Signatories are asked to reduce the negative impact of pollution from all sources to levels that aren’t harmful to nature by 2030. That includes halving the “overall risk” from pesticides and hazardous chemicals by the end of the decade, and working to eliminate plastic pollution.

Consumption — Governments are committing to help people make sustainable consumption choices through policy, regulation and education. By 2030, they are agreeing to reduce the global footprint of consumption in an equitable manner and cut global food waste in half.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 19, 2022.

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Fall storm could bring ‘hurricane force’ winds to B.C.

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3 hours ago

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November 18, 2024

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VANCOUVER – Environment Canada is warning about an intensifying storm that is expected to bring powerful winds to Vancouver Island and the British Columbia coast this week.

Matt MacDonald, the lead forecaster for the BC Wildfire Service, says models predict “explosive cyclogenesis,” which is also known as a bomb cyclone, materializing Tuesday night.

Such storms are caused by a rapid drop in atmospheric pressure at the centre of a storm system that results in heavy rain and high winds.

MacDonald says in a social media post that B.C. coastal inlets could see “hurricane force” winds of more than 118 km/h and create waves up to nine metres off Washington and Oregon.

Environment Canada posted a special weather statement saying the storm will develop off the coast of Vancouver Island on Tuesday, bringing high winds and heavy rain to some areas starting in the afternoon.

It says the weather system may cause downed trees, travel delays and power outages, adding that peak winds are expected for most areas Tuesday night, though the severe weather is likely to continue into Wednesday.

B.C. has been hit by a series of powerful fall storms, including an atmospheric river that caused flash flooding in Metro Vancouver in mid-October.

A lightning storm overnight and early Monday covered parts of Metro Vancouver in hail.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 18, 2024.

The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.



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CBP Announces New Hours for Border Crossing Locations

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November 18, 2024

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CHAMPLAIN, N.Y. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), in collaboration with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), will adjust hours of operation for 38 ports of entry (POEs) along the U.S. northern border, beginning at midnight, Jan. 6, 2025.

This will allow CBP to enhance border security while facilitating legitimate cross-border trade and travel. CBP officers will be deployed to busier ports of entry, enabling the agency to use its resources most effectively for its critical national security and border security missions.

These adjustments formalize current operating hours that have been in effect for more than four years at 13 ports of entry across the northern border, with eight ports of entry expanding hours. A small number of ports will see reduced hours in an effort to continually align resources to operational realities. Travelers who use these affected crossing locations will have other options within a reasonable driving distance.

Importantly, these adjustments have been made in close coordination with CBSA, to ensure aligned operational hours that further enhance the security of both countries.

CBP continually monitors operations, traffic patterns and volume, and analyzes the best use of resources to better serve the traveling public. CBP will remain engaged with local and regional stakeholders, as well as communities to ensure consistent communication and to address concerns.

The vast majority of the 118 northern border ports of entry will continue to operate at existing hours, including many with 24/7 operations. Locate ports of entry and access border wait times here.

The following are the new permanent POE hours of operation for select New York POEs:

  • Chateauguay, NY                 new hours of operation – 6 am to 6 pm
  • Trout River, NY                   new hours of operation – 6 am to 6 pm
  • Rouses Point, NY                 new hours of operation – 8 am to 8 pm
  • Overton Corners, NY            new hours of operation – 6 am to 10 pm

Again, these changes will go into effect beginning at midnight, January 6, 2025.

Below is a listing of each location with the closest border crossing that will remain open 24/7 for appropriate commercial and passenger traffic:

  • Chateauguay, NY –                closest 24/7 port: Fort Covington – 27 miles
  • Trout River, NY –                   closest 24/7 port: Fort Covington – 11 miles
  • Rouses Point, NY –                closest 24/7 port: Champlain – 8 miles
  • Overton Corners, NY –           closest 24/7 port: Champlain – 5 miles

For additional information or to contact a port of entry, please visit CBP.gov.

Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @CBPBuffalo and @DFOBuffalo

For more on Customs and Border Protection’s mission at our nation’s ports of entry with CBP officers and along U.S. borders with Border Patrol agents, please visit the Border Security section of the CBP website.

Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @CBPBuffalo @DFOBuffalo and @USBPChiefBUN

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Man police linked to neo-Nazi group pleads not guilty to terrorism charges

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November 18, 2024

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OTTAWA – An Ottawa man is pleading not guilty to charges of terrorism and hate-speech related to the promotion of a far-right group.

RCMP charged Patrick Gordon Macdonald in July 2023, alleging he took part in activities of a listed terrorist organization.

It’s the first case in Canada where the government laid charges for both terrorism and hate propaganda against someone for promoting a violent, far-right ideology.

As the trial opened Monday in Ontario’s Superior Court of Justice, Crown prosecutors alleged Macdonald helped produce propaganda for the Atomwaffen Division, an international neo-Nazi organization Canada listed as a terror group in 2021.

Prosecutors alleged he aided in the production of three propaganda videos designed to recruit new members and incite hatred against Jews.

The allegations have not yet been proven in court.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 18, 2024.

The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.



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