Stories

February and March Environmental News Digest

March 2026

There is so much breaking news happening every day that it’s easy to miss the environmental stories you care about. That’s why we’ve rounded up the latest forest and climate news into this monthly digest! Here you’ll find articles about our campaign progress and impactful stories we’re reading to keep you up-to-date and inspired. If you want this digest sent to your inbox each month, sign up to our newsletter here.

Forest news coverage of Sierra Club BC

Dr. Peter Wood mentioned our ‘Closer to the Brink’ report in this segment of the CBC’s BC Today show. Sierra Club BC Organizer David Quigg called into the show, you can listen to him just before the 9 minute mark.
Sierra Club BC put out a reaction to B.C.’s latest forestry review, which acknowledged the urgent need to change how forests are managed—but stops short of outlining the immediate steps required to make that change a reality before it’s too late. Read it here.
Sierra Club BC joined 80+ faith, labour, environmental, legal, academic, artistic and other community leaders to call on Premier David Eby to hit the brakes on planned legislative amendments to B.C.’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act) and Interpretation Act. Learn more here.
The Clayoquot Sound Conservation Alliance, which includes Canopy, Friends of Clayoquot Sound, Sierra Club BC, Stand.earth and the Wilderness Committee, put out a media release condemning the recent permits issued by the provincial government to clear forest and build exploratory drill pads in unceded Tla-o-qui-aht territory in Clayoquot Sound.

Climate news coverage of Sierra Club BC

Sierra Club BC Campaigner Jens Wieting is quoted in this City News article about the 2026 B.C. budget ighlighting our concern that there is no new funding in the budget to support climate action. Wieting was also interviewed on 1130 NewsRadio.
This follow-up coverage in City News about how B.C.’s 2026 budget is sparking polarized reactions quotes SCBC’s Jens Wieting who warns that the budget focuses on industries at the expense of the environment.
Sierra Club BC was also quoted in a Daily Hive article about how the response to B.C.’s 2026 budget is overwhelmingly negative. We are quoted as saying that “the budget is deeply worrying for everyone who cares about future generations.”

What we’re reading

Dismayed about lack of action for old-growth forests, all five members of B.C.’s 2021 panel appointed to map old growth sent a letter to Premier Eby warning his government is failing to save them. Read about it in the CBC.
“These permits undermine the tireless work of generations who have defended rainforests, clean water and salmon to support prosperity without industrial exploitation.” The Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation near Tofino, B.C., says it’s frustrated and angry after the B.C. government issued more than 30 mineral exploration permits in its territory. Learn more here.
Good news, the Federal Court of Appeal has upheld the decision to keep salmon farms out of B.C.’s Discovery Islands. Sierra Club BC extends a big thank you to First Nations leadership and several organizations involved in this court case. Read about it via the CBC.
While politicians argue, First Nations are growing B.C.’s economy by protecting the environment. Job creation, tax revenue, small business support: why don’t politicians value the economic benefits of environmental protection? Read this excellent analysis by Michelle Cyca from the Narwhal.
Canada’s plan to more than double nature protection is creating thousands of jobs, a new report says, with the potential for billions of dollars more in tourism and hospitality revenues if the government continues funding conservation. Learn more here.
Want to get more insights into B.C.’s latest forestry review? We recommend this great analysis by Zoë Yunker in The Tyee.
Good news for the old-growth forest and salmon in Goldstream Provincial Park (SELE₭TEȽ), the province has decided not to proceed with highway shoulder widening. This win is only possible thanks to First Nations leadership (particularly the WSANEC Leadership Council) and community advocates. Learn more via the Times Colonist.
Local governments across Canada are facing a wave of “larger scale conspiracy theories” overwhelming council meetings. This has led some politicians to avoid mentioning climate change altogether for fear of provoking a backlash. Yet, research shows 42 per cent of Canadians think about addressing climate change at least weekly, and yet they believe only 26 per cent of their neighbours do the same. Learn more via the National Observer.
New B.C.-focused climate polling is out: 78% of people worry about climate change, 79% want the B.C. government to take climate action. Read about it here.