New study finds clear‑cut logging can dramatically increase flood risk Published: July 6, 2026 12.11pm EDT The ability of the forests to mitigate or heighten flood risk depends greatly on how logging takes place across an area. (Peter Robbins/Unsplash) In September 2025 Dr. Younes Alila came to Penticton with Daniel Pearce, the director of Trouble in the Headwaters, a documentary of the cause of the Grand Forks floods. Dr. Alila is a hydrologist at UBC and travelled over 20,

So many books tackle the issue of climate for kids of all ages. Summertime is a good opportunity to share reading and have discussions about solutions we all can do. Visit the Penticton Public Library or order books to come to your library from the Okanagan Regional Library or BC Libraries. Check out your local used bookstore and street-level free libraries to see if there are more options. Raising Global Kidizens creates and curates resources to raise the next generation

The Tyee article by Emiko Newman, BC Climate Emergency Campaign co-ordinator offshore oil rig in the waters of Ras Laffan, Qatar. (Anoop PS, Pexels) In the past, excess profits taxes have helped Canadian citizens. The taxes have not harmed industry which makes huge profits for foreign investors. Let's see the government tax big corporations fairly while putting those dollars into climate solutions and towards rebates for Canadians suffering under inflated prices. Emiko Newman

A June 12 article by Kristy Dyer, Natural gas appliances are bad for your health, exposes the risks caused by gas stoves in homes. Gas flame kitchen stove If you flambé, sear, broil or fry in your kitchen, please invite me over for dinner. The Maillard reaction makes the food delicious but it can produce deadly chemicals, not to mention the particulates that set off your smoke detector. If you have a natural gas stove (or other natural gas appliances), combusting natural gas

On May 21, Jaclyn Whittal joined First Things First Okanagan for a Deep Dive in Climate Reporting and how the public is affected by weather events and how news is shared. Jaclyn Whittal is the Founder and CEO of One Earth Communications with nearly 20 years of experience at the intersection of climate science, extreme weather, and public trust. She brings a distinctive combination of scientific expertise, frontline reporting, and executive-level communication strategy. ​ ​A t

BC building codes can create more homes while reducing emissions

The sun was darkened by wildfire smoke in the whole of BC in 2021.

nelsonstar.com By Laura Sacks, West Kootenay Climate Hub, and Dr. Kyle Merritt, Doctors & Nurses for Planetary Health Kootenay-Boundary No reason to feel alone this Earth Day if you care about climate change Wednesday, April 22, 2026 If you are concerned about climate change and the world we are leaving our children, you are not alone. Survey after survey finds that the vast majority of us are concerned and want our governments to do more. Yet most Canadians greatly underesti

Treat yourself to an open conversation about the mysteries and excitement of heat pumps at a Heat Pump Party. It is kind of like a Tupperware party but to demystify how heat pumps can heat AND cool a house. Heat Pump costume for a party "Not many people know what a heat pump is. A bunch of neighbours are gathering to learn the challenges, to extol the virtues, and basically understand why heat pumps are so important in this day and age." Very fun and very informative. Althou