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National Observer
4 days ago
- Politics
- National Observer
Scientists call for recovery for endangered orcas off British Columbia's coast
A new report from a group of more than 30 experts says a population of endangered killer whales off the coast of British Columbia and Washington state is showing no sign of recovery under the current conditions. There is an "urgent need for more robust actions" to save the southern resident killer whales from extinction, says the report released by the David Suzuki Foundation and Raincoast Conservation Foundation on Monday. Despite measures adopted by Canada and the United States since 2019, the report says the whales face a "high probability of extinction" if conditions don't change. Lance Barrett-Lennard, cetacean scientist with the Raincoast Foundation, says there is "no convincing reason" to believe the whales, which are genetically distinct from other orcas, will recover without stronger measures. A statement from the BC-based conservation groups says the report marks the first time scientists have proposed a road map for the recovery of southern resident killer whales on both sides of the Canada-US border. The report makes a series of 26 science-based recommendations, including limiting fisheries to help the whales access their main prey, chinook salmon, along with eliminating toxic chemicals that build up in their food chains and adopting enforceable underwater noise standards. "We specifically wanted to have a conversation that was science-focused, but we were mindful of keeping this as realistic as possible," Barrett-Lennard says. The scientific report is the result of a workshop held in Vancouver in March that brought together 31 experts from Canada, the United States and Europe to consider what it will take to save the animals, he says. The Fisheries Department has described the whales as a "critically endangered iconic species" of which 73 individuals remained at the last census. The federal government had determined the whales face "imminent threats" to their survival, but this spring it announced it would not issue an emergency protection order and instead adopt "incremental measures." Barrett-Lennard says Ottawa indicated at the time that it would "strengthen" recovery measures, but he hadn't seen any further details or a timeline. The Fisheries, Transport and Environment departments did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the report and its recommendations. "It may take a long time, even decades, to observe the biological effects of these measures, as (the southern residents) are long-lived animals that reproduce slowly, and their recovery is expected to take time," the Fisheries Department said in its statement announcing Ottawa's decision in March. The decision also took into account "social, economic, policy and other factors, and the broader public interest," the statement said. Barrett-Lennard acknowledged it takes time to see signs of recovery in a population of long-lived animals with a slow reproductive rate. The existing measures from 2019 may have helped halt the whales' further decline, but scientists are "not seeing an upturn at this point," he says. The current population is "simply not a viable number for any species to be robust to catastrophic events like disease or an oil spill and to maintain genetic variation," he says. The whales' main food source is chinook salmon, and the new report says limited access to prey remains the primary constraint on their recovery. Current government initiatives from both countries are "insufficient" to address the problem, the report says. Barrett-Lennard says the whales are particularly dependent on the largest, fattiest chinook, which spend the first year of their lives in freshwater streams. "Those are the fish that the killer whales take preferentially and to meet their nutritional requirements," he says. "They also tend to be the ones that fishermen love." The report recommends ensuring the orcas have "priority access" to early-season chinook in the Fraser River through fishing closures. It also calls on government to identify seasonal and annual prey thresholds for the whales, and to close fisheries when their needs are not met. The recommendations also include expanding slowdown zones for ships and expanding the minimum distance vessels must keep away from the whales to 1,000 metres, as well as prohibiting various ships from discharging grey water, sewage and scrubber wastewater into the whales' habitat. Barrett-Lennard says the southern residents are an old, distinct population of orcas with great cultural significance for Indigenous Peoples in the area. Losing the whales would be a "tragedy," he says. "Once we identify members of the population as individuals, everything changes," he says. "We can begin to recognize individual traits and behaviours. Some of them are shy and some of them assertive." The whales have "huge brains," he adds. "We know that they keep track of social relationships throughout their whole lives. They have mental maps of the coast … They have family bonds."
National Observer
4 days ago
- Politics
- National Observer
Inuit podcast takes us inside the Arctic meltdown
Siila Watt-Cloutier remembers gliding by dog sled across the frozen Arctic as a child — past landscapes that are now vanishing before her eyes. Through her new podcast, the Inuk leader and climate advocate is spotlighting Indigenous perspectives and the challenges facing the region. 'We are hit very hard up in the Arctic. We hear and see it every single day,' Watt-Cloutier said. 'Listen to those voices on the ground, not just the politicians.' The four-part, limited series, A Radical Act of Hope, produced by the BC-based Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions draws on her 2015 memoir, The Right to Be Cold, which frames climate change as fundamentally a human rights crisis, rather than solely a scientific or environmental issue. 'Not that many people read books today,' she said. 'With podcasts now being the 'it' medium, why not contribute in some small way a narrative that I believe needs to shift?' The podcast follows Watt-Cloutier's personal journey, from her early years in Kuujjuaq, a remote Inuit community in northern Quebec and speaking only Inuktitut, to her work negotiating the Stockholm Convention to ban toxic chemicals in the Arctic and leading the first legal petition linking climate change to human rights at the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. 'This is just a small contribution from my perspective on what I felt has worked for me in terms of changing the minds and hearts of people through the work that I've done,' Watt-Cloutier said. The call for a new narrative comes as she voices concern about the current direction of climate policy. Watt-Cloutier is critical of the current political tone in the climate debate, describing it as 'eco-based, fear-based leadership that is creating even more chaos and more wars.' 'We are hit very hard up in the Arctic. We hear and see it every single day,' said Siila Watt-Cloutier, Inuk leader and podcast host. 'Listen to those voices on the ground, not just the politicians.' As governments fast-track mining and infrastructure projects in the North, she warns the Arctic is increasingly being viewed as a business opportunity rather than an environmental disaster. 'Don't see the Arctic issues — and the rich minerals and resources that are there as a result of the melt — as an opportunity,' she said. 'See it as an environmental disaster, and then work from there to build the economy of the Arctic that's not going to make things worse. It shouldn't be that the economy is going to be the trump card again. Building our economy should not be at the cost of lowering greenhouse gas emissions.' Arctic sea ice reached its lowest winter maximum on record this March, with the National Snow and Ice Data Centre reporting just 14.33 million square kilometres at its peak — more than a million square kilometres below the long-term average and the smallest extent in the satellite era. As the ice vanishes, new shipping lanes and mineral frontiers are opening, fuelling expectations of a scramble for oil, gas and critical minerals. The environmental toll is mounting: permafrost is thawing, releasing methane and carbon dioxide, while coastal erosion and wildfires are accelerating. The project is led by Ian Mauro, executive director of the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions, an environmental scientist and filmmaker who has worked with Watt-Cloutier for over a decade. Mauro said the podcast is a response to a 'green backlash' — the growing pressure to put climate action on hold for short-term economic fixes like expanding fossil fuel projects and accelerating resource extraction, particularly in the face of Trump's trade war. 'We cannot afford to backtrack on our climate ambition at the expense of these other issues,' Mauro said. 'We have to figure out how to multi-solve and be holistic in our approach, which is why leadership matters right now.' Mauro said the series comes at a time when Indigenous knowledge is finally being recognized as essential to climate solutions, both in Canada and around the world. 'We still live in a deeply racist society where people will quickly dismiss these types of knowledge,' Mauro said. 'But we are also in an era of reconciliation where there is a deeper appreciation and respect that has formed culturally in this country, and someone like Siila Watt-Cloutier rises to the surface in that conversation.' Each episode features Indigenous women leaders, including Lena Evic, founder of Iqaluit's Pirurvik Centre, and Nicole Redvers, a planetary health expert. In the final episode, former Greenland premier Aleqa Hammond joins a discussion about Arctic geopolitics and Indigenous sovereignty. 'I didn't want these podcasts just to be my take on conscious leadership,' Watt-Cloutier said. 'I wanted to invite other Indigenous women to share this platform, to share their stories — women that I feel are already leading from that space of consciousness and wisdom.' Co-host Janna Wale, the institute's Indigenous research and partnerships lead, who is Gitxsan and Cree-Métis, called the series 'long overdue.' She said the podcast was designed to break through the 'eco-grief and eco-anxiety' dominating climate news by centring Indigenous knowledge and climate optimism. 'Indigenous people have been climate leaders since time immemorial,' Wale said. 'We have had relationships with the land that have helped to foster sustainability and practices that have contributed to bringing balance to our ecosystems. Centring these voices, centring those ideas, and inspiring the next generation of leaders using that kind of knowledge is so important.' Watt-Cloutier said Indigenous knowledge and leadership are essential as Canada faces accelerating Arctic change. 'The land and culture offer more solutions, I think, than most institutions can,' she said. 'I believe strongly that Indigenous wisdom is the medicine the world seeks in addressing these issues of sustainability … Rather than seeing us as victims to globalization and to pollution and to climate change, we can become teachers if given the opportunities of respect and equality and equity on every front.'
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Pluto Ventures Announces Appointment of Tyler Tian as Director
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 10, 2025) - Pluto Ventures Inc. (CSE: PLTO) ("PLTO" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Tyler Tian as the director of the Company, effective immediately. Mr. Tyler Tian graduated from the British Columbia Institute of Technology with a degree in Mining and Mineral Resource Engineering. He also holds a Master of Engineering Management degree from the University of Ottawa and a second undergraduate degree in Environmental Engineering. Mr. Tian is a licensed Professional Engineer ( in British Columbia. He has participated in a range of mineral exploration projects across Canada, including in British Columbia, Ontario, the Yukon, and Québec. Through Fargo Exploration Ltd., a BC-based private company, he provides geological consulting services to both public and private sector clients. The Company also announces that Queenie Kuang has resigned as the director and chair of the audit committee effective May 31, 2025. The Board extends its gratitude to Ms. Kuang for her contributions and wishes her well in her future endeavors. About the Company Pluto Ventures Inc., headquartered in Vancouver, BC, Canada, is a mineral exploration company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties. The Company's current principal project is the Dardanelle Project, which covers an area of 1,434 hectares located 23 kilometers east of Terrace, British Columbia. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS "Lawrence Tsang" Lawrence Tsang, President and Chief Executive Officer For further information, please contact the Company at: (604) 688-9588 Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this new release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements related to the Proposed Transaction, satisfaction of the conditions precedent to the Proposed Transaction, and the acquisition of the Union Bay Property and related matters. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward- looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. To view the source version of this press release, please visit Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Supercharge your wellness routine with this best-selling collagen powder.
Looking to level up your skin, hair and nail game this summer? Shoppers are raving about this one supplement — and no, it's not some random TikTok trend. Enter Organika's Enhanced Collagen Protein. This odourless and flavourless powder has earned a loyal following from skincare junkies. It's easy to mix in your smoothies, coffee, matcha and more. Plus it's packed with the good stuff to support glowing skin, healthy joints and stronger hair and nails without any sketchy additives. Oh, and did we mention it's sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle? Your body (and your morning latte) will thank you. As an added bonus, the collagen powder is made in Canada and available via Amazon's Canada Showcase. Keep scrolling to see why the beauty powder is worth the hype. While the unflavoured option is popular, this powder is also available in Lemon and Chocolate flavours. If you've heard the buzz about collagen but are still on the fence, here's what you need to know. Collagen powder has become a go-to supplement and the science backs it up. Studies have shown that hydrolyzed collagen (the kind used in most powders and Organika's supplements) can significantly improve skin elasticity (which decreases with age), hydration and texture, while helping to reduce wrinkles. It's also been shown to relieve joint pain and improve mobility in those with osteoarthritis, making it a popular choice for active individuals and those experiencing age-related joint issues. Each 500g tub contains pure collagen peptides sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle with no hormones, antibiotics, or GMOs. It's also gluten-free, keto-friendly and paleo-approved, making it a versatile choice for a range of dietary needs. Because it's hydrolyzed, it's broken down into smaller peptides for better absorption, meaning your body can actually put it to popular anti-wrinkle cream is made in Canada — and it's only $15 on Amazon I've been using this anti-aging face cream for over a year. It's just like La Mer's $525 cream, but it's $476 cheaper Paulina Porizkova, 59, is 'completely and utterly fangirling' over this viral anti-aging treatment The powder is also undetectable once added into hot or cold drinks, smoothies, soups, or baked goods and there's no weird aftertaste or clumps. 👜 12,000+ reviews ⭐ 4.5/5 stars 🏅 "One of the best collagen products I've tried!" Organika's Enhanced Collagen Protein has garnered a loyal following among Canadians for its quality and effectiveness. One happy shopper raved: "I started using this product to address joint discomfort, and it's been a game-changer!" Another said: "I already notice quite an improvement in my hair, skin, nails and even my joints after 6 weeks." Not sure what shoppers say about blending it with drinks? Rest assured. One shopper revealed: "The powder dissolves easily without altering the taste or texture of my drink." Did you know Organika is BC-based & family owned and operated for over 30 years? While most are thrilled with their purchase, some have noted about the size of the packaging and amount of product: "Disappointed that the container was way bigger than the contents." If you've been in search of a low-maintenance way to boost and supercharge your wellness, Organika's Enhanced Collagen Powder is the way to go. Between the stellar reviews and benefits, this powder is about to become your newest secret weapon.
Associated Press
29-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Alset AI Partners with Excel Computility to Expand AI Infrastructure Through Scalable PaaS Offering
Strategic Partnership Aims to Boost PaaS Model with Integrated Power and AI-Optimized Hardware Solutions VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / May 29, 2025 / Alset AI Ventures Inc. (TSXV:GPUS)(OTC PINK:GPUSF)(FSE:1R60, WKN:A3ESVQ)('Alset AI' or the 'Company') an artificial intelligence ('AI') venture company advancing innovation through strategic investment and cloud computing solutions, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Excel Computility Service Ltd. ('Excel Computility'), a Richmond, BC-based provider specializing in AI-optimized hardware, services, and data center solutions. The strategic partnership has been formalized through a subcontracting agreement (the 'Agreement') between the Company and Excel Computility dated May 28, 2025. This collaboration aims to significantly scale the Platform-as-a-Service ('PaaS') model of Alset AI's portfolio company, ('Lyken') by integrating Excel Computility's advanced graphics processing unit ('GPU') clusters, AI-ready NAS systems, and data center expertise. The Agreement will remain in effect until all obligations have been provided in full (the 'Term'). Throughout the Term, Excel Computiliy will provide Cloud Computing hardware, support, and related services to Lyken, and other third-party clients with whom the Company has existing contractual relationships. Excel Computility brings experience in data center construction and offers a range of services including public and private cloud solutions, AI data center project consulting, and AI-ready NAS systems. Their infrastructure features high-performance servers such as Gigabyte G292-40/45 and Supermicro SYS-821GE-TNHR, equipped with 8 GPUs (H100, A100, or A6000), designed to meet the demanding requirements of AI workloads. Adam Ingrao, CEO of Alset, stated: 'Our formalized partnership with Excel Computility is a significant step forward in expanding Lyken's PaaS capabilities. By integrating Excel Computility's advanced hardware and data center solutions, we are enhancing our ability to provide scalable, efficient, and high-performance AI infrastructure to our clients across Canada and the United States.' This partnership aligns with Lyken's mission to provide end-to-end AI infrastructure solutions, enabling startups, enterprises, and public institutions to scale AI deployment with speed and confidence. The integration of Excel Computility's services will allow Lyken to offer a more robust and scalable platform, addressing the growing demand for AI compute power. About Alset AI Ventures Inc. Alset AI is a pioneering AI and cloud computing investment firm, committed to nurturing high-potential technology companies. Through a combination of capital, strategic advisory, and cloud computing alliances, Alset AI is shaping the future of artificial intelligence and building an AI-focused venture capital platform poised for substantial growth. About Excel Computility Service Ltd. Excel Computilityis a pioneering AI cloud and edge computing company dedicated to accelerating the AI revolution across Canada and multiple industry verticals. By delivering comprehensive, full-stack solutions-including AI data centers (AIDC), GPU cloud services, model-as-a-service (MaaS), and industry-specific edge AI solutions. Excel Computility empowers businesses to adopt AI in a service-driven, cost-effective manner, driving operational excellence and innovation. For further information about Alset AI Ventures Inc., please contact: Investor Relations Adam Ingrao Chief Executive Officer T: 236.312.6744 E: [email protected] Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, 'forward-looking statements') related to the strategic partnership between Alset AI and Excel Computility, including the collaboration's objective to significantly scale Lyken's PaaS model, anticipated steps to integrate Excel's advanced hardware and data center solutions to enhance Alset AI's ability to deliver scalable, efficient, and high-performance AI infrastructure across Canada and the United States, the parties' shared aspiration to empower startups, enterprises, and public institutions to deploy AI solutions with speed and confidence, and any implications resulting from the integration of Excel Computility with the Company's business. Forward-looking statements normally contain words like 'will', 'intend', 'anticipate', 'could', 'should', 'may', 'might', 'expect', 'estimate', 'forecast', 'plan', 'potential', 'project', 'assume', 'contemplate', 'believe', 'shall', 'scheduled', and similar terms. These statements are only predictions. Various assumptions were used in drawing the conclusions or making the projections contained in the forward-looking statements throughout this press statements are not guarantees of future performance, actions, or developments and are based on expectations, assumptions, and other factors that management currently believes are relevant, reasonable, and appropriate in the circumstances. Although management believes that the forward-looking statements herein are reasonable, actual results could be substantially different due to the risks and uncertainties associated with and inherent to Alset AI's business. Additional material risks and uncertainties applicable to the forward-looking statements herein include, without limitation, the impact of general economic conditions, and unforeseen events and developments. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect the Company's forward-looking statements. Many of these factors are beyond the control of Alset AI. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as at the date hereof, and Alset AI undertakes no obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. Risks and uncertainties about the Company's business are more fully discussed under the heading 'Risks and Uncertainties' in its most recent Management's Discussion and Analysis and other disclosure documents available on SEDAR+ at SOURCE: Alset AI Ventures Inc. press release
