Strategic Optimism
and the 'greatest' source of new energy
“What is the greatest source of new energy in North America since 1975? It’s not solar. It’s not wind. It’s not nuclear. It’s energy efficiency.” Jim Harris quoted in Corporate Knights Weekly Roundup. “Energy efficiency is the cheapest source of new energy because every kilowatt-hour that I save on the grid is one that someone else can use.”
Summer Students Jobs at the London Environmental Network (LEN)
Environmental Outreach Coordinator to lead the Antler River Rally program
Environmental Program Coordinator, Thriving Communities
Join Seniors for Climate on Feb 25 for a conversation with MP Steven Guilbeault, sharing his latest insights on Canada’s climate path forward, followed by a live Q&A where you can ask your own burning questions. 6:30pm EST.
London Clean and Green: 20-Minute Makeover, Friday, April 17, 2026
Climate Action: Could you organize a 20 min clean up at your business, school, or neighbourhood to pick up litter and help keep plastics out of the Thames River? Start by adding your project to the map. Gloves and garbage bags, as well as arranging pick up of what is collected, are available from the city upon request.
The Future is Rural: Reclaiming Food Sovereignty through Farming Clubs?
A podcast by Nate Hagens where he explores the concept of a ‘Farming Club’ with biologist and farmer Jason Bradford. Do you have a yearning to grow food, but don’t have access to land? Consider helping with the food forests in London. Start by joining London’s Food Forest facebook group.
Exhibitor Applications for Earthfest London 2026 now open!
Coming to the Feb 23 Infrastructure and Corporate Services Committee meeting, is approval to sign agreements with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities for grants from the Green Municipal fund to cover more than half of the costs for two feasibility studies.
Community Energy Systems
This project includes engagement and collaboration between the City of London and the private housing development sector to evaluate potential municipal policy and program tools for new housing or building projects powered by community energy systems. The project aligns with recent Council support for private developer-led studies also funded by FCM’s GMF on the feasibility of community energy systems as part of two large-scale developments within London’s east and south Transit Villages.
Municipal Fleet Electrification and Decarbonization
The study will identify “shelf-ready” projects that may be eligible for funding per the February 5, 2026, federal government announcement for zero-emission vehicles and infrastructure. This will include technical, return on investment, operational, and infrastructure assessments.
There was concern at a previous meeting (by Councillor Stevenson) when approval was given to apply for this funding, that doing a study would lock Council into actioning the results.
This is not unusual for government to partner with the private sector. Government funding helped create Sifton’s West 5 innovative energy systems too.
The city’s climate plan is divided into 10 Areas of Focus. One of which is Demonstrating Leadership in Municipal Processes and Collaborations
The following metrics are reported in the City of London’s Climate Emergency Action Plan (CEAP) Dashboard:
Indicator 7.1: % of light duty fleet vehicles zero emission: 3.6% (2024) 2.8% (2022/23)
Indicator 7.2: % of med duty (off road) fleet vehicles zero emission: 10.9% (2024/23/22)
Outcome 7.8: Revising City of London Fleet Vehicle and Equipment Procurement Plans.
Action: Develop procurement processes, that ensure all fleet procurements fully examine alternatives and opportunities to reduce and/or eliminate fossil fuel use in City fleet, taking into account key operational factors such as product availability and performance, service levels, infrastructure and power supply requirements, financial feasibility and budgetary limitations, including:
i. Developing plans for enhanced fleet vehicle utilization, idling reduction, vehicle sharing, vehicle reductions, and further adoption of Low-Speed Electric Vehicles (LSV), e-bikes and (potentially) cargo e-bikes.
Latest Update: 2024 Climate Emergency Action Plan Update Report (Jan 14, 2025)
Business case not supported (aka the majority of city councillors voted against this expenditure) for green fleet transition as part of 2024-2027 Multi-Year Budget (MYB). Will refer to 2028-2031 MYB.
Feb. 24 - 7-8:30pm Biodiversity Gardening and the Restoration of Nature Dr. Nina Zitani promotes diversity and will guide you in supporting wildlife in your backyard. Nature in the City, Wolf Performance Hall, free
Wed Feb 25, 7-8pm Introduction to Homesteading, with speaker Mike Courey of New Moon Community Homestead and hosted by TREA at Grosvenor Lodge. rsvp at info@trea.ca
Thurs Feb 26, 7pm Winning Local Office - the Importance of Resources, hosted by the Urban League of London, and featuring Martin Horak. Goodwill Town Hall Room 255 Horton St. free
Thurs Feb 26, 6-9pm Kairos Blanket Exercise hosted by Old North East Neighbourhood Association. An interactive & experiential way to learn about the history and relationship between Indigenous & non-Indigenous peoples in Canada. 18 yrs old +. Registration (free) required. (Please bring/wear socks)
Sat Feb 28, 11am-2pm The Really Really Free Market at Reimagine Co. 206 Piccadilly St. Give what you have. Take what you need.
Mar. 3 - 7-8:30pm Birds in the City Join local nature photographer Brian Lasenby as he highlights some of this extraordinary diversity, along with the need for continued habitat protection. Nature in the City, Wolf Performance Hall, free
Wed March 4, 7-8pm Introduction to Permaculture, with speaker Jessica Robertson hosted by TREA at Grosvenor Lodge. rsvp at info@trea.ca
Sat March 7, 10-3pm Seedy Saturday hosted by London Master Gardeners, Carling Heights Community Centre. $5 entry to exhibit hall and 3 expert speakers.
Thurs March 12, 5-7pm Leanne Betasomasake Simpson, author of Theory of Water: Nishnaabe Maps to the Times Ahead will be speaking at Conron Hall, University College, Western. Register (free) (Listen to the interview with CBC Ideas here)
Fri March 13, 5pm Deadline to apply for Environmental Action Incubator grant through the London Environmental Network.
Fridays for Future 2:30 - 3:30pm continues every Friday at the corner of Dufferin and Wellington streets. Bring a sign, or just come to chat and experience fellowship with other concerned citizens. This is a small group, dedicated to holding a place for youth in support of Greta Thunberg’s global movement.
Optimism Is At An All-Time Low: Here’s What We Do About It
A Case For Strategic Optimism
Anne Therese Gennari Feb 13
Days will (hopefully, I pray for this) come when we look back in awe at the revolutions that took place—spiritually, societally, and innovationally—which enabled a whole new world to take shape. But it takes a certain courage and commitment to understand that all those revolutions are unfolding right now.
We are the revolution. And therefore, dear reader, you matter more than you can probably ever imagine.
Your leadership matters.
Your spirit, mindset, and health matter.
How you show up for each day matters (because each day matters).
And, yes, your optimism matters.
Let’s choose to be the resistance. Let’s show up in our light and recognize that optimism—not wishful thinking, denialism, or flat, toxic positivity, but real, grounded, and strategic optimism—is the way forward. And if we can embody it and learn how to practice it, we invite others to do the same.