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TB OPINION: DOWN TO EARTH ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE CHANGE FOCUS OF DOWN TO EARTH EDITION EARTH DAY-THEMED CONTENT AIMS TO INFORM, INSPIRE, EMPOWER, WRITES CATHERINE O'HARA ots about rust Our rela ‘ders tiative to tell you who we are CATHERINE O'HARA Column and how and why we do what we do. “Climate is a threat to human well-being and planetary health." "There is a rapidly clos- ing window of opportunity to secure a livable and sus- tainable future for all." "Human-caused climate change is already affecting many weather and climate extremes in every region across the globe." These statements by the an picture of the current state GDOWN TO EARTH of the planet. We don't need a special report to tell us that green- house gas emissions are having devastating and po- Extreme weather events, for example, are more common —_— _ their impacts are far From food and water security toour health, the economy, nature, people and community, the effects are widespread. As the UN's panel on cli- mate change continues soundi the alarm, the sense of urgency is almost palpable. Action is needed —now. “The choices and actions implemented i in this decade have impacts now and for thousands of years,” reads the panel's 2023 Cli- mate Change assessment report. With Earth Day at our doorstep, Metroland jour- nalists home in on the topics of climate change, the envi- ronment, sustainable solu- tions and more for Down to Earth, a special themed edi- tion. We acknowledge that this topic can be weighty, and thinking about tackling climate change can feel overwhelming. That's why ~ ways that are not only en- -F gaging but easy to under- g stand. There are also good 2 news stories to share. Throughout the pages of this publication and online, ° readers will meet environ- 3 mental championsand busi- FA nesses that are innovative 5 and leading the charge. 2 As always, our coverage 2 is rooted in a desire to in- 8 form. We hope you'll find 8 Down to Earth stories help- 8 ful, inspiring and empower- ing, too. Catherine O'Hara is deputy director of content for Metroland. We welcome your questions and value sion tounpack the subject in your trust@metroland.com. BB DOWN TO EARTH KW VEGFEST EARTH DAY POP-UP KW VegFest is back for its sixth year with a pop-up event eedee on Earth Day, Saturday, April 22, from 3to7p.m. vat Waterloo ole] @ fo), Amt v.\4 =i Town Square. People can drop by for free samples of plant- based foods, including cheeses, milks and sausag- PAY LATER! es, with international fare from Africa, Asia, Canada, Eastern Europe and India. There will be baklava, gourmet donuts, tropical juices, curries, perogies and Korean bao, as well as Canadian favourites like CRUISES mac and cheese. Highlighting plant- based foods, the pop-up event is presented by Wa- terloo Region Climate Ini- tiatives, with assistance from VegFund and the City of Waterloo. Music New York will be provided by vegan artist VEFO of Vegan Love 4 All. “With such a small win- dow of time left for us to in things around for the planet, scientists tell us that turning our attention to the food we eat is essen- tial, and VegFests across the planet celebrate and promote the benefits of plant-based living for ev- eryone, and for our chil- dren's future," a news re- lease says. Weekly Specials APRIL 17 - 24, 2023 Store Made Roadhaus Beef Burgers (12 x 6 oz) Striploin Steaks $14.99 Ib Reg $17.99 Ib $33.05 kg Reg $39.66 kg $25.99 box Reg $27.99 box St. Louis Cut Side Ribs $5.99 Ib Reg $7.99 Ib $13.21 kg Reg $17.61 kg Sue, pay RAS Le AN INTEREST Cabbage Rolls (2 sizes) 4 pe $11.49 Reg $13.49 16 pc $39.99 Reg $45.99 Store Made Jumbo Beef & Pork Wieners $3.99 Ib Reg $4.99 Ib $8.80 kg Reg $11.00 kg Store Made Sliced No Nitrate Beef ummer Sausage $2.20/100 g Reg $2. $9.99 Ib Reg $1 At Book and Go Travel, our Zero Interest" Program gives you a better way to finance your travel! Phone 1-888-801-2463, visit booKandgo.ca or scan the QR code below to see how. SCAN FOR MORE INFORMATION (BOOKANDGO.ca ZF. Vv 3031 Lobsinger Line, Heidelberg Mon - Thur 9 ay -6pm; an Mm am - 7 pm; Sat 7:30 am - STEMMLERMEATS.CA [Only the best from our family to yours! 1-888-801-2463 519-699-4590 “OAC. subject to terms of your Flexiti cardholder agreement. Offer valid for residents of Canada (excluding Quebed) For full terms and conditions visit fi -your-trip or scan the QR code. '9]9|UOIYDOOLLE}2M