Arno Kopecky
@arnokopecky.bsky.social
Environmental journalist and author.
I cover 🇨🇦 affairs for @nationalobserver.com.
Contributing writer @thewalrus.ca.
I cover 🇨🇦 affairs for @nationalobserver.com.
Contributing writer @thewalrus.ca.
A rando cool thing I learned while reporting this: There's no such thing as cold!
There's only heat, & heat's absence.
You can push heat into a space. To cool it down, you suck the heat out.
eg - an ice cube doesn't project cold into your glass of water. Instead, it absorbs the whiskey's warmth.
There's only heat, & heat's absence.
You can push heat into a space. To cool it down, you suck the heat out.
eg - an ice cube doesn't project cold into your glass of water. Instead, it absorbs the whiskey's warmth.
Ever heard of district energy?
It's coming...or is it already here?
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/25/n...
It's coming...or is it already here?
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/25/n...
Dear Canada: meet district energy
The best emissions-reduction strategy you’ve never heard of is coming to a neighborhood near you.
www.nationalobserver.com
November 25, 2025 at 7:03 PM
A rando cool thing I learned while reporting this: There's no such thing as cold!
There's only heat, & heat's absence.
You can push heat into a space. To cool it down, you suck the heat out.
eg - an ice cube doesn't project cold into your glass of water. Instead, it absorbs the whiskey's warmth.
There's only heat, & heat's absence.
You can push heat into a space. To cool it down, you suck the heat out.
eg - an ice cube doesn't project cold into your glass of water. Instead, it absorbs the whiskey's warmth.
Thread👇
UN climate summits are a strange hybrid of diplomatic negotiations and a sprawling climate change bazaar. You can learn a lot about the state of climate action from watching the negotiations and from the many concurrent panels and side events. Here are five themes that emerged frequently at #COP30:
November 25, 2025 at 4:24 PM
Thread👇
Ever heard of district energy?
It's coming...or is it already here?
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/25/n...
It's coming...or is it already here?
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/25/n...
Dear Canada: meet district energy
The best emissions-reduction strategy you’ve never heard of is coming to a neighborhood near you.
www.nationalobserver.com
November 25, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Ever heard of district energy?
It's coming...or is it already here?
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/25/n...
It's coming...or is it already here?
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/25/n...
Engaging with this over on that other site is like one-way ticket to the asylum
I'm going to reserve my formal opinion for when the details emerge, but I have opinions www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
Ottawa, Alberta agree to broad outlines of energy deal, including path to pipeline | CBC News
Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith have agreed to the broad outlines of a memorandum of understanding that would give Alberta special exemptions from federal environmental l...
www.cbc.ca
November 25, 2025 at 12:21 AM
Engaging with this over on that other site is like one-way ticket to the asylum
Reposted by Arno Kopecky
Although the scale of this is still to be assessed, this is the inevitable outcome of the monetization of the algorithm. Rage-bait becomes a personal revenue model. Nothing about this should be a surprise.
NEWS: I spent the past 24 hours going through major MAGA accounts on Twitter, and a bombshell development has become clear: most of the right-wing ecosphere is being fed propaganda from foreign actors.
This impacts elections. This impacts discourse. This is major. Subscribe to support my work:
This impacts elections. This impacts discourse. This is major. Subscribe to support my work:
NEWS: Major MAGA Accounts on Twitter Exposed as Foreign Actors
A stunning development over the past 24 hours.
open.substack.com
November 23, 2025 at 8:02 PM
Although the scale of this is still to be assessed, this is the inevitable outcome of the monetization of the algorithm. Rage-bait becomes a personal revenue model. Nothing about this should be a surprise.
Reposted by Arno Kopecky
Excellent antidote to depression here.
Today on Volts: the subset of cleantech known as "electrotech" -- solar, batteries, heat pumps, etc. -- is marching toward inevitable victory, not because it's low-emissions (though it is), but because it's more efficient & cheaper. I discuss the good news with @kingsmillbond.bsky.social.
Clean electrification is inevitable
Kingsmill Bond explains why the global march of "electrotech" has moved beyond the reach of US political interference.
www.volts.wtf
November 22, 2025 at 6:33 PM
Excellent antidote to depression here.
Look forward to hearing all those who cite the majority of Canadians wanting a pipeline engage with this poll, too.
92% of Albertans agree oil and gas companies need to foot the bill to clean up their mess.
Wow.
Wow.
“Albertans don’t agree on a lot these days,” said pollster Janet Brown, “but our research shows they overwhelmingly want the oil and gas industry to pay their bills.”
Read more at: reddeeradvocate.com/2025/11/20/a...
reddeeradvocate.com/2025/11/20/a...
Read more at: reddeeradvocate.com/2025/11/20/a...
reddeeradvocate.com/2025/11/20/a...
November 21, 2025 at 7:54 PM
Look forward to hearing all those who cite the majority of Canadians wanting a pipeline engage with this poll, too.
Ellis Ross's position is one of the more quietly fascinating aspects of this story...
BC's premier compared Alberta/Sask oil pipeline plans to "a couple tourists wearing sandals wandering into the woods on the North Shore."
Here's a map of those deep, dark woods — my deep dive on 50 years of fighting oil transportation on BC's north coast. @thetyee.ca
thetyee.ca/News/2025/11...
Here's a map of those deep, dark woods — my deep dive on 50 years of fighting oil transportation on BC's north coast. @thetyee.ca
thetyee.ca/News/2025/11...
The Oil Tanker Ban That Dims Alberta’s Pipeline Hopes | The Tyee
The law is six years old. But federal promises to protect BC’s north coast from spills date back decades.
thetyee.ca
November 21, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Ellis Ross's position is one of the more quietly fascinating aspects of this story...
!!
No one seemed to notice or make a fuss about it, but the International Energy Agency's latest World Energy Outlook estimates that AI will save ~6 to 7 times more energy than it consumes by 2035.
November 20, 2025 at 7:10 PM
!!
Geothermal, baby.
Another one that’s slipped through Canada’s nation-building, deep-drilling cracks…so far.
Another one that’s slipped through Canada’s nation-building, deep-drilling cracks…so far.
You know #Geothermal has at last made the <> when @newyorker.com runs a long read!
Brilliant reporting by Rivka Galchen with quotes from @leahstokes.bsky.social @gwagner.com @timlatimer.bsky.social
www.newyorker.com/magazine/202...
Brilliant reporting by Rivka Galchen with quotes from @leahstokes.bsky.social @gwagner.com @timlatimer.bsky.social
www.newyorker.com/magazine/202...
Why the Time Has Finally Come for Geothermal Energy
It used to be that drawing heat from deep in the Earth was practical only in geyser-filled places such as Iceland. But new approaches may have us on the cusp of an energy revolution.
www.newyorker.com
November 20, 2025 at 4:19 AM
Geothermal, baby.
Another one that’s slipped through Canada’s nation-building, deep-drilling cracks…so far.
Another one that’s slipped through Canada’s nation-building, deep-drilling cracks…so far.
So this was fun.
News broke just before we went live that Carney and Smith are on the brink of reaching a pipeline deal that may (or may not!) include lifting the tanker ban.
This is me processint in real time, with Real Talk @ryanjespersen.bsky.social 👇
News broke just before we went live that Carney and Smith are on the brink of reaching a pipeline deal that may (or may not!) include lifting the tanker ban.
This is me processint in real time, with Real Talk @ryanjespersen.bsky.social 👇
"I don't know if Mark Carney and Danielle Smith appreciate the scale of opposition here. Carney's threading a really crazy tightrope." @arnokopecky.bsky.social says a new pipeline is far from guaranteed. Thoughts?
📺 FULL: rtrj.info/111925BILL9
🎧: rtrj.info/111925 #cdnpoli
youtu.be/dasiIXFpLTE?...
📺 FULL: rtrj.info/111925BILL9
🎧: rtrj.info/111925 #cdnpoli
youtu.be/dasiIXFpLTE?...
"Carney's Threading a Crazy Tightrope"
YouTube video by Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
youtu.be
November 20, 2025 at 2:56 AM
So this was fun.
News broke just before we went live that Carney and Smith are on the brink of reaching a pipeline deal that may (or may not!) include lifting the tanker ban.
This is me processint in real time, with Real Talk @ryanjespersen.bsky.social 👇
News broke just before we went live that Carney and Smith are on the brink of reaching a pipeline deal that may (or may not!) include lifting the tanker ban.
This is me processint in real time, with Real Talk @ryanjespersen.bsky.social 👇
Crikey
Email just went out on my campus that the Immigration Goons ("federal immigration agents") will be in town (Raleigh).
Inter alia, it says,"International students, faculty and staff should carry evidence of their immigration status with them at all times."
The fuck kind of country are we living in?
Inter alia, it says,"International students, faculty and staff should carry evidence of their immigration status with them at all times."
The fuck kind of country are we living in?
November 18, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Crikey
Lots of folks hating on May for voting yes on the budget.
But she extracted a super-public, verbal commitment from Carney to honour Paris commitments, & made climate policy a big part of the news cycle.
Seems like effective leveraging — esp given the budget was gonna pass no matter what.
But she extracted a super-public, verbal commitment from Carney to honour Paris commitments, & made climate policy a big part of the news cycle.
Seems like effective leveraging — esp given the budget was gonna pass no matter what.
November 18, 2025 at 4:35 PM
Lots of folks hating on May for voting yes on the budget.
But she extracted a super-public, verbal commitment from Carney to honour Paris commitments, & made climate policy a big part of the news cycle.
Seems like effective leveraging — esp given the budget was gonna pass no matter what.
But she extracted a super-public, verbal commitment from Carney to honour Paris commitments, & made climate policy a big part of the news cycle.
Seems like effective leveraging — esp given the budget was gonna pass no matter what.
What a delight to be selected as a Messenger of Biodiversity for the second year running.
Huge thanks to the Sitka Foundation for this generous gift. By believing in the power of journalism, you increase the power of journalism.
Big congrats to my fellow Fellows - fine company!
LFG!
Huge thanks to the Sitka Foundation for this generous gift. By believing in the power of journalism, you increase the power of journalism.
Big congrats to my fellow Fellows - fine company!
LFG!
November 17, 2025 at 5:15 PM
What a delight to be selected as a Messenger of Biodiversity for the second year running.
Huge thanks to the Sitka Foundation for this generous gift. By believing in the power of journalism, you increase the power of journalism.
Big congrats to my fellow Fellows - fine company!
LFG!
Huge thanks to the Sitka Foundation for this generous gift. By believing in the power of journalism, you increase the power of journalism.
Big congrats to my fellow Fellows - fine company!
LFG!
"It is not apparent how much the president of the United States sleeps.” - Mark Carney on Trump.
"Hitler stays up late and sleeps badly, which I fear is the world's misfortune." - William Shirer on the other guy.
www.thestar.com/politics/the...
"Hitler stays up late and sleeps badly, which I fear is the world's misfortune." - William Shirer on the other guy.
www.thestar.com/politics/the...
There’s a reason Mark Carney isn’t talking to Donald Trump
Where Carney was once in nearly a 24/7 texting-back-and-forth relationship with Trump, the prime minister and the president have had no contact on trade since the APEC summit in Korea,
www.thestar.com
November 15, 2025 at 4:52 PM
"It is not apparent how much the president of the United States sleeps.” - Mark Carney on Trump.
"Hitler stays up late and sleeps badly, which I fear is the world's misfortune." - William Shirer on the other guy.
www.thestar.com/politics/the...
"Hitler stays up late and sleeps badly, which I fear is the world's misfortune." - William Shirer on the other guy.
www.thestar.com/politics/the...
"Profit-making replaced nation-building as the prime motive."
Plus ca change...
Plus ca change...
An expensive project to export Canada’s resources, getting subsidy after subsidy. A way to diversify Prairie exports away from a single buyer, but with major opposition from affected First Nations. Promises of prosperity.
Icebergs.
My column this week, about the historical echoes of Ksi Lisims.
Icebergs.
My column this week, about the historical echoes of Ksi Lisims.
This LNG project sounds familiar — and not in a good way
More than a century ago, Prince Rupert, BC was poised to become the hub of the Pacific, thanks to a megaproject with eerie similarities to what's coming now. What happened?
www.nationalobserver.com
November 15, 2025 at 4:37 PM
"Profit-making replaced nation-building as the prime motive."
Plus ca change...
Plus ca change...
Reposted by Arno Kopecky
Canadian Geothermal is World Class, Ready to Scale for Global Markets
Geothermal is closely tied to oil/gas drilling. Alberta is a leader in this technology.
Perfect fit for economic diversification.
@ABDanielleSmith @MarkJCarney
#ableg #cdnpoli
youtu.be/klaxCT38M9s
Geothermal is closely tied to oil/gas drilling. Alberta is a leader in this technology.
Perfect fit for economic diversification.
@ABDanielleSmith @MarkJCarney
#ableg #cdnpoli
youtu.be/klaxCT38M9s
Canadian Geothermal is World Class, Ready to Scale for Global Markets
YouTube video by Energi Media
youtu.be
November 14, 2025 at 7:19 PM
Canadian Geothermal is World Class, Ready to Scale for Global Markets
Geothermal is closely tied to oil/gas drilling. Alberta is a leader in this technology.
Perfect fit for economic diversification.
@ABDanielleSmith @MarkJCarney
#ableg #cdnpoli
youtu.be/klaxCT38M9s
Geothermal is closely tied to oil/gas drilling. Alberta is a leader in this technology.
Perfect fit for economic diversification.
@ABDanielleSmith @MarkJCarney
#ableg #cdnpoli
youtu.be/klaxCT38M9s
Reposted by Arno Kopecky
Reposted by Arno Kopecky
Seriously appreciating this close-up translation of Carney's energy plans from @arnokopecky.bsky.social 👏
In four minutes, Carney revealed his energy policy
In four minutes at the Canadian Club Toronto, Carney gave away more than he has all year.
www.nationalobserver.com
November 14, 2025 at 5:28 PM
Seriously appreciating this close-up translation of Carney's energy plans from @arnokopecky.bsky.social 👏
Lots of attention (rightly so) on Carney's latest Major Projects announcements.
But imo, Ottawa's energy/climate policy is way bigger than that. And last week, in a riveting on-stage / off-script exchange, Carney revealed that picture in full.
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/14/a...
But imo, Ottawa's energy/climate policy is way bigger than that. And last week, in a riveting on-stage / off-script exchange, Carney revealed that picture in full.
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/14/a...
In four minutes, Carney revealed his energy policy
In four minutes at the Canadian Club Toronto, Carney gave away more than he has all year.
www.nationalobserver.com
November 14, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Lots of attention (rightly so) on Carney's latest Major Projects announcements.
But imo, Ottawa's energy/climate policy is way bigger than that. And last week, in a riveting on-stage / off-script exchange, Carney revealed that picture in full.
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/14/a...
But imo, Ottawa's energy/climate policy is way bigger than that. And last week, in a riveting on-stage / off-script exchange, Carney revealed that picture in full.
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/14/a...
Oh wow - *that’s* why they changed venues? Ouch.
Fun fact: Carney wasn’t even welcome in Prince Rupert for this announcement — local nations including Lax Kw’alaams and Metlakatla are opposing Ksi Lisims LNG. He had to change the venue last minute, yet the Feds and province are still rushing to fast-track this giveaway to US billionaires. #bcpoli
November 13, 2025 at 10:26 PM
Oh wow - *that’s* why they changed venues? Ouch.
Reposted by Arno Kopecky
We are not living in an era of optional climate policy. We are living in an era of planetary limits where the choices we make in city halls will determine the world our children inherit, @carolmliao.bsky.social and @naomiaklein.bsky.social write. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/13/o...
Vancouver’s climate leadership is a promise we can’t break
Eliminating the city’s climate and sustainability department is a betrayal of our collective future, write Carol Liao and Naomi Klein
www.nationalobserver.com
November 13, 2025 at 2:56 PM
We are not living in an era of optional climate policy. We are living in an era of planetary limits where the choices we make in city halls will determine the world our children inherit, @carolmliao.bsky.social and @naomiaklein.bsky.social write. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/13/o...
I feel like this doesn't get enough acknowledgement
Democrats were in a tough position because Trump is very credible when he threatens to murder millions of Americans if they do not give him what he wants.
November 11, 2025 at 3:20 PM
I feel like this doesn't get enough acknowledgement
Reposted by Arno Kopecky
Vancouver mayor plans to eliminate city's climate & sustainability dept. This would spell an end to the city's national leadership in urban climate policy.
Great reporting by @mfawcettatkinson.bsky.social & @natashabulowski.bsky.social
If you disagree...
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/11/n...
Great reporting by @mfawcettatkinson.bsky.social & @natashabulowski.bsky.social
If you disagree...
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/11/n...
Vancouver mayor plans to eliminate city's climate and sustainability department
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim is planning to eliminate the city's sustainability and climate department under the guise of a push to prevent increases to property taxes. Canada's National Observer learned a...
www.nationalobserver.com
November 11, 2025 at 5:39 AM
Vancouver mayor plans to eliminate city's climate & sustainability dept. This would spell an end to the city's national leadership in urban climate policy.
Great reporting by @mfawcettatkinson.bsky.social & @natashabulowski.bsky.social
If you disagree...
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/11/n...
Great reporting by @mfawcettatkinson.bsky.social & @natashabulowski.bsky.social
If you disagree...
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/11/n...
“The belief that the transition is inevitable is the mechanism itself."
- Masterful essay from one of Canada's best climate writers, @theturner.bsky.social, on the state of play going into COP 30.
Puts the current moment in crystal clear context.
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
- Masterful essay from one of Canada's best climate writers, @theturner.bsky.social, on the state of play going into COP 30.
Puts the current moment in crystal clear context.
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
Opinion: A decade after the Paris Agreement, the clean economy is winning
As the world’s climate negotiators gather in Brazil, they must understand that the energy transition is now inevitable
www.theglobeandmail.com
November 8, 2025 at 4:38 PM
“The belief that the transition is inevitable is the mechanism itself."
- Masterful essay from one of Canada's best climate writers, @theturner.bsky.social, on the state of play going into COP 30.
Puts the current moment in crystal clear context.
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
- Masterful essay from one of Canada's best climate writers, @theturner.bsky.social, on the state of play going into COP 30.
Puts the current moment in crystal clear context.
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...