Data from the Real Estate Board indicates a significant decline in home sales in Calgary this past October. Compared to October 2023, housing sales in the city fell by 15.3% last month. A slight decrease in overall prices has also been observed in the market.
Ann-Marie Lurie, the Board’s Chief Economist, explained that this is primarily due to an oversupply of units in the apartment and multi-family housing segments. In contrast, prices for single-detached and semi-detached homes have remained more stable. The number of new listings entering the market last October dropped by 9.4% compared to the previous year, totaling 2,928 units. Official reports also indicate that total inventory has decreased by 4.6% from the previous year, falling to 6,173 homes.
A wheel detached from a PAL Airlines aircraft during its landing in Wabush, Labrador. Lee Pitts, a passenger who is also a CBC producer, captured footage of the wheel coming off the aircraft's landing gear just as it touched down on the runway.
The incident occurred on Friday as Flight 901 was landing in Wabush. Lee Pitts stated that he had noticed smoke coming from the area of the wheel during takeoff from Goose Bay; upon seeing the wheel wobbling shortly after the plane took off, he began recording the video.
Despite losing the wheel, the aircraft landed safely, and all passengers were able to disembark without injury.
Joseph Galimberti, a spokesperson for PAL Airlines, explained that the incident was caused by a failure in the wheel bearing. He added that an investigation into the event is currently underway in coordination with Transport Canada. The airline also promptly arranged another aircraft to continue the journey.
It has been revealed that more than 175,000 Canadian dollars were spent on food and beverages during a trip to China, Qatar, and Davos by the Canadian Prime Minister and his official delegation. This information emerged from data provided by the Royal Canadian Air Force, released to the Canadian Taxpayers Federation under access-to-information laws. The delegation’s trip lasted nine days. This extravagance by those in power—occurring while ordinary citizens struggle with the rising cost of living—has sparked strong political protest within the country.
During the journey aboard a special Air Force aircraft, luxurious fare was prepared for the official delegation. The menu included items such as black cod, roast beef with truffle sauce, and lobster; it is estimated that the cost for food averaged more than 2,400 dollars per passenger. Furthermore, the records indicate that the government spent over 223,000 dollars on aircraft fuel alone. The fact that the new government—which had previously leveled sharp criticism against the travel expenses of former Prime Ministers—spent a similar amount on in-flight catering has provided the opposition with a potent weapon. Opposition parties have alleged that the government has completely failed to spend taxpayers' money responsibly. However, the Prime Minister's Office has clarified that the trip was aimed at strengthening the nation's diplomatic ties internationally, and that the arrangements made on board were in accordance with established protocol.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has reignited discussions on incorporating Canada as the European Union's first 'associate member.' Emerging ahead of a high-level summit, this proposal could mark a historic turning point in Europe's relationship with the North American nation. Against a backdrop of trade disputes and shifting global geopolitics, this significant partnership is expected to further strengthen strategic cooperation between the two regions.
Although such a status does not currently exist within the European Union, this long-term initiative to bring Canada into the fold is receiving strong support from both sides. Canada has emphasized that being part of the alliance is more important than the specific title itself, noting that the goal is to foster a robust partnership in areas such as security, technology, artificial intelligence, and energy. At a time when policy alignments with the United States are showing signs of divergence, Canada’s pivot toward Europe has drawn the attention of the international community.
Nevertheless, finalizing the framework for this new membership and completing the necessary official procedures will require months of further discussion. This project must clear several legal hurdles, including votes by member states and parliamentary deliberations. Nevertheless, political observers view this move as a significant step by Canada toward ensuring its sovereignty and economic security on the international stage.
To address the severe labor shortage in Canada’s skilled trades sector, the federal government has announced a financial incentive of $5,000 for individuals who obtain a new Red Seal certification. This initiative is part of the 'Team Canada Strong' program, designed to strengthen the country's construction and industrial sectors. The federal government's move aims to ensure the availability of skilled workers and attract the younger generation to technical trade professions.
According to a notification from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), individuals who completed their apprenticeship and earned an accredited Red Seal qualification on or after April 1 of the previous year are eligible for this benefit. Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and individuals with protected status may apply for the bonus. Additionally, the ministry is coordinating a specialized digital system to assess real-time labor market demands and facilitate job placements for these qualified individuals. The administration aims to integrate approximately 100,000 new certified professionals into the sector over the next five years. Economic experts point out that the presence of these technical professionals—generated through this initiative—will drive significant progress in critical areas such as infrastructure development, housing construction, green energy projects, and the defense sector. The Ministry has advised eligible individuals to prepare the necessary documentation in advance of the upcoming application dates.
At the age of 71, George Cave, a resident of British Columbia (B.C.), serves as an exemplary figure in blood donation. Throughout his life, he has donated blood 500 times. Beyond the mere statistics, his life—which has provided vital support to hundreds of human beings—now serves as an inspiration to many.
George first donated blood at the age of 17, following his mother’s suggestion, after moving from his home in Manitoba to British Columbia for higher studies. Both his mother and grandfather were regular blood donors. Realizing that the process was quite simple, George made it a consistent habit.
As times changed, so did the methods of blood donation. Following controversies in the 1980s and 1990s, George came to understand the critical importance of donating plasma and platelets. Platelets are primarily used in cancer treatment. It was only when a friend of his—who later developed cancer—underwent this treatment that he truly grasped how every drop of blood he donated was saving real human lives. He happily added that, years later, his friend is now completely cancer-free.
For George, blood donation is not merely a form of social service; it is also a family tradition. Three of his four children were present alongside him during his 500th blood donation. He proudly mentions that, much like himself, his children also donate blood whenever the opportunity arises. Statistics indicate that one in two people in Canada will require blood or blood components at some point in their lives. Yet, only one out of every 76 eligible individuals actually comes forward to donate. According to Canadian Blood Services, a single blood donation can save up to three lives.
As part of an effort to end the Canadian government's control over First Nations communities, Prime Minister Mark Carney has initiated discussions on reforming—or potentially completely abolishing—the 150-year-old 'Indian Act.' Carney made this announcement in response to a proposal by Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew. He emphasized that a final decision will only be reached following comprehensive consultations at both the federal and provincial levels, clarifying that the repeal of the Act is not a predetermined outcome.
Enacted in 1876, this legislation has long governed the legal status of Indigenous peoples, the management of reserve lands, and their systems of governance. In 1969, the government of Pierre Trudeau attempted to repeal the Act, but the move was strongly opposed and ultimately defeated by Indigenous groups, who cited a lack of adequate consultation. Nevertheless, some First Nations communities have since secured self-government agreements and specific administrative authorities of their own. This high-level meeting, involving First Nations leaders and provincial premiers, marks the first such gathering in over two decades. In addition to discussions on legal reforms, the summit also saw significant economic and development-related announcements. The Prime Minister announced the creation of a 'First Nations Sovereign Wealth Fund' to ensure that the benefits of major projects are available to future generations. Furthermore, it was decided to amend the *First Nations Fiscal Management Act* to expand borrowing facilities and to allocate a $260 million workforce fund to create employment opportunities. Additionally, the government has earmarked over $2.5 billion for disaster management initiatives and more than $630 million for First Nations and Inuit policing programs.
The Shamonda virus, previously known to affect only animals, has been confirmed in a human for the first time worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that the infected individual, from France, has died. The WHO noted that the patient lived in an area where animals carrying the virus were present and had a compromised immune system.
The deceased was a young man who had been undergoing treatment at a hospital in Lyon. The virus had been circulating among animals in eastern France. French authorities suspect that the infection was transmitted through the bite of an infected fly. The WHO has stated that this appears to be an isolated case and that there is little risk of further spread.
The Canadian government has temporarily taken certain official websites offline following the discovery of a critical security vulnerability in the programming language that powers a vast majority of the world's websites. The security flaw was identified in PHP, the coding language used by approximately 70 percent of websites globally.
Cybersecurity experts have warned that this vulnerability in PHP could allow hackers to steal information or gain complete control over websites. Cloudflare has reported that initial attacks exploiting this flaw began to emerge as early as Wednesday.
Minister of Artificial Intelligence, Ivan Solomon, stated via social media that the government websites were taken down following a recommendation from the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, which operates under the Communications Security Establishment (CSE). He added that the websites would be restored once the issue is resolved. The Cyber Centre has advised organizations and businesses that use PHP to install security updates immediately. Authorities have also requested that any websites for which an immediate fix is not possible be temporarily removed from the internet. The Canadian Internet Registration Authority has stated that typical Canadian internet users need not be concerned. However, companies and small businesses that operate their own websites should take the necessary security precautions as soon as possible.
A former lieutenant with the Tehran police, who had been living in Canada under an assumed name, has been ordered to be deported. The Immigration and Refugee Board issued the deportation order for Amin Yousefijam, who played a key role in a criminal network that worked to circumvent sanctions imposed on Iran.
The tribunal found that Amin played a significant part in violating export sanctions imposed on Iran by the United States and Canada. He was responsible for the logistics of shipping electronic equipment, motors, and other materials—which could potentially be used in the manufacture of weapons—to Iran.
Having arrived in Canada in 2016, he was later apprehended in the United States; following a guilty plea, he was sent back to Canada. He subsequently changed his name to "Ameen Cohen." However, the Board determined that he had deliberately concealed his criminal background when applying for the name change.
Deportation proceedings for the individual—who was arrested in 2021—began in September 2024 and concluded in February 2025. It has been noted that he currently remains in Canada and is exploring other available legal avenues. Since 2022, Canada has imposed a ban on senior Iranian officials. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has identified 40 such officials; of these, two have been deported, and eight have left the country voluntarily.
Police have requested that passengers who were on board two Calgary Transit buses involved in a collision in northeast Calgary come forward with information. This request comes as investigators work to determine the cause of the accident.
The incident, which shocked northeast Calgary, occurred last Thursday. Police believe that many passengers may have left the scene before speaking with investigators. The investigative team assesses that these passengers could provide crucial information regarding the event. Police emphasized the importance of obtaining statements from all eyewitnesses. Staff Sergeant Andy Woodward stated that efforts are underway to gather all available information.
Following the collision, natural gas tanks on one of the buses—which was stationary—caught fire and subsequently exploded, causing the bus to be completely consumed by flames. Investigators estimate that there were 13 people on board this bus at the time of the collision. Three individuals on the bus died in the accident, and several others were transported to the hospital. Police have urged all passengers who have not yet spoken to investigators to get in touch. The investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing, with authorities currently collecting evidence and eyewitness accounts.
Official documents reveal that the Canadian federal government has spent approximately $440 million on Microsoft software licenses. This includes $289.1 million for 648,443 Microsoft 365 licenses and $21.3 million for 192,137 Windows operating system licenses. Although a significant portion of this expenditure is tied to large-scale contracts, federal authorities have been unable to determine exactly how many of these licenses are currently in use.
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation points out that hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars are being wasted on unused digital subscriptions across various government departments. According to available information, thousands of licenses purchased by major agencies—including Statistics Canada and the Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food—remain entirely unnecessary. The refusal of several departments to disclose actual usage data for the licenses they have purchased highlights inefficiencies in public spending.
Officials are facing sharp criticism, with demands that they ensure the transparency and accountability required when managing public tax funds. Economic experts and elected representatives are calling for an immediate halt to payments for unused software services, as well as a comprehensive audit of digital license usage across all government departments.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has called for opposition to all nine questions featured in the upcoming Alberta referendum. He made these remarks during a visit to Calgary. Carney stated that at a time when the nation needs to remain united, such referendums will only serve to create division within society; he further added that such public votes are unnecessary for managing immigration. He expressed his support for the 'No to the Nine' federalist campaign, which urges voters—while choosing to remain part of Canada in the October 19th vote—to reject the other nine questions.
In response, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith challenged the Prime Minister's stance. Writing on the platform 'X', she remarked that the Prime Minister has yet to fully grasp the detrimental effects caused by the open-border policies of the previous administration. She argued that these policies have driven up the cost of living and strained social services, and therefore urged the people of Alberta to vote 'Yes' on the remaining questions.
Others, including Liberal MP Cory Hogan, have also come forward to reject the questions posed in the referendum. He remarked that these questions have been crafted in a highly contrived manner, with the aim of influencing the public.
A 21-year-old man has died after a motorcycle crashed into a bus shelter in Edmonton, Canada. Several others, including a young woman and her 10-month-old infant, sustained serious injuries. The incident occurred around 9:00 PM on Tuesday near 97th Street and 118th Avenue.
According to the police, an 18-year-old motorcyclist, who was racing at high speed, lost control and plowed into the bus shelter where people were standing. The impact completely destroyed the structure.
A 46-year-old man was also seriously injured but is now considered out of danger. An 18-year-old woman and her 10-month-old son were critically injured; authorities stated that the infant remains in serious condition. Local residents note that speeding and traffic accidents are frequent in this area. The police have charged the 18-year-old, Caden Piccolo, with dangerous driving in connection with the incident.
The primary accused in the case involving the theft of gold worth millions from Toronto Pearson International Airport has provided crucial testimony in court. Arsalan Chaudhary—who is currently serving a four-year prison sentence after admitting his involvement in the crime—appeared at a Brampton court during the trial of Parmpal Sidhu, a former airport employee. These revelations mark a significant turning point in the investigation into what stands as one of the largest gold heists in Canadian history.
On April 17, 2023, over 400 kilograms of gold—consisting of 6,600 gold bars—arrived from Switzerland and were removed from the airport’s cargo bay using forged shipping documents. Prosecutors allege that Parmpal Sidhu facilitated the theft of gold and cash valued at over $22 million (CAD) by providing these fraudulent documents. Sidhu, however, has categorically denied all charges against him.
In court, Arsalan Chaudhary stated that he received a 30 percent share of the stolen gold, which was subsequently melted down and sold to destroy evidence. He added that after crossing into Pakistan, he was abducted and beaten by a group disguised as police officers, who also seized his money and gold from Canada and Pakistan. Chaudhary, who wept in the courtroom while stating that this crime had shattered his own life as well as the lives of others—and expressing his profound sorrow over this—is currently facing trial.
The first phase of voting has commenced as part of a historic referendum that will determine Alberta’s future and its relationship with the country. Approximately 310 advance polling stations have been opened for voters across the province. Elections Alberta anticipates a high turnout for the vote, which addresses critical questions regarding potential separation from the country.
The ballot contains a total of 10 questions. The first nine focus on issues related to Canada’s constitution and immigration. The tenth question—which has garnered the most discussion—asks whether Alberta should remain part of Canada.
The voting process, which began earlier this month, will conclude next Monday. Authorities have stated that the results of this pivotal referendum on the province's future will be officially announced the following day. This vote, which has caused a significant stir in Canadian political history, is being watched with great anticipation by all.
American economists Robert E. Hall and Michael Woodford have been awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics. The award recognizes their outstanding research on the microeconomic foundations of economic stability. The Nobel Prize was conferred in acknowledgment of their contributions to economic research.
A massive number of people are flocking to Canada to witness the spectacular Northern Lights. Beyond the usual green hues, beautiful pink bands of light—a rare occurrence—are currently clearly visible in the Canadian sky.
These pink displays are formed when intense solar winds interact with high concentrations of nitrogen molecules in the atmosphere. Experts have released a list of prime locations for viewing and photographing the Northern Lights at their best. Key spots include 'dark-sky reserves' far removed from city lights, such as Jasper National Park in Alberta, Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories, and Whitehorse in Yukon. At these locations, one can fully appreciate the vibrant colors of the sky with great clarity. The period from September to April offers the best conditions for viewing this phenomenon.
Nature enthusiasts and photographers from around the world are currently traveling to Canada to witness this rare spectacle firsthand. Tourism authorities advise that trips should be organized with careful planning and attention to weather conditions. Astronomers assess that there is a high probability of pink auroras appearing in the coming days, compared to previous years.
Following a death threat directed at an Islamic school run by a Muslim association in Calgary, Canada, leaders from various faiths visited the school to offer their support. This was one of several similar threatening emails received by nine schools across Canada.
The emails contained anti-Muslim rhetoric and threats inciting violence. School Director Mazen Jichi stated that the message called for the killing of Muslims—including children—demanded they leave Canada, and threatened armed attacks. He also revealed that another similar hate-filled email had been received. The Calgary Police and the RCMP are currently investigating the incident.
Although the school has continued to operate following the incident, security measures have been tightened. Authorities have reviewed protocols regarding external access to the school and procedures for student drop-off and pick-up. Religious leaders visited the school to emphasize the importance of standing united against hate. Rev. Samaya Oakley assured the students that they are not alone and have the full support of the community. Students also expressed that the support shown by this collective group helped alleviate their fears. Meanwhile, Statistics Canada has also reported a rise in hate crimes against Muslims in Canada.
The Nobel Prize in Literature for 2026 has been announced, with the award going to Canadian writer Anne Carson. The prize recognizes her diverse body of work, which, while rooted in classical literary styles, has introduced new dimensions of expression to contemporary literature.
An 18-year-old teenager has been arrested in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan in connection with the extremist group known as '764'. The arrest follows an investigation conducted by the RCMP.
The '764 Network' is an organization that recruits children and teenagers by influencing them through platforms such as gaming sites, social media, Telegram, and Discord. Canada officially designated the group as an extremist organization in December 2025. Investigations revealed that the group incites children to commit acts of violence—both online and offline—and involves them in acts of cruelty against animals and children.
A case has been registered against the teenager for promoting the group's activities via Telegram and participating in extremist activities. Recently, other teenagers and a young man from Quebec City have also been arrested in Canada in connection with similar activities. The RCMP has urged parents to strictly monitor their children's online activities.
The Calgary Zoo has issued a warning to visitors regarding the sale of admission tickets through fraudulent websites. Officials urged visitors to exercise extreme caution when purchasing tickets to avoid financial loss.
In light of these scams, zoo officials advised visitors to purchase tickets exclusively through the zoo's official website. Tickets are also available through authorized online travel agency partners. Those who have already purchased tickets via other websites should immediately contact their credit card providers. Officials also advised anyone who believes they have fallen victim to the scam to report the transaction as fraudulent.
Staff members are taking steps to report such websites immediately if they are discovered online. The zoo authorities have affirmed that they will continue their efforts to protect visitors from online fraud.
A report indicates that the solution to the healthcare crisis facing the people of Alberta extends beyond merely hiring more doctors. The primary issue is that physicians currently in service lack the necessary time to adequately examine and provide quality care to their patients. The report highlights that paperwork, clerical duties, and complex IT procedures consume a significant portion of doctors' time.
The need to dedicate time to non-clinical tasks causes severe mental stress and professional strain among doctors. Deploying support staff for administrative duties and simplifying digital record systems would enable doctors to focus entirely on patient care. Effectively utilizing the time of existing doctors alone could bring about a tangible improvement in the province's healthcare services.
A comprehensive overhaul of the administrative system is essential to ensure the effective use of healthcare resources. Experts urge the Alberta government to urgently adopt policies that increase the clinical time available to current doctors, even as efforts to recruit new physicians continue.
CSIS (Canadian Security Intelligence Service) has implemented significant changes to its recruitment process to enhance operational efficiency and eliminate delays. CBC News reported this development, citing official documents.
Currently, the process of hiring new personnel and obtaining security clearance at CSIS takes between 12 and 18 months. A situation exists where, if an employee leaves on short notice, it takes years to recruit a replacement. The agency has initiated measures to address these challenges, increase external hiring, and shorten the training period. Plans are also underway to outsource recruitment-related procedures—such as screening and psychological evaluations—to private agencies.
Additionally, the agency is allowing personnel to apply directly for roles in areas that interest them. Relaxations regarding official language requirements have also been introduced for certain specific positions. These crucial changes are being implemented against the backdrop of rising security challenges, including terrorism, foreign interference, and espionage.
Major fast-food giants are entering an era where AI directly determines the prices of burgers and fries. According to a report by the *Toronto Sun*, a system is spreading where AI technology sets rates for food items by analyzing market trends and consumer preferences. While not yet officially implemented in Canada, AI has already begun providing pricing recommendations to restaurant franchises in the US by estimating the maximum amount customers are willing to pay.
The AI operates by closely examining market conditions in the restaurant's location, individual consumer data, and local purchasing patterns. Criticism has mounted that this system could place an undue financial burden on customers, particularly after instances emerged where AI suggested a price of around $18 for a burger meal at a local outlet. However, restaurants clarify that the authority to set the final price remains with the owners and that they are not obligated to charge the exact amount recommended by the AI. This 'dynamic pricing' model, where rates fluctuate based on demand, has sparked significant dissatisfaction among consumers. Financial experts point out that price hikes driven by AI technology could backfire, particularly as low-income customers are already turning away from fast-food outlets due to rising costs. While the new technology promises increased profits for the industry, there are concerns that it could adversely affect traditional customer relationships.
Tennessee: Inmate Christa Pike (50) is in critical condition in the hospital following a failed attempt to carry out her execution in Tennessee. Lawyers stated that she was transferred to the hospital after death did not occur despite the administration of two consecutive doses of the lethal drug.
Attorneys revealed that officials struggled to administer the necessary dosage, requiring at least seven needle insertions into her arms. Throughout the execution process, she remained alive and was heard snoring.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee described the incident as "shocking and disturbing" and ordered a review of execution procedures, as well as an indefinite postponement of Pike's execution.
Christa Pike, who was sentenced to death for murder in 1995 at the age of 18, was set to become the first woman in Tennessee to face execution in the last 200 years.
There are indications that Calgary residents may face a heavier property tax burden in the coming years. Details regarding this are contained in the proposed budget documents released by the City Council. According to the preliminary budget document prepared for the 2027–2030 period, homes with an average value of $706,000 could see a tax increase of up to 15 percent next year.
When changes in utility fees are factored in, homeowners would have to pay an additional $52 per month on average. This figure could rise to $56 per month in the following year. City officials maintain that, given factors such as inflation, population growth, and the need to upgrade aging infrastructure, there is no alternative to increasing tax revenue.
However, Mayor Jeromy Farkas clarified that these figures are not final and that clarity will only emerge after the budget discussions scheduled for November. He noted that in previous years, high rates were initially proposed but subsequently reduced significantly. The Mayor added that priority would be given to police, fire services, and essential infrastructure, while unnecessary expenses would need to be avoided. The report states that limiting the tax hike to below four percent would compromise the quality of city services, while a 4.2 percent increase would allow existing services to continue but delay development projects and the expansion of emergency services. The administration is set to present the full budget draft to the council in November.
As part of efforts to enhance road safety in Calgary, the city is expanding the use of the 'Leading Pedestrian Interval'—a state-of-the-art traffic signal system that prioritizes pedestrians. This system gives pedestrians a head start to cross the road three to seven seconds before the traffic light turns green for vehicles. This allows drivers to see pedestrians more clearly, thereby reducing the risk of accidents.
Residents had been consistently calling for stricter traffic safety measures due to a rise in accidents involving pedestrians at major city intersections. This initiative is expected to prevent accidents caused by vehicles turning left or right and encroaching upon the path of pedestrians.
The Calgary Department of Transportation has decided to implement this system in busy intersections in a phased manner. Officials stated that this new traffic measure would further strengthen the city's 'Vision Zero' initiative, which aims to create an accident-free road network.
Florida: Tom Rahill secured first place in the annual competition to capture invasive Burmese pythons, which pose a threat to the Everglades wetlands. He achieved the remarkable feat of catching 96 snakes, earning a $10,000 prize.
This hunt is organized annually to protect Florida's native wildlife and control the population of invasive species. These snakes pose a significant threat to the local ecosystem and other animals in the area.
In Prince George, British Columbia, the lives of crows that had collapsed after ingesting excessive amounts of drugs were saved through the administration of Narcan (Naloxone). It is believed the birds fell ill after consuming toxic opioid drugs that had been discarded or left on the streets. Local animal lovers noticed the crows—which were trembling, unconscious, and unable to fly—and immediately administered Naloxone via nasal spray to revive them.
This rare incident demonstrates that Narcan (Naloxone)—an emergency life-saving medication used for humans suffering from opioid overdoses—is also effective in birds. Eyewitnesses reported that the crows regained consciousness and returned to a normal state shortly after receiving the medication. However, ornithologists and veterinary experts point out that administering this drug to the small bodies of birds requires great caution. Environmental activists point out that this incident serves as a warning: the careless disposal of drugs in public places and on streets poses a major threat not only to humans but also to animals—including stray dogs—and birds. This unusual incident in Prince George highlights the detrimental impact that the public health crisis has on wildlife and the natural environment.