Living in electric harmony

An elk emerges from the woods around Banff to forage for food along the roadside, putting it at risk of collision with a vehicle. Canada is defined by its iconic wildlife, and Canadians understand that the wellbeing of these animals directly correlates with the safety of their surroundings.

Black bears, along with their larger ‘cousins’ brown bears (also known as grizzly bears) are especially symbolic of the Canadian wilderness. A general population estimate suggests there may be more than 380,000 black bears in Canada. And while these curious-yet-shy creatures tend to stick to the denser parts of the forests and mountainsides, their search for food often sees them crossing railway lines – where they’re particularly vulnerable to being struck by trains.

Some studies suggest that bears are drawn to railway lines to feed on grain spillage from passing boxcars. In Banff National Park, between 2000 and 2017, seventeen grizzly bears were accidentally struck by trains, significantly impacting the local population of around 60 bears. S-curves (pictured) may be a factor in the bears getting hit, as they make it harder for the animals to notice trains coming. Now, Parks Canada and the Canadian Pacific Railway have partnered with local scientists to help solve the issue.

Developed by Ph.D candidate Jonathon Backs, this device works similarly to a railroad crossing signal for humans. Placed at targeted areas along the railway line, the metal box is activated by magnetic and vibration sensors that trigger flashing lights and sounds in another box placed further down the track, alerting animals of an approaching train. Backs hopes that bears will learn to associate these lights and sounds with an oncoming train, and know to leave the area when they sound.

First Nation communities, such as the T’Sou-ke people of Vancouver Island, have had a symbiotic relationship with their natural surroundings for thousands of years. They know that for humans and nature to co-exist and survive, we need to develop more sustainable power solutions. The T’Sou-ke strive to be leaders in an electric evolution that respects nature while providing for the needs of their community.

For Chief Gordon Planes, the way the T’Souke are now creating electricity reflects their balance-focused philosophy. Under his guidance, the community draws power from the sun with solar panels; and plans are underway for a large-scale wind farm, as well as turbines that will harness wave power from the nearby ocean. Already, energy savings from the solar panels mean the community can sell their surplus electricity in the summer and buy it back in the winter, providing a greater level of autonomy for residents of the two T’sou-ke reserves on Vancouver Island.

While much of our transportation is now becoming electrified, many still see air travel as a significant hurdle to overcome. It’s estimated that the number of planes in service will more than double in the next 20 years, with around 50,000 aircraft expected in the skies by 2040. The aviation industry currently produces around two per cent of all global emissions–about 880 million tons (895 million metric tons) of CO2 each year.

Founder and CEO of Harbour Air, Greg McDougall, decided it was time to lead the conversation about what’ll power the future of air travel. Through the purchase of carbon offsets, the Vancouver-based company is currently North America’s largest, and first, fully-carbon neutral airline. Back in March 2019, Harbour air announced a partnership with magniX, a revolutionary electric-propulsion systems company, to transform their seaplanes into an all-electric commercial fleet.

National Geographic explorer Leslie Dewan gets to grips with the new electric motor being pioneered by Harbour Air. The key issue with aircraft is weight – especially with smaller aircraft. Almost every pound has to be factored into flight plans, making the smaller, lighter electric motors a potential game-changer for the aviation industry.

The beauty of Canada’s landscapes is unparalleled, and ongoing electrical innovations are helping to preserve them. Human progress is remarkable, and if that progress happens in a way that safeguards the world around us, these breathtaking vistas can remain for generations to come.