A Letter from Linda Solomon Wood, Publisher and Founder

The day some colleagues and I launched Canada's National Observer in 2015, we thought climate change was still years away. None of us imagined how quickly it would arrive. A decade later, we’re racing against time.

But solutions are emerging, and they’re coming rapidly. Through Canada’s National Observer’s solutions-focused reporting, we’ve highlighted so many innovative policies, breakthrough technologies, and community-driven initiatives this year, solutions that are making a real difference. These stories show that progress is not only possible, it’s happening – even in the face of significant challenges, and these stories inspire action across Canada and beyond.

Building on Our Impact

Your support has also enabled us to expose corporate influence networks and the money behind climate denial. When our reporting triggered parliamentary inquiries and drove policy changes, that was your impact in action. Your support has also helped us report on dozens of solutions this year — stories that spark hope and show a path forward.

Over the past few weeks, you’ve heard directly from our editors and journalists about the most impactful stories they did in 2024. Those letters show how your support powered investigations that made a difference — holding decision-makers accountable, exposing corruption, and showcasing the wonderful solutions that drive change.

As our winter campaign aims to raise $150,000, we want to expand our capacity to do even more next year, because the news is not always negative. This funding will allow us to:

• Highlight innovative ideas and actions driving climate progress in Canada and beyond.
• Expand our capacity to produce political coverage in an election year.
• Expose greenwashing campaigns that threaten to undermine progress.

Your donation today will ensure we have the resources to amplify stories of hope and action while getting the public the necessary information. We reached 2.5 million Canadians last year and we hope to expand our audience in 2025 through paid campaigns that introduce new readers to CNO. But we can’t do much without your help.

Tax receipts are available for donations of $100+, see specific instructions at the end.

The Stakes for Canada

In 2025, the risks to climate policy are closer to home than ever. The forces of climate denial are becoming more sophisticated, trading outright rejection for greenwashing tactics that delay meaningful action. At the same time, cross-border misinformation campaigns are influencing Canadian public opinion and policy decisions.

Despite these challenges, I remain cautiously optimistic. Solutions exist, and they are within reach. With accurate reporting, governments and businesses can be held accountable to act on them.

Your Role in the Solution

If you’re reading this, you’re already part of the CNO community. Your support powers everything we do. You make it possible for us to produce journalism that informs policymakers, sparks change, and inspires action. Thank you for your support to date.

Next year will bring new challenges — but also new opportunities to create change. With your help, we can hold powerful interests accountable, shine a light on the path forward, and ensure that stories of progress and possibility are told.

Your support has never been more important. Let’s continue this work together