As in many parts of the world so too in Canada blossoming socio-environmental problems are having adverse effects on many communities. The environmental consequences, for example, of sustained over-fishing of Newfoundland cod, of west coast deforestation by logging of the Great Lakes area and of soil and water contamination caused by industrial activities are now fairly obvious to all. The associated depletion of employment possibilities, folklore and other cultural capital has often been coupled with an increase in violence and feelings of powerlessness and helplessness. But, according to public opinion surveys there is a positive weave to this web of adversity. People's concern for their planet remains high—and their knowledge of the gravity, scope, and root causes of environmental problems and the relation of these to politics and global economics has greatly expanded. Coupled with this is a realisation that current ways of living on this Earth are unsustainable, and that although governments, scientists and promised technological ‘fixes’ may be necessary parts of the solutions they are insufficient to the sheer enormity of the task. There is a resulting call to action by many communities.