There are four steps that we of Kincardine can take to help in efforts save the planet.

Canadians are becoming aware that climate change is a serious threat to the current and future generations. By taking small steps in our daily life, we can contribute to mitigating the looming crisis. Most of us are aware of the path we can take to help the movement, but here are some friendly reminders about how we in Kincardine can leave a light footprint on the earth.

1. Drive less. Not easily done in a rural community, especially when many work outside of town. But carpools can be organized and instead of the price of gas being a burden of complaint, you can use the moral highroad of saving planet earth.
2. Drive a smaller, fuel-efficient car. I went to find statistics on Canadians’ contribution to climate change via vehicle use, but the Conservative government has made the site unavailable. Regardless, half of the carbon emissions from an average Canadian come from driving. So let’s make the Prius (hybrid) cool and not the Hummer.
3. Buy local food and buy organic. Local foods do the most for consumers in helping combat climate change. Foods like oranges, pineapples and grapefruit are shipped from great distances to be put on our plates. Berries, tomatoes and apples are all alternatives that can give vitamin C as well, and can be found locally. Also, pesticides and fertilizers contribute to climate change, so go organic wherever you can.
4. Be energy efficient. We are all aware of how to be more energy efficient by observing simple things like turning off the lights when they are not in use. But for our community that has blessed many with affluence, consider investing in solar energy or small wind turbines for your home. Many who would like to cannot afford to, so think of it as investing in philanthropy.

These represent samplings of what we can do to help future generations and ourselves and which can make a big impact on the environment. I have often been told by my family, “If you are not a part of the solution, you are a part of the problem.” No truer words have I ever heard.

Oct 11, 2006

We should realize that while the Conservative government is in power we are going to get little to no action on environmental concerns. The legislation that they have introduced is far from revolutionary and will do little to mitigate the release of toxins into the environment. They do not believe in the existence of climate change and have played the economy against the environment. Further, they have removed information that was accessible to the public, as it does not fit with Conservative ideology.

There was some ‘strong’ legislation introduced regarding mercury and other toxins, but with no funding to the Ministry of the Environment (MOE), these are largely illusory measures. Past legislation regarding toxins has done little to prevent their release into the environment and fines are rarely enforced. If enforced, fines are often just factored into the operating budget of a company. The MOE has faced cuts in the past and will again with Harper at the helm, so the fines have nothing to do with sustainability but all about public relations.

Rona Ambrose, the current Harper Minister of the Environment, has pitted the environment against the economy, as if it is an either/or decision. Rona has no educational background in earth sciences at all. Her education is in arts and political science, yet somehow she was the best candidate for the ministry. In her infamous interpretation of Canada’s Kyoto commitment, Rona stated, “it is impossible for Canada to reach its Kyoto target.” She also indicated that we would have to shut down all factories and transportation in order to meet the Kyoto target. These are ridiculous statements but come as no surprise when it is from one who has no education in earth sciences.

The climate change website that was sponsored by the Government of Canada has been shut down. This was one of the most comprehensive, scientific resources the public had to learn from its government about climate change. The Conservatives have also shut down government-sponsored pages about pesticides. This is a dangerous trend from our government. If science does not fit with their ideology, then it is disregarded. Having a ‘what you don’t know can’t hurt you’ mentality makes for an unhealthy relationship between Government and citizens. It is a disgrace to our home the Earth.

Oct 25, 2006

The Conservatives have just introduced the Clean Air Act in Parliament. Among other problems, the targets of the legislation are so remote that the legislation provides at best a theoretical approach to dealing with climate change. By setting the date for greenhouse gas reduction at 2050, it allows the politicians of today to focus their attention elsewhere, and leaves the actual implementation of targets to the next generation of Canadians. There are some measures in the legislation that are valid; but overall, this is an insult to the international community, and to Canada’s commitment to mitigating climate change.

The Kyoto Accord mandated that there be a 5% reduction below 1990 carbon dioxide emission levels in Canada by 2012. In 1990 carbon emissions were 599 mega-tonnes, in 2003 emissions were 754 mega-tonnes. Embarrassingly, Canada’s emissions are 32% above the proposed targets, with emissions from the energy sector increasing substantially during the past 15 years.

Prime Minister Harper and Environment Minister Ambrose have often repeated the jargon that Canada’s Kyoto commitment is unachievable. Other countries give a different picture. The European Union has met its Kyoto targets. The UK is already 12.5% below 1990 levels and will achieve 25% below target reductions by 2010. Germany is 18.5% below 1990 levels and has proposed targets of 40% below by 2020 with the cooperation of other nations.

The valid points in the Clean Air Act point to personal motor equipment that must meet more stringent standards immediately. While this is a suitable goal, it is ridiculous that the onus is placed on small engines to deal with greenhouse gas emissions, while Alberta keeps pouring out gases at an exponential rate through the exploitation of the tar sands.

Let’s not leave this problem to the next generation of Canadians. The next generation of Canadians is already going to be burdened with depleted and expensive oil sources. The next generation will be facing water quality problems and the illnesses that are a result of poor water. The next generation will also be dealing with climate change and its effects. What the next generation of Canadians needs today is a voice, a voice that does not cater to industry, but to the stability of the future


 

Dave Vasey is an Environmental Technologist who graduated from Durham College in 2001. Currently Dave is studying at the Faculty of Earth, Environment and Resources at the University of Manitoba.