top of page
Writer's pictureWayne Drury

We must Rethink Carbon Pricing


Justin Trudeau and the Liberal government continue with carbon pricing in Canada; come “hell or high water.” Do we ever hear discussions about the impact on our economy, our lives and whether Canadians will be able to heat and eat?

Who cares? It is all politics; come hell or high water, carbon pricing is being rammed down our throats. Let's discuss this, as it is the Facts that Matter.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not a climate impact denier. I believe in getting us to a better future by implementing sage and well-thought-out and funded actions that attack greenhouse gases and all the things we must do to protect and advance what is in our collective interest.


What is our Collective Interest?

I provide my opinion. Our collective interest is to address those things that can cause global warming and climate change. Some may suggest that climate change and global warming are a hoax, but what if they are not? I would instead get beyond the rhetoric and have an insurance plan that will allow us to address global warming and climate change reasonably and judiciously. That is it. But how to do that?


How do we address Global Warming and Climate Change?

Addressing climate change requires a comprehensive and coordinated effort across various sectors, including government, industry, and individuals. Here are some key strategies that can be employed to address climate change:


Renewable Energy: Shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower. This reduces greenhouse gas emissions and promotes sustainable energy production.


Energy Efficiency: Improve energy efficiency in buildings, transportation, and industries. This involves adopting energy-efficient technologies and practices and promoting conservation.


Sustainable Transportation: Encourage the use of public transportation, electric vehicles, and non-motorized transportation options


Reforestation and Forest Conversation: Protect existing forests and promote reforestation efforts to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere. Forests act as carbon sinks and are crucial in mitigating climate change.


Carbon Capture Storage: Invest in technologies that capture and store carbon dioxide emissions from industries. This can help reduce the overall carbon footprint of specific sectors.


International Cooperation: Climate change is a global issue that requires international cooperation. Countries need to work together to set and achieve emission reduction goals, share technologies, and support developing nations in their efforts to address climate change.

Adaptation Strategies: Implement measures to adapt to the impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and changing precipitation patterns. This includes infrastructure improvements, early warning systems, and community resilience programs.


Regulatory Measures: Enact and enforce policies and regulations that limit greenhouse gas emissions. This can include emissions standards for industries, incentives for clean energy adoption, and penalties for excessive pollution.


Public Education: Increase public awareness about climate change and its impacts. Education is crucial in fostering a sense of responsibility and encouraging sustainable practices at the individual and community levels.


Research and Innovation: Invest in research and development of new technologies and innovative solutions to address climate change challenges. This includes advancements in clean energy, sustainable agriculture, and climate-resilient infrastructure.


Circular Economy: Promote a circular economy where resources are used more efficiently, and waste is minimized through recycling and reusing materials.

This is a challenging proposition. Addressing climate change is complex and multifaceted. It requires a concerted effort; initially, we need a full-blown plan about delivering on all the components.


Today so much is measured against the thirty-second sound bite, and as most can see, the Liberal government’s climate plan is not working. Greenhouse gas targets are not being met, far from it, and more than seven million people now cannot afford to heat and eat. The consequence of the ill-thought-out action is hitting us in the face.


What Must be Done?

First, people must be central to any decisions, and any proposed actions must be measured against the impact on people and the environment and be sustainable. Figure out how to measure that.

Look for alternatives to address climate change without increasing personal costs. The Liberals are beginning to think of adaptation, but a little late. Most in our country have turned against the Liberals and their carbon tax.


The End

Public policy to address global warming and climate change deserves a better future. And so do all of us. Does climate policy mean we cannot have a fair and prosperous economy? The way it is being done today, it does.

There is a better way, and we need to get on with it. If we keep doing what we have always done, we will get what we have always got. And with our environmental delivery, that is a disaster.

Best wishes...



Vancouver, BC Canada


3 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page