Environment Canada
I have reviewed the draft “Sustainable Development Strategy” (http://www.ec.gc.ca/dd-sd/default.asp?lang=En&n=07544BAB-1#s4) and consider it shamefully lacking in any real commitment to act on climate change. Why? Because the words used do not show any substantive resolve to act; rather, they show how the federal government is not responding to this historic crisis in any substantial manner.
Indeed, the entire draft document is a denial of the urgency and impact of climate change on the next generation. And yes my anger is personal – I am trying to protect my kids while you are busy denying reality due to political pressure.
The simple and verifiable scientific truth is that we must phase out the use of fossil fuels quickly – we do not need “aspirational” goals as suggested by Mr. Harper (and not even a proper word in my dictionary). Instead, you should be discussing how NOT to burn 2/3 of existing known deposits to avoid catastrophic changes in or climate – and hence in our economy and society. For example, why does this document does not recommend that the government no longer sell leases for the exploration of new deposits of fossil fuel?
Your draft document does not suggest any meaningful action to be taken by either by Environment Canada or the federal government. Instead, I see glossy words that suggest you are dealing with this issue. For example, your report mixes issues of air quality with climate change; a totally deceptive tactic that ignores the fundamental difference in impact on our society between these two issues.
And yes, I see the heavy hand of your government that clearly does not have the will or the morality of acting on this coming tragedy. The Greeks used the word “tragedy” to mean that something terrible happens, when it could have been prevented – unlike a disaster, which is not preventable.
As the carbon dioxide level in the atmosphere increases beyond 400 ppm, you treat climate change as a “political strategy” that needs to be handled rather than dealing with it with honestly and in a non-partisan fashion.
And so I, and future generations condemn you.
Peter Nix, M.Sc.
Environmental Scientist, retired
Cowichan Carbon Buster