Community News

HOPE DURING THE CLIMATE CRISIS

Column Tom Shoebridge is an optimist, living in Lanark County.

There are lots of wonderful, positive things happening in the fight against climate degradation.

Here in Lanark County, one has to be encouraged as the county council has recently implemented the use of a "climate lens" to assess the long-term effects of its financial and policy decisions.

A climate lens approach means decisions are measured by the environmental effects and costs over various periods of time, so savings and reduction of green house gasses can be objectively predicted. Either a decision is a "green one," a cost-saving one, or not.

Just recently, all the major United Nations members signed an agreement that protects the oceans and seas, which cover 40 per cent of the earth's surface. The agreement covers fishing, marine life and the effects of climate change on coastal communities around the world. Twenty years in the making, it is a profound step forward.

Though driven now by the horrific Russian invasion of Ukraine, the acceleration toward alternate sources of fossil fuels and electricity throughout the EU is encouraging. Most of the changes in energy consumption forced upon these countries will likely will be permanent, a huge leap forward.

An example of creeping change — slow but steady — is the pressure being exerted by activist investors

who are using their financial holdings to ensure companies and industries implement or uphold their climate standards. Money talks, and it has become more than a whisper in the movement toward sustainability.

In Canada, it seems like there is a growing awareness on areas from sustainable investment, strict guidelines on industry and mining, to stimulants and punishment on climate problems. Being a fossil fuel rich country poses deep challenges for change.

Students across all the school systems are being exposed to personal projects, schoolwide activities and green information, all of which will make a difference throughout their lives. And students are future decision makers so they carry forth the hope for change and success in the climate battle.

OPINION

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2023-03-23T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-03-23T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://communitynews.pressreader.com/article/281530820268681

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