PM on wrong path
Waterloo Region Record
The U.S. government is poised to face climate change. On Jan. 21, President Barack Obama made this a key portion of his inauguration address. He mentioned superstorm Sandy, the heat waves and record-breaking extreme weather, saying:
“We will respond to the threat of climate change, knowing that the failure to do so would betray our children and future generations. Some may still deny the overwhelming judgment of science, but none can avoid the devastating impact of raging fires and crippling drought and more powerful storms.”
Top officials at global economic organizations (which aren’t environmental groups) are urging climate action. For example, Christine Lagarde, managing director of the International Monetary Fund, stated last month: “Unless we take action on climate change, future generations will be roasted, toasted, fried and grilled.”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Stephen Harper is clearing the way to expand oilsands activity, thereby increasing emissions and accelerating climate change.
As an accountant, I understand the economy’s importance. Harper’s actions may increase gross domestic product over the short run, but will have disastrous long-term implications for our prosperity and security.
Canada has the potential to build a $60-billion clean-technology sector by 2020, but by clinging to old technologies we may miss this opportunity.