'The debasement of public discourse through poorly moderated online commenting platforms and unreliable media has spawned an army of people who don’t concern themselves with facts or logical consistency or even with responding to the discussion at hand.'
Growing populations and increasing numbers of vehicles on the road saw Canada’s transport emissions grow by 42 per cent between 1990 and 2015.
'If short-term economic gain, a relatively small number of jobs and the priorities of shareholders in mostly foreign-owned companies are more important to the national interest than ensuring that people and ecosystems here and around the world remain healthy and alive, something is wrong.'
The audit is clear that Canada’s climate is “becoming warmer and wetter, and extreme weather events are becoming more frequent. Climate change impacts are felt across Canada and pose significant risks to Canadians and the economy.”
As individuals, we can help reduce the amounts of plastic waste in the oceans and on land by eschewing single-use items like plastic bags, drink containers, straws and excessively packaged items; by avoiding clothing made with plastic microfibers and products containing microbeads; and by choosing reusable containers or disposables made from other materials, such as aluminum, that are more likely to be recycled.
'The reality is that the next economy requires re-localization of food and energy systems, because it's more efficient, it's more responsible, it employs your people and you eat better.'
Canada’s climate strategy won’t meet our international commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent between 2005 and 2050.
As a new year begins, we can and must do everything possible to shift course. If we wait another 25 years, it will be too late.
'We must show that we shine brighter. Knowledge, kindness and solidarity can overcome ignorance and fear.'
Our species has become the major factor altering the biological, physical and chemical properties of the planet on a geological scale.
