To the Editor,
November was a tough month in the fresh air department. At the international level, a failure of negotiations at COP30 to agree on a plan to reduce global emissions from burning coal, oil and gas. A federal budget that promises power to oil and gas and the military machine, but tight belts and worry to people around here. And Ontario introduced Bill 68 (oddly named the Plan to Protect Ontario Act) to repeal requirements to target a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and make climate change plans. It also consolidates Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities into just seven regional authorities which will reduce local influence on local environmental challenges.
May December be brighter! I want to hear about efforts to prepare for weather extremes, protect nature and build resilience in our communities. There are positive ideas out there. What if we quit the tariffs on foreign electric vehicles and all subsidies for the oil-gas sector? And instead subsidized new businesses and training for people who currently make cars, lumber and oil-gas? What if we devoted half the increase in military spending to the Youth Climate Corps to build resilience to foreign aggression and environmental disasters? What if…? Your turn.
Lynn Ovenden
Casselman
