Letter: Take action on climate change, even if you’re not convinced

By Letter to the Editor on August 12, 2021.

Dear editor.

On Aug. 5, Larry Samcoe encouraged readers to probe climate change, even if the science is settled. I encourage readers to take climate action, even if they aren’t convinced.

That’s because many solutions to climate change lead to happier, and often more profitable lives. Drawdown.org lists 80 ways to reduce greenhouse gases, with details on how effective each could be. Together, they can reverse climate change.

Many of these ideas are also part of the Green New Deal, a proposal that could bring hope to Millennials who feel left out of our industrial society. Several solutions involve growing more diverse crops in ways that support our ecosystem.

David Condon, on Aug. 7, correctly promotes agroecology as an excellent way to grow more food and employ more young people in rural areas, while moving carbon from the air into the soil.

Why wouldn’t the city create community gardens so more people could grow their own food? Why wouldn’t we build more on-street bikeways between residential and commercial districts, so people could enjoy cycling more often?

Wind turbines have become the cheapest form of new energy. With virtually no operational costs, they become more economical than fossil-fuelled generators.

Incentives should encourage people to upgrade their homes and appliances to reduce energy consumption. Making the many utility service fees proportional to the actual energy consumption would encourage these changes.

This sampling introduces ways that both individuals and organizations can make positive contributions. And most lead to more local employment: meaningful work for you, your neighbours, or the young people in the community.

Resource-sector jobs have been declining for 50 years, long before climate change was an issue. We should look at trends, and use the current willingness to change as a jump-start to a more prosperous future.

Transition Medicine Hat promotes sustainable living in southeastern Alberta through community, demonstration and instruction. For more specific examples of positive actions, please visit our website at transitionmedicinehat.ca.

Rob Gardner

co-ordinator, Transition Medicine Hat

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