I took Sustainable Energy Policy as well as International Trade and the Environment this semester and it’s really opened my eyes to crazy crazy things happening. Not only were my professors truly enlightening, I think I’ve found a huge passion within myself that I knew was bubbling near the surface for so long.
No one likes politics, because talking about it requires work, getting informed, and realizing you care about an issue you may or may not be able to change. I think it’s kind of important thing to do – care about something that I may or may not be able to change. Because it’s something that incites you, something that can be a lifelong goal. There is no right way or right answer. But aren’t those things the most fun? Sometimes I question whether I know that sustainability is right; if it’s the direction mankind should be going in.
And then I reject the doubt. Because my reaction? The feeling that it’s just the right thing to do is a feeling that is so strong and visceral that I just know that questioning it is ridiculous. It’s my fire. And no, you can’t put it out.
—-
Things I have learned:
1) Energy is probably of greatest and most imminent importance when it comes to global climate change. It counts for over 60% of GHG emissions. 81% of energy comes from fossil fuels.
2) Canada is a big player. We have the third largest reserve of oil in the world. Our actions over the next year and several decades can and will define the future of climate change.
3) Renewable Energy can supply for any energy future we can imagine. It is technologically and economically feasible and has been demonstrated in countries all over the world, in particular Germany.
4) So what’s the hold up? Political economy – we need policy to ensure renewable energy becomes economically competitive by ensuring energy costs reflect the full social and environmental costs. However, policies are made by politicians. And politicians value re-election.
4b.) This is where it gets difficult. If more people want something, then politicians have to do what we want, right? Not really. The illogic of collective impact illustrates that those with the least barriers to collaboration can and will secure the funds and power needed to lobby the government more effectively. This, in any government, involves funding for campaigns thus, gives more power to the minorities that are able to collaborate (business, petroleum producers, et cetera).
5) Ontario Green Energy and BC’s strong conservation and renewable targets are great examples to how politicians with strong goals can build sustainable energy rapidly.
5b) BC’s Liquified Natural Gas strategies are likely to diminish BC’s status as a climate leader – LNG exports are being omitted from GHG emissions counting. (That’s just cheating. #sorrynotsorry).
6) So where does this leave us, where do we go? There are 5 pipeline projects Alberta and the Federal government are in favour of due to political influence from businesses and for the sake of our economy and jobs. (Did you know that the final say in these pipeline approvals are within the Cabinet? Did you know that they don’t have to reveal their justifications for their decisions?) However, there is a huge separation between risk and benefits.
Alberta is set to benefit the most economically, as the oilsands are obviously in their province. At the same time, the Northern Gateway and Kinder Morgan Expansion leave all the environmental risks in British Columbia, through First Nations territory, pristine ecosystems and protected rainforests. These pipelines aren’t merely to create jobs, they are geared to increase the export of oil to Asia, where there has been increasing demand for oil. Once in international markets, the price of oil will also be higher, benefiting petroleum producers by giving them larger profit margins. These exports will increase GHG so much so that Canada will likely miss our climate targets instead of meeting them (can I just remind everyone about the Kyoto Protocol that we signed? and a moral imperative to sustain our natural ecosystems?)
7.) I didn’t paint a pretty picture, did I? What’s there to take away? The missing link in all of this is us. Immense social pressure is our avenue in making our voices heard. The first action is to get informed! Ask questions. Seek out others who believe in the same values. The second action is to show up. Vote in your elections, go to rallies, be active in sharing your thoughts and stories. Be prepared to defend your point of view. But this is it – we cannot be idle any longer because the decision is right here upon us.
I believe we can make a difference. I think that we have the power. We have the means. We have the opportunity.
Will Canada’s energy future be forever changed by the values and stance from British Columbians?
We won’t know unless we try, right?