We are the problem

Cameron Gray, December 1, 2009, Fulcrum, OTTAWA--Monday, December 7th marks the first day of COP 15, the UN Conference on Climate Change in Denmark. The lead up to the conference has been followed for months and we will now witness the action plan of the international community to combat climate change.

But where does Canada stand going into these negotiations? Unfortunately, we are blocking any sustainable or progressive change. Journalist and environmentalist George Monbiot recently stated, “[Canada] This thuggish petro-state is today the greatest obstacle to a deal at Copenhagen”. This type of critical journalism fills a void in the Canadian press, where journalists are not willing or legally able to speak critically of industry or the government, particularly surrounding environmental policies and practices.

Youth and adults alike have the responsibility to act in the interest of future generations. I know that this is a rehashed argument and one that’s not sexy or fun to embrace, but we have a problem Canada; and we need to stop denying it. The current paradigm of ‘sustainable development’ is ambiguous and far too malleable. Companies, governments and individuals reformat this term to suit their personal and economic needs in hopes that it might have some type of environmental benefit to ease their conscience.

As we enter a new decade we need to focus on the ecological constraints that are predefined by the biosphere, not our greed and desire for continuous economic growth. We simply cannot continue to follow this path of destruction; we need ambitious climate targets to be signed by the international community.

Before you throw my arguments aside, consider a project such as the tar sands from more than just a climate change perspective, but one of climate justice. Even if you disagree with the science behind climate change, consider the human aspect of these issues. Human’s lives are affected on a daily basis thanks to OUR greed and desire for growth and consumption.

Why should the populations that did the least to contribute to a problem have to fix it? As we enter COP15, ask yourself, at what point will you be willing to make a change? At what point will we truly equally value all human lives?

This issue requires the attention of all global citizens and organizations. If not, who are the true eco-terrorists? The ones standing up for a better future or the complacent ones promoting their economic self interest?