Carbon emissions are a dire threat. This much is clear. Addressing this threat will require action on both the local and national level, something the establishment parties have failed to elaborate upon.
Let’s talk about carbon emissions for a moment. For those who are unfamiliar, allow me to give you a brief science lesson. One of the greatest factors in our changing climate is the build-up of greenhouse gases. These gases get their name from the effect they have on the Earth; like the windows of a greenhouse, they let in the sun’s heat and seal it within our atmosphere. In a purely academic context, greenhouse gases are necessary for life on earth and come from a variety of sources. In the interests of climate change discussions, however, we shall focus exclusively on the man-made emissions that are disproportionately driving up global temperatures. Specifically, carbon dioxide.
The CO2 Problem, and Proposed Solutions
Of the four greenhouse gases most closely linked to human activity, carbon dioxide (CO2) is the main contributor to climate change. It is emitted through the burning of fossil fuels, the burning or cutting down of trees, the manufacture of concrete and many other facets of industry. Reducing our carbon footprint is one of the highest priorities for climate change advocates and governmental bodies alike, and for good reason. In a report released by the United Nations on December 2nd, 2020, the organization insists that the goal of net-zero emissions must be reached by 2050, and that it should be the goal of all nations to push for net-zero emissions. The Centre for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) has also provided a panoply of ways to reduce our “carbon footprint,” or the amount of carbon by-products we “produce” as a nation. These include improving the energy efficiency of existing buildings and transport, introducing new technologies to capture CO2 or otherwise reduce carbon emissions in industry, and to utilize natural spaces as “carbon sinks” in order to capture CO2 from the atmosphere. There’s a great deal to do, requiring serious efforts on every level of government.
The Establishment Parties’ Answers
So, what does that look like on the political stage of Canada? Well, the establishment parties fail to impress. The Conservatives in particular present a rather anemic platform, whose major talking points can be boiled down to introducing a few incentives for electric cars, vague sentiments about “meeting 2030 Paris targets,” and the implementation of carbon border tariffs. In effect, a lot of blathering about money and little concrete reform action. While I understand that the economy is an ever-present concern for the Conservative Party, it frustrates me that their national platform makes no mention of any preventative measures other than outward-facing tariffs and questionable incentives.
The Liberal Party, by contrast, offer a broader but more scattershot platform. Their promises include an emissions plan for the oil and gas sector, with milestones in 2025 and 2030, a solid figure for incentives and infrastructure planning in regards to electric cars, banning coal exports, and prioritizing low-carbon made-in-Canada products through economic strategies. It’s an impressive spread, diminished slightly by a lack of specifics in terms of proposals. I draw your attention to the aforementioned electric car incentives. Of all the proposals, this is the only one with specific price tags attached and clear details about implementation. All the others simply give dates and guesswork. Will the Liberals “make sure the oil and gas sector reduces emissions… to achieve net-zero by 2050” by slashing subsidies for said sectors? Will low-carbon products be prioritized by incentives for small businesses? Your guess is as good as mine. Are there any other methods of carbon reduction the Liberals wish to introduce? If so, they haven’t mentioned them in their platform.
My Answer
That is what the establishment parties have to say for themselves. Here’s what I have to say. The road to reduced carbon emissions starts at home, and I have plans for Markham-Thornhill and our nation. One solution that I’m surprised neither establishment party has thought to include in their promises is that of low-carbon mass transit. An efficient, low-carbon public bus system would not only directly reduce our carbon footprint, but also improve traffic and increase the safety of pedestrians. This in conjunction with incentives for electric vehicles can give way to a massive reduction in emissions and an equally dramatic improvement in quality of life for our residents.
These are my hopes for Markham-Thornhill. The Green Party has similar hopes for the rest of Canada that nevertheless have effects that can be felt on the regional level. Consider our platform in regards to small businesses. We plan to introduce a Green Venture Capital fund meant to support local green business start-ups, a facet of the Canadian economy missing from the Liberal Party’s plans, and will focus our legislation to consider the impact that small businesses can have. We also plan to introduce a raft of economic incentives for homeowners, community-supported agriculture, and worker training programs meant to support Green lifestyles. Most importantly of all, we possess a comprehensive climate plan that addresses every aspect of climate change. We intend to slash subsidies to the oil and gas sector, and we intend to engage in reforestation campaigns. We intend to develop mitigation methods for the aspects of climate change we can no longer avoid, and assist farmers, fishers, and other essential agricultural sectors to adapt to oncoming climate crises. Our interest is on the local sectors in all respects.
In short, my platform considers our region. Our platform is built to have an impact on all facets of Canadian life, particularly on the regional. I want us to have effective transit, well-supported small businesses, and incentives to pursue Green options. I think that is a far sight more useful than the vague promises that the establishment parties currently offer.
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