More than 120 leaders from around the globe swore to spend billions to stem the effects of climate change — and it was barely time for lunch.
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon implored us to change the course we’ve set for the world, explaining that global warming defines our present.
Unfortunately, Canada’s present is defined by absence on the climate change agenda. Stephen Harper skipped the United Nations Climate Summit. He was in New York this week, but — like the dubious environmental stewards of China, India and Russia — opted to send a deputy.
We could say Harper is woefully oblivious to the message sent by his decision to skip the summit, but that wouldn’t be giving him enough credit. Harper knows perfectly well the message he sent: global warming isn’t important.
Members of the ruling Conservatives claim climate change is a vital issue. To “prove” they take it seriously, the government ushered in new regulations to lower the amount of greenhouse gas emitted by cars. Of course, the United States had previously made almost the same move to limit greenhouse gasses from automobiles, giving Canada little choice but to follow.
In order to avert the environmental disaster that will accompany collapsing ecosystems, we need innovation from the private sector and courage from our politicians. Everyone who breathes the air and cherishes their children’s future is affected by global warming. Stephen Harper didn’t show up for them this week. On election day, perhaps those who are serious about climate change shouldn’t show up for him.
