Climate is an angry monster and we are poking it with a stick

Climate is an angry monster and we are poking it with a stick

New U.N. Report warns earth to warm 3.2C (7F) by 2100 unless efforts to cut emissions are tripled. 

On November 13 the Amherstburg Community Foundation hosted its third “Thought Leaders” lecture. A series designed to help residents learn more, do more and aspire for more. The topic that evening was the climate crisis and participants included scientist Dr Gerald Kutney, university of Windsor environmental law professor Dr Patricia Galvao-Ferreira, ERCA general manager Richard Wyma. The audience overwhelmingly agreed that Climate Change was happening, mankind was causing it; and and people were very afraid of its consequences. Also instructive to our mayor, deputy mayor and councillor Donald McArthur, who were present, the audience supported tax increases of $200, $300 even $400 to address climate action. 

The timing of the lecture turned out to be timely, as two nights before, town council voted unanimously to declare a Climate Emergency. As moderator I made the point about the need for action by quoting best selling author and activist Naomi Klein “it’s dangerous to call an emergency and not offer any actions”. Now the mayor rightly pointed out that budgets of small towns could only afford so much. I agree, but an action plan does need to be created soonest. I was disappointed that climate action was missing from the 2020 budget debate, but let’s cut council some slack because the emergency was just declared. However, the crisis is already affecting Essex county with major flooding, more frequent heavy rains, and higher temperatures; so we can’t hide behind lower taxes to do nothing. Amherstburg needs to Invest  in a safer and healthier environment.  

“ the greatest threat to our planet is the belief someone else will save it” 

Richard Peddie 

President, Amherstburg Community Foundation