There is much talk about the climate these days, and the fact that Canada and Alberta should be one of the leaders in reducing emission no matter the cost - because there will be a cost.
It will cost us, the taxpayer, a lot of money, and yes even though it will create jobs, it will cost us jobs as well as the cost to retrain or train people. People will have to change the way they live day-to-day, how they think, even how we raise and teach out children.
Here is why this all worries me. No matter what we do, leading by example, creating new and innovative ways, changing the culture around how we live, we cannot do enough without the Countries that pollute the most doing the same or even more. Even though we should and can lead by example it may be too little to even make a difference.
Sure, we can feel good about it and stand proud showing the world that this is how Canada does it. In the end, reducing our greenhouse gas emissions by 50 per cent only decreases the world’s GHG by less then a percent. This will not be even close to enough to make the change the world needs.
This is why I am so frustrated about the attacks on Alberta's “dirty” oil. We have singers, actors and scientists attacking us everyday. Telling us we are bad and we need to change.
I think we need to say yes - we want to lead the way, and we do want to make a difference. We want to be leaders and innovate new technologies in combating pollution and emission. We do want and we will do better.
But we also need to show pride in our province and country, because we already make a difference. We are already leaders that innovate new technologies. We are already better.
We all should show how proud we are of all of Canada and that we are not ashamed of our oil sands as they have created jobs and security for many Canadians. They have helped our economy through tough times.
Let's tell them to stop pointing the finger and blaming us as one collective voice. When we talk about oil, let's not hold our heads down and be ashamed. Let's hold our heads high. Let's tell them that we will and we are making a difference.
Let's show them what we are doing and ask them the question. What are you doing?
Justin Anderson
Proud Canadian, St. Paul
