Could we just take a moment to clarify the difference between matters of fact and matters of opinion? Matters of fact are facts; there is no point having an opinion about facts. For example, Doug Ford is the Premier of Ontario. That is a fact, whether I like it or not. How well Doug Ford is doing as Premier, however, is a matter of opinion.
When it comes to climate change, asking “Do you believe humans are causing climate change?” as you do in your Weekly Poll, asks us to have an opinion about an established fact. Why not ask us whether we believe in gravity?
It’s past time we moved on from this closed debate to grapple with the real issues: How do we mobilize our efforts to minimize the effects of global warming? What should we do, and, just as importantly,
what should we not do? How about ending the enormous subsidies to the fossil fuel industry, providing incentives for green energy development instead, phasing out the tar sands, cancelling plans for new pipelines, honouring our commitment to the Paris Accord and to the future of the planet?
Jim Zimmerman
Inverhaugh
Jim Zimmerman