Dear Editor:
The Hot or Cool Institute based in Germany released a study leading up to the Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow, Oct. 31 to Nov. 12.
The study examines how 10 countries, Canada among them, are positioned to achieve the 2030 and 2050 targets regarding carbon emissions. At present (2019 data) the average Canadian produces 14.2 metric tonnes of C02 each year.
I want to note three of the study’s findings. First, achieving the established goals will take more than technical fixes, we will have to fundamentally change our way of life. Simple, costless technological fixes that will reduce our carbon footprint do not exist. It is time to stop talking and time to start making changes in how we live.
Second, if all Canadians chose to go meatless two days a week, we could reduce our carbon foot print by 400kg of CO2 annually. Such a shift would improve certain aspects of our health as well as reducing the carbon created. It is a change, but it is do-able.
Third, if we traded in our gas burning vehicles for hybrid or electric ones, we could reduce our carbon foot print by 1.2 metric tonnes of CO2 each year. Here there is room for government support in offering rebates to get gas burning vehicles off the road. Inviting us to bring in our vehicles in exchange for cash towards the purchase of better ones. In the process people might discover they don’t need a vehicle at all. Even without government support, this is a responsible move to make.
We are being invited to join the effort to reduce the damage being done to the Earth. We have a choice to make. What will it be?
Peter Bush,
Fergus