A Response to Naomi Klein
On April 11 I had the privilege to attend a speaking engagement by the Canadian author and activist Naomi Klein sponsored by the Mir Centre for Peace at Selkirk College in Castlegar. She was here to talk about her new book, “This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. The Climate.”
In her address, Klein detailed the fundamental problems within our consumer society that have made it extremely difficult to find solutions to climate change even as global temperatures are projected to rise four to six degrees in the coming years. The rise in world temperatures is truly a global crisis and it is a daunting prospect to confront. People are left asking: How can I make a difference?
Klein praised environmental activists the world over, referring to this type of action as “Blockadia.” She then criticized Prime Minister Stephen Harper for his blatant anti-environmental policies and for his well-known, partisan support for the Oil Industry.
New Democrats agree with many of the things that Klein had to say. Canada is rushing towards an environmental disaster. Canada and the world have failed to put aside our differences and our short-term interests and work together to reverse this threat. I would agree with Klein that the scope of this problem is vast, and that we must ask ourselves some fundamental questions. Simply recycling or not idling our cars will not be sufficient to get us out of the collective hole we find ourselves in. We must change the way we consume and we must find a way to live more in harmony with our environment. Our current carbon emissions are more than enough to ensure that the earth we leave our children will be almost unrecognizable. We need radical action. On this point I am in perfect agreement with Klein.
On the other hand, the NDP is limited in what it can achieve in opposition. Stephen Harper continues to stifle debate on the subject and suppress the scientific community. The Conservative government presents us with the false choice of jobs or the environment. They ignore numerous studies and international precedents that show that a focus on sustainability and green technology not only helps to preserve our world for future generations but has the capacity to provide employment for huge numbers of people today.
Thomas Mulcair’s position on the environment is as progressive as Stephen Harper’s is disastrous. The NDP has strong environmental candidates like Dick Cannings, Wayne Stetski and Angelique Wood who not only champion green and sustainable energy, but have dedicated their lives outside of politics to environmental activism. However, we are not a one issue party. We recognize that much like an eco-system, anything that affects one sector of society has a ripple effect in all others. It is impossible to support the environment and not stand against legislation like Bill C-51, which strips Canadians of their right to protest, and paints environmental activism as terrorism. It is impossible to talk about the environment without talking about equality and social justice, which can give people the economic freedom that they need to make choices that further environmental causes.
In order to facilitate the true expression of democracy, the NDP will be proposing electoral reform and a shift to proportional representation in the upcoming election. This will allow Canadians to be heard on a variety of issues, and ensure that everyone has a voice in our collective future.
Climate change is a real and terrifying force, but it is not unstoppable. Now is the time for Canadians to ask all candidates in the coming election where they stand; not only on environmental issues but on issues of social justice and sustainable job creation. I would agree with Naomi Klein that our very future depends on it.