Modern History
Title: The Urgency of Climate Action: Moving Forward from Conservative Inaction
Five years ago, amidst the implementation of a carbon tax in parts of Canada, the debate over climate change was heating up—both literally and figuratively.
The 4.4-cent increase in gas prices (April 1st ,2019) sparked outrage among opponents of emissions-pricing, yet the true costs of climate inaction were already manifesting in the form of unprecedented damages from extreme weather events.
The Insurance Board of Canada's $1.9-billion payout in 2018 due to weather-related damages paints a stark picture—one that cannot be ignored or dismissed as a mere inconvenience.
The narrative peddled by some leaders, particularly within the Canadian Conservative circles, that we must choose between environmental protection and economic prosperity is a false dichotomy. The reality is that addressing climate change is not only an ethical imperative but an economic necessity.
Study after study confirms that the costs of mitigating climate change now are significantly lower than the costs of dealing with its consequences later.
In 2019, an economist presented two choices: invest 1-2% of GDP in emission-reduction policies or face spending 5-20% of GDP on addressing extreme weather, health crises, and food security issues triggered by climate change.
Either way, the bill will come due, and the burden will fall disproportionately on certain communities.
Meanwhile, the Conservative response to this looming crisis has been underwhelming, to say the least. In 2019, leader Andrew Scheer was more preoccupied with taking gas-pump selfies than articulating a coherent climate-change plan. It was eternally forthcoming.
Fast forward to today, and we have Pierre Pollievre, aka "Harper 2.0," championing slogans like "axe the tax" without offering substantive solutions. His rallying cry for the "Freedom Convoy" to keep diesel rigs idle is emblematic of a party lost in denial.
The truth is, we cannot afford to pray our way out of this crisis. Wishful thinking won't stem rising sea levels or mitigate devastating wildfires.
What we need are leaders who understand the urgency of the moment and are willing to take bold, decisive action. Climate change is not a distant threat—it's here, impacting communities across Canada and around the world.
Moving forward, we must demand more from our political representatives. We need policies that prioritize sustainability and equity, that invest in renewable energy and green infrastructure, and that ensure a just transition for workers and vulnerable populations.
The costs of inaction are simply too high, and the time for meaningful change is now.
As we reflect on the lessons of the past five years, let us commit to forging a path toward a sustainable future—one where we no longer look in the rear-view mirror but instead focus on the road ahead, guided by science, compassion, and a sense of shared responsibility for generations to come.
The choice is clear: act decisively on climate change now, or pay the price later.
Acknowledgement: Globe & Mail
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