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The Canadian climate change opinion is polarized and research shows that the gap is widening. The biggest predictor of people's vision is political affiliation. This means that people's perceptions of climate change are increasingly motivated by conflicting political agendas rather than science and concern for our collective well-being.
Over the past year, the Alberta Narratives Project has gathered comments from a wide range of Albertans (teachers, faith groups, health professionals, farmers, artists, industrialists, environmentalists, etc.). .) to better understand what they think of the public discourse on global warming. Participants said they wanted less blame and a more open, balanced and respectful conversation. Many do not see each other in the conversation. Nobody talks to them, using language that reflects their values and their identity.
Albertans are deeply divided in their perceptions of climate change. In 2017, just over half of the population was questionable or disdainful. When a question is very polarized, it is difficult to discuss. The Alberta Narratives Project found that people rarely, if ever, spoke about climate change.
Climate change is a collective threat, not just an environmental one. We must all consider ourselves as part of efforts to prevent extreme impacts and to ensure sustainable and resilient communities. But how can we take common action when we can not even talk about the problem?
The latest report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change calls for action to limit warming to 1.5 C to reduce the risk of extreme weather events, prevent catastrophic loss species, reduce the number of climate refugees and protect human health and resilience.
This is an urgent warning. After reviewing more than 6,000 scientific studies, the IPCC was clear: we must reduce harmful carbon emissions by at least 45% from 2010 levels by 2030 and reduce them to zero from zero. 39; here 2050 by reducing emissions and removing CO2 from the atmosphere.
The rise of populist politics harms climate action as a factor of gaining political advantage, with tragic consequences.
How can we reverse this?
Cities are responsible for 70% of global emissions. According to C40 Cities' research, they can lead by acting in four key areas: energy supply, buildings, mobility and waste.
Recently, the Regina Council unanimously adopted a motion to use 100% renewable energy by 2050, a significant goal consistent with the Paris International Agreement and the latest IPCC report. Victoria has adopted the same goal.
Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps wrote, "To solve the climate problem, we need to build a strong social fabric, build on the gifts, assets and talents of our friends, neighbors and colleagues. We need to change the way we think, from now on in the long term. "
In March, Edmonton joined the Mayors Summit World Summit of Mayors for Climate and Energy. They developed the Edmonton Declaration, inviting signatories to recognize the urgent need to act to limit global warming to 1.5 ° C.
The city video says, "Let's take action on climate change together Let's show the world how much we love our city and our planet Let's change the minds of our neighbors Let's change our habits Let's change the world Each of us needs to do everything we can, whatever we do, we have to do it now, because if we do not change anything, the climate will change everything. "
Reconciliation with indigenous peoples is also crucial.
Former Dene, François Paulette, said, "First Nations are particularly well placed to take the lead in climate change initiatives because of their knowledge of the sacred teachings of the land. We must not consider ourselves as passive recipients of the effects of climate change. We must be agents of change in climate action ".
To fight climate change, we must narrow the gaps and act – as individuals, families, neighbors, communities and societies.
Wherever you are on the political spectrum, whether you identify as rural or urban, young or old, the time to drag out is over. Each of us must unite with others to address climate change and demand meaningful action from political representatives. All parties must engage. We must call those who block or prevent solutions from serving their personal interests and political agendas.
We can not afford to wait.
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