Founding Meeting for Carleton EDA May 6

Hello Carleton Greens!

The founding meeting for our Riding Association [officially called an EDA] will be held May 6 , 2019 at 7 pm in Kars at St. John The Baptist Anglican Church, 6699 Rideau Valley Drive South. 

We have 2 members who have stepped forward to be on the board but we need more of you to run a strong EDA. After the inspiring result in PEI we can see that our time is coming soon!

We are now the loyal opposition in PEI and hold the balance of power in BC. 

Given that the environment and climate change are finally going to be front and centre during the election we can now steer the conversation to areas that our strengths. As always, we will remain positive and grounded in practical reality that always put the public good and the future first in our thinking.

In that regard you can really help - we need an artist to draw a dozen or so cartoons in this style. This approach is how we will communicate all our themes, first via a social media campaign and then during the election. So, if you know anybody who can to this please contact me and please use this email (gordonjkubanek@gmail.com) 

Thanks and please RSVP, if possible, so we can make the right amount of tea, coffee and cookies for you for May 6 !

Gordon

Do Not Worship the Deities That Came Before the Fire

Arguably, conditions have recently progressed to a point where religious awakening in the presence of ecological collapse is possible, because we have recently entered the era where the planet’s behaviour intuitively, undeniably feels apocalyptic, regardless of whether people have an interest in ‘environmental issues’ or not. 2017 was the first year wildfire smoke blackened the skies over major cities throughout the west coast of North America and made breathing painful for days on end, and the first year mainstream news outlets consistently used the adjective ‘apocalyptic’ to describe the fires. With respect to certain moments – like the hazy reddish-orange glowing sky over Disneyland, or the melted cars and dead horses of Santa Rosa, California – they consistently failed to find any other.

Most people will never have an emotional response to topics like species interdependencies or methane reservoirs beneath ice, but most people have trouble not coming to a conclusion like ‘the world is ending’ in the presence of a fire tornado. 2018 was the year the fire tornado came to California in earnest, a phenomenon of cyclonic winds created by fire which beget more fire, a vortex of flame towering hundreds of feet above the forest, accompanied by a roaring sound that only seems plausible if one imagines it was first described in a prophecy.

excerpt from 

Do Not Worship the Deities That Came Before the Fire, https://dark-mountain.net/do-not-worship-the-deities-that-came-before-the-fire/

"I'm very conservative and find it difficult that conservation is somewhat alien to conservative politics." – Mr. Graham, Australian farmer

"I'm very conservative and find it difficult that conservation is somewhat alien to conservative politics."

 – Mr. Graham, Australian farmer

Australian election The unlikely group calling for climate action FARMERS

·        24 April 2019 https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-47890319

·        Australia election 2019

Australia has just experienced its hottest summer and a succession of extreme weather events - making climate policy a key issue in May's national election. Now one traditionally improbable group is increasingly calling for action: farmers. Gary Nunn reports from Sydney.

"Who better than capitalist conservative farmers to push the government on climate change?" asks Verity Morgan-Schmidt, who grew up on a farm and now heads lobby group Farmers for Climate Action.

It's an issue that has rapidly shifted opinions in recent years and according to cattle producer Will Graham, farmers are emerging as somewhat unlikely campaigners in this space.

"Five, 10 years ago, no farmers would've believed in climate change - they were saying these are just weather cycles," he says. "Now they accept it, they talk about it - and they want action."

The shift, they say, is because farmers are seeing the devastating impacts of extreme weather on their land, as a prolonged drought cripples vast swathes of the nation.

Australia gets droughts periodically, but scientists say climate change is causing more frequent and severe weather events. More than 99% of New South Wales (NSW) is currently drought-affected. Floods devastated large sections of Queensland earlier this year, and in recent months, bushfires and cyclones have caused damage in multiple states.

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§  Australia records hottest month ever

§  The drought seen from the air

§  Entire state now in drought

§  'It's cheaper to shoot the cows'

A government report in February blamed "exceptional climatic conditions, unparalleled in the observed climate record" for mass fish kills in NSW that have caused anger. It has prompted criticism of governments for not acting sooner.

Ms Morgan-Schmidt says farmers regularly report shifting rain patterns, more extreme fires and increased drought severity. The impact on farming is significant, she says: one farmer recently lost 70% of crop in three days.

Drier conditions have seen Mr Graham downsize his farm to 30% of his usual cattle numbers. With no rain on the horizon, he plans further de-stocks.

Crop farmer Caroline Welsh has had to adapt her wheat and barley farming practices because hotter, drier springs mean the harvest comes earlier. "We're going from extreme to extreme," she says.

'I'd felt isolated in my views'

Both Mr Graham and Ms Welsh are members of Farmers for Climate Action - a group of 5,000 Australian farmers calling on MPs to improve climate change and agriculture policies.

It began in 2016, when about 20 farmers met in Sydney's Blue Mountains to share their concerns about climate change challenging food production.

It was a relief for Mr Graham.

"I'd felt quite isolated. Beforehand it was difficult to hold these views, partly because of opinions from outside the agricultural sector about cows producing methane gas and farmers using the most water in the world - all these negative things farmers do to contribute to climate change."

While cattle are a major source of C02 emissions, Prof Mark Howden, director of the Climate Change Institute, says simply reducing livestock would be unwise.

"By itself, that wouldn't change livestock product demand and could result in leakage of emissions through increased imports of replacements."

In October, two experts wrote in The Conversation that "climate denial has been widespread among farmers and in the ranks of the National Party, which purports to represent their interests".

They cited studies published in 2008 and 2013, which respectively showed that only one third of farmers believed that climate change was happening, but also more recent research that suggested a "wholesale shift" in attitudes may be under way.

Ms Morgan-Schmidt says the taboo in regional Australia of climate change belief is breaking down, because "farmers see climate change policy going backwards, while our industry is at the forefront of the impacts".

M

Farmers for Climate Action reached out to their own farming networks, asking other farmers where they stand on climate change. Of the 1,300 farmers who responded, approximately 80% expressed concern.

They started organising campaign efforts - including taking a petting zoo to Parliament House in 2016 to publicise their concerns.

§  Australia defies climate warning to back coal

§  Australia records hottest-ever summer

§  The challenge of 'farming the desert' in Australia

They've since persuaded some MPs to back their strategy, supported the red meat sector's push to become carbon neutral by 2030, and given "climate 101" lessons to fellow farmers.

eir campaign

Another farmer-led pressure group, Lock the Gate, formed in 2010 to deal with coal miners and gas drillers who wanted to mine on farms. National co-ordinator Carmel Flint says: "They felt they had no legal rights, so decided to lock their gates to coal and gas companies."

Lock the Gate now helps farmers who lost water sources and couldn't get corporate compensation, though it has faced opposition by the NSW Minerals Council - a mining lobby group - which has called the group "aggressive" in its tactics.

Challenge to 'traditional' vote

Climate change policy has been a heated issue in Australian politics in the past decade. In recent years, it has particularly divided the nation's conservative coalition government - including being cited as one factor in the ouster of Malcolm Turnbull as prime minister last August.

The junior coalition partner, the National Party, has traditionally attracted many rural voters.

Ms Welsh says climate change policy is highest on her priority list at the upcoming election - she's switching parties on this issue.

Although Mr Graham hasn't changed his vote, he's a "very dissatisfied" member of the Liberal National Party (the party's name in Queensland). He says: "I'm very conservative and find it difficult that conservation is somewhat alien to conservative politics."

For crop and sheep farmer David Jochinke, climate is just one of various factors that'll affect his vote: health, education and infrastructure for regional Australians are major issues for him.

He also wants changes to native vegetation policy: "If I plant heaps of trees, I should be granted credits to offset the trees I need to remove on my property."

Ms Welsh has a message for those seeking election in May: "Don't go down in history as those in power who made the wrong decisions for the planet. If we throw money, resources and brains collectively at this, we could change things."

  

Hypocrisy in B.C.?

Hypocrisy in B.C.?

Hypocrisy: the practice of claiming to have moral standards to which one's own behavior does not conform

The Hypocrites from the Sixth Pit of Hell   - Dante’s Inferno, 14^th century

Every once in a while I listen to CFRA talk radio. I usually last only 5 minutes and their 'conversations' are so often so biased that I just can’t take it. But I persevere to make sure I can understand people who think differently than I do. However, the day after the victory of the United Conservatives in the Alberta election, there was a caller from Renfrew who had retired there after working in Fort McMurray who made the point presented here: how dare the government and citizens of BC be so high and mighty about not wanting ‘dirty oil’ crossing their beloved province? When:

1.      They currently use the Alberta oil from the existing pipeline to fuel their cars and trucks

2.      They are developing their own gas resources in northern BC and building a pipeline to the ocean for it

3.      Their coal mining exports are the largest of any single North American state or province

In other words  - hypocritical BAST - -  DS!

Once I got home I needed to confirm the details of his claims, although I knew they were more or less true.

So here are the exact facts [at least as much as I could find]:

1. Most of the gasoline consumed in B.C. comes from Alberta, delivered primarily via the Trans Mountain Pipeline. Gasoline is also produced in B.C.’s two refineries. Less than 10% the gasoline consumed in B.C. is imported via ship or barge from the U.S. Pacific Northwest. [1]

So, yes, the caller was right.

2. The graph below makes it clear that BC is developing its large natural gas reserves.

In 2017, natural gas production in B.C. averaged 4.5 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) (Figure 1). B.C.’s production represented about 29% of total Canadian natural gas production in 2017. [1]

Additionally, the caller claimed that BC is also approving natural gas terminals and pipelines. This is confirmed here:

NGTL’s Towerbirch Expansion was completed in December 2017 and now provides producers in the Tower Lake area with access to the NGTL system. NGTL’s application for the North Montney Project was approved by the NEB in May 2018. The expansion will transport natural gas from the North Montney area to the existing NGTL system. AltaGas’ Ridley Island Propane Export Terminal announced a final investment decision in January 2017. The facility will be constructed near Price Rupert and will transport a maximum of 46 Mb/d of propane to Asia-Pacific markets when completed in 2019. This facility will be Canada’s first propane export terminal. [1]

So, yes, the caller was right.

1.   3.  Coal mining is a major industry in British Columbia. Coal production employs thousands of people and coal sales generate billions of dollars in annual revenue.  Coal production currently represents over half of the total mineral production revenues in the province. [2]  “Coal production is a mainstay of the province’s economy, generating billions of dollars in annual revenue and supporting thousands of well-paid jobs,” reads the website for B.C.’s Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources.  [3] This head line from the National Post [3] says it all:

Yes, anti-pipeline Vancouver really is North America’s largest exporter of coal

So, in spite of the fact that per capita GHG emissions in BC are 37% below the national average [only because of the happy accident of having massive hydro projects] BC’s behaviours towards Alberta is very much a case of the kettle calling the pot black. So, yes, sadly, the caller was right and BC is a hypocrite.

What to do? How about acting like grown-ups and stop lobbing grenades into our neighbour’s back yard and go back to our old fashioned Canadian ways of talking things over a nice cold bottle of beer and having a BBQ together. Eventually, once we see that we are all on the same side and none of us is lily–white, we’ll figure a way out of our fossil fuel dependent economy and move forward, TOGETHER, to better things. Ie. a renewable energy  based economy.

So, rather than provinces squabbling how about we be the good Canadians the world thinks we are  and emulate our national animal, the Beaver, and build some dams!

References

1.      https://www.neb-one.gc.ca/nrg/ntgrtd/mrkt/nrgsstmprfls/bc-eng.html

2.      https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/mineral-exploration-mining/british-columbia-geological-survey/geology/coal-overview

3.      https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/yes-anti-pipeline-vancouver-really-is-north-americas-largest-exporter-of-coal

Stop Flying Part II - Alternatives to Flying

Stop Flying Part II - Alternatives to Flying

If you want to be happy, just be.       Tolstoy

In part I we basically answered this question put forth by the German philosopher Emmanuel Kant around 1780 to decide whether our choice or action is moral:

“What sort of place would the world be if everyone acted in the way I am considering acting?”

We found out that the answer is clear – the world cannot withstand the damage done by millions, let alone billions, of human flying to have some fun or make some money. Period. That was the easy part. The tough part is - what are the alternatives?  I will respond in two parts. Part 1 assumes you still have a need to fly and provides alternative methods while Part 2 examines the more fundamental question: why do you have the need to find fulfillment far away from where you live? Can’t you be grateful for what you have and find a way to grow and learn where you are?

If you ‘need’ to travel there are many alternatives, all of which, of course, take more time. Of course, right away this raises the objection that “I don’t have the time to take a train or ship or ….” Well, that objection actually points to a big part of the flying problem: our need to do everything fast. I propose to you that faster is not better, rather, that slower gives more joy and satisfaction than fast. Travelling, like good food, is of better quality and gives much more pleasure when enjoyed slowly. The real question we should all be asking when we travel for pleasure, is this: “How will this experience enrich my life and give me an experience that will either change me or remain as a joy within my heart for years to come?” Clearly, the answer is unique for every person, but clearly fast is not better than slow. For example, if you have to travel to Europe or Asia – take a cargo ship ! There are many companies providing this service; it is not cheap and it is slower, but your carbon footprint approaches zero! Here is what one person said about this experience:

“I can highly recommend this mode of transport. If you're not in a hurry to get somewhere, this is a unique way of travelling, guaranteed to give you an experience you will never forget.”

Now, of course, some people ‘have to’ travel for business. Well and good in the pre-internet age. Quite frankly, companies are embracing, albeit too slowly, the wonders of skype and zoom for direct and interactive meeting that can held with many people simultaneously. I ‘zoom’ a meeting every morning at 7 am with around 20 people and it is terrific. There is a moderator who directs who talk and moves an image/written word down the screen. During this time all attendees are free to text the whole group or individuals – it is a daily event I always look forward to.

Clearly, there are  other options, including driving for shorter trips [with a full car, or you actually emit more CO₂], trains for medium distances – electric trains or bullet trains are best – [ Flying from London to Paris generates 244 kg of CO2 whereas taking the Eurostar train will create 90% less with only 24 kg] or my favourite, if you happen to be in Norway, where they are mandating that by 2040 ALL intra-Norway flying be electric,  Fly with an electric plane!

Now for the tough part: why do you need to travel far, far away in the first place? Emmanuel Kant, the philosopher quoted at the start of this writing, lived in the intellectual middle of nowhere for his time – East Prussia. That was the equivalent of living today, without the internet, in the Falkland Islands! And yet, by ‘snail’ mail, he was abreast of the latest ideas from Paris and was a major figure not only of his time but is one of the great philosophers of all time. So yes, those who claim that “I need to fly to learn about the world and myself to grow.. blah.. blah… blah… while partly true [and I must admit travelling, if done properly, ie. not at Club Med, can help you expand you horizons], is only partly true. We can also grow where we live: perhaps not in our home town, but certainly you can become more mature when travelling by a train, car, bike or even better, by canoe. This was well said by our former Prime Minister Pierre E. Trudeau, who loved canoeing:

Travel a thousand miles by train and you are a brute; pedal five hundred on a bicycle and you remain basically a bourgeois; paddle a hundred in a canoe and you are already a child of nature.

As for family, given that many people travel by air to visit family, it’s simple, if they matter that much to you, live close by. Or, if that is not possible and you are older, live part of the year near your kids. However, the best advice I read was this:

Live where you can by happy all year long

Be grateful

Appreciate the gifts Life has bestowed upon you

Spend time with people you love

If I have not convinced you yet, read this excellent article:

Why We Decided to Stop Flying & Why You Should Think About It too

 

In closing, I leave you with this 17th-century poem by Andrew Marvell who warned his “coy mistress” and himself that life was brief and youth briefer.

…at my back I always hear
Time’s winged chariot hurrying near;
And yonder all before us lie
Deserts of vast eternity.

In our day, the winged chariot that is hurrying near is species extinction.

The deserts of vast eternity that lie before us are the wastelands of the planet itself as we send it to its death. But there is something you can do about all that — something big, something easily within reach, something that won’t cost you time or money. Take a deep, slow breath, and throw away that bucket list for good. You are needed at home, my friend, urgently needed. For the love of the Earth and of those who will inherit it when you are gone, stay right where you are. 

Jack Miles, a Pulitzer Prize and MacArthur “genius” award-winning author

Finally, Watch CDN canoeing icon Bill Mason’s movie Waterwalker and be inspired to see Canada