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TORONTO – When many Canadians think about how they can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, they often look for ways to reduce their carbon footprint by flying less frequently or by driving an electric vehicle, for example.
However, as commendable as these actions may be, climate activists say there are more effective ways to engage people and make a difference.
Alex Speers-Roesch, a climate activist at Greenpeace Canada, explained that the phrase “carbon footprint”, which is the measure of total greenhouse gas emissions caused directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, event or product, was effectively popularized by oil and gas multinational BP in the early 2000s in an effort to place the burden of change on the individual.
“It’s good that people think about the emissions associated with the things they consume, but sometimes there is a trend in the way the carbon footprint is talked about and promoted that seeks to impose the burden on individuals and consumers. such releases in one way may be unfair, “he told CTVNews.ca during a telephone interview in late November.
Lauren Latour, climate ambition coordinator for Climate Action Network Canada, cited a study from a few years ago that showed that only 100 companies were responsible for 70% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions since 1988.
He also referred to another recent study which claimed that frequently flying “super emitters,” made up of only 1% of the population, were responsible for half of aviation’s carbon emissions in 2018.
“The average Canadian is absolutely not responsible for most of the damaging effects of climate change,” Latour said during an interview with CTVNews.ca in late November.
So while both Latour and Speers-Roesch said that Canadians should be aware of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the goods and services they consume and how their individual choices affect the environment, they said there are other more ways effective to address the problem. climate emergency.
“It will not be individual consumer actions that address the climate crisis, what we really need is the collective action of all of us working together to bring about systemic change,” Speers-Roesch said.
REQUEST INFORMATION
Canadians interested in doing their part to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions can start by seeking more information on the subject from environmental organizations dedicated to the cause, Speers-Roesch suggested.
He said there are many climate change groups operating in Canada, such as Greenpeace Canada, 350 Canada, Environmental Defense, and Climate Action Network Canada.
“Find a group like that, join the mailing list, see if you can get involved,” he said. “Once you start looking, though, you start to see, ‘Oh, there are opportunities everywhere.'”
Speers-Roesch said Canadians can also look for climate change events happening in their area. For example, if there is a protest nearby, he suggested that we go and see what it is and meet other participants.
“When you connect with others and put more effort into it, you will probably have more ideas,” he said. “Before you know it, you will have many things to keep you engaged on climate change.”
BECOME POLITICALLY COMMITTED
Latour recognized that getting involved in politics can be a “scary” thing for many people, but it doesn’t have to be and there are plenty of opportunities to get involved by participating in community-led initiatives.
He said Canadians can join local organizations working to influence government policy at the municipal level.
“For example, a city is able to change its bus fleet from low-emission fuel-burning buses, or hybrid or electric buses, or a light rail system,” he said.
Latour said Canadians can also volunteer for a mutual aid effort dedicated to building resilience in their city or region. For example, he cited groups that have taken action to help mitigate the effects of flooding in the Ottawa area in recent years.
“In many places, we see municipalities and we see smaller communities that are truly leading the way in climate change and climate policy,” he said.
“Individual change is important and that individual change is about getting involved in community organization and getting involved in influencing your local policy and legislation.”
Speers-Roesch also said political activism is one of the most important things Canadians can do to get involved in the fight against climate change.
“Most of the emissions are from industry and are the result of government policy decisions, so this is really the most important and impactful place for people to focus their energies,” he said.
The Greenpeace activist said Canadians should learn about their local politicians’ environmental platforms and encourage them to take action.
“Call your MPP, call your MPP, or the city councilor,” he said. “Let them know you want them to do more on climate change.”
PUSH THE CONVERSATION FORWARD
Finally, Speers-Roesch said Canadians can still do their part by incorporating climate change issues and carrying the conversation forward into their daily lives.
“Think about how you can bring climate activism into your existing life,” he said. “It’s not always necessary to find another group and join them.”
For example, Speers-Roesch said someone who is already a member of a book club that meets weekly could suggest a book to read about climate change.
He said they could also organize an event within an organization they are already involved in, such as their workplace, school, sports team, church or temple, to raise awareness.
“Look for one little thing you can do each week to get your voice heard and get active and engage on climate change,” Speers-Roesch advised. “Climate change is something we really need to infuse into every aspect of our life, our work and everything we do.”
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