It was refreshing to read that Todd Whitcombe acknowledges that nothing Canada does to fight climate change would have any effect.
Yet, he seems to think we should do it anyway. Why spend all that money and take a major hit on our economy if it has no effect?
So we can hold the “moral high ground?"
Virtue signaling, that’s what really matters, not actually doing anything that will “save the planet." Preening in front of the world is what it’s all about. Look at us, we’re so admirable!
As Whitcombe said, there’s little substance in the Conservative climate action plan, but then there’s little actual substance in the Liberal plan as well, which isn’t surprising because they know the damage that would ensue from serious emission cuts. If it was the climate emergency they’ve proclaimed it to be, if they were serious about fighting climate change, wouldn’t they shut down half of our industries, ban recreational fossil fuel usage, price those fuels out of reach and take the hit for the good of humanity?
Well, yes they would, but the backlash would be open rebellion and besides, they don’t actually believe there’s even a problem. Actions speak louder than words and their actions clearly reveal what they really think. Justin Trudeau’s personal carbon footprint, both as private citizen and as prime minister is extravagantly huge and he places no restraints on himself. Likewise his environment minister Catherine McKenna jets all over the country to tell the great unwashed that we must cut back. On shorter junkets, she hops aboard a chauffeur-driven, gas-guzzling limousine.
So the climate change plans of both parties are all for show.
They address a supposed global problem that Canada has no ability to affect. They are kowtowing to the mindset that not to take steps to address climate change would portray them as callously unconcerned for the planet in peril. Just as long as they’re seen to be taking action, that’s all that matters in politics.
But wait.
Whitcombe thinks that’s nowhere near enough. Does he think if we take real actions, if we sacrifice so nobly, the big players like China who can make a difference will be inspired to follow our example?
Yeah, right, let's not be that naïve.
China has 2,363 coal plants and is constructing 1,171 more. They and the other “developing” nations have made it abundantly clear that they have no intention of even so much as attempting to slow their emissions growth, although they’re quite happy for us to make cuts and thus transfer our industry, wealth and emissions to them.
In actual fact, both Liberal and Conservative plans go too far. No action should be taken that hurts us economically. Former Liberal Prime Minister Jean Chrétien knew how to play this game. While deploring the imminent threat of climate disaster, when it came t taking action he... made a few TV and radio ads.
That’s as far as any government should go.
Art Betke
Prince George
