“Adapting
to a Changing Climate: Neglecting our Basic Obligations?
(p.59)
Ontario has not yet developed a formal strategy to
deal with adaptation to climate change, an approach
now considered essential for ensuring that the province’s
ecosystems and built environments - such as bridges,
dams, sewage treatment plants, or drainage systems
- will be able to withstand the effects of climate
change. Projections are that the change in climate
will bring more unpredictable weather, including intense
rain and ice storms, heat waves and droughts, lower
water levels in the Great Lakes and increased costs
for cooling buildings, along with threats to the health
or even survival of local plant and animal species.”
- Environmental Commissioner of Ontario, Backgrounder
to the 2005/06 Annual Report – Neglecting Our Obligations.
Ontario PCs call for leadership by example on
climate change
Ontario PC Leader John Tory is providing real leadership
with his plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, says
MPP Ted Arnott.
“Last
October, the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario,
Gord Miller, criticized the McGuinty Liberal Government
for not having a comprehensive strategy to deal with
the climate change problem,” Mr. Arnott said. “I’m delighted
that Mr. Tory is pushing the Government to make the
protection of our natural environment a higher priority.”
On
April 16th, John Tory delivered an important speech
to the Ontario Environment Industry Association. In
it he outlined firm targets for reducing greenhouse
gases, and he showed how Government can lead by example.
“My
views on the environment are motivated by my belief
that we have a moral obligation to leave our children
and grandchildren a better world,” Mr. Arnott said.
“We need to get serious about energy conservation and
energy efficiency.”
“The
fact is, the Earth is warming, and humankind must adapt
and attempt to minimize the ecological impacts of our
activities,” Mr. Arnott continued. “The vast majority
of scientists who have studied climate change believe
that the burning of fossil fuels and the resultant release
of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are significant
contributing factors to global warming.”
“Many
believe that we must dramatically reduce these greenhouse
gas emissions or it will imperil future generations.
The problem will not be resolved overnight, and our
efforts will need to be sustained throughout the 21st
Century,” he concluded.
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