I read an interesting article today which stated if we are to avoid runaway climate change we must leave one third of the world's already discovered oil, half of gas reserves and 80 percent of coal reserves in the ground. It also stated according to the IPCC panel on climate change more than 70 percent of global emissions are already caused by energy use in cities. I guess I was a bit surprised because most enviro groups blame industry not cities.
NDP candidate Linda McQuaig from Toronto was quoted for Canada to meet climate change targets "a lot of the oil sands oil may have to stay in the ground." In Alberta the new NDP government is starting consultation on new emission targets. All progressive politicians run down Stephen Harpers environmental record.
My point is that if cities create over 70 percent of global emissions why is only industry targeted by our politicians? It is also obvious that a broad based carbon tax will need to be applied to more than just industry. All consumer goods with an energy component, one example is plastics will have to be taxed. Possibly a luxury tax on fuel guzzling larger vehicles or families with multiple vehicles. What do you think is fair? Keep in mind food prices will rise with increased transportation and production costs which will necessitate new government programs for lower income individual as they will suffer the most.
Now I will be accused of fear mongering and maybe I am but it is obvious that we will have to reduce our oil consumption how much are you willing to pay to achieve this result?
NDP candidate Linda McQuaig from Toronto was quoted for Canada to meet climate change targets "a lot of the oil sands oil may have to stay in the ground." In Alberta the new NDP government is starting consultation on new emission targets. All progressive politicians run down Stephen Harpers environmental record.
My point is that if cities create over 70 percent of global emissions why is only industry targeted by our politicians? It is also obvious that a broad based carbon tax will need to be applied to more than just industry. All consumer goods with an energy component, one example is plastics will have to be taxed. Possibly a luxury tax on fuel guzzling larger vehicles or families with multiple vehicles. What do you think is fair? Keep in mind food prices will rise with increased transportation and production costs which will necessitate new government programs for lower income individual as they will suffer the most.
Now I will be accused of fear mongering and maybe I am but it is obvious that we will have to reduce our oil consumption how much are you willing to pay to achieve this result?
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