Blog Action Day: Climate Change

Today is Blog Action Day 2009 and we are trying to harness the power of social media to take a collective stance on the issue of climate change.

Action is needed to achieve a sustainable solution to our global climate crisis. Countries have to work together to limit greenhouse gases and build a clean energy economy, and in December world leaders will gather in Copenhagen to negotiate a global response to climate change. Let's hope our leaders will take the threat of climate change seriously and make the necessary changes to ensure the safety and health of future generations.

Optimist that I am, I can only hope Canada will once again take the lead as we did with the Kyoto Accord. What started out as a bold, brave initiative for our country back in the late 1990's became one of our biggest embarassments on the world stage - when we chose not to honour our commitments.

Canadian environment groups have formed KYOTOplus, a Canadian campaign to support an urgent solution to the global warming crisis - leading up to the United Nations meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark. You can sign the petitition on the website.

KYOTOplus will ensure Canada:

• Votes in favour of extending and strengthening the Kyoto Protocol this December, 2009, at the meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark;
• Replaces its current inadequate policy approach with a credible, urgent plan that brings down Canada's greenhouse gas pollution fast.

Whatever your political persuasion, as a member of the human race inhabiting this grand planet Earth, I am sure we can agree on one thing ... that it is time for us to put the health of our planet ahead of profits and wealth.

Happy Blog Action Day.

View From My Cube

At work I usually keep the blinds down in my work cube. The view of the alley and graffiti isn't particularly inspiring. Especially on those gray, overcast days - it seems easier to block out the real world and create our own inside, comforting zone. I think many of us feel that way about the situation with our government. The situation is messy and somewhat dismal and it is easier to look away or pull the blinds down.

The view may not be pretty but these are definitely interesting times for Canada. Our minority government has been suspended (prorogued -- gotta love that word) until the end of January during a time of great economic strain and public unrest. Many thought that another election was inevitable, and then there were those who were against the coalition government. I for one was all for a coalition government.

Considering we just had an election, and the fact that Harper is exploiting the minority situation - banking on the other parties not wanting to force and election and fall into disfavour with the public - and is trying to push his garbage through) - I am all for a coalition. I think the parties would have to focus less on partisan positions and pass legislation etc that are at the core of what is important to Canadians. The fear mongering about the Bloc is a smoke screen, as the proposed coalition government consists only of Liberals and NDP. The Bloc has pledged their votes. I only wish that the Liberal had a stronger leader however I think Layton and Rae will have strong voices.

I think the next two months will be filled with lots of Conservative ads promoting the party position. They have the money to spend. It will be interesting to see where it all ends up.

Like I said, the view may not be pretty, but it sure is interesting.

Government

In a country well governed,
poverty is something to be ashamed of.
In a country badly governed,
wealth is something to be ashamed of.

- Confucious