Climate Change Does not Mean Environment
Is climate change the single most threatening environmental crisis facing the world today? I don’t know, but I’ll tell you what I do know. In today’s parlance, and especially in government circles it seems (witness the government of Ontario, Canada’s new Add-it-up website) that climate change is now interchangeable for environment. And that is a mistake.
On the face of it, the website speaks to the “Choices we make everyday affect our environment”. And the link on the side goes to “Our Environment”. But, once you click, lo and behold, up pops “what is climate change?”. It’s only once you start to drive down that you come across ONE link that is not about climate change, and that is about pesticide use.
Why am I being so critical? Is this not a good start? Sure, why not. I applaud the effort behind the development of this site and its utility in listing tips and various government incentives for individuals (obviously the second of limited use to those living outside of Ontario and of no use to those living outside of Canada).
What I am worried about, and perhaps so should you, is the willingness of government and media to conflate climate change and the environment. While climate change dominates headlines, and perhaps has knock-on effects on many other environmental challenges, I question whether or not there are any linkages between solid-waste pollution, oil effluent pollution (etc.) and climate change. However, by linking climate change and the environment in such a tight manner, the media, government, and as a result the general public are forgetting other important environmental challenges. For example, species loss due to habitat degradation in the Amazon is probably of a more immediate threat than species loss due to climactic change.
Climate change is a challenge, and not one that should be undervalued. I would just caution that it’s not the only environmental challenge facing us, nor will it be the last.
For more reading on climate change:
- Just Another Global Warming Video
- Is Free Trade the Solution to Climate Change
- Critics Spurn G8 Statement on Climate Change
Media: Rpeschetz via Flickr’s media commons
Look dude, if you were exposed to CO2 your face would erupt into boils and your teeth would rot out. We know that CO2 is the most dangerous chemical on the planet and we should ban it. Who cares about ozone, MTBE, GMO’s, Sulphur, Nitrates? The Media has convinced me that C02 will destroy the world and that the science is over. Al Gore is the best scientist on the planet so I believe him. Are you a denialist or something? You must work for Exxon, youre lucky that Hansen isnt supreme dictator or else you would be disappeared.
I dont even care if the “science” shows that maybe cosmic rays have an effect on cloud formation or that C02 has never been proven to be a major driver of climate. I have a gut feeling that the only way to stop the earth from being submerged is to give up any remaining freedom I might have as a consumer to a world government. I dont even care if Al Gore made his money off of oil, he is the prophet. I believe, therefore I am.
Governments like Climate Change because they can rape and pillage the planet and still appear green. A prime example:
http://coolclimatenow.com/2008/04/19/adressing-climate-change-is-not-a-complete-agenda/
Hey there, good post methinks. And Im firmly on the right of the political spectrum.
Pollution is one thing, CO2 is plant food. I believe in reducing pollution and in maintaining natural habitats. However, all the greens talk about these days is their quest for world government in perpetuation of the AGW hoax.
Even though we disagree on AGW, I can appreciate that you made a distinction between it and other environmental issues. Beware of those who cloak themselves in green to push what is essentially an anti-capitalist, anti-freedom agenda.
Very true… climate change seems to be the only thing people care about these days, and while it is something of utmost importance and that must be worked on, the “Our Environment’ section on the Government of Ontario’s website should include other links including ‘how to decrease the amount of waste we produce’, or using earth-friendly cleaning products etc.