On Thin Ice: Winter Sports and Climate Change - David Suzuki ...

22 solutions
A recent UN report outlining the level of effort for an effective global response to
climate change suggests that industrialized countries should take responsible action and
cut emissions in the range of 25 to 40 per cent below 1990 levels by 2020 and at least 80
to 95 per cent by 2050. 108 This global effort to reduce emissions would help protect our
communities and the global economy from catastrophic impacts such as severe storm
events that cause flooding or severe droughts and water shortages. In fact, a recent report
by an international team of economists and energy experts concluded that even sweeping
measures to reduce global emissions to the level required are affordable and could deliver
multiple co-benefits like increased energy security, better air quality, and modern energy
systems to the world’s poorest countries. 109
One the biggest misconceptions in Canada’s debate on climate change is that strong action
would harm our economy. Canada’s leading economists disagree. In 2008, more than 200 of
Canada’s top economists wrote to federal political leaders with key economic solutions. They
recommended, above all, putting a price on carbon emissions and stated, “Canada needs to act
on climate change now.” 110 Furthermore, a groundbreaking study by one of Canada’s leading
economic and environmental firms (commissioned by the David Suzuki Foundation and the
Pembina Institute) concluded that Canada’s economy can still grow by almost 20 per cent in
the next decade while the country reduces its greenhouse gas pollution to 25 percent below
the 1990 level. 111 The study shows that Canada could take decisive action and still continue
to enjoy strong net job growth and other economic benefits. By 2020 Canadians would save
more than $5.5 billion each year at the gas pump because of more efficient vehicles, more
public transit, and shorter commutes. To achieve the emission target, Canada would require
a significant price on global warming (carbon) emissions as well as targeted regulations and
investments to expand the use of clean technology.
“With both a direct impact to our sport, and our own contributing behaviour,
responsibility for action begins with us. I want my children and grandchildren to
enjoy the sport as much as I do. That means action begins with this generation,
not shifting the burden to the next.”
- Dan Roycroft, member, Canadian Cross Country Ski team
reducing Emissions
Because of the scale of problem, governments play a key role in the solution
Because of the scale of carbon-dioxide emissions that need to be reduced to limit the
atmospheric build-up to reasonably safe levels and the concerted effort needed from all
sectors of the economy, governments play a critical role in solving global warming. The
federal and provincial governments have the power to put in place binding regulations,
energy-efficiency (consumer) standards, and green financing. Moreover, economic signals
from the energy and transportation sectors can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and
help with the transition to a clean, renewable energy–based economy. Local governments
also have a crucial role in reducing emissions through the design and planning of cities
and communities to minimize the distances needed to move people and goods. Municipalities
can use land-use zoning to influence where people live, work, and play. Municipal