Module 4.1 Discussion Topic

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University of British Columbia *

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Geography

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Oct 30, 2023

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docx

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Uploaded by peterswa7837

The requirements to low carbon society and its transition I think an appropriate response to the issue of anthropogenic climate change is a moderate reduction of fossil fuels and carbon footprints. Considering how polarized people are nowadays (Especially in the United States), people have strongly entrenched opinions. Hence, the implementation of collective responsibility (E.g. walking/taking public transit, reducing waste) while calling upon legislators to have more sustainable options (e.g. biodegradable plastics, removal of single use plastics, etc) will have a far more cumulative effect than extreme policies and practices (e.g. BC Carbon Tax being gradually implemented, rather than launched outright). Government, especially the Trudeau Liberal government, needs to do more to ensure Canada's carbon emissions are met. Yet, the hypocrisy of the Liberal (and previous Conservative) federal governments have prioritized economic interest (especially the Alberta oil sands) over environmental sustainability. The larger, ongoing issue I think pertains to the legislative jurisdiction of the environment between the Federal government and the provinces (e.g. Trans Mountain Pipeline debacle and the inexplicable purchase of the pipeline by the Federal government). However, China has a similar problem. There's similarities between the growing gaps between core-periphery areas between rural and urban regions. Major metropolitan areas like Beijing and Shanghai have recieved the economic and environmental benefits of green technology investments, while major manufacturing regions like Xingtai and Baoding are still heavily reliant on fossil fuels (I think this would be analagous to your "Chemical Valley" in SW Ontario). Personally, I take public transportation and avoid driving if possible (due to the chaotic free-for-all that is driving in China). The train/subway is far more convenient, as I'm located only a few blocks away and often gets me to my destination faster. I'd rather not drive because of the cost and the high carbon footprint. I'd take a bicycle, but considering how cyclists are a literal moving target, I'd more than likely get hit/get in an accident.

References: Gifford, R. (2013, July). Dragons, mules, and honeybees: Barriers, carriers, and unwitting enablers of climate change action. Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, 69(4), 41-48.doi: 10.1177/0096340213493258 Harrison, k. (2019). Lessons from British Columbia’s Carbon Tax. Policy Options. Retrieved from https://policyoptions.irpp.org/magazines/july-2019/lessons-from-british- columbias-carbon-tax/#:~:text=A%20growing%20body%20of %20research,harm%20to%20low%2Dincome%20households.&text=Fuels %20used%20by%20farmers%20were%20exempted. Perkins, S. (2017). The best way to reduce your carbon footprint is one the government isn’t telling you about. Science Magazine. Retrieved from https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2017/07/best-way-reduce-your-carbon- footprint-one-government-isn-t-telling-you-aboutoposal-new-oil

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