There’s a gap in public policy between the reality of global climatic change and responses to it.
Science shows that it’s real and it’s serious, but this isn’t about debating the reality of global
climatic change. It’s part of the nascent discussion on a transition to a green economy that our
politicians need to hear.
While Justin Trudeau has acknowledged global climatic change, in action, he is Stephen Harper
in Elizabeth May’s clothing. He’s offering Harper’s Paris carbon emission targets and a
ridiculously low carbon tax that won’t come into effect until after the next election. Trudeau hasn’t
ruled out more pipelines, given the fossil fuel industry a deadline or discussed cuts to fossil fuel
industry subsidies. Contrary to campaign innuendo, he’s approved a massive fracked natural gas
project in BC.
Fossil fuel combustion is the primary cause of global climatic change. Fossil fuels are rapidly
depleting. Fossil fuel combustion is the primary cause of air pollution, a major cause of human
disease and death. These are reasons to initiate an aggressive plan to support energy
conservation and rapid transition to renewable energy, the hallmarks of a green economy.
While some deny global climatic change, our politicians deny that energy conservation and
renewable energy lower energy costs, increase energy security, cut health care costs, and
reduce the threat of catastrophic global climatic change. We can save money and protect the
environment!
A transition to a fossil fuel independent economy will require change. Change is frightening. Will
the change achieve its goals, be on budget, and be on time? What will be the human and
economic costs?
Nobody can guarantee goals will be met on time or on budget. However, the certainty is high that
inaction will precipitate more climate warming; ongoing species extinctions; continued ocean and
forest degradation; more frequent, more powerful, more costly tropical storms; melting glaciers,
rising oceans, devastating flooding.
We don’t have a choice. We either plan a smooth transition or accept the perils of our
unsustainable economy.
There will be costs. Capital will need to be invested to build or modify infrastructure. Where will
we find the capital? A carbon tax or by reallocating the $2.9 billion in public subsidies currently
given to the fossil fuel sector.
Could we perform the magic used to save the banks during the Global Financial Crisis of 2008?
Six central banks including the Bank of Canada conjured $17 trillion. A transition to a green
economy would cost far less, the benefits would be far greater, and the money would be an
investment not a gift.
The larger question is not about money, but jobs or the human cost of the transition.
There will be job losses as coal mines, oil wells, gas plants, tar sands, and fossil fuel transport,
refining, and processing positions are eliminated. The transition must be carefully planned,
humane, and backed by strong public support.
We need to understand that a healthy economy and a health society are only possible within a
healthy environment.
We need to accept the need to change and structure the change benignly to create a more
sustainable economy and a healthier society.

We need to be humane and guarantee jobs for everyone who loses their job with new jobs in the
green economy. What will those new jobs be?
Wind energy is a mature technology for generating electricity at a lower cost than coal. Every
province has abundant wind resources. Given Canadian expertise in manufacturing aircraft
wings, could we design and manufacture wind turbine blades suited for wind regimes across
Canada? Can we commit to generating 25% of Canada’s electricity using Canadian
manufactured wind technology within 25 years?
Solar photo-voltaic technology converts sunlight into electricity and promises low cost, long-life
electricity generating capacity. Could we convert redundant manufacturing facilities throughout
Ontario and Quebec into solar PV manufacturing plants? Could co-operatives profitably lease the
flat rooftops of commercial buildings, install solar PV arrays, and sell the power to utilities? Could
we commit to generating 15% of Canada’s electricity using Canadian manufactured solar PV
technology within 25 years?
Given Canadian expertise in deep drilling, could we apply that expertise to developing geothermal
energy? A geothermal power plant injects water into the ground through a closed loop and
recovers steam to drive turbines. Could we reallocate some of the $2.9 billion annual handout to
the fossil fuel industry to the owners of coal-fired power plants to convert their facilities to
geothermal? Could we commit to generating 10% of Canada’s electricity using Canadian
manufactured geothermal technology within 25 years?
A cornerstone of a transition to a green economy is a commitment to full employment. Another
cornerstone could be to work with Canadian fossil fuel extracting companies and offer low interest
loans, loan guarantees, grants, wind rights, drilling rights, or access to sites suitable for solar PV
so Fort McMurry, Lloydminster, Estevan, Fernie, and Newfoundland become clean energy
producers rather than industrial wastelands.
Even in Canada buildings can be constructed from conventional building materials that are
energy neutral. While the capital cost of these buildings may be 20% higher than conventional
buildings, energy costs are 90% lower. The additional capital costs can be recovered quickly in
lower operating costs.
Beyond building new energy neutral buildings, existing buildings can be retrofitted affordably to
near energy neutral standards. Apartment buildings can be given a second skin to increase their
thermal efficiency. The Now House project demonstrated how a 60 year old single residential
dwelling could be renovated affordably to energy neutrality.
Can we train former tar sands workers to build new energy neutral buildings or to renovate
existing buildings to energy neutrality?
Can we electrify our national railroads, expand public transit with more light rapid transit, build
dedicated bicycle lanes or widen sidewalks to add a lane for bicycles?
Beyond energy conservation, renewable energy, and transportation, can we do more to protect
our surface and groundwater, our forests, parks, and greenbelts?
What I’m suggesting is reminiscent of FDR’s New Deal, a program that positioned the USA first
for decades. As FDR said, “One thing is sure. We have to do something. We have to do the
best we know how at the moment... “ and at the moment we know that business as usual is no
longer an option.