I am opposed to scrapping…

I am opposed to scrapping the cap-and-trade plan that is already in effect unless an viable alternative for fighting climate change has been put in effect effect. Surely the Provincial government must be aware by now of the report by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change that predicts irreversible changes to our climate and the loss of ecosystems if industrialized nations do not take immediate action to limit greenhouse gas emissions.

Scrapping the cap-and-trade plan will do exactly the opposite. It will encourage more use of fossil fuels and thus increase greenhouse gas emissions. The cap-and-trade plan is not perfect but at least it is a step in the right direction. A responsible way would be to find ways to improve this plan. For example, the BC revenue-neutral carbon tax actually reduced greenhouse gas emissions while financially relieving people on low incomes.

Scrapping the cap-and-trade plan now, at exactly the time the IPCC report has come out would be a slap in the face if international science, and it would be irresponsible to future generations. The consequences of climate inaction now can be easily seen by reading the IPCC report. This report should be required reading for all policy makers.

I sincerely hope the government will find a responsible way to move forward at the crucial time.