I greatly look forward to…

I greatly look forward to the revisions to this act. Whereas in the past environmental issues have been so often at odds with economic and social policies, it is most certainly true that our environmental objectives lie inseparably with all other political ones. As endangered species rely on healthy environments in order to recover, I believe that the issue of environmental practices overall is relevant and pressing. Scientists have recently come forward with research showing that if we do not act now, in twelve years we will be past the point of sustaining this planet (and the number of natural disasters, like California's wildfires will be far greater and more devastating). Evidently, then, it is necessary for Ontario to make dramatically more progressive changes to environmental policy. Although on a provincial scale our ability to mitigate climate change is small, it is important for us to be leaders. We need to step up and make large scale changes because they will provide the framework and successful precedent necessary to prompt further environmental responses nationally and globally.

There are many institutions, businesses, and other organizations that everyday are developing greener technology that is increasingly competitive with established ones. Funding for this work and the implementation of these innovations is something worth consideration. Supporting environmentally responsible businesses is especially important to dispel the myth that the economy must compromise the environment.

Instead of proliferating the oil and gas industry, the government should keep the economy strong and unemployment rates low by generating jobs in the environmental sector - this can be anything from paying workers to plant, restore, and survey forests to investing in building more infrastructure for green technology like electrical cars.

In terms of preserving species on a smaller scale, it is equally important to create and maintain ecosystem throughout the province. Many animals die crossing highways even though there is the technology to make safe overpasses for them to cross, such as those seen across Canada. Investment in constructing more of these would be useful. More green spaces in the city would mean that species, especially pollinators, would not have to travel such long distances to find enough nourishment. Gardens and parks can benefit both wildlife and humans in providing important habitats as well as the green space proven to improve the mental health of those living in urban areas. Vertical farming is another area wherein the government can invest; it reduces the amount of space needed for farmland, meaning less deforestation, takes less water and other resources, employs locals, replacing the importation of expensive produce (that is often frozen and thus low-quality when it arrives), and cuts down on emissions used in transportation. These are but a few of the many solutions that are already feasible.

Thank you for taking the time to take these ideas into consideration.