As a grade 9 student it is…

As a grade 9 student it is necessary to inform you of the errors 1.2 amendment is making in perspective of ensuring a healthy and happy environment. By choosing to follow through with this Growth Plan, you will be putting future sustainability at risk. With the idea of removing the net-zero, low-carbon, and social equity plans, the risk of devastation will increase and without a doubt wreck havoc upon the country.

According to the World Green Building Council, net-zero means having “buildings that generate 100% of their energy needs on-site, are not feasible.”. Having net-zero is quite helpful because instead of having nonrenewable energy sources that are slowly destroying the environment, it would establish a future in which the world can rely on eco friendly sources. As stated in the amendment by the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing “Despite these early successes, there is still more work to do. Now is the time to build on the progress that has been made towards the achievement of complete communities that are compact, transit-supportive, and make effective use of investments in infrastructure and public service facilities. At the same time, the Growth Plan will continue to ensure protection of our agricultural and natural areas and support climate change mitigation and adaptation as Ontario moves towards the goal of environmentally sustainable communities.”. With the investment of net-zero there will clearly give the world a chance to become better and viable.

In 2015, Ontario originally created a Climate Change for a Low-Carbon future, unfortunately amendment 2.1 forces this entire plan to shut down. This Climate Change strategy was a 5 year plan made to convert Ontario into a low-carbon economy. If unaware, a low-carbon economy is a type of economy in which the government would focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions while creating clean growth and jobs. This strategy is also advantageous to Indigenous communities and organizations because as said by the government of Canada “to support projects that reduce reliance on diesel and deploy energy-efficient technologies in homes and businesses. Additionally, Indigenous communities and organizations are eligible applicants for funding through the Partnerships stream of the Low Carbon Economy Challenge.”. Furthermore, a challenge was created to help provide funding for anyone who wanted to help create a sustainable liveliness for their city. This would be beneficial for businesses and cities but sadly, the amendment stops this from happening.

Social equity is a set of standards that applies to our personal and social relationships with other individuals and/or groups. These standards consist of rights and duties that apply to members of protected classes. According to the amendment, this will no longer be valid. The government now finds priority in putting people first which would also be considered Political Patronage. When it comes to the future of Canada considering the new amendment is now focused on helping people it can be limited to those who can benefit the government in return. Over the years of governments dating back to 1800’s have been corrupted as well which would not be the best idea in the recent development on the condition of the Earth.

The Guardian states “They have called, for example, for UK carbon emissions to be reduced to net zero by 2025.”. If the UK decided to make a goal to lower carbon emissions while still being net-zero, why should Canada be prevented from this opportunity?