We live in an obvious time…

We live in an obvious time of polarization. The most important or accurate agreement is so hotly contested the debate these days often begins before the issue. Whether you believe in climate change or the well-being of your check book, canceling cap and trade is not in your best interest. I would like to negate a few of major arguments and misconceptions regarding the Cap and Trade system:

The Cap and Trade system hurts me financially, I want lower taxes:
- Although it may be costing you $260 per year, you actually benefit a fair amount from the Cap and Trade system. The $2.8 Billion in revenue is going to your school refurbishment, and transit repair. It was subsidizing your solar panels and electric vehicles. This fund provided integral programs for the average citizen.
- Now not only would Doug Ford end this fund, but the government is estimated to lose approximately $500 Million reimbursing companies who have already paid for their carbon.
- Even if you don't believe carbon should be limited, the Carbon tax that will inevitably be imposed by the Federal government will cost the consumer more than the Cap and Trade System

We have time to let the market address climate change concerns naturally:
- According to the IPCC's sixth international report states, "an extra single degree of heat could make a life-or-death difference in the next few decades for multitudes of people and ecosystems on this fast-warming planet.” Meaning the time to act is now.
- yes sustainable practices have a larger setup cost than continuing with carbon, but the long-term cost of using carbon (for climate change or risk, becoming technologically obsolete or potential future shortages) is undeniable

Cap and Trade hurts Business
- Cap and Trade was only Mandatory for a facility or natural gas distributor that emits 25,000 tonnes or more of greenhouse gas emissions per year. Clearly, this is not a matter of small businesses.
- Recent Nobel laureates Paul Romer and William Nordhaus found that a steadily increasing economic disincentive was the most effective way to limit CO2 emissions.
- In the long run, a dependence to carbon is an economic weakness. As a finite resource being fazed out of many developed countries, Canadian business could become obsolete if they remain carbon dependent.
- Economists predict the carbon bubble is soon to burst as other countries shift to renewables
For Provinces like Ontario with large Hydro systems, Cap and Trade can provide an alternative source of revenue for many businesses.

For someone who sees the obvious and horrendous possibilities of climate change, there is nothing more obvious that altering economic behavior to create good long-term habits that will help Canada meet timely and necessary emission goals with the lowest cost to citizens possible.