Playing politics with the planet

Normally there isn't much point in criticizing politicians for playing politics. But occasionally an issue arises which is much too important for the usual political gamesmanship. One such issue is global warming, the greatest challenge we have ever faced -- or will ever face, considering it threatens all life on Earth.

So when the Prime Minister offers legislation on setting greenhouse gas reduction targets that will require at least a year of discussion with industry and the provinces, we must protest. It appears the Conservatives would rather not debate greenhouse gas reduction during an election campaign and have manufactured a good excuse to justify delaying the debate for a year. That should nicely get them past the next election. Delay, delay, delay seems to be the plan.

Their reluctance no doubt arises in large part from their "intensity-based" approach, an approach not so much made in Canada as made in Alberta, or more specifically, made in the tar sands. Intensity-based allows for very large increases in emissions, and that's exactly what's expected in the tar sands.

Canadians who would rather not help transform the Earth into another Venus must demand absolute targets now, i.e. Kyoto targets. There is a planet at stake.