Re: Open letter to Notley, Trudeau about carbon tax, p. 4, Feb. 13 Sundre Round Up
I respect Myron Thompson for his many years of dedicated service to our community; however, I must challenge his views regarding climate change and the Alberta carbon tax.
Global warming is a fact. It’s also a fact that the vast majority of scientific studies point to human activity, especially the burning of hydrocarbons, as the cause of climate change. Extreme weather events worldwide fit scientists’ predictions of how the changing climate will affect us.
Given all we know, the only question is: what, if anything, are we going to do about it? Do we carry on as we are, hoping that the science is wrong, the statistics exaggerated and nothing we do will make any difference anyway? Or do we chart a course that attempts to protect the health of the planet and those who will live here?
The Alberta Climate Leadership Plan, of which the carbon tax is a part, is not a radical step; it is a sensible one. It recognizes that our actions have consequences, and that we bear some responsibility for what we do.
Contrary to what Mr. Thompson says, money from the carbon levy is indeed returned to the Alberta economy: to help those affected by rising energy prices; to support renewable energy projects; and to fund scientific research on climate change.
I have many friends in B.C. who criticize the Alberta plan for being far too cautious, and who are uncompromising opponents of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion. And I have many friends in Alberta who see the carbon tax as an attack on Albertans’ right to produce and consume as much energy as possible, at the best price, without interference from government regulations.
I believe the truth lies between these two extremes, which is why I support the environment policies of both Ms. Notley and Mr. Trudeau. This apparently puts me in the minority in both Alberta and B.C.
However, my position is supported by the large energy producers themselves, which have already built carbon pricing into their business models. The most responsible of these companies are also leaders in reducing the carbon footprint of the industry, as well as significant investors in renewable energy alternatives.
The many Albertans who will vote for Jason Kenney will not be happy unless the Alberta carbon tax disappears. B.C. Premier John Horgan and his supporters will not be happy unless more Alberta oil stays in the ground.
Neither of these positions looks much beyond short-term political interests. Where is the opportunity for reasoned discussion that can help support an effective middle way?
Jamie Syer
Bergen
