Most of us gamble from time to time – whether at cards, bingo, casinos or the lottery.
And it's not a problem, unless we become compulsive gamblers and lose so much that it ruins our lives. So the issue about gambling is about how much we are willing and able to lose without serious consequences.
It is a similar case with the environment.
Those who don't believe in climate change want us to carry on as usual and push for continued use of fossil fuels, more pipelines, fracking, etc. Those who believe that climate change is happening want us to act quickly to lower our dependence on fossil fuels.
Environmental scientists have been systematically studying the environment for decades. Ninety-seven per cent of them agree that man-made changes in the global climate have begun and are the result of our use of fossil fuels.
There are now more frequent abnormal climate events and disasters. Even for those who don't believe in climate change, to continue our current use of fossil fuels is gambling that we will not lose our glaciers, the Arctic, coastal regions, small island nations, normal weather patterns and climate security in general.
There are extremely important related issues, like the economy and jobs. Many countries and areas around the world are already making the transition towards the permanent jobs related to sustainable development.
Of course, the transition cannot take place overnight, so this is not a time for “wait and see.” It is not the same as when an individual gambles because this loss will affect us all and the damage cannot be undone.
Many countries, small and large, are working to reduce their carbon output. If we don't work quickly and seriously in this direction, we are gambling; and it is likely more than we are willing and able to lose.
Ross Dabrusin
Rural Olds
