Should we shut down all of Canada?

Re: “Alberta ad ignores cost of climate change,” letter, Sept. 16.

Climate change is real, with many of the causes beyond the control of humanity, but a significant part can indeed be attributed to a whole range of human activities.

Among these are our use of and dependency on petroleum products for energy, transportation and everyday products.

Positive change is essential to reduce our climate impact, but it must be a measured, sustainable transition to renewables to have any value.

It will not be achieved merely by switching off the lights in Canada, or B.C., or a small pipeline.

Western Canada is restricted from piping hydrocarbons east or west, allowed only to the south. Eastern Canada therefore uses mainly foreign oil, U.S. and Saudi Arabian.

The majority of B.C.’s current energy comes from fossil fuels from Alberta, in-province and Washington, not from renewables.

Oil and gas production in Alberta, B.C. and the Maritimes forms a major part of our economy, is core to the federal budget and funds our national priorities, including spending on poverty, welfare and our environment.

We must stay the course on meeting and exceeding carbon-emission reduction targets, and continue to fund our priorities.

Key to achieving all of this is maintaining a healthy economy and keeping our place at the global leadership table as a credible and ethical partner.

Retreating to the little wilderness cabin by the stream, with a life expectancy of 38, does not seem a viable option. James Quinn Metchosin