Closing oilsands won’t solve climate change

Re Climate fears are real so the filthy oilsands must close, Dec. 5

One of the problems with writers choosing the harshest, most catastrophic-sounding language when discussing climate change is that those word choices can contribute to a sense of defeatism.

Thomas Walkom’s recent column is an example of over-the-top rhetoric that serves nobody, least of all the young people who will have to face the consequences of climate change decades from now. Invoking “worldwide nuclear war” as his metaphor for describing the threat of climate change, Walkom predictably calls for a shutdown of the oilsands. While predictable, the suggestion is ludicrous.

He must be aware that global oil demand is growing and all of Canada is responsible for just 1.5 per cent of the world’s greenhouse gas emis- sions. Of the world’s top 10 oil-exporting countries, Canada is without a doubt the most transparent, monitored, socially responsible, democratic and environmentally progressive producer.

That’s not to mention that in 2012, the Canadian oilsands contributed $91 billion to the Canadian economy, and generated $28 billion in taxes and royalties that paid for the prized social programs Canadians expect.

For many Canadians, including within the borders of Toronto, the resource industry helps sustain dreams, provide for families and make ends meet. Even the Prime Minister has acknowledged that we could shut down the oilsands tomorrow and it wouldn’t make a difference to the world – unless India and China followed suit. Cody Battershill, founder of Canada Action, Calgary