CIVILITY AND SOLUTIONS
It’s time for a more nuanced, fulsome conversation about the environment in Saskatchewan. In the Starphoenix and Leader-post letters to the editor page, and in our online comments sections, we see a back-and-forth argument that is often nasty in tone, and accusatory. We value lively debate, but it’s time to add some new facts and perspectives to the exchange.
Reporter Ashley Martin’s series on environmental issues in Saskatchewan provides the kind of information we need to engage with each other in a more productive and meaningful way.
The carbon tax is clearly unpopular and a charged subject in Saskatchewan, but it can’t remain the main focus of our population.
Work at looking into a variety of ways for us to address climate issues is taking place here — for example, at the University of Regina’s Clean Energy Technology Research Institute, where they are looking at greener usage of fossil fuels.
A Saskatchewan conversation about the environment needs to take the unique issues of our province into consideration.
“Adaptation is much more feasible in a city like Vancouver,” said Dave Sauchyn, director of the Prairie Adaptation Research Collaborative at the U of R. “They don’t have to deal with snow; they don’t have to deal with freezing temperatures very often. They have a great rapid transit system.
“In rural Saskatchewan, there’s just so few options when it comes to not burning fossil fuels. You can’t produce food without burning fossil fuels. … And you can’t complain that people drive in rural Saskatchewan. What are they supposed to do, hitchhike? We got rid of the trains, and we got rid of the buses.”
This does not mean, however, that our residents can’t make lifestyle adjustments that will make a difference. When it comes to waste, Saskatchewan produces substantially more than the national average of 688 kilograms per person, per year.
It is important to give the youth of the province a voice on this issue. It is their future that is being shaped by decisions we make now.
And many — contrary to the stereotypes — want to listen and show concern for people with different views.
We could all do with adopting the spirit of 18-year-old Alex Flett, who read this poem at the Nov. 29 climate strike in Regina.
“The truth is, my ears are open. I will listen to what others have to say, because if I lived their life, I would think the same way. Nobody alive chooses the decision that they think is incorrect, yet so many of us give the other side neglect.”