Gore’s powerful endorsement for cap-and-trade

At first I was surprised when I read that former U.S. vice-president Al Gore had given what amounts to a standing ovation for Ontario’s cap-and-trade system.

But then I thought, why wouldn’t he? After all, cap-and-trade is the fastest growing strategy used by governments everywhere, including the juggernaut China. Not only that but cap-and-trade and our federal carbon pricing policy are the top two approved main strategies to lower greenhouse emissions. Approved by economists of all political stripes. Approved by apolitical think tanks the world over. And not inconsequential, the Ecofiscal Commission, an independent economics organization formed in 2014 by a group of Canadian economists from across the country, concluded that these two systems can work effectively together.

That bodes well for Canada and its ability to fulfill its Paris agreement commitment. It is only logical that a man who has no dog in the fight but who knows all things climate change would support what he knows to be an effective and flexible means of encouraging businesses to lower their greenhouse gas emissions. I can only hope his powerful endorsement underscores the importance of supporting politicians who know how to build on what is a great start towards making Ontario emissions-free. Politicians promising to dismantle what works are not what Ontario needs. Climate change is a serious, longterm threat and only people who take this seriously need apply.

Carole Lavallee

Chelmsford, Ont.