We must act decisively and boldly now on climate change

Re: ‘How can I plan in a world that’s so uncertain?’ activist asks — July 19

Climate change is a reality. Science tells us. Our local, provincial, national and global news show us.

The International Panel on Climate Change has stated we have 11 years to try to ensure that the global average temperature does not rise above 1.5 degrees C. Other reputable scientific sources state in fact that our chance of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees C is minuscule and our window of opportunity is less than 11 years. If the global average temperature rises above 1.5 degrees C, natural feedback loops will accelerate global warming to a tipping point that will be beyond human power to influence or withstand.

Catastrophes beyond our imagination will take place, and the environment as we know it will be irrevocably changed.

However, we know solutions exist, scientifically, environmentally, technologically, socially and politically. Canada needs a New Green Deal. We must act now and we must act decisively and boldly.

The climate emergency is a non-partisan issue. The Canadian federal election on Oct. 21 gives Canadians an opportunity to demand full-scale action from all political parties.

We need a national debate on the climate emergency on CBC prior to the election to show Canadians who has effective and committed plans to respond to climate change.

Gail Schenk Kitchener