An open letter to Environment Minister Peter Kent:
We, the undersigned leaders in Salmon Arm faith communities, are deeply concerned about Canada’s decision to withdraw from the Kyoto Protocol, and about the federal government’s failure to take decisive action to address climate change.
The effects of climate change – droughts, heat waves, floods, spread of disease – are already killing an estimated 300,000 people every year and driving many more into poverty.
Scientists warn that unless we substantially reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, we risk irreversible climate change that would displace millions of people due to coastal flooding, deny sufficient water to hundreds of millions due to droughts, and risk extinction of 15 per cent to 40 per cent of the Earth’s plant and animal species.
In order to avert this catastrophe, industrial countries must reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 40-50 per cent below 1990 levels by 2020. But under current policies, Canada’s emissions will be 33 per cent above their 1990 levels by 2020.
During the recent UN climate talks in South Africa, you acknowledged that climate change is a “disaster in the making.” We implore you not to forget the cries you heard in Africa from people begging for climate justice, and for their lives. All human beings are our brothers and sisters, and all of creation is a sacred trust.
Since Canada and the other industrialized countries are responsible for 75 per cent of the atmospheric carbon that is currently causing global warming, we believe that Canada has a responsibility and an opportunity to show leadership.
We urge the Government of Canada to establish a national plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40-50 per cent below 1990 levels by 2020.
As leaders in faith communities, we will do our part personally in reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, leading by example, and supporting morally responsible choices for the sake of life for all.
Rev. Juanita Austin
Pastor Erik Bjorgan
Rev. Laura Hermakin
Father George LaGrange
Pastor Peter Stellingwerff