alternative energy and climate change debate between leading Canadian scientists and climate change activist David Suzuki

 alternative energy and climate change debate between leading Canadian scientists and climate change activist David Suzuki

The document is a transcript of the alternative energy and climate change debate between leading Canadian scientists and climate change activist David Suzuki. It was recorded from a public forum meeting that saw the meeting of several stakeholders in the energy sector.

Scientist: we do understand your enthusiasm as well as your vigor when it comes to addressing the topic of Canada’s energy future. But what we have right in front of us is a science-based discussion about the future of energy considering the welfare of the nation. Research that we have conducted reveals that close to 80% of crude oil is consumed by the transportation sector while the remaining percentage goes into feedstock.

Suzuki: the problem that is facing Canadians is simply fear and insecurity. Canadians feel insecure and scared about letting go of oil, which they consider a big driver of the economy as well as natural gas. In the near or even midterm future, we have to abandon oil and take up a more sustainable approach towards environmental matters.

Scientist: Your suggestion is the abandonment of the use of oil as an energy source, but that problem that we are presented with having a viable alternative that would allow the nation to function fully. The only plausible substitute that we have right now happened to be electricity, a major problem being the development of infrastructure that is ready and capable of handling such demand.

Suzuki: What I have noted is that Canadians aren’t against the prospects of leaving oil and natural gas for electricity. They would want a balanced approach towards this problem in that the energy transition would be supported by the development of gas and oil. These resources have to get to the international market for the nation to grow economically, but back at home, we must do something to ensure that our futures are secure.

Scientist: once again your comments take on the appearance that you are misrepresenting the Canadian environmental record. Your push to switch to alternative energy factors in the idea that the nation is facing an environmental crisis which is wrong information. You claimed that the nation ranks 25th when it comes to children’s well being owing to the failure of the environmental body to improve air quality. This claim happens to be very false as an empirical evaluation of the data shows that the country’s air quality has, over the past decades, drastically improved.

Suzuki: When I talk about abandoning the use of oil and natural gas, I refer to the idea that oil is definitely out past as a nation, but it should not be our future. I do understand the general fear that is directed towards the abandonment of an economic driver that has been there for decades, but what people haven’t noticed is the fact that the rest of the world is slowly moving on from oil, but we are left behind.

Scientist: It is also well worth noting that the nation does conform to the strictest standards in the world, meaning we are doing all we can to ensure the protection of the environment. Changes in energy sources would not be a viable solution to the global climate conversation. There is a lot that we are doing right to ensure the industrial sector that uses these fossil fuels adhere to the strict standards that have been set.

Suzuki: The rest of the world is moving forward towards a sustainable, clean, and renewable energy economy. Modern states are said to be last resort investors, in this case, if they are willing and ready to invest it, it would yield great changes, especially to the environment.

Scientist: you recently made a comparison of the industries making a living in the oil sands to that of making a profit off the slave trade. Don’t you think your actions, as well as utterances, will ensure that millions will be left with no means to make a living? You also claim that 90% of cancer is brought on by environmental factors such as that of the extensive use of artificial fertilizers as well as pesticides. But the problem is that there is no form of mainstream scientific support that you offer to defend your view.

Suzuki: people are denying the fact that humans are a major threat to the planet’s support system as they are wreaking havoc to the support system around them. The activities that are taking place in the oil sands are not ethical in any way, even though they have an economic bearing on the nation. We all acknowledge that the exploitation and use of fossil fuels do present environmental impacts, but this does not mean that there is some form of a hierarchy of ethical practices that cancel out each other. The application of ethical standards when it comes to matters of the environment must not be conducted selectively. As a nation, since we signed up to the Kyoto protocol, we have to live up to it, and we also have to remain committed to achieving our targets.

Scientist: your remarks appear to be creating the idea that the scientific world doesn’t take the issue of climate change seriously. What one can read from your ideology is that all of your comments are purely political. Do you make consideration of the economy when bringing up discussions about greenhouse emissions? Canadians are interested in what the energy sector is doing in terms of employment as well as the added idea of being diligent concerning the environment as much as activists want to take actions when it comes to climate change, you need to remember that the economy lies on hand while jobs as well need to be considered.

Suzuki: the economy will adapt to the changes that will be implemented when the time comes. These changes would not be instantaneous, but gradual as they would seek massive investments in the major sectors of the economy. The nation’s climate, as well as biodiversity goals, are being placed behind if action is not taken now promptly. The long term economic development of the nation doesn’t lie in fossil fuel but rather new-age technologies within the energy sector that can as well create even more jobs than we realize. The tax payer’s money should be directed towards creating a new form of energy that will benefit them in the future.

Scientist: you cannot deny that gas, coal as well as oil are useful in the modern economy. They are capable of holding a high concentration of energy from the sun and are used in the making of a variety of products that range from plastics and even lubricants. The problem that you cite is how we use them; instead of saying that we are meant to use them wisely, you suggest that we should stop using them. The fact remains that the world and Canada are not ready to make the shift towards electrical energy as the capacity to produce enough energy to satisfy the country is nonexistent.

Suzuki: the nation is not far off from creating this capacity if only serious investments are carried out towards that particular sector. Canada’s commitment towards creating a green future is basically under the spotlight owing to the activities that are still going on in the oil sands. It is unethical for the nation to ignore an internationally binding agreement that requires checks being placed on environmental pollution. Canada remains to be one of the highest per-capita emitters of carbon dioxide and greenhouse gasses.

Scientist: you do understand that the shift that you want from the nation would not be an efficient alternative as well. Take the example, the production of these components that would produce enough electricity to cater for the energy sector. The production of batteries that would be placed in cars, all these require fossil fuel to complete, but here were are discussing how we can end its use. A lot of energy will be required in the transfer of fuel to these plants.

Suzuki: the point is that something has to be done to combat the climate change situation. The problem is a real and present danger that we cannot ignore. The government has to do something to ensure that the country is protected against the forces of nature. We should be among the first nations to fully make the switch to cleaner energy.