Ending Fossil Fuel Dependency: How soon will it happen?
Presenter: John Pope
September, 2016
Fossil fuels have provided the means for enormous growth and increased prosperity throughout the 20th century. But the era of oil and gas will be coming to an end because of its role in driving climate change which will seriously disrupt the world’s climate.
While oil and gas will still be needed in the short term, there is an urgency to build renewable sources and reduce our dependency on ‘dirty’ fuel.
Political debates about the environment are no longer about whether or not we need to act, they are about how fast we can change direction with the least disruption to the economy.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau signed an agreement at the COP21 Paris Climate Conference this year. Although it is not legally binding, it is a promise. The question is whether or not the current government is on course to fulfill that promise.
Background
What are fossil fuels? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fossil_fuel
What is global warming (climate change)? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_warming#Etymology
What is the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)? http://www.ipcc.ch/organization/organization.shtml
Related Issues
Taxpayers’ dollars are spent on subsidies for fossil fuel development: http://priceofoil.org/fossil-fuel-subsidies/
And yes, there are still some who think fossil fuel burning is not so bad: http://theearthproject.com/fossil-fuels-bad-environment/
Questions
What will the climate be like in 2050?
Which groups are pushing for strong action to mitigate the effects of climate change?
Which groups are pushing to slow any action to mitigate the effects of climate change?
Will the tar sands be closed down forever someday? If so when?
What evidence is there that Canada will live up to its promises at the COP21 Climate Conference?
What steps should citizens take to help mitigate the effects of climate change?
What steps should corporations take to help mitigate the effects of climate change?
What steps should Municipal, Provincial and Federal governments take to help mitigate the effects of climate change?
Will technology save the planet?
