Climate activists call for eco-friendly actions following the national vote

Revised Article:

As the votes are still being tallied in the federal election, environmental activists are pinpointing a chasm between peoples' concern over climate change and the lack of required action. They emphasize the significance of more effective communication and robust proposals from all political parties to address this disconnect.

A recent Angus Reid Institute survey showed that nearly 70% of Canadians view climate change as a serious concern, yet experts argue that too few are taking meaningful climate action, and politicians are falling short in leading citizens toward solutions.

Atmospheric scientist and science communicator Dr. Katharine Hayhoe highlights that the assumption that more scientific information will lead to increased worry and action is false. In her words, "those with the highest degree of science literacy were not most concerned about climate change; they were most polarized." This signifies that understanding the science better often strengthens existing biases, leading to more entrenched viewpoints and amplified societal rifts.

Hayhoe, The Nature Conservancy's chief scientist and a renowned climate change expert, added: "The first step toward hope is acknowledging the reality of our current challenges."

Another factor contributing to inaction is fear-based messaging without offering accompanying solutions, according to Hayhoe. "Fear and anxiety cause us to recoil, freeze, and give up rather than take action."

Public opinion research conducted by Abacus Data over the past six months also discovered that 72% of Canadians prioritize the cost of living and housing affordability over climate change. Thus, Hayhoe suggests connecting climate change to issues that Canadians care about most.

"We're seeing climate change in all these things, but we're not making that emotional connection, helping people understand it," she said.

Ottawa-based science journalist Leah Geller echoes this sentiment and stresses the importance of "breaking (climate issues) down into bite-sized segments and identifying what resonates with people."

Geller advises science communicators to focus on the personal health effects of climate change, the economic advantages of climate action, and outlining solutions to generate engagement.

"The barrier is not the science... It's bringing it back to what matters to people, individuals, and communities," she explained.

Angela Keller-Herzog states that climate policy must be strong, relying on solid scientific foundations, and directly confronting the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions, particularly the oil and gas sector, which accounted for 30% of Canada's emissions in 2023.

The Executive Director of Community Associations for Environmental Sustainability (CAFES) expressed concern that the Conservative party's climate agenda aligns with an "oil billionaire agenda," representing the interests and demands of wealthy individuals and corporations in the Canadian oil and gas sector.

She expressed worries that the Liberal's commitment to emissions caps may be wobbly following the removal of the consumer carbon tax, indicating that the party might be susceptible to political and economic pressures that could lead them to backtrack or soften on climate change policies further.

Keller-Herzog also criticized the expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure and subsidies she deems counterproductive to climate commitments.

"It's the short-term greed of the oil and gas industry," she said, aiming to "make as much profit as quickly as possible."

Beyond carbon pricing, Keller-Herzog suggests harmonized and tiered building codes, investments in electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and nature-based solutions to accelerate climate action.

"It doesn't make sense to have a bunch of consumer-level incentive programs that are not addressing the main problem in terms of emissions, and leaving the big emitters unregulated," she said.

In terms of communicating climate policies, Keller-Herzog states that mechanisms like carbon taxes work, but the previous Liberal government's communication of their benefits was insufficient.

To bridge this communication gap, Geller suggests, "connecting to what matters in this moment – affordability and sovereignty are at the forefront of people's minds right now – so connect that to climate, and there's a direct line."

Additional Insights:

Clearing up Misconceptions: To amplify the urgency of climate action, it is necessary to dispel myths about the economic downsides and demonstrate the long-term benefits of transitioning to a low-carbon economy.
Collaboration and Coalition Building: Building alliances between environmental organizations and other interest groups can help increase pressure on politicians to take action and develop more inclusive policies that cater to diverse constituencies.
Incorporating Traditional Knowledge: Indigenous communities possess valuable knowledge about ecosystems and local climate patterns, which can contribute to more effective and sustainable climate policies.
Promoting Community-led Solutions: Offering resources to support local initiatives and projects that tackle climate change can help foster a sense of ownership and empowerment among citizens, leading to greater engagement and commitment to climate action.
Educating and Raising Awareness: Providing accessible information about climate change and its impacts on human health, agriculture, and the economy can inspire more Canadians to act and support climate-friendly policies.

References:

Liberals Re-Institute Zero-Emission Vehicle Incentives (2022)
Ring of Fire in Ontario (2021)
Conservative Party of Canada Climate Policy (2021)
Liberal Party of Canada Climate Policy (2021)
Initial Questions to Parties on the Environment, Ecojustice (2021)
The government must prioritize climate change as an urgent issue and collaborate with environmental scientists to develop meaningful and effective climate policies.
The lack of robust proposals from political parties contributes to the disconnect between the public's concern over climate change and the required action.
Understanding the science of climate change better does not necessarily increase concern, but it can strengthen existing biases and polarize opinions.
Acknowledging the reality of climate change challenges is the first step towards hope and effective action.
Fear-based messaging without offering solutions may cause people to recoil and give up, rather than take action.
Over 70% of Canadians prioritize the cost of living and housing affordability over climate change, suggesting a need to connect climate change to issues Canadians care about most.
Communicating climate issues in bite-sized segments, focusing on personal health effects, economic advantages, and outlining solutions can increase engagement.
Climate policy must be strong, directly confronting the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions, particularly the oil and gas sector.
The expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure and subsidies is counterproductive to climate commitments and represents the short-term greed of the oil and gas industry.
Beyond carbon pricing, harmonized and tiered building codes, investments in electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and nature-based solutions can accelerate climate action.
Clear communication of the benefits of climate policies, such as carbon taxes, and connecting them to what matters to people, such as affordability and sovereignty, can bridge the communication gap.