Thinkers to Propose Real Climate Solutions
One of Canada’s leading climatologists opened the Pugwash Thinkers’ Conference, last night, with a dire warning. Adam Fenech set the stage for today’s discussion by saying the crisis in climate change is no longer in the future, it is now.
The UPEI professor, who was a key part of last year’s climate conference, offered a one year update with his signature four point snapshot, “We’re screwed, it is our fault, it’s going to get worse, and there’s nothing we can do about.”
Fenech admits his current presentation sounds all doom and gloom, but he added, “All I do is present the facts.”
He says the last few months speak for themselves, with massive wildfires, hurricanes and storms described as “once in a lifetime” are now common and repeating, along with large populations suffering regions of drought.
Fenech says the facts speak for themselves and it is only going to get worse.
A dozen “thinkers” will spend the day looking for solutions, despite Fenech’s warning. One conference participant said it was reassuring there are so many people in the world who are taking on the challenge and who are “not willing to go down without a fight.”
Much hope is placed on a rapidly growing movement called “Drawdown”. Inspired by a book of the same name, Drawdown now has cells and national organizations throughout the world, including Canada.
Project Drawdown calls on individuals and communities to make small lifestyle changes that lead to a reduction in atmospheric temperature. The objective is not only to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, but to change the way we live.
Reducing the world’s carbon output is critical, but changes to agriculture and forestry can actually draw down carbon from the atmosphere.
The Thinkers’ Conference hopes to offer tangible suggestions for small community action. They will present those suggestions tomorrow at a media briefing at Thinkers Lodge.
Photo: Professor Adam Fenech addresses the Thinkers Conference on climate change.