By Daniel Mark

Natural disasters used to be remarkable news. Hurricanes that take out entire power grids for months on end. Floods that close transit systems and trap people in elevators. Heat waves in eastern Canada that literally kill people. Now, because of climate change, they’re anything but.

On Oct. 8, 2018 the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released a report that was, more or less, a prediction of the end of modern society. By the year 2040, we have to reduce our carbon emissions to around 50 per cent of what they were in 2010 – that is, if we want any chance of saving ourselves. We no longer have the luxury of time to discuss the reality of our situation and so I’m going to give you a reason to do something now.

First off, people will die. But those people are, for the most part, so far away that it can be hard to care. I’m sure there’s some psychological name for this concept of not giving a shit, but I’ll leave that for you to Google later.

Let’s explore closer to home. I was at a vineyard a couple weeks ago, and the owners were talking about how unprepared they are for the rapidly changing climate. It’s not just wine. Food itself is going to become more scarce and expensive, and I can pretty much guarantee at some point in the future you will be buying food grown in a lab or made from crushed up insects (this is not a hyperbole, these are actually the two most likely options). Still don’t care?

Parents often say they would take a bullet for their kids. But right now, we are all pointing a gun at our future kids’ heads. Picture your future sons and daughters, because they’re the ones we will have to apologize to one day. By ‘focusing on the economy’ and supporting fossil fuel companies, we are not leaving behind a stable financial future – we’re leaving our children a society fighting for basic needs: water, clean air, and space to live.

When mass migration begins to the safer regions of the world, this is what will happen. In that kind of a society, the economy will be the least of humanity’s worries. I wish I could tell you I was exaggerating.

That got pretty dark. At this point, I would bet you are expecting me to give you some reason for hope. Well, I’m not. Don’t run screaming, I’m not saying there is no hope, but I can’t tell you that you can stop worrying.

Actually, on second thought, do that. Get up, get dressed, and start screaming. Scream your heart out. Get on your laptop and urge local politicians to support carbon-free initiatives like the Light Rail Transit coming to Hamilton, urge provincial politicians to develop an actual climate plan, and urge our federal government to force major, rapid change.

This change isn’t bad, and it isn’t even that hard. Large-scale shifts in our society to renewable energy will actually stabilize the energy sector of our economy. It might cost a lot initially, but in the long run, we will have a clean planet and a thriving economy at the same time. That sounds like a good compromise for the business minds of DeGroote School of Business and the science minds of Burke Science Building.

Changes can be small-scale, too, and those are just as important. Buy less plastic, recycle, take the bus instead of driving if you’re a commuter! These things sound cliché, but they actually make a huge difference— not to mention, if you bring a travel mug to most coffee chains like Tim Hortons, you get a 10 cent discount.

It’s possible, guys. We are literally on the brink of the end of the fucking world as we know it. Someday, our children will look back and judge us on this year, this pivotal moment in time. It is up to you whether they see it as the time we saved the world, or the time we sat on our privileged asses with our venti double-mocha frappe and watched it burn.

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[spacer height="20px"]Amidst the overwhelming amount of scientific evidence in support of climate change, it would be virtually impossible to argue otherwise. Human influence, at least to some extent, has undoubtedly contributed towards global temperature increases and the rise of extreme weather events. But quitting meat and reducing my shower time isn’t going to change anything.

You should care about climate change; it’ll likely affect you or has already affected you in some capacity. It would be immoral, however, to place the guilt and responsibility of rectifying climate change on individual actions.

According to the 2017 Carbon Majors Report, 71 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions since 1988 can be attributed towards just 100 companies. Of those 100 companies, a mere 25 contribute to over half the total industrial-based emissions. It makes sense then to focus on changing these companies’ ways rather than target individual consumers.

Initiatives for consumers to “go-green” have not always been accessible nor even effective. Take, for instance, the proposed controversial plastic straw ban. While well-intentioned, straws only account for four per cent of all plastic waste, and advocates in favour of straws often emphasize their importance for those with disabilities. While any reduction in plastic waste is important, we must critically evaluate such “green” initiatives to determine just how much positive change they generate.

Rather than imploring consumers to make changes in their lifestyles, most of which will not impart serious, significant changes towards the climate, efforts should be placed on forcing companies to change their ways. The 25 major contributors of greenhouse gas emissions are largely oil and fossil fuel companies. Climate change initiatives thus should focus on changing, or even eliminating, this harmful industry.

If students have any responsibility, it would be to advocate for the reduction of fossil fuels, help further the development of clean, sustainable alternatives and hold corporations accountable for their emissions. It is your prerogative to participate in initiatives that reduce your carbon footprint but know that the actions of the individual can only go so far. Climate change is too large and too severe an issue to be mitigated solely by personal solutions.

These individual choices can only regain importance once we live in a society where undergoing the environmentally-friendly action is economically viable and accessible for all. There’s no doubt that solar panels are an effective alternative source of energy, but substantial benefits are not observed until a community of houses use solar energy rather than the few who can afford it. Students especially are often not in financially-available positions where they can afford to choose the most “environmentally-friendly” options.

It would be ignorant to shift the blame for climate change then on the working class. Instead, we must collectively work against corporate and governmental power to invoke meaningful systematic change that can then allow for individual responsibility to take precedence.

So, by all means, care about climate change. It’s important that we keep talking about these issues as without discussion, there can be no change. But there’s only so much that we as students can be expected to do. At the end of the day, the burden to reduce our carbon emissions to the levels required to save us all rests on the shoulders of those who made the mess.

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By: Sophia Silverton

When I think of a demographic that should be most concerned about climate change and the future of Earth’s ecosystems, I picture youth. I would expect those attending university — students who are curious about world issues, aspiring problem-solvers and budding leaders — to be interested in addressing the current environmental crisis.

I suppose I set myself up for an unpleasant surprise during a Climate Change and Clean Growth town hall meeting in mid-September. The room was full to the brim, but a quick scan indicated that I was a minority. Out of the group I estimated the age breakdown to be: 60 percent seniors, 25 percent middle-aged, 10 percent children and 5 percent university-age students.

For some context, the town hall meeting was held in Dundas, close to McMaster campus, and its purpose was to collect the opinions of citizens on a green economy, innovation and how to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Ideas from the town hall were sent to the federal government to inform the creation of a new Liberal climate strategy. There were several passionate and well-informed presentations from elementary school kids, community members and McMaster professors. Meanwhile, maybe three undergrad students were in attendance. Where were all the McMaster students?

Perhaps the town hall meeting was intimidating and unfamiliar, or maybe students feel as though they have nothing to say or that their voices do not matter. Perhaps it was not well advertised beforehand, or those who were interested were too busy to make it. Another reason for such low attendance, a reason I would be disheartened to accept, is that most students do not care about environmental advocacy.

I attended the town hall because I want to live on a healthy and equitable planet and I enjoy being surrounded by others that care. I am also confident that there are plenty of students with valuable ideas and opinions who are not okay with how we disrespect our little blue and green ball in space. I just wish that more of us would take the sometimes daunting, and usually time-consuming, step towards being politically active community members.

Last fall, there was an outstanding student turnout to vote in the federal election. We were all interested in the prospect of change: new faces, new policies, Trudeau’s charm. It was glamorous to be informed and involved. Now that the election has passed, the hard work has begun and the act of engagement has lost some of its shine. It worries me how few students are interested in attending events like town halls, organized to inform the very policies we were so excited about during the election.

I may attribute this to the myopia of student life. We get stuck in the cycle of studying-assignment-midterm-repeat such that the concept of importance gets distorted. As students in a Canadian city, we are privileged and sheltered: for the most part, our homes aren’t disappearing underwater or being consumed by wildfire. We have access to secure sources of food, water and electricity. This privilege often makes it hard for me to see how our planet is in trouble.

So we need to do something difficult. It involves empathizing with those affected by climate change now, and it involves looking into the future where we will be affected. Our collective actions are important and impactful. And they need to happen now. Things come up, life gets hectic and sometimes I feel like lying in bed and watching Gilmore Girls all day. But we cannot keep making excuses. Yes, our classroom education and other commitments are important, but so is being present in the world we are studying. McMaster students need to step up and engage in the protection of this planet.

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This weekend, environmental groups around the world will march locally as part of the Global Climate March initiatives, set to coincide with the Sustainable Innovation Forum. The forum, taking place as part of the Conference of Parties in Paris, is the culmination of work from Climate Action and the UN Environment Programme, and will convene participants from business, government, finance, UN NGOs and civil society. Leaders at the conference, the most important one since the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol in 2002, will discuss how to set and meet goals to mitigate climate change. Those participating in the Global Climate March aim to show the world and those participating at SIF15 the demand for broad and bold climate action.

The Hamilton march, dubbed Hamilton2Paris, will take place this Sunday, Nov. 29, and will be the largest climate change rally the city has ever seen. As such the event serves as not only a demand for political changes in regards to climate change policy, but also to disseminate information to the public and to get different groups together to form an interdisciplinary approach to combat climate change. Agnes Richard, outreach coordinator for Hamilton2Paris, already qualifies the event as a success. “I could say right now that we are successful … we tied together groups that haven't worked together before.”

Such groups include Food Not Bombs, the Hamilton Labour Council and the Ontario Secondary School Teacher’s Federation, as well as Indigenous and religious groups.

“[Hamilton2Paris] is also about creating awareness and promoting sustainability in Hamilton. For example, community car share [aims] to give alternative options for transportation, allowing people alternative ways to get to where they need to be. Our initiative is basically giving people the option to divest from their normal ways. It's about transition and advocacy, creating momentum to create a community of change,” said Robyn Sifton, social media manager for Hamilton2Paris.

Various prominent Hamiltonian climate change activists will speak at City Hall. Among them are Peter Hopperton, a G20 activist who is leading an anti-capitalist group in the march, and Danielle Boissoneau, a First Nations speaker and Indigenous Peace Education Outreach Coordinator.

Following the speeches, participants will be asked to take a pledge meant to continue the momentum of the rally. Part of the pledge asks participants to contact their Members of Parliament to ensure that they remain committed to the outcomes of SIF15. However, Hamilton2Paris won’t be a completely somber event, with poets and musicians scheduled to perform.

On why McMaster students should join the rally, Waverly Birch, a member of Fossil Free McMaster, mentioned the large scope. “[Hamitlon2Paris] is part of a global climate march, so it's going to be bigger than just going out to do something on campus. If [climate change] is something someone's really interested in, that is a good way to get involved.”

The march will also be a networking opportunity for students interested in pursuing fields related to climate change. Conner Hurd, coordinator of Fossil Free McMaster, added, “If I was a business student, I would really want to get involved with [Tim Nash, a sustainable economist] just because I feel as if fossil fuels is sort of a sunset industry and he manages investments for companies.”

Agnes Richard emphasized that students should join the fight against climate change now because it will affect their career. “Climate change has the potential to upset our whole economy. So students who are focused on one set of course studies with the intent of developing a career have to look sideways and realize that as all-encompassing as that is for them right now, by the time you get ten or 15 years out all those plans could be completely changed.”

“Given that, connecting with the community is a good way to provide yourself with avenues to find alternatives to a career path … By looking outside your specific focus, even briefly, [it] gives you the tentacles out into the community that you can pull on later,” said Richard.

McMaster students interested in joining the rally should meet the Fossil Free McMaster group at south side of Victoria Park (King W and Locke N) at 2:30 p.m. The rally itself starts outside City Hall at 3 p.m. To show solidarity, students are encouraged to wear orange or maroon.

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By: Grace Kennedy

Naomi Klein’s new book, This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. The Climate, was released last week, fittingly right before a crowd of 300,000 rallied to draw attention to climate change in New York City. In response to Klein’s book, Globe and Mail editorialist Margaret Wente disparaged it as a case of “childish form of magical thinking.” Wente is a predictable member of the camp that quickly condemns grassroots movements. For example, she frowns upon Aboriginal protests against pipelines and hydroelectric dams and Greenpeace initiatives, as folks who just don’t understand the imperativeness and functioning of the global economy – as if the literal economy, and not the earth, is our lifeline. Wente charges Klein with ignoring the presumption that China and other developing nations are unwilling and unlikely to be harnessed into emissions agreements, and that therefore, Klein and other activists “should do themselves a favor and grow up.”

What Wente seems to be feeding on is the apparently impervious claim that if we stop extracting oil or decrease our demand in the global economy, it will be found or demanded elsewhere. Right. But Canada is geographically a large country with substantial resources, a population that for the most part lives comfortably within first-world conditions, i.e. a socio-environmental situation where we can afford to reduce our footprint. Trucking on with the rest of the world is not a better alternative. We are talking about the economy here. It’s not a person, it’s not alive – we know it’s not as free a market to support any neoliberal arguments, and it’s not on its way there either. It is altered in un-free ways now via the world’s largest oligopolistic corporations, trade bloc agreements, nationalism movements in some countries, etc. So what’s the harm in altering it in more ways, ways that benefit the earth – our real lifeline?

Last week, in an interview with the National Post, Klein said that her lifestyle has changed and that she only flies “one-tenth as how much” she used to. She also argued that the “environmental movement has overstressed the consumer side of it.” It’s easy to agree that change needs to come in the form of legislation shaping corporate practices that are admittedly a major part of the solution, but I disagree that the consumer side is overplayed. Sure, I get that each plastic bag I don’t take home from Fortinos isn’t making a big difference; consumers don’t have as much effect on matters as we are feigned to believe. However, unless we – consumers – change our lifestyles to adapt to a world that uses less fossil fuel, and grow to enjoy taking public transit, riding bikes, shopping local and not buying out-of-season produce – we are going to be poor accompaniments to the fight against climate change. We are not going to elect governments that create the necessary policies if we don’t like how our lives will be altered. I think everyone makes the mistake of reducing situations in order to find an easy answer, but to reiterate a point from Canadian author, John Ralston Saul, in these cases, which revolve around ethics, there is no easy answer.

Saul writes about the imperative of individual compromise in relation to ethical choices, in this case, becoming environmentally conscious. Don’t think that green activists absolutely love cycling to work during torrential downpours. Fresh berries in the winter are nice – but could we substitute some fruit preservative from the summer?

A mindful attitude with the freedom to do what we should and not what we always want, while evolving our sustainable philosophies and techniques, will make us better citizens of the earth.

Economics is an ideology, and to borrow another point from Saul, “it is promoted as if it were civilization’s first item of importance…[requiring] common false sense, because it is built on inevitabilities and demands passivity”.

I reiterated this to a friend over a pint last night and he replied that climate change is another ideology just the same. Fine, call it that, call it whatever you want. But the image of polar ice caps melting is inarguable evidence of a phenomenon that needs more ingenuity from people like Klein and less ignorance from the Wentes of this world.

Photo credit: Peter Dean