Something needs to be done about climate change.
That was the message from three speakers at a presentation, called The Planet is Changing, Why Aren’t We?, at the Snell Auditorium in the Red Deer Public Library’s downtown branch Saturday.
Janet Walter, with Red Deer and area chapter of the Council of Canadians, which hosted the event, said she feels she has to bring awareness to the effects of climate change.
“Alberta particularly has such a relationship with petroleum. It’s become a culture. If you look at the present statistics and realize how much pollution we’re responsible for, … I feel like we better do something,” said Walter.
“I’d like to see people learn more about the causes of climate change and the implications it has on the future.”
Speakers at the event discussed the importance of making the transition to a fossil fuel-free future.
Regan Boychuk, with Reclaim Alberta and one of the event’s speakers, has studied Alberta’s oil patch industry for more than a decade.
“The biggest obstacle in taking action on climate change is the oil and gas industry. I think the best way to put a leash on the oil and gas industry is to simply hold it accountable for the mess that it’s already made,” he said.
Boychuk said Alberta must “start pursing common sense policies to clean up old wells … to limit methane leaks and venting, which will have all sorts of positive climate change impacts.”
Emma Jackson, organizer with Climate Justice Edmonton, and Bronwen Tucker, an organizer and researcher with Oil Change International, also spoke at the event.
Following presentations, a question and answer session was held for the 30 or so people in attendance.
sean.mcintosh@reddeeradvocate.com
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