![\"\"](\"http:\/\/harmonyfdn.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/world-blowing-itself-up.png\" "\\"World")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nSo what\u2019s the way out of this dilemma? First, we should accelerate our transition to clean energy alternatives. Governments should incentivize these efforts as they withdraw subsidies to fossil fuel industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, the truth is we are a long way from clean energy becoming a major supplier let alone our principal energy source and it\u2019s na\u00efve to believe that fossil fuels are not needed or going to be developed. So let\u2019s come up with a long-term strategy that makes environmental and social health a priority and meets our responsibilities to future generations, public health and the environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s use fossil fuels efficiently.<\/strong> Fossil fuels are finite, their development and use is hazardous and that they are too valuable to waste is well established. Driving to the golf course or movie theatre in a 2.5 ton, gas-guzzling SUV is selfish. We also need to respect the rights of future generations to their share of these resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There also are compelling economic reasons for slower, more sustainable development models that creates long-term jobs, community investment and environmental protection. Our current break neck pace of development may enrich corporations and their investors but these assets are going to become more valuable over time. Who benefits from burning them away in a few generations or shipping them overseas, risking environmental disaster and the health of people in other countries? For example, China where shortages of clean water already are a crisis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s develop fossil fuels in a way that seriously prioritizes minimizing environmental impacts.<\/strong> Canada has incredible natural inheritance; it\u2019s our responsibility to protect it.. Secondly, Canada has international responsibilities and commitments to human rights and traditional societies to uphold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s develop them close to home.<\/strong> Lac Megantic starkly reminded us it\u2019s risky to transport fossil fuels. We should develop these resources close to the source to reduce risks increase jobs and other benefits to local economies. It\u2019s also important to ensure Canada\u2019s long-term self-sufficiency. When governments consider the various pipeline proposals risk reduction and self-sufficiency should be of greater importance than short-term economic return. Arguably, the Northern Gateway pipeline poses greater risk and lesser benefits on environment, human rights and self-sufficiency than Keystone and the eastern corridor, the later seemingly the best choice of the 3 major proposals. Shipping by rail or ocean seems a disaster waiting to happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s export the cleanest versions possible, if we do export.<\/strong> The risk of environmental degradation is too great for us to be shipping unrefined oil, especially diluted bitumen from the tar sands. As responsible people we should use the dirtiest versions closest to home where we can be regulate and monitor responsible behaviour rather than export environmental risk to countries that may have weaker regulations and enforcement as well as little or no ability to deal with environmental disasters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n