Opinion: Deafening silence on climate this election

In recent elections, all credible political parties have had to present detailed climate platforms. Its absence was seen as a key driver in the Conservatives’ loss in 2019, so much so that Erin O’Toole ensured their 2021 platform had something of substance on climate. 

Apparently, no more. The absence of strong policy, or even discussion, on climate is deafening. Indeed, the two leading parties seem to be in a race as to which is more supportive of east-west pipelines and LNG plants. And the Canadian media is letting them get away with it; our politicians and media operate in a mutually reinforcing echo chamber of what “matters,” with voters who are rightly alarmed about climate sidelined. 

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Climate has fallen off the electorate’s radar, now ranking sixth in a list of priority issues in a recent poll. And with recent rapid inflation challenging the cost of living, and mafia-like threats of annexation from the U.S., who can blame us? 

The problem is, the climate crisis hasn’t disappeared since the last election. On the contrary, the existential issue we were warned about is now banging at our door — Jasper, North Carolina, Los Angeles disasters all occurred in recent months. For 20 of the last 21 months, the Earth’s temperature has surpassed 1.5 C degrees above pre-industrial levels, although you’d be excused from missing that terrifying news. And data shows we are decarbonizing much slower than required to achieve our global commitments, both as a country, and as a planet. 

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The truth is, the oil and gas boosters have a much louder voice than those drawing attention to the problem. Headlines abound, of the need to call an “energy emergency” to ensure all the things get built, of threats of separation if the resource sector doesn’t get to go full steam ahead. Of the need to repair the country (read: oil and gas industry) after the “lost Liberal decade.” 

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The irony is that the oil and gas sector has never had it  better. Oil production in Alberta is now four million barrels a day, up from 2.9 million a decade ago. Taxpayers have built a new $34-billion pipeline to tidewater. Three LNG plants are currently being constructed on the West Coast.

What is missing from the headlines is how Canada will meet its international climate obligations. How unrestrained resource development is incompatible with a livable world. How oil companies and provinces stating they have a net-zero target for 2050 cannot achieve their target by trying to eliminate all policies that help to get there. 

As a country that has a duty to its children and citizens to think long-term, and protect their future, we have an obligation to ensure the political parties address this threat through robust policy. Climate must not be ignored in the debates, or for the remainder of this election. 

Some questions to consider posing to our prospective leaders: 

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1. Will you maintain Canada’s previous commitment to global greenhouse gas emission reductions of 40 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030? If so, with the consumer carbon tax gone, what replacement and additional policies will you enact to ensure this target is met?
2. With oil and gas being the primary industrial sector with continuing rising emissions, what obligation does this sector have to fulfill Canada’s emissions targets?
3. Recent analyses show that LNG exports will make the climate crisis worse, and not better, and the market is being rapidly overbuilt. How will you address the risk of these facilities becoming stranded assets before they have completed their design life?
4. Rising sea levels, worsening wildfires, and repeated floods continue to decimate Canadian communities. How will you support adaptation of households to the new climate reality?

Elections are a time to debate policy. Those moderating national and local election debates should ensure those seeking public office have a plan to respond to this existential threat. In a world of polycrisis, the climate emergency must not be neglected. Let’s continue to ensure our children’s future isn’t on the backburner, but front of mind, as we enter the voting booth. 

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Dr. Joe Vipond is an emergency physician in Calgary, and the past-president of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment. 

Seth Klein is team lead with the Climate Emergency Unit, and author of “A Good War: Mobilizing Canada for the Climate Emergency.”

Letters welcome

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