It is generally agreed that Climate Change is a reality that is threatening our earth and causing many disasters worldwide. I say generally and not entirely as there are people out there who have decided to ignore the issue of Climate Change and to pretend it is non-existent. People like the ones under the current U.S administration. The current U.S administration has publicly denounced Climate Change and effectively stopped the acts set in place to combat it. They wants to withdraw the U.S from the Paris agreement rendering the U.S free of all the requirements it agreed on at the Climate Change conference. Of course, just because the government made that choice, does not mean the people are all following. Many critique this stand against Climate Change and are rebelling against it. For example, the state of California.
Since we are connected to the U.S border, we might be severely affected by the decisions the U.S ends up making or not making regarding Climate Change. However, experts such as professor Matthew Hoffman at the University of Toronto say that if California wins against the administration then we might still have a chance.
California V.S The Government
California is leading the fight against the U.S’ stance by enforcing carbon pricing and a cap and trade system. This is a system where the government puts a cap on the amount of CO2 certain companies can emit. Companies or individuals who exceed their limits can then buy off more credit from others who haven’t used theirs up. Hoffman hopes that eventually Ontarians will be able to trade credits with Californians if it all works out. The current administration endorses and promises more freedom for the auto industry so having regulations on CO2 emissions is especially important right now in California as it is the state with the most auto vehicles. Also, California setting this rebellious example is motivating other states such as New York and Pennsylvania to adopt a capping-off system as well. We can only hope that the rest of the country follow suite.
What do you think of this situation? Should Ontarians be concerned or is there hope? Let us know in the comments below!
Related:
Innisfil High School Hopeful for Change
