FROLITICKS

Satirical commentary on Canadian and American current political issues

Jun 17

Canadians Can Be Mad at the U.S., But Maybe We Had a Lot to Do With the Problem

by bcurry

Yes, Canada has every right to be mad at the Trump administration for reneging on the current trade agreement previously signed by then President Trump, imposing new tariffs on Canadian exports to the U.S., and promoting the concept of a 51st state.  However, I can’t help thinking that we had a lot to do with creating the current crisis situation.

Actually years ago, I briefly thought that there might be some merit in Canada becoming part of the U.S. After all, with the signing of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), our economy became even more integrated into that of the U.S.  Take the automotive sector for example, it was and still is the most integrated industry under past and current trade agreements between the two countries.  The so-called Auto Pact has had a longstanding history and basically prevented Canada from developing its own automotive manufacturing sector.  Perhaps it made sense given that Canada’s population is one tenth that of the American population and our market also became flooded with Asian and European cars.  Basically, we are non-competitive.  However, no one objected given the workings of the global economy, which no doubt benefited the pocketbooks of Canadians through access to cheaper goods.

Other Canadian sectors such as lumber, steel, aluminum and minerals all grew primarily due to the access to American markets.  Our reliance on these markets may have made us a little lazy and not overly innovative in some areas, especially as it pertains to other trading blocs.  Internally, intraprovincial trade barriers further exacerbated the lack of industrial growth and weaker productivity within Canada itself.  Professionals and trades people could not move easily between and among provinces due to labour mobility restrictions.  One could also have done a lot more to promote tourism within Canada and to build the required infrastructure for a modern tourism industry.

In more recent years, the modern world came to see the ever increasing need for rare minerals to support the growth of computerized technologies.  Both Canada and the U.S. became overly reliant on China which supplies about 80% of the much needed processed rare minerals used in such areas as electronics.  Canada has long been aware of its large sources of rare minerals, but has done next to nothing in developing processing capabilities. 

As for energy, Canada has major oil and gas reserves.  However, previous Canadian governments have stalled numerous potential projects such as the construction of pipelines to transport oil and natural gas to British Columbia ports for export to Asia and the U.S. west coast.  The expansion of pipelines within Canada has also been negatively affected by intraprovincial disputes over economic benefits, indigenous and environmental issues. 

In terms of our cultural sector, Canada has become a major cheap source for the production of American films and television series.  However, except for the support of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and various federally subsidies and tax breaks, the growth of Canadian content has been somewhat limited.  Instead, Canada became very dependent on American content as cable and steaming services steadily grew.  Quebec is the exception primarily because of the need to supply French content within the province through Radio Canada and other Quebec sources.  Moreover, we need to do a lot more to support Canadian culture, particularly through the CBC.

Today, I am a proud Canadian and object to Trump’s assertions about a northern 51st state.  I have seen positive social-economic trends in Canadian society.  With what is happening to the apparent attacks by the Trump administration on all aspects of American democracy, I clearly prefer to remain Canadian.  However, I would argue that much of what is happening economically is partly, if not mostly, our own fault.  As Canadians, there is a lot more that we can do to strengthen our nation.  This might indeed be a significant reversal of fortune.  So, stop complaining and let us demonstrate that Canada has a future of opportunities, with or without past ties to the U.S.


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Oct 21

2024 Predictions For Key Canadian Political And Economic Issues

by bcurry

Predicting the eventual outcome of political and economic matters in any year is pretty difficult, and 2024 has been just as unpredictable in various ways.  Relations with Canada’s biggest trade partner and political ally are about to change as a result of the U.S. elections next month.  Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has stated that a second Trump presidency would be difficult for the Canadian government, as there are many issues on which he and former president disagree.  However, who would have guessed earlier in the year that President Biden would be forced to drop out of the presidential race in favour of his Vice President, Kamala Harris.  Should the outcome result in a Harris administration, things could certainly be different and hopefully perhaps less antagonistic. 

What is most troubling for the Trudeau minority government is the current state of the economy, particularly as it relates to high inflation.  While inflation has come down from a year ago, Canadians are still faced with continuing high costs associated with housing, food and fuels.  In addition, his government has lost the previous mandated support of the New Democratic Party which assured him of being able to withstand any non-confidence motions in Parliament and the need to call an early election.  However, both the Liberals and NDP cannot afford to have an earlier election at this time, particularly since the opposition Conservatives continue to hold a twenty point lead in the polls.  The Conservatives, knowing that general public opinion is unfavourable to Trudeau, would be more than happy to have a federal election sooner than later due to their expectation to form the next government.  In addition, Trudeau has recently seen several Cabinet ministers resign and will not run in the next election, as well as a revolt in the Liberal caucus seeking to replace him as party leader.  Among Canadians in general, he now faces the lowest approval ratings ever.

While the Conservative leader, Pierre Poilievre could become Canada’s next Prime Minister, he isn’t personally liked by most Canadians.  Some have compared him to Donald Trump, but this is somewhat an over exaggeration.  However, he does represent an increase in the presence in Canada of right-wing politics, similar to what has divided Americans politically — nothing out of the ordinary here.  What was hard to predict was the rapid decline in support for Trudeau and the increasing massive support for the Conservatives, whose platform remains much as it was a year ago — alluding to the high cost of living, crime rates and the carbon tax. 

The province of Quebec has itself moved away from past strong support for the federal Liberals and more toward dealing with its own political and economic issues surrounding greater protection of the French language, its lagging fertility rate, immigration targets and financial support for asylum seekers, many from the U.S.   Quebec Premier François Legault’s aggressive francophone-first policy has been controversial in Quebec, where business owners say the new requirements will add more barriers to hiring.  The current and future position of Quebec voters is difficult to predict.

The rapid growth of ultra-conservative movements in Canada, similar to those in the U.S., has surprised many political experts.  There is no doubt that the economic difficulties experienced by lower-income Canadians has certainly contributed to this outcome, especially as it pertains to the influx of immigrants and their impact on housing costs and social services.  Critics predicted, and rightly so, that Canada doesn’t have the housing, public resources or resettlement services to absorb the projected half a million newcomers in such a short period of time.  The war in the Middle East has also exacerbated the growing level of hate-related incidents against ethnic groups in the country.

What makes predictions next year for Canada even harder will depend on the outcome of the U.S.
elections, and the eventual policy changes that the new American administration will introduce.  One thing is clear is the importance of a more vibrant economy to both countries, despite the fact that inflationary trends appear to be on the decline.  Both countries will shortly have new administrations in power for 2025.

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Mar 30

No Democracy Today Can Avoid Being Tested By Political Turmoil

by bcurry

President Joe Biden recently visited Canada for what became a real love-in with his opposite Justin Trudeau, the Canadian Prime Minister.  In his speech to Parliament, Biden frequently related to the close relationship to Canada, including our democratic values and institutions.  However, all is not well in both countries.  The U.S. had last year’s violent January 6th insurrection at the Capital and Canada had the truckers’ 3-week illegal occupation of streets within Ottawa’s parliamentary precinct.  Observers claim that a lot of these events are related to what is perceived by some Americans and Canadians as a lack of trust in police, the courts and government at all levels.  What’s worst, in the U.S. you had a former president who refused to accept the results of the last presidential election and today continues to espouse to his followers that the election was stolen.

This past week, President Biden delivered remarks at the second White House-led Summit for Democracy, but at a time when several democracies are under duress of some kind.  One can refer to political conditions in so-called significant democratic countries such as Israel, Mexico, India and Brazil.  Democratic setbacks have also occurred in West Africa, where there have been coups in Mali and Burkina Faso in recent years.  For example, in Nigeria, a country of 220 million people, experts say that the presidential election last February appeared suspect.  At the above noted summit, two notable members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Hungary and Turkey, were excluded in light of fact that their autocratic political systems have grown no less repressive during Mr. Biden’s tenure.

Underlying all this issue is the fact that dictatorships such as Russia and China have been trying to increase their economic and political influence in countries, particularly in Africa and South America.  Both the governments of Russia and China have been accused of having meddled in recent American and Canadian electoral processes.  Dealing effectively with these countries needs to be done in order to avoid any foreign influence in democratic processes.

In the U.S., even the fundamental right of Americans to vote is being challenged in some states where various forms of new voting restrictions or requirements have being implemented or considered, notably by Republican states.  In some cases, such restrictions will especially affect voting by minority groups, college students and marginalized persons. 

Unfortunately, much of political turmoil has been the result of extreme divisions within our societies and large amounts of misinformation and disinformation being spread through on-line social media.  Mainstream media sources, fundamentally important to supporting democratic processes, are continuously under attack.  Journalists themselves have been verbally and physically attacked by extreme politicized groups, both right and left.

Human and civil rights are in danger of being weakened in democratic countries.  Many of the important gains achieved by LGBTQ groups in the last couple of decades are increasingly coming under attack, especially by religious right-wing segments of our societies.  Organized local protests have even occurred against school boards in both countries, and appear to be gaining strength.  Elected school board representatives have increasingly come under attack when it comes to school policies protecting the rights of LGBTQ youth and education regarding sexual orientation.

Generally, trust and confidence in our democratic institutions has to be restored in order to maintain our taken-for-granted freedoms.  Civility has to return to how we conduct our affairs and the rule of law has to be strengthened.  Otherwise, we will only see more and more serious threats to democracies, either here in Canada, the U.S. or abroad.  Words and platitudes are all fine, but actions are now needed.

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Feb 9

Truckers’ Protest Convoys Could Be Harbinger Of Societal Problems To Come

by bcurry

At the beginning of the global pandemic, I warned that the war against COVID-19 could prove to be a real test for societies, particularly those classified as being democratic.  After over two years of combating the disease, we are now seeing the brunt of pandemic fatigue on the general population due to its obvious economic impacts.  This has led to several anti-government protests, including the current truckers’ protests in Canada, Australia and the U.S.  However, people’s general frustration and lack of trust in governments are just the tip of the iceberg.  Even if countries may be slowly going from a pandemic to an endemic with respect to COVID, the fact of the matter is that some underlying socio-economic trends had been already set in motion.  In Western societies, the growing disparities between the haves and have-nots will no doubt lead to even more rank and file populist protests.

What is contributing to people’s disenchantment with the free market-based economies and political institutions that supposedly protect them?  Recent economic data and polls have shown us several outcomes.  The pandemic and the resulting restrictive economic measures imposed by governments have further exacerbated the gaps in incomes and increased the average person’s lack of trust in their governments.  In recent years, fewer families have been able to become full members of the middleclass.  Educational, employment and other opportunities to obtain or retain middleclass status have become fewer and fewer, especially given the increasing costs associated with a post-secondary education.  Many of the blue and white collar jobs that offered good wages in the past, whether in manufacturing or other sectors, have slowly disappeared due to new technologies, automation and informatics.

Take these factors and evident increases in the cost of living, including the lack of affordable housing and rising costs in everyday essentials, you have the basis for a lot of disengagement.  The majority of economists agree that hyperinflation is here for some time to come.  This is especially difficult for low-wage workers and small businesses.  On top of this, government subsidies which assisted businesses and workers during pandemic-related restrictions are or have disappeared.  As interest rates rise to deal with hyperinflation, there will be increasing debt loads for both individuals and governments.  The lack of affordable housing in most North American cities has now reached crisis proportions.

We have whole segments of populations facing extreme stress levels.  Everyone is talking about mental health issues, something considered taboo not that many years ago.  The growing use of marijuana, prescription and illegal drugs and alcohol has unfortunately led to growth industries which are indicative of our times.  Suicide rates are at an all time high, especially among our youth.  A study released by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in December 2014 concluded more than 230,000 Ontario adults, amounting to 2.3 percent of the province’s adult population, “seriously contemplated suicide” in 2013.  Since then, things on the mental health front have simply gotten worst.  Spurred on by the pandemic and substance abuse, the use of violence, most notably gun violence, in our communities and domestic lives has grown in the last two years.  Needless-to-say, these are grave societal issues that cannot be resolved overnight.  Are governments and communities up to the challenge?

Populist movements have grown within the U.S. and Canada in recent years, with Donald Trump leading the way.  America today has two major political parties, but the presidential election of 2016 managed to reshape the platforms and agendas of both.  In Canada, one has the People’s Party of Canada (PPC), led by Maxime Bernier, which claims to bring together “common sense, populism, classical conservatism, and libertarianism to create solutions adapted for the challenges of the 21st century.”  Bernier was the only political leader to officially address the protesting truckers and others at their demonstration in front of Parliament Hill.  In the 2021 Canadian federal election, the PPC did not win any seats, despite winning nearly 5% of the popular vote.  Time will tell whether the current truckers’ protests are a sign of things to come in both Canada and the U.S., or just one more anomaly?

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Jan 10

Arguments Against Working for Jerks Are Nothing New

by bcurry

Recently, Emma Goldberg wrote an article in the New York Times entitled: “No More Working for Jerks.”  The problem is that the issue of managers who are jerks is really nothing new.  What the pandemic and technology have increasingly exposed is that jerks are more frequently being caught out in the open.  The exposure is often because people are working from home and management has come to rely on e-mails, zoom and other social media to communicate with employees.  Over several years now I have been researching what makes good managers, only to find unfortunately that there are clearly a number who fit the mould of being crazy bosses, bad bosses, jerks or just plain assholes.  Whichever descriptive terms you prefer to use, their attributes include everything from bullying, harassment, insensitivity, incivility, sexism, racism, ageism, narcissism, etc., etc.

Several books have been written about managers displaying such attributes.  Stanley Bing wrote “Crazy Bosses” in 2007.   That same year, Robert I. Sutton wrote what has become a business classic: “The No Asshole Rule — Building a Civilized Workplace and Surviving One That Isn’t.”  This book became a runaway bestseller, selling well over 800,000 copies and sparking translations into languages including Polish and Japanese.  In 2017, Sutton wrote a follow-up book entitled “Asshole Survival Guide: How to Deal With People Who Treat You Like Dirt.”  The book offers ways of spotting and coping with the various kinds of jerks we encounter at work and pulls no punches.

Emma Goldberg notes in her article that, for some, the past year has rebalanced the power seesaw between worker and boss.  She suggests that it might partly be because of the surge of people quitting, noting a record high 4.5 million Americans who voluntarily left their jobs in November.  With about 1 out of 7 employees now working from home (compared to pre-pandemic 1 out of 67 persons), there is a lot of discussion about return to office plans of corporations and the preferences of workers vis-à-vis work-life balance.  Goldberg believes that, whatever the change, more workers are now feeling empowered to call out their managers than ever before, particularly those who are real jerks.

The fact of the matter is that studies have shown that companies that adopt a no-jerks or no asshole policy simply perform better.  In many cases, the problem starts with how workers are promoted and trained in management skills.  In today’s high-tech economy, persons with good technical skills may not necessarily have good soft-skills needed to manage knowledge workers.  Over the last couple of decades, companies have not invested as much time and resources in developing leadership and management skills.  Given the greater competition for gifted knowledge workers, having the right management skills and personal attributes is more important than ever.  When jerks are in charge, their actions quickly become known within the industry, often through social media exposure.  Subsequently, such corporate culture becomes a major obstacle to attracting new talent or retaining existing talent.

Increasingly, employees are informed during their orientation of the company’s “no asshole rule”, and it’s often even written into training material.  Failure to comply with the rule can lead to corporate punishment, including being fired.  Obviously, the same rule should apply to midlevel and senior managers.  Unfortunately, given the power and influence of senior executives, enforcing the rule and penalizing them for violations is not always easy.  Where Boards of Directors exist, it would certainly appear to be part of their responsibility to ensure accountability among senior management.  Over many years, there has been a lot written about actual examples of bad bosses and their impact on the workplace and workers.  Given the lack of management training and overview in both the private and public sectors, one can only conclude that jerks will continue to surface within organizations in the future.  The real question becomes whether these organizations will be able to retain and recruit scarce talent in this highly competitive era?

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Sep 25

Absurdity of Province of Alberta Government’s Approach to Dealing with a Pandemic

by bcurry

One cannot imagine implementing a public health approach to tackling COVID-19 worst than that taken by the province of Alberta under its Premier, Jason Kenny.  As of April 1, 2021, Alberta’s population was almost 4.5 million people.  However, in May, Alberta had over 23,600 active COVID-19 cases — the highest rate of infection in Canada.  Nevertheless, the province permitted the Calgary Stampede to proceed in July with thousands in attendance and relatively minimal restrictions.  Albertans today continue to be among the least vaccinated in Canada, particularly in its rural regions.  Back in June, Premier Kenny announced that the province had reached the vaccination threshold for the third and final phase of reopening, because 70.2 percent of Albertans 12 and over had received at least one dose of a vaccine.  Alberta had already reopened most of its community and business activities, although at reduced capacity.  It was also announced that there would be no more bans on indoor social gatherings; no more limits for gyms, sports and fitness activities; no more capacity limits at restaurants, in retail or for places of worship; and no more advisories against non-essential travel.

Today, a group of the province’s physicians declared that Alberta’s health-care system is on the verge of collapse.  The group is pleading with the government to strengthen public health measures to fend off a relentless fourth wave of COVID-19.  Alberta Health Services noted that there were 258 intensive care beds in the province, which includes 85 added spaces.  It said ICU capacity sat at 87 percent — just slightly below a seven-day average of 91 percent.  Recently, Dr. Verna Yiu, the president and CEO of Alberta Health Services, indicated that intensive care beds are 130 percent over capacity, and critically ill patients are being directed to overflow wards.  Almost 90 percent of the COVID patients in ICUs are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated.  The province has even talked about requesting federal military help and whether other larger provinces could take some of those patients currently requiring ICU care. 

Premier Kenny has now publicly apologized to Albertans for his government’s failure to protect them through its public health policies.  The government has had to reinstate an indoor mask mandate for public spaces and an alcohol sales curfew at 10 p.m.  It also announced a $100 incentive for unvaccinated Albertans who get their vaccine shots.  Could be too little, too late!  In the meantime, there are no signs COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are slowing in the province.  There was an unfortunate belief that, even with its low vaccination rates and more open economy, some Albertans would develop personal immunity by being exposed to COVID-19, similar in approach to the failed policies implemented by Sweden.  However, along came the more contagious and deadly Delta variant, causing the hospital system to become overburdened and increased burnout among health-care professionals.

Nevertheless, Alberta continues to act as if the pandemic is over.  An example is the fact that its two professional hockey teams, the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers, are being allowed to open the 2021-22 NHL season with 100% fan capacity for games.  Other jurisdictions such as Ontario are only permitting 50% capacity for hockey arenas, while the arenas are requiring proof of full vaccination for entry.  In light of COVID-related hospitalizations and deaths, critical care and infectious disease doctors across Alberta are calling on the province’s two NHL teams to drop their plans of playing in front of full-capacity crowds.  They warn that having full hockey arenas will lead to the further spread of COVID-19, worsening an already “dire” situation. 

Previously, Premier Kenney had staunchly refused to mandate proof of vaccination for anyone who wants to use non-essential services such as restaurants, clubs and sports events.  All that changed with the current deteriorating health situation in the province.  Alberta is now planning to introduce a “proof of vaccination” passport for such businesses similar to that being implemented in other provinces such as Quebec, British Columbia and Ontario.  All-in-all, one has to ask if attending a sports event is more important than preventing the further spread of COVID-19?  What an absurd question to ask at this time!  Just ask Albertans.

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Jul 15

From the Ridiculous to the Surreal: Renaming of Major Thoroughfares in Toronto, Ontario

by bcurry

I’ve just read that Toronto city council plans to vote to rename the major thoroughfare Dundas Street and other locations named after the 18th-century politician Henry Dundas.  The reason apparently is that someone discovered that Henry Dundas was a Scottish politician who delayed Britain’s abolition of slavery by 15 years.  Now, having lived in Toronto for the majority of my young life, I would have never known the origin of the name for Dundas Street.  I’m certain that, even today, the vast majority of Torontonians do not know anything about Henry Dundas. 

Now it’s one thing to remove statues of major historical figures such as John A. McDonald, Canada’s first Prime Minister, but it’s quite another to start renaming major thoroughfares in cities.  Can you imagine the costs associated with such initiatives at a time when urban centers are starting to reopen following the costly pandemic.  Toronto’s city council has suggested that the city also plans to make room in its budget to support people and businesses affected by the change, otherwise taxpayers.  You would think that they have other more important issues to spend money on, such as increasing affordable housing, fixing aging infrastructures and improving social and health care services.

As in most countries, historically local governments often chose to name streets and municipal properties after people, sometimes based on historical connections.  For example, I lived near Bathurst Street in Toronto — a major north-south thoroughfare — which apparently was named for Henry Bathurst, 3rd Earl Bathurst, who was also a member of the British Parliament during colonial times, and who like Henry Dundas had never once visited Canada.  I never knew this and really couldn’t have cared less!  I’m certain that if someone did a deep dive into Henry Bathurst’s history as an 18th-century British colonial politician, they would probably find something to object to.

The Mayor of Toronto, John Tory, declared that the “names of our public streets, parks, and monuments are a reflection of our values as Torontonians.”  While I recognize his sentiments, I cannot but think that this is a political ploy to satisfy a small group of persons at the expense of the rest of us.  Can you imagine all the small businesses and other organizations along Dundas Street or Bathurst Street which would have to bear the expenses associated with changing their business and mailing addresses?  Should the motion go through, one can only ask whether this is one incidence or whether this is just the beginning of a ridiculous trend across North America?  Indeed, this could represent a dangerous and costly precedent, going from the ridiculous to the surreal!

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Jul 3

War on COVID has presented today’s youth with opportunities to demonstrate strengths

by bcurry

With all of the negative news surrounding COVID-19, there is also a fair amount of positive news that one can take away from the last year and a half.  Much of it has to do with the actions of today’s younger generations, be it the Millennials or Generations Y and Z.  Youth in past generations had to overcome the consequences of global depression and the horrific impacts of fighting in two world wars.  Today’s generations have been placed in a similar position.

Today, the battles such as those against a global pandemic are just as challenging.  Nevertheless, younger people have emerged to take leadership in tackling this disease in scientific, health care and front line services.  Take their evident participation in contributing the scientific research surrounding the incredible development of mRNA vaccines such as Moderna and Pfizer.  The speedy delivery of COVID vaccines is anything but miraculous.  College, secondary and primary students have had to adjust to a relatively new teaching environment involving the use of innovative technologies, including those involving on-line learning and virtual communication.  No easy task!  Young people and their families have been asked to pay a heavy price, but for the most part they have shown great resilience and commitment.

On a personal note, I was greatly impressed by the participation of many young health care practitioners and volunteers at a local community COVID vaccination clinic.  Working around the clock and having to continuously wear personal protective equipment, these young people helped to provide an efficient, speedy and convenient service to the community, all the while doing so in a polite and caring manner.  Then there are those thousands working in hospitals who have had to deal with the tragic loss of life due to COVID, often where patients have been completely isolated from their families and friends.  We owe these courageous people a whole lot of thanks and appreciation.

At the above vaccination clinic, I also noticed a good many young people who had agreed to be vaccinated against this terrible disease.  There has been a lot of talk about the hesitancy factor as it pertains to younger people.  However, from what I’ve seen so far, the majority of young Canadians have stepped forward to aid in the fight against this disease, and in particular to prevent the further spread of the so-called Delta variant.  Given relevant and reliable information, I am certain that today’s youth will continue to play their important role in bringing an end to the pandemic in their communities, and in the country at large.  Rather than dwelling on the negative commentary on social media and elsewhere, we should be expressing our appreciation for their positive contributions to combating COVID.  To the younger generations, I send out a big ‘thank you’ for the critical roles that you are playing.

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Nov 25

The President Knows Better Than Even His Own Experts on Climate Change!

by bcurry

Under the auspices of the U.S. Global Change Research Program, the Fourth National Climate Assessment Volume II was recently released.  Thirteen American government departments and agencies, from the Agriculture Department to NASA, were part of the committee that compiled the new report.  Like other similar reports, the White House dismissed the congressionally mandated report as inaccurate. However, this expert report may be a little more difficult to ignore given recent environmental disasters that have occurred in the U.S. and elsewhere. Let’s take a quick look at some of the report’s summary conclusions:

  • More frequent and intense extreme weather and climate-related events, as well as changes in average climate conditions, are expected to continue to damage infrastructure, ecosystems, and social systems that provide essential benefits to communities.
  • Regional economies and industries that depend on natural resources and favourable climate conditions, such as agriculture, tourism, and fisheries, are vulnerable to the growing impacts of climate change.
  • Rising air and water temperatures and changes in precipitation are intensifying droughts, increasing heavy downpours, reducing snowpack, and causing declines in surface water quality, with varying impacts across regions.
  • Climate change is also projected to alter the geographic range and distribution of disease-carrying insects and pests, exposing more people to ticks that carry Lyme disease and mosquitoes that transmit viruses such as Zika, West Nile, and dengue, with varying impacts across regions.
  • Climate change has already had observable impacts on biodiversity, ecosystems, and the benefits they provide to society.
  • An aging and deteriorating infrastructure is further stressed by increases in heavy precipitation events, coastal flooding, heat, wildfires, and other extreme events, as well as changes to average pre­cipitation and temperature.
  • Rising water temperatures, ocean acidification, retreating arctic sea ice, sea level rise, high-tide flooding, coastal erosion, higher storm surge, and heavier precipitation events threaten our oceans and coasts.
  • Outdoor recreation, tourist economies, and quality of life reliant on benefits provided by our natural environment will be degraded by the impacts of climate change in many ways.

Scientists have once again demonstrated this past year that much of the impact on climate change is caused by man-made emissions, especially that resulting from older technologies using fuels such as coal and oil for producing energy. These conclusions are obviously at odds with the Trump administration’s pro-fossil-fuels agenda.  What this report illustrates is that the economic consequences of continuing on the administration’s course of action are extremely serious, far outweighing any costs to businesses and the economy as a result of implementing policies in support of promoting green technologies and penalizing emitters of greenhouse-gases.

As it is, we will all have to begin to adapt in the short-term to the existing impact of climate change by upgrading our infrastructures, altering our agricultural production and introducing more green technologies. Climate change is a massive threat to long-term growth, and the most economically efficient way of avoiding it is a wide tax on greenhouse-gas emissions. This will force industries and consumers to reduce emissions over time.  Some people will argue that it may already be too late, forcing us to simply adapt to climate change at great immediate cost to everyone.  However, I would argue that drastic circumstances such as those highlighted in the report call for more drastic measures sooner rather than later — not only regionally but globally.  What we need is real honest leadership and vision, not unreal excuses.  We owe it to future generations.

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Sep 7

Hurricanes, Droughts and Forest Fires Attest to Issues Regarding Climate Change

by bcurry

First there was Hurricane Harvey, and now there is Hurricane Irma — the worst in recorded history. Forest fires now cover nine U.S. states and have ravished the Canadian province of British Columbia. Around the world, annual temperatures have consistently increased, leaving havoc, rising waters and scorched earth in their wake.  Yet, here we have a President of the world’s most powerful country arguing that climate change is not an issue!  Some people argue about economics, but the recovery from damages caused by Hurricane Harvey in the U.S. is already estimated to cost over 180 Billion dollars (U.S.). The damages from forest fires and to crops are estimated to be in the billions of dollars.

For the human race to sit back and not do anything to deal with climate change is ludicrous to say the least. Sticking one’s head in the proverbial sand and ignoring the socioeconomic impact and scientific evidence related to climate change doesn’t make any sense!  What we need is leadership, both national and international.  Simply coping with the consequences is no longer a viable alternative, no matter how much leaders brag about their response to these calamities.  The fact is that people parish and people loose everything.

The U.S. consumes forty percent of the earth’s resources. It has a responsibility to do so in an environmental friendly and responsible way.  Without American proactive and aggressive actions in dealing with climate change, international initiatives may be meaningless.  It’s time for President Trump and Congress to recognize this reality.  Policies need to be changed now.  It’s taken decades to arrive at this point, and it will probably take years to tackle the issues pertaining to climate change.  Our climate supersedes the economy.  Mankind cannot believe that matters surrounding the earth’s climate are secondary in nature.  The state of our planet is first and foremost the most important consideration that we should have.  Let’s hold our leaders accountable.

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