My response to 'The World Hit Record Temps in 2023..' in The Tyee

Here's my reaction --orig. meant as a Comment-- to this piece by Gordon McLean of The Conversation:  https://thetyee.ca/Analysis/2024/01/16/World-Hit-Record-Temps-2023/

Another ill-timed waste of an oppor'ty to inform/update us on the biggest issue worrying 80%+ of Cdns (& growing) -- bereft of real-life specifics to help us "proactively advance climate resilience" -- whatever that means..

& that's half the problem: Science's refusal to DEFINE Cause/ Effect & Problem/ Solution has left this crisis open to interpretation -- by the very industries most responsible & with the heaviest footprints (whose lobbyists ensure THEIR profiteering 'needs' are met -- in regular mtgs with our spineless govt reps!) 

I.E. That atmospheric levels of C02 & methane "have continued to increase & hit record levels in 2023" means ZIP to most people without specifying exactly HOW they've increased & WHO/WHAT is responsible!!?

Eg. Logging old-growth forests releases all their stored carbon, adding to cumulative emissions (yet is exempt from req'd official GHG reports!?); LNG emits methane gas @ every stage, all up & down production -- yet BC's govt calls this fracked-gas fossil fuel "sustainable" & keeps approving new LNG builds here!!?

(Though this past month alone I've had to tell 2 peops -- 1 a regular MSM consumer -- WHAT 'LNG' EVEN iS!)

It's quite obvious govts & MSM COUNT ON -- if not further -- such widespread public ignorance.  That's just corrupt.. & DISHONEST!

Here's proof:  our govts are spending more $$ to convince Cdns they're tackling these issues -- via pricey TV ads -- than on actually tackling them, thereby making a mockery of indiv'l efforts while guaranteeing more fires, floods & other human-wrought ('Climate') disasters.

Worse, in defiance of urgent IPCC warnings to reduce GHGs & wean off fossil fuels, AB's govt alone has BANNED RENEWABLES -- & the feds persist in flogging (non-existent) 'Carbon Capture' tech as Canada's (non-)solution!!?

HOW can we be motivated to protect our --& our kids' -- thriving future hanging on a thin thread of carbon-sinking ecosystems exploited to extinction by irresponsible corps that refuse to change (along with their corrupted govt. 'secret supporters')? 

And do those of us who ARE still motivated (the numbers of which are growing daily) -- not by flimsy articles like yours but because we can't undo what we've seen 1sthand -- even stand a chance in the face of so much corruption??

NB. It must be noted:  the SOLE Cdn. political entity that refuses to be bought out wholesale by ecocidal Big-Industry corps, the ONLY honest ones who stay true to their clean mission, are the GREENS -- federal AND provincial.

Please:  let that sink in.

BC Greens on YouTube.. + comments!

OR.. WHY BCers MUST VOTE BC GREENS to BRiNG A BETTER FUTURE to this province!

Here's a video introducing the awesome Sonia Furstenau, new leader of the BC Greens, followed by public comments -- including mine (as HairaSarah, my YouTube channel name) -- which oughta cLaRiFy what's happening in this province & why we NEED this change. NOW.. (CLICK THIS LINK:)

YT vid: BC Greens new leader Sonia Furstenau

BC Greens

634 subscribers

Sonia is a relentless underdog who puts people and communities above politics. Growing up, she saw clearly how important it was to protect what we cherish and fight for those who have no voice. Now she is the Leader of the BC Green Party and fighting to make British Columbians' lives better.

45 COMMENTS

HairaSarah

BCers need to educate themselves on the realities of BC's ongoing CORRUPTION in our politics -- Cons, Libs AND NDP -- defined by blatant FUNDING OF O&G (@ the expense of taxpayers' best interests) & PANDERING to polluting corps that iGNORE eco-protections & are (STiLL!!?) laying waste to our natural ecosystems/ old-growth forests that sustain healthy biodiversity.. Widespread EXTINCTION of our native Species At Risk has aLReady resulted from CLEARCUT LOGGING of BC's intact old-growth stands (now reduced to approx 1%) -- it's CRITICAL these last major C02 sinks are SAVED & PROTECTED from further industrial logging.. PERIOD!  ONLY the BC Greens will UPGRADE our UNSUSTAINABLE 'growth at all costs' economics that FAIL to take into account extractive industries' PROVEN exacerbation of ecological breakdown that leads to rampant wildfires (eg. Australia/ California) --- & TRANSITION INTO FUTURE-FORWARD, RENEWABLE-ENERGY INDUSTRIES:   BC Greens are the ONLY PARTY WITH THE SMART, SUSTAINABLE PLANS TO MAKE THAT POSSIBLE -- for our kids' futures as well as our own!

Farzad Panahi

Her potential is beyond a provincial politician. Looks like we've got a world-class leader here. Let's support her.

Carrie Graham

I believe in you Sonia.  Totally have my vote.

Trevor Premack

Such a great video!!!! I hope its shared far and wide!!!

Jim Hamilton

Dear Sonia, I'm voting for you and I believe that time is on our side.

VerifiedCanadian

Such a strong video, you’ve got my vote

HairaSarah

VOTING BC GREENS FOR SURE THIS ELECTION!  (Just a heads-up:  your latest video here on YT is set as 'for kids' -- which means we cannot add to any folders --eg. 'Favorites')

price-sings Puccini

So “green.” Meh. Every 10 yards I see a Furstenau election sign which will be destined for a landfill.

idcraw

Really it will be recycled and some one will make money off it  if it was up to the others the water would be poisoned by that land fill she did a good job

Darcy Mcnabb

One of the  troubles  with the green party is they do not understand oil is the life blood , of a modern civilization. How you feel about this  fact is of no importance.  Until they comprehend this fact as well as other facts  about a civilization needs , they will stay nothing but a fringe party . Of no use or relivence to society....

Fletcher Waller

If oil is the lifeblood of a modern civilization, we better slow down the rate at which we consume it, then! It is a finite resource, after all. And we hope humans aren't a finite civilization!

HairaSarah

@Darcy McNabb  NO ONLY youR opinions are of no use or relevance (sp.!) to modern society!  It's YOU who doesn't understand that our extractive industries (O&G/mining/logging) are PROVEN to be UNSUSTAINABLE due partly to excessive GHG emissions (eg. C02/methane) that accumulate in Earth's atmosphere---> cause climate change/ global warming---> POISON OUR WATERWAYS with toxic chemicals that leach into communities/ ecosystems/ groundwater!!?  BANKS & INS. CO's are DIVESTING TRILLION$ from polluting projects (eg. new pipelines) & INVESTING in cleaner, science-based renewable-energy projects.. BECAUSE THEY KNOW THERE'S NO FUTURE IN FUNDING POLLUTING ACTIVITIES DRIVING ALL LIFE ON EARTH TO EXTINCTION!!!?  (duh?)

The Birdmen

How is a landfill contaminated before it exists?

MAGUS ANGELBLAZER

This Sonia Furstenau will gobble up like German sausages with cabbage Mr. Hogan and his NDP party.Why? Because she is Fürstenau! The surname Furstenau was first found in Baden, where the name was anciently associated with the tribal conflicts of the area. They declared allegiances to many nobles and princes of early history, lending their influence in struggles for power and status within the region. They branched into many houses, and their contributions were sought by many leaders in their search for power.))) Richard Wagner - Ride of the Valkyries...........https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDibWbBCzpI

Edwin Daniel

Although  I am deeply disappointed about the manipulation at the National Green Party that resulted in the election of a neoliberal rather that an eco-socialist leader, I can support our BC Green Party under Ms. Sonia Furstenau

Devon Russell

the greens will destroy are economy

zeazi

our*

Devon Russell

@zeazi thank you for correcting me maybe I can hire you if I have any money left from are broken economy

zeazi

@Devon Russell so how are the greens going to destroy the economy?

Devon Russell

@zeazi easy the greens will get rid of all fossil fuels witch is are god given right to have witch people will lose thousand's of jobs yes they will make new jobs but people wont want them nobody will be able to have anything gas or diesel power and be forced into electric witch will start a civil war if you take peoples classic cars and rights away they would be removed from power and plus fossil fuels is scientifically good for the environment the air does need it or plants we die so there killing us they have been brain washed by radical left wing fake science and trust me I know I used to be a green that's why they really stand no chance even if the get in there doing so many things that are illegal

Devon Russell

@zeaziand I would like to thank you for having a peaceful conversation with me were we can share are opions

zeazi

@Devon Russell I think the point is to transition to renewable forms of energy since O&G are finite resources. If you believe that O&G are God given resource, why is it only available to the people now and not the people generations from now? Maybe it was intended that people graduate from gas powered vehicles to electric cars - just like how humanity graduate to gas powered cars from the horse and buggy. Even if you don't believe in climate change, Its inevitable that we will run out of oil, at which point we would have to import technology from USA or China. We should get ahead of the curve by creating infrastructure and jobs in the green technology spaces to benefit Canadians so that other countries would rely on us instead of us relying on them.

Devon Russell

@zeazi we can still get oil from anything its an natural substance that cant go away just like water but we do have to protect it I agree with the greens with that and I I like how peaceful the greens are and also I think there plans for health care beats any other party's I think all party's has there pros and cons personally I'm more right wing but for bc I'm more for the bc liberal's moderate left if there is a really good moderate green and if they get there party a bit more sorted out with there embers than I will defiantly vote for them I love natural but not everyone believes in climate change but we still care about natural I have friends that are green and for all this and I respect them so in conclusion I wish you and the greens the best and hopefully all party's can work together someday

zeazi

@Devon Russell Thanks Logan 👍🏽, we all just want what's best for Canada and Canadians. Good to hear your perspective

HairaSarah

@Devon Russell Not only are you iLLiTERATE saying "the greens will destroy are economy"(sic.) you haven't a CLUE what makes a sustainable economy!  As for fossil fuels being "are god given right" (sic.) are you suggesting that our most DESTRUCTIVE extractive industry -- using obsolete, unsustainable methods which poison the environment & lay waste to millions of hectares of healthy biodiversity/ ecosystems & mainly benefits the GREED of resource corps. NOT the interests of ordinary taxpayers NOR 1st Nations whose communities are WORST affected -- is somehow RIGHT??  Let alone in any way GODLY?? (OnLy if Satan's youR  'God'!!)  THE GLOBAL SCIENTIFIC COMMUNITY CITES FOSSIL FUELS AS ROOT CAUSE OF CLIMATE CHANGE -- BANKS & INS. CO'S ARE DIVESTING FROM THIS SECTOR BY THE TRILLION$ -- SO SAVE YOUR IGNORANCE.. & SUPPORT CLEAN RENEWABLES for a sustainable & viable future (& MORE long-term jobs) by voting BCGreens!

idcraw

our economy

idcraw

@Devon Russell Don't be bringing your imaginary friends into this

Devon Russell

@idcraw find some more typeos for me please your very good at that thanks for doing something with you life

Devon Russell

@idcraw are you on any type of medication

Paulo

Dr. Weaver was a credible and influential leader toward a sustainable future because he is a real climate scientist. The Green Party has traded him for a former high school history teacher, whose calm demeanour thinly veils that she is a zealot within the so-called "social justice" movement. Perhaps that's why Weaver now supports the NDP, and Horgan no longer trusts his alliance with them to maintain a stable government. Please educate yourself about the true nature of that movement before you vote.

HairaSarah

@Paulo  NO - YOU need to educate yourself on the realities of BC's ongoing CORRUPTION in our politics -- Cons, Libs AND NDP -- defined by blatant FUNDING OF O&G (@ the expense of taxpayers' best interests) & PANDERING to polluting corps that iGNORE eco-protections & are (STiLL!!?) laying waste to our natural ecosystems/ old-growth forests that sustain healthy biodiversity.. Widespread EXTINCTION of our native Species At Risk has aLReady resulted from CLEARCUT LOGGING of BC's intact old-growth stands (now reduced to approx 1%) -- it's CRITICAL these last major C02 sinks are SAVED & PROTECTED from further industrial logging.. PERIOD!  Problem with your old-school economics is they rely on UNSUSTAINABLE 'growth at all costs' calcs that FAIL to take into account extractive industries' PROVEN exacerbation of ecological breakdown that leads to rampant wildfires (eg. Australia/ California)  It's unfortunate Weaver is a sell-out, but most see the $$-based motivations behind that move!  (On taxpayers' dimes no doubt) FACT IS:  WE NEED TO UPGRADE - TO SUSTAINABLE, FUTURE-FORWARD INDUSTRIES - & THE BC GREENS = the ONLY PARTY WITH THE SMART, VIABLE PLANS TO MAKE THAT POSSIBLE -- for our kids' futures as well as our own!!?

Jennifer A. Nelson

Unfortunately our political system is so corrupt it wouldn’t matter if the Virgin Mary was running for election, to navigate such a corrupt system even she would have to corrupt herself at some point. The only HONEST VOTE these days would be for “NONE OF THE ABOVE” to show the truth of it all....total lack of confidence in our entire governments.  NO-CONFIDENCE is the only truth available.

HairaSarah

I disagree -- only a VOTE 4 the BC Greens will effectively mark your protest against the prevailing CORRUPTION shown by the BC Cons, BC Liberals AND BCNDP!?  Listen to Sonia & the other Greens candidates.. Read the Greens constitution, & their measured common-sense platform for this election.. NOTE their ReaL plans to protect the best interests of aLL BCers AND (yes) still-struggling 1st Nations, whose communities are WORST affected by ongoing polluting activities which the corrupt 'big 3' parties plan to KEEP ON FUNDING!!?  ONLY the BC Greens will bring much-needed revisions to our political system -- & re-direct OUR TAXPAYERS' $$ away from the polluters STILL laying waste to BC's healthy communities/ ecosystems/ waterways ---> CLEAN NEW TECHNOLOGIES & RENEWABLE-ENERGY PROJECTS that'll ensure our future & prevent another CALIFERNO happening here.. But they NEED OUR VOTES to be able to put their awesome GREEN PLANS into effect!!!?

Jennifer A. Nelson

HairaSarah sorry...none of it will make a difference....we have no more”tax dollars” to save have you seen the new debt lately? 😂 our great, great grandchildren will still be slaves because of what’s been done today. THE SYSTEM is the ISSUE......democracy is dead, we live in a world run by tyrants (they are lined up beating down the doors to get in because they know the system is so corrupt) and there is NO ACCOUNTABILITY for the crimes they commit. We will never recover if we stick to the same 100% corrupt system.....and it’s FALSE HOPE like yours that actually insures that.....I won’t vote again until there is actually something TRUTHFUL to vote for and today it is plain to see there is 100% NO CONFIDENCE.  NONE OFTHE ABOVE needs to at least be a choice but we will never see it happen because there is NO ROOM FOR TRUTH OR JUSTICE IN ANY OUR OUR CONTROLLING SYSTEMS AND INSTITUTIONS. Anything else is a flat out LIE or just another EMPTY PROMISE. Your false hope STEALS the only hope we have left in all of this, and that’s to TRULY WAKE UP.

idcraw

so you are suggesting anarchy get a grip grow up

Jennifer A. Nelson

idcraw wow...those are your words not mine...pretty sure I stated my point clearly and see no suggestion of any of that so who needs to grow up here? Thx but no thx for trying to think or speak for  me..... 🙄🤣

idcraw

@Jennifer A. Nelson You suggested no government works so what is the answer

Jennifer A. Nelson

idcraw A whole new system.

HairaSarah

​@Jennifer A. NelsonThe Greens haven't even had a CHANCE to put their fresh ideas to the test -- due to clueless brainwashed peopls & the status quo keeping people in the dark -- so don't lump them w/ the 'TOP 3' parties' corruption!!!  Simply saying 'it's corrupt' does NOTHING -- BCers (like you?) are complacent/lazy & do zip while eco-crimes accelerate biodiversity loss/ global warming & crimes VS our 1st Nations stewards continue to inflict HARM:  it's sick.. & I REFUSE to sit back on ANYONE'S advice while injustices abound!!  DOING NOTHING while you "wait" for system changes isn'T any kind of valuable input -- IT'S JUST COMPLAINING IF YOU HAVE ZIP TO OFFER~!!!?  Most BCers are woefully ignorant of govt. policy etc. -- our LAME MSM doesn't help! -- which leaves the few of us who ARE aware/ involved being overrun with  our most urgent matters (like #OldGrowth logging, which NEEDS TO STOP).. WIDESPREAD EDUCATION that currently only eco-groups (& BCGreens) provide is NECESSARY NOW!!  If it seems  the general public have LESS & LESS SAY & our leaders more & more:, it's NOT cuz we're run by dictators but cuz MOST PEOPLE ARE MISINFORMED & UNMOTIVATED.. & that suits the 'big 3' mining/O&G shills just fine~!!  I'm sad 4 you, as you've clearly no idea how much relentless work & sheer tenacity goes into EACH volunteer-led campaign to influence govt decisions -- you don'T even bother to get involved with change, other than weak-ass armchair advice that makes you sound smart but is based on theories in your head, NOT the actuality of grassroots activism -- WHICH CAN BE FAIRLY EFFECTIVE!  HOW DO I KNOW THIS?  I've been on the frontlines of MANY eco-campaigns.. & never failed to be humbled by the determination & spirit of beautiful BCers fighting for our precious ecosystems,  waterways & wildlife -- it's the ONLY stuff worth fighting for!  And tho we don't always win, when we DO we FEEL the satisfying rewards of ACTIVISM (which belies your "nothing we can do about it" pathos -- THAT's just a cop-out.. & a way of guaranteeing nothing WILL change!?)  When elections happen, it's apparent EVERY TIME that ONLY the BCGreens support the Good Fight -- ie. campaigns to save our rainforest & coastal communities from irresponsible & ruinous C02-belching  industrial projects & same-old govt. "Growth at all costs" BS that continues fast-tracking our demise (C02 = CUMULATIVE!!)  The only shock that sinks my heart each election is HOW FEW PEOPLE HERE --- STILL! -- KNOW the prevailing issues & are WOKEN to the evils brought by 'Corrupt 3' -- Cons, NDP & Liberals.. ALL BCers oughta be campaigning for our kids' healthy, safe futures & storming parliament in droves.. (& VOTING GREEN!!).. Shame's on YOU for dampening all hope -- mine is hard-won & TRIED/ TESTED from personal experience.. which proves MASS ACTION still has the power to wake up politicians to LISTEN.. BELIEVE IT:  YOU are stalling change/progress FAR MORE EFFECTIVELY with your nihilist pessimism than I with my constant rallying cries for better legislation, revisions & systemic overhauls.. Cuz as #COVID has proven, it's MUCH EASIER to urge large #'s of peops to stay home & not work than organizing to STOP THE CALAMITOUS OUTCOME OF EXTINCTION of all life on Earth if we don't ACT NOW ON THE SCIENCE!!!!???  ONE thing's definite:  URGING INACTION won't help one iota to revise politics for the better -- whereas I've SEEN proof that BEING THE CHANGE YOU WANT IN THE WORLD can indeed bring RESULTS:  VOTING GREEN is just ONE WAY BCers could help fast-track those results..

Jennifer A. Nelson

HairaSarah wow...take a chill pill....you have no idea who I am or what I stand for as I clearly have not fully expressed it. Have a snickers or something your violence is showing 🙄 You CLEARLY have your opinion and I have mine (which I have no intentions of sharing with a complete stranger like you) pretty sure each of us is allowed to express it, so you can take your “all caps’ and ‘childish, hostile, ffs attitude’” and troll someone else....your comments make it clear any further communication is pointless. Have a nice life....✌🏼

HairaSarah

​@Jennifer A. Nelson Guess it makes sense you decide to retreat behind a veil of "you don't know me" & "Have a nice life" -- tho at no point was i presuming to know you personally!?  I was simply responding to your PUBLIC COMMENTS ADDRESSED TO ME (NOT "violently" but maybe passionately?) since you made some BIG SWEEPING ACCUSATIONS -- EG.: "Your false hope STEALS the only hope we have left in all of this" -- why wouldn't i CALL YOU OUT (IN ALL-CAPS, FOR EMPHASIS!!) to BACK UP YOUR  WORDS?  My familiarity with the Greens, along with my firsthand experience as outlined, bely any 'false hope' given!!?  PS. I didn't disagree with aLL you said -- in fact, i acknowledged the CORRUPTION prevalent in our past/present govts,  as well as the need for systemic revisions.. & if you're as 'AWAKE' as you claim & have the solution all figured out, as you imply,  be happy my response gives you the opportunity to ENLIGHTEN US ALL?  As you've called for a "whole new system", why not welcome the chance to explain what you mean?  Otherwise, WHY BOTHER COMMENTING PUBLICLY IN THE 1ST PLACE??

UPDATE 2021:  Only a paltry 17% of BCers voted in last Oct's election, which suited the right-wing fat-cats just fine:  John Horgan won his majority govt. of course, even with such a small turnout.. & has proceeded to fast-track #OldGrowth logging permits (breaking his election promises directly & repeatedly) & reiterated his wholehearted support for polluting boondoggles like Site C Dam/ TMX.. ALL in defiance of the "best science" which he claims to follow:  

(Ya you can be sure his NDP govt is very much to blame for the deepening severity of this year's early fire season AND the worsening climate effects like heat waves that are affecting our communities- & esp our most vulnerable - beyond what COVID19 will EVER do.. & under Horgan's cont'd leadership, it'll only keep getting worse!

AT WHAT POINT will our leaders take stock of their science-led responsibilities to their constituents?  When it's too late for changes to have any effect?

Here's a tip:  DON'T believe a word of what you hear from the Cons, NSP or Liberals: they've proven wholly inadequate to lead us anywhere but off the (burning) cliff, like lemmings..

ONLY the Greens have what it takes - the know-how, the solid respect for science & the fresh convictions/ guts to brings the changes/ measures we desperately need to fulfill a better destiny than the ecocidal, jaded path we've been led to directly by weak-ass leaders who have done ZIP but hone the calamitous, decrepid & FAILING STATUS QUO..

(Pathetic, I know)

My [removed] comment on a Narwhal article..

WOW: it's discouraging that this happened in The Narwhal, a paper considered one of the most hard-hitting among 'alternative' media, & one that's gained my respect.. Did I GO TOO FAR/ HIT BELOW THE BELT? Express too much emotional & not enough 'factual' data? Maybe.. [I dunno].. 

FACT IS, I respond IN KIND to aLL an article conveys --& may carry over other built-up feelings/ opinions from recent related articles/info to form a 'Big Picture' gleaned from accumulated sources. And with recent in-depth exposes on the BC Govt. abounding, THIS piece REVEALED iN 3D just how dangerous & dishonest our Govt. iS.. 

Given the BCNDP's obvious heinous disregard for BC's future & acTuaL 'Reconciliation' with 1st Nations peoples --& the false public image with which they (& the corporations to which they consistently pander) MISLEAD the public, again & again-- as a dedicated BCer rallying to protect our native biodiversity & our precious old-growth ecosystems from destruction via BCNDP permits handed out recklessly like candy, I feel my response is MILD in light of Govt's obvious [UNETHICAL & UNJUST] trajectory.. & the clear conclusion that our provincial Premier Horgan & Co. are USING the COVID-19 pandemic as an excuse to 'get away with' heinous corruption & eco-crimes -- i.e. BIZ AS USUAL for BC Govt's shameful history of corporate pandering & indigenous GENOCIDE.. [Just sayin'..]

EXTREME DISHONOUR & DISRESPECT FORCE EXTREME REACTIONS-!?


The Narwhal piece in question hit me square-on with realization that compounds cumulative essays upon news items upon commissioned reports ETC. over the past year & a half of murderous ECORUIN aided & abetted by the BCNDP [directly opposing their elected platforms/ promises] -- so yes, I responded with blatant honesty & open eyes to the appalling direction the BC Govt. is dragging this province --i.e. DOWNHILL, FAST-- as reported in THIS Narwhal article:

B.C. orders Coastal GasLink to stop pipeline construction near protected wetlands

[Here's my comment:]

Where are the BC Greens when they're desperately needed to step in & OPPOSE the BCNDP's reckless issuance of permits to corps B4 they fast-track catastrophic destruction of important natural ecosystems?

It's SICKENING that Horgan's SHAM BC Govt. (like those b4) are letting forestry/ O&G corps get away with widespread ECO-RUIN --including clear-cut logging of our last remaining precious old-growth forests-- while claiming to be on track with their 'CLEAN BC' "plans": WHERE's Govt's compliance with their self-proclaimed respect for indigenous rights? Where's Horgan's [promised] Species At Risk law protecting BC's threatened wildlife habitats??

Equally heinous is Coastal GasLink's reckless --illegal-- disregard of their own "wetlands mgmt. plan" (?), along with their LiES (eg. "Environmental protection is a top priority for us"). Since CGL have already cleared 80% of the pipeline's "right-of-way" without a single concern for ANY of the 300 protected wetlands subsequently harmed, HOW can Govt's confidence in "resolving these issues" be trusted --esp. as the Wet’suwet’en's opposition IS UNCHANGED?

Bottom line: Govt.'s benefit agreements [/MOUs] coerced from some #1stNations are clearly A FRAUD (proven repeatedly w/ past resource rapes) & Govt's pipeline push --for a toxic LNG-soaked future that refuses 1st Nations autonomy AND reconciliation-- is ANOTHER BETRAYAL THAT DENIES EVERYONE A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE.. (SHAME)

[OK, i feel slightly better now..] 

My reply to BC Greens' 'leadership' email..

- in which i shouLd have included my outrage at BC Govt's gross inaction RE. Coastal Gas Link's trespassing on unceded Wet'suwet'en territory, as succinctly explained by DogwoodBC:

B.C. is refusing to meet with Wet'suwet'en chiefs, and is instead passing off the responsibility to the very pipeline company trespassing on the Indigenous community's land. Where is B.C.'s newly promised approach to respecting Indigenous rights and title 

[REF.: thetyee.ca/News/Wetsuweten-Chiefs-Government-Talks ]

UPDATES:  thetyee.ca/Newsearch

Re:  BCGreens Leadership Contest 2020

Jan. 7th, 2020

Dear Adam Olsen,

Thanks for your email.  As an active supporter of the BCGREENS for the past decade+, I feel my continuing activism on your party’s behalf has helped contribute to its increased successes. While further advancing GREENS’ policies/values is bound to enable the huge shifts needed for effective climate action, the latest in-party structural shifts appear to have stalled the necessary progress..

TBH I’m extremely discouraged by the apparent absence of BC Greens’ influence on BCNDP’s actions/policies in supporting the provincial minority government.  Where is Greens’ presence in Govt’s horrifying decisions to advance harmful LNG projects in BC?  Or affecting Site-C dam’s (/Peace River valley’s) fate??  How have BCGREENS made their mark on critical BC Forestry revisions/ holding NDP to their promises of creating SUSTAINABLE industries going forward & meeting GHG reduction targets??? Why have I not had Greens’ support for my constant efforts —alongside orgs like Ancient Forest Alliance & Wilderness Committee— to stop clearcut logging of BC’s ancient old-growth forests & ban raw-log exports?  Nothing’s more important now! (These key campaigns are very close to my heart)
 
Our fast-shrinking old-growth forests —BC’s best (/ONLY) efficient C02 sequesters/ intact wildlife habitats— URGENTLY need to be protected by a MORATORIUM placed on permits to CLEARCUT these last bastions of hope for effective C02 control!  The BC NDP’s flimsy measures RE. Climate change are woefully inadequate to enable Reconciliation (via U.N.D.R.I.P.) OR safeguard BC’s communities from predicted ecosystem imbalances.. We desperately NEED our Greens to step in & fulfill their official parliamentary duties —to table science-based solutions & REJECT extinction-drivers (eg. a WOLF CULL?)  Please don’t wait until it’s too late to have your rightful say in BC’s future!  (Can’t in-party re-org WAIT?)

If the BC NDP has been unlawfully blocking BCGreens’ rightful input in decisions/policies affecting our province —as many suspect— is it not your DUTY to publicly report such obstacles blocking due process, so we can properly respond & be included in the process, as well as show support for Greens’ inclusion in our future?  The time is NOW to apply Greens’ considerable ethics/ know-how/ resources/ values to our remade future, which will look much better with —& MUCH worse without— the priceless benefits of Greens’ involvement..

I can’t wait much longer to see more of those good public policies & collaboration across party lines mentioned in your email!

Sincerely,

SARAH (SAZ) CHESTERMAN

LeTTeR to my BC MLA Re. GOVT. FRACKING SUBSIDIES

I am writing to express my  extreme dismay over the tax breaks Premier Horgan is committing to BC's LNG industry, as if this industry has been properly  researched & found to be a low-C02 answer to the climate emergency now underway:  it hasn't -- & it isn't.

The most recent IPCC report gives us only a decade to cut global carbon pollution in half.  But LNG Canada would be the most polluting project in BC, requiring thousands of new fracking wells in the northeast, as well as raising our GHGs to dangerous levels. CleanBC is clearly inadequate, as I & others loudly protested in vain, as it virtually guarantees BC will miss its targets if the expansion proceeds as planned.

While I work hard to reduce my carbon pollution & that of others, including switching to a 100% vegan diet & campaigning against mining/ logging/ plastics/ pollution, the provincial government wants to undo my efforts by building LNG Canada!?  What an insult to those of us who keep informed & updated of our province's progress..

In light of recent news about Canada's fracking/ pipeline/ waste woes --in addition to our poor performance re. climate issues-- giving huge tax breaks to establish a new fossil fuel industry is irresponsible -- if not utterly genocidal.

Please stand up to Premier Horgan & tell him to withdraw these insane subsidies to the fossil fuel industry --the very sector scientists blame for the climate crisis upon us!  Look up Genus (fossil-free) Capital & see examples of positive corporate change among us --& ask Premier Horgan to step up to the task at hand, per his sworn duties as Premier!

Personally, I don't know ONE person who thinks this Govt's reckless approval of new fossil fuel projects bodes well for BC's future/ economy.  Govt. needs to stand up to polluters & demand they pay for our necessary transition to clean renewable energy.. NOW NOT LATER!

Pandering to polluting fossil fuel corps is completely out of step with our commitments & requirements going forward, & holds us back from climate recovery & a sustainable future!  Informed BCers oppose such misuse of tax dollars as ominous assurance of failure to deal with the challenges & looming disasters plaguing our future sustainability. We feel helpless when all we can do is frantically write letters while watching our future health & prosperity --& those of our kids-- go up in smoke..

I therefore beseech you to use your position as MLA to effectively put forth these serious concerns & oppose any further spending on fossil fuels, esp. LNG.  Furthermore, it's noT unreasonable to take these polluting corps to court & enforce payouts due, for causing this climate hell that promises to worsen if we don't act now!  It's the very least we should do in our lifetime, while we still have a chance to turn things around..

(The alternatives are truly unthinkable. And Govt has run out of chances to right those wrongs & protect the people's interests..)

Thank you for your consideration & time, & in advance for taking action while  still in office..

(The Green Party is coming --to undo the Cons/ NDP/ Liberals damage that's led to this shameful point in history, due to reaping without sowing Nature's now-sorely-degraded resources --which our native First Nations had stewarded successfully for millennia:  SHAME!)