tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120982399236985142.post2203447584198765090..comments2024-02-07T06:48:23.474-05:00Comments on Sudbury Steve May: The Future of Democracy in Canada: A Personal Journey. Part II: Media in CrisisSudbury Stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03959184192546029807noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120982399236985142.post-75908220426855497362009-10-29T09:50:36.817-04:002009-10-29T09:50:36.817-04:00Alright, alright...my lack of faith in the media h...Alright, alright...my lack of faith in the media has actually been restored. I missed this editorial from yesterday's Globe and Mail which lambasted the Pembina/Suzuki study for its attack on the oil industry, and suggested that as an option for action, we further water-down targets and develop new policy. Of course, there is no suggestion that such "new policy" would have to be about adapting to climate change and the global upheaval which will be brought about as a result of our "choice" to continue to emit. It's easy to say: Targets are unrealistic, new policy is needed. <br /><br />But the media continues to ignore what kind of world we'll inhabit as a result of doing nothing, or doing at best a half-assed job.<br /><br />http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/editorials/targets-set-without-a-plan-and-costs-that-are-perilous/article1342915/Sudbury Stevehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03959184192546029807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8120982399236985142.post-11568855764860552912009-10-29T09:36:12.959-04:002009-10-29T09:36:12.959-04:00So, just to trash my thesis and piss me off I'...So, just to trash my thesis and piss me off I'm sure, the Globe & Mail today goes and devotes one tonne of coverage to TD Bank-rolled, Pembina Institute-Suzuki Foundation study about the cost of taking action on climate change. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/canada-can-meet-its-climate-goals-but-the-west-will-write-the-cheques/article1342887/<br /><br />For all of the flaws, this coverage will contribute to the public debate which we should now be engaged in, but aren't. Sure, the Report looks at discredited GDP as a benchmark for economic success (we need to move on from GDP, people!), and yes, it asseses only the very modest 2 degree warming scenario endorsed by Europe and others which, over the past few years has been called into question by leading scientists as being way too modest. Of course, from the reporting, the costs of 2 degrees will be significantly greater than the costs of Harper's plan.<br /><br />What the coverage seems to be lacking is any discussion on the cost of NOT TAKING ACTION. Of course, I've not yet read the report, but I suspect that while the Report might have discussed the inaction scenario anecdotally, it probably relied on extrapolated trends for GDP growth as its starting point for 2020. Likely ignored the fact that the world tomorrow will not be like today's, as a result of peak oil, global warming, etc.<br /><br />John Ibbitson's editorial in today's Globe suggests that we're now ready to have an informed debate as eyes are now open. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/with-eyes-open-to-cost-of-climate-change-its-time-to-decide/article1342888/<br /><br />I'd suggest that maybe one eye-lid has been partially raised, and that the media continues to report on only part of the story. There is much more out there which Canadians have to see and understand. But...today's coverage is much better than what's been out there. A turning point maybe? Let's hope.Sudbury Stevehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03959184192546029807noreply@blogger.com