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Seattle started it. New York City has done it. So have Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, and almost two hundred large cities in the United States. Initiated by Mayor Greg Nickels in Seattle, cities across America are voluntarily complying with the Kyoto Protocol for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Based on this precedent, I think 'Why not Toronto? Why not now?'
When Canada ratified the international Kyoto Protocol in 2002, we agreed to cut our greenhouse emissions to a level six percent below 1990 levels by the year 2012. We have been going in the wrong direction, and in 2003 were instead 24% higher than 1990. Just recently Canada has backed out of the agreement, arguing against details. The reality is that Canadian government is not committed to saving the planet. Profits come first.
In Toronto, positive action was taken when council accepted the Toronto Environmental Plan in April 2000. Since then progress has been made, though actions have not been aggressive enough. I recently attended an event in City Council chambers called 'Pledge TO Green', in which a variety of speakers addressed environmental issues and solutions. Elizabeth May, leader of the Green Party, finished the presentation with a brilliant and passionate talk. At the end of presentations, all candidates in attendance were asked to sign a large card pledging to enact the Toronto Environmental Plan. Of course, I signed it.
All of the measures in place are good, and progress is made each year. However, we are not doing enough. If we want to change the direction of the planet, we have to get aggressive. Firstly, we cannot allow any new projects that increase air pollution. This would include stopping the Portlands Energy Centre, and not incinerating garbage. In my Toronto, smog levels go down, not up.
Our next step is to more aggressively challenge industrial polluters. This can be done through heavy fines that force companies to alter their processes, or through partnership and tax-incentives that encourage progress. My intention would be to start with the partnership technique, and only fine those companies that refused to change. With investment and innovative operational planning, almost any facility can reduce pollution.
While big targets are easier to hit, the greatest progress in Toronto will occur when EVERYONE participates in harmonious living. There are many programs that begin at the household level, reducing emissions, managing water flow, recycling waste and capturing renewable energy. Over the next four years, Toronto has the ability to encourage every household to improve by offering education and tax-incentives. Rather than penalizing people for not changing, I prefer to reward people for their efforts while providing encouragement and assistance.
The greatest challenge for Toronto in the reduction of greenhouse gases is the replacement of the car. National requirements to reduce car emissions have been given to auto manufacturers, and perhaps technological advances can make the car less offensive to the environment. However, Torontonians also have a great dependency on cars. To change this situation, we have to make mass transit much more attractive. Rather than penalizing people for driving in the city, instead make the transit system much more convenient, efficient, and cost-effective. The alteration of Toronto's transit system is a complex and critical assignment, and must be aggressively approached every year.
If Toronto wants to become a world leader in harmonious living, we must make some dramatic changes. If change is planned and implemented properly, the results can be exciting and fulfilling. We have many brilliant and committed people in Toronto who want to help us move in the right direction. All that is necessary is the leadership to encourage this progression to occur. Once again, I say 'Why not Toronto? Why not now?'
© Copyright 2006 Glenn Stewart Coles
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