Canada’s Climate Stories

Climate change is the defining issue of our time.

It is altering the physical environment of the Earth, devastating ecosystems, and contributing to social, economic, and political instability around the world.

Still, many continue to see climate change and its impacts as someone else’s problem – whether they be elsewhere in Canada or across the globe.

But everyone has a connection to climate change. Each of us has a climate change story.

Growing, hunting, transporting, or eating food; building or using infrastructure; maintaining good mental and physical health; working for peace around the world – these, and many, many other matters all intersect with climate change.

And so too, does our faith.

As Christians, God calls us to love and care for the Earth, all of its creatures, including all of humanity.

Here are just some of the Canadians who are adding their voices to the consultation.

[accordion openfirst=”true” tag=h3 clicktoclose=”true”][accordion-item title=”British Columbia”]

• Joyce in Victoria, BC
• Maureen in Nanaimo-Ladysmith, BC
• Karl in Burnaby North-Seymour, BC
• Lanie in Burnaby North-Seymour, BC
• Anne in West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country, BC
• Christine in Vancouver, BC
• Lindsay in Vancouver East, BC
• Nelson in Vancouver Centre, BC
• Anne in Vancouver Kingsway, BC
• Tom in Fleetwood-Port Kells, BC
• Claudette in Kootenay-Columbia, BC
• Tanya in Kootenay-Columbia, BC
• Craig in South Okanagan-West Kootenay, BC
• Dennis in Langley-Aldergrove
• ​Pieter in Langley-Aldergrove, BC

[/accordion-item][accordion-item title=”The Prairies” state=closed]

• Richard in Edmonton-Wetaskiwin, AB
• Emily in Edmonton-Wetaskiwin, AB
• Randy in Edmonton Mill Woods, AB
• August in Edmonton Manning, AB
• Jesse in Edmonton Griesbach, AB
• Annie in Sherwood Park-Fort Saskatchewan, AB
• Joanne in Sturgeon River-Parkland
• Linda in Sturgeon River-Parkland, AB
• Wayne in Sturgeon River-Parkland, AB
• Janet in Calgary Confederation, AB
• Tiffany in Calgary Confederation, AB
• Monique in Calgary Signal Hill, AB
• Josh in Battlefords-Lloydminster, SK
• Barry in Winnipeg Centre, MB
• Kaitlyn in Winnipeg Centre, MB
• Ann in Winnipeg Centre, MB
• Stephen in Winnipeg Centre, MB
• Ruth in Winnipeg Centre, MB
• Anna in Winnipeg South Centre, MB
• Bishop Johnson in Winnipeg South Centre, MB
• John in Portage-Lisgar, MB
• Andrea in Portage-Lisgar, MB

[/accordion-item][accordion-item title=”Southern Ontario” state=closed]

• Kate in Kenora, ON
• Valerie in Kenora, ON
• Marlene in Kenora, ON
• Suzanne in Kenora, ON
• Sr. Sheila in Chatham-Kent-Leamington, ON
• Linda in St. Catharines, ON
• James in St. Catharines, ON
• Mark in Hamilton West-Ancaster-Dundas, ON
• Anna in Hamilton West-Ancaster-Dundas, ON
• Jean in Hamilton West-Ancaster-Dundas, ON
• Christa in Hamilton Mountain, ON
• Jennifer in Parkdale-High Park, ON
• Diane in Toronto-Danforth, ON
• John in University-Rosedale, ON
• Adrian in Davenport, ON
• Leah in Davenport, ON
• Nandy in Don Valley West, ON
• Robin in Beaches-East York, ON
• Debbie in Pickering-Uxbridge, ON
• Andrea in Whitby, ON
• Marg in Oxford, ON
• Henriette in Wellington-Halton Hills, ON

[/accordion-item][accordion-item title=”Eastern Ontario” state=closed]

• Patricia in Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston, ON
• Bridget in Kingston and the Islands, ON
• Andrew in Kingston and the Islands, ON
• Ruth in Kingston and the Islands, ON
• Helene in Kingston and the Islands, ON
• Graham in Kingston and the Islands, ON
• Malcolm in Kingston and the Islands, ON
• Bruno in Kingston and the Islands, ON
• Tara in Kingston and the Islands, ON
• brenda in Ottawa Centre, ON
• Darlene in Ottawa Centre, ON
• Dwayne in Ottawa Centre, ON
• Maria in Ottawa Centre, ON
• Julianna in Ottawa South, ON
• Karri in Ottawa South, ON
• Joe in Ottawa South, ON
• Joanne in Ottawa West-Nepean, ON
• Michael in Ottawa West-Nepean , ON
• Jim in Orleans, ON

[/accordion-item][accordion-item title=”Quebec & the Maritimes” state=closed]

• Carol in Sherbrook, QC
• Michael in Compton-Stanstead, QC
• Monica in Lac-Saint-Louis, QC
• Sister Maura in Ville Marie-Le Sud Ouest-Île desSoeurs, QC
• Rev. Adam in South Shore-St. Margarets, NS
• David in Beauséjour, NB
• Mary in Charlottetown, PEI

[/accordion-item][/accordion]

Joyce in Victoria, BC

I live in BC and am acutely aware of how we must address Climate change in an effective, nonpartisan, just manner. We can no longer afford to pit the economy against the environment but must set up guidelines and targets to meet our Paris Agreement Commitments sooner rather than later. With increased hotter and drier weather we can no longer wait to debate this forever. And there must be honest negotiation with First Nation peoples without causing division among them over jobs, security and protection of land and seas.

Christine in Vancouver, BC

I was raised on unceded Musqueam territory in Vancouver, BC, raised within the deep religious and justice teachings of the United Church of Canada.

I haven’t always been concerned about climate change. Growing up on the West Coast I had a very physical, tactile relationship with the land around me, gardening, hiking, ocean swimming. My attention, however, was focused on justice issues, poverty, and reconciliation.

I only recently began to understand the deep connection between the environment and economic injustice. For me it came together as I started to see pictures and hear stories of areas of the world already being impacted by climate change. Rising sea levels, drought causing increased wildfires, and storms at a strength and frequency not seen before.

It struck me because thus far the people most impacted by these disasters have been poor folks, the world over. In Canada the communities most impacted have been Indigenous communities – the same communities already devastated by an atrocious history of colonization and of Residential Schools. And I realized the urgency of climate change when I began to imagine the world in which my two young children would grow up.

I have been trained to think about everything theologically. And climate change is the greatest theological, and moral, challenge of our time.

Growing up in the church we talked boldly about injustice, but we didn’t speak much about the environment. Now we do, a little more. But we speak very politely. Rather than challenging power, we speak about consumer choices – recycling, and light bulbs, and community gardens.

These are good. But they aren’t enough. The climate challenge is bigger than any one of us. And so we need to be thinking bigger, more systemically.

In that, we are in good company. Across the globe people are finding their voices, and speaking up against an economic and political system that diminishes them to mere consumers in a soul-less market. More than that, they are speaking up in favour of alternatives that put the planet and it’s people before profit.

Theologically speaking, people are challenging this notion of private salvation. In its place they are preaching the gospel of collective liberation. And these folks are preaching it with their hands and their feet, with strategic eloquence and passionate anger, all over the place:

The Occupy movement. The Maple Spring. The youth activist Dream Defenders in the southern United States. The Vancouver-based Kids for Climate Justice. The Yinka Dene Alliance. Blockadia. The Leap. Campus fossil fuel divestment groups. 350.org. And Idle No More.

As the United Church creed reminds me, we are not alone.

Last year I heard national Indigenous Anglican Bishop Mark MacDonald talk about how young people are being “converted by the land”. And rather than condemning big institutions, they are calling on those institutions to join them. It was such a hopeful statement!

On climate, on reconciliation, on changes in our own institutions and our economic and political systems… I hope we can be converted by the land.

Christine Boyle is a Co-Director of Fossil Free Faith, and the Minister of Community Life at Canadian Memorial United Church and Centre for Peace, in Vancouver BC.

Lindsay in Vancouver East, BC

I love nature, the creation around me. It makes me sad to see the waste in our society- particularly food waste, and also idling cars: we use more than we need, and I think that people need help realizing that with more guidelines. Our big box grocery stores throw out SO much food, and our society thinks its okay to just donate it to hungry people but I would like to address the root and encourage people to eat more local and in season: cutting down on emissions and the energy required to produce and transport food out of season. Also things like idling cars at the border crossings, or in traffic. Those are just two examples of things I see on a regular basis. I work with a non-profit organization in South Surrey, BC, called A Rocha International. We have a small farm where we produce food for 100 families- just one example of inspiring people to positive action.

Nelson in Vancouver Centre, BC

I sold my car, big house and live near my work in an apartment relying on public transit. All this to reduce my Carbon footprint. The rest I offset through Climate Stewards projects that also provide jobs and improve biodiversity. I think everyone should offset what they can’t reduce because not doing so is like saying my footprint is ok. It is not!

Anne in Vancouver Kingsway, BC

Four generations of our family recently participated in a festival called The Meadowlark Festival in and around Penticton, BC. We attended walks and talks hosted by locals (Indigenous as well as others) that strongly reminded us of the changes over the years and the celebration of the land and animals that mattered historically and continue to matter. It is important to consider “endangered” as a flag to encourage us to do what we can (individually but also at a government level) to prevent the next word: extinct. We have a beautiful earth that with good care the next 4 generations will also enjoy.

Tom in Fleetwood-Port Kells, BC

I am a husband and father who is concerned about climate change. I try to walk more often and ride my bike, but it’s so easy to just jump into my vehicle and drive places. I wonder whether I should get solar panels installed and run my home as much by solar power as possible. I wish there was more leadership through public campaigns to encourage Canadians to do the things that will slow down climate change. I like my conveniences, but I want to be challenged to do better.

Claudette in Kootenay-Columbia, BC

I know in my heart that drastic change is needed to avoid the climate calamity trajectory we are currently on. We need the availability of options to do things and live differently. I’m prepared to sacrifice a great deal of our current lifestyles in order to live in a completely different society, one that puts earth and all living things as top priority and not just big company profits. I already garden and believe moving towards local sustainability instead of globally sourced everything will be necessary in a carbon priced society of the future.

Tanya in Kootenay-Columbia, BC

As a mother, I am fearful of my children, now in their twenties, even contemplating having kids of their own. Who can feel safe bringing a child into a world that warms past 2 degrees?

Craig in South Okanagan-West Kootenay, BC

I am a scientist with a broad understanding of the issues related to the science and policy of climate change. It is crystal clear that if we don’t act now there will be no winners – no political party, no economy, no security, no health.

Dennis in Langley-Aldergrove, BC

Are things in fact changing in the world because of warmer climates? There is a lot of wisdom out there that might help us if we pay attention. We used to say about growing corn, “knee high by the 4th of July. Today that has become Thigh high by the 4th of July. We used to look forward to the first strawberries just as school was coming to an end. The strawberry season in the Fraser Valley is all but over, we are well into raspberries and the first blueberries are being picked. Blueberries usually waited until August. Is something wrong with this picture?

Pieter in Langley-Aldergrove, BC

We are fortunate to live in Fort Langley, BC where we can walk to most of the stores we need, this cuts down on automobile use and we have been able to go from 2 to 1 cars. We also plan to buy a new electric car to replace our 10 year old Civic. We take the small steps of replacing light bulbs with LED’s, recycle, compost and have programmable thermostats.

Richard in Edmonton-Wetaskiwin, AB

I am a retired grandfather from Alberta and my greatest concern is what is the price our grandchildren will be obligated to pay to clean up the disastrous environmental mess we are leaving behind.
Alberta is losing fresh water at a rate of 50% every 10 years.
Who will pay for the reclamation of the oil sands after the oil companies have abandoned the area? They are further behind in reclamation each year.
The question I ask is this; “If the oil sands where located west of Edmonton on the North Saskatchewan River how much different would development be?”

Emily in Edmonton-Wetaskiwin, AB

Disasters related to climate change–drought, storms, floods–all happen so far away. The problems seem big and I seem small. But no matter how big an impact I make, I’ve decide that I can be more climate-helpful than hurtful. My kids and I use buses or walking/biking power to get to school (even during Alberta winters!). I am conscientiously reduce the amount of paper I print at home, in my work, and in my volunteer committees. We use a programmable thermostat and dry some of our clothes on the line. During the summer, we support local farmer’s markets–the costs are higher, but so is the taste and sense of community! We continue to look for ways to improve but also to celebrate how our lifestyle benefits us and God’s world.

Randy in Edmonton Mill Woods, AB

I am a researcher, and a parent. From both perspectives, climate change is absolutely essential to address. For the future, and for marginalized peoples around the world, in Indigenous communities within Canada, and for the other creatures that share God’s creation with us humans.

August in Edmonton Manning, AB

After I retired I sold my Telus Shares to purchase some Solar Panels. I also use my time to compost grass, food we can not or should not eat and all the weeds we have.

Jesse in Edmonton Griesbach, AB

Living in Canada affords us many privileges and sometimes shields us from seeing how climate change is affecting the world right now. My family and I do many things in our day to day lives to help reduce our carbon footprint and mitigate our impact on the earth, but we know that we are not just citizens in our province, but global citizens as well. We believe our faith compels us to care for creation and live lives that are conscious of those around us and the impact we are having on systems that affect people world wide.

I recently served with people in rural Honduras and saw first hand symptoms of what climate change is doing to the earth and people there. The subsistence farmers were telling us of the typical rainy seasons they have always known to occur twice a year are presently not as reliable as they have been. They reported that the most recent rainy season essentially did not even come. They planted and got very little rain and the crop output for that season was only ten percent of what they normally get. This has caused a big strain in food supply and drives people to find other ways to get by. They have planted again in anticipation for the next rainy season and are very nervous about what will happen if things do not go well this time around.

I believe we need bigger efforts by governments and industry in the industrialized western nations to affect greater change in order to seek global climate justice for those people in countries like Honduras and Bangladesh that are facing the consequences of what western countries are doing to change the global climate. I will do my part and I support the recommendations made by CPJ as a call to action by our government.

Annie in Sherwood Park-Fort Saskatchewan, AB

I have a degree in Ecology, obtained when we were just beginning to understand the impact on the environment on how we lived and developed our industries. As a graduate from Regent College, I have been schooled in understanding Scripture and the relationship between God’s word and how we should lived. Personally I have seen the impact of climate change in the Artic and in countries in South East Asia.
I am now proud to be an MLA in Alberta where our government has introduced a Climate Change Leadership Plan and made important changes in how seriously the province is taking Climate Change.

Joanne in Sturgeon River-Parkland, AB

I have lived in Alberta my entire life and was dismayed by the previous Conservative provincial government’s lack of action on this important issue. Though I am somewhat encouraged by the current NDP government’s planned implementation of a carbon tax, I am certainly against its support for the construction of more pipelines to transport Tar Sands dilbit. I feel that strong federal action on climate change is crucial.

Linda in Sturgeon River-Parkland, AB

As I see that changes in weather patterns that affect us all, but that some developing countries are affected in more extreme ways, I realize that we can no longer put off making some significant changes. My hope is that with government support, green technologies will become more affordable for home owners, and retraining for those affected by job loss in the energy sector will begin as soon as possible. My husband works for a “Remote Modular Solutions” company (Alta-Fab) that has had to lay off two thirds of its work force. Any aid in helping companies diversify or transition to a low carbon economy would be most welcome!

Wayne in Sturgeon River-Parkland, AB

I am a farmer caring for some very rich soils in and on the edge of the Alberta Industrial Heartland near Edmonton AB. We use a lot of fossil fuels in order to provide food for many people. Some ways in which we are trying to minimize our ecological footprint is by direct seeding most crops, which conserves organic matter in the soil as well as using less fuel. We have recently done an energy audit, finding ways to use less electricity on our farm and as well, we are putting in an extensive solar power system to cover a good part of our electrical energy use. A dozen years ago we planted 160 acres of trees in a carbon sequestration project in conjunction with Forestry Canada. Personally we try to live modestly, being content with what we already have.

Janet in Calgary Confederation, AB

I am a mother and grandmother living in the beautiful province of Alberta where sunshine and wind abounds. I have long been concerned about how our post war generations have created artificial environments to live within ignoring the natural world around us. We have known for decades this approach has been wrong and is unsustainable. We are on the precipice now and change toward a lifestyle more compatible with what nature needs to survive is urgent. Please take the courage to lead us and write policies which will allow our grandchildren to enjoy the Canada we have known, with their grandchildren.

Tiffany in Calgary Confederation, AB

I lived in Uganda for two years. While I was there I met a guy, a farmer, and we became good friends. My heart broke when I learned that his parents had died from HIV/AIDS and that he has faced so many other challenges including wars and struggling with poverty his entire life. Unfortunately his challenges are growing. Last year his crops failed due to un unexpected major storm that wiped out his seeds and seedlings. It took almost everything he had to replant. Then an unexpected drought killed his second attempt to feed his family. Without a harvest he was unable to send his kids to school as it took his every last cent just to buy essentials for survival. He explained that he’s been farming this land for his entire life and he’s never seen such unpredictable weather patterns. His entire village is suffering because of it.

Climate change is keeping kids out of school. It’s keeping food out of bellies, it’s forcing people to leave their homes as refugees, and worst of all, it’s killing the most innocent. We need to do everything we can to prevent further damage, to change this terrible trajectory and to help this planet begin to heal. And we need to remember, this is not just a planet problem… this is a people problem. It’s going to take all of us, including you.

Monique in Calgary Signal Hill, AB

The problem facing us as a planet is so big and requires such an effort of unification and action, that I mostly feel scared. I can barely get my kids to agree on where to grab a smoothie as a treat or what direction to go on our family bike ride. And then there’s this. The whole planet needing to work and commit together to change our business as usual. I wish our realizations and best intentions were enough. So, I sign my name to big change…to turning things around and hoping that good, hopeful, redemptive, sustainable, and Just (as in Justice) things happen. I want my kids to know a future and to see that their parents cared to stand up for that future despite massive barriers. Above all, I hope that they will learn from us and their grandparents and from the governments of their choosing that they must respond faster and with sharp decisiveness to the warnings they receive and that they will internalize the lesson about elevating economic growth at the expense of the planet.

Josh in Battlefords-Lloydminster, SK

During my Master’s Degree I had a professor helpfully describe politics as: “who gets what, when, and how.” This stripped-down definition has stuck with me because it draws equivalencies to the processes of politics at every level. Who gets what, when, and how is the same challenge faced in Ottawa and rural Saskatchewan.

As someone who grew up in rural Saskatchewan, and now makes my home there, I am aware of the delicacy with which political questions must be approached. Small communities tend to be interdependent communities. Over time, relationships layer over themselves – the mayor is also the hockey coach; the teacher is also a next-door neighbour, etc. – and it is an important cultural value that people find a way to get along.

Unfortunately, this cultural value means that people rarely talk about climate change in my hometown. The main reason for this lack of discussion is that climate change has become associated with divisive politics. By divisive politics, I mean approaching the question of ‘who gets what, when, and how’ with a spirit of partisanship, ill-will, and even malevolence. Somehow, climate change – though an important and defining challenge for our age – has become one of those politically divisive topics that often invokes a tone that is less like a conversation and more like an internet comment section.

This ‘internet comment section’ politics that relies on bullying, ad hominem attacks, and features a win-at-all-costs mentality is seen as distasteful in some circles. The form of the discussion, not the content, tends to exclude people from places like my hometown.

Justice must take into account means as well as ends. Justice encourages genuine questions, respects those who disagree, fosters understanding for the culture and perspective of one another, and refuses to empower narratives that see one another as enemies. Justice means forsaking divisive politics. Finding just solutions requires that we allow space for disagreement, humour, and conversation – in short, that we see ourselves as neighbours whose lives are layered together.

There are many opportunities and places to make this type of discussion possible. Recently, on my podcast, I discussed The Once and Future World with a friend. The conversation did not produce a winner or a loser and it did not involve angry tones. Rather, it attempted to make space for building trust and goodwill as we explored a text about environmental destruction.

Upon reading the CPJ recommendations I was struck by the inherent assumptions of the following statement:

Provide Justice for Those Most Directly Impacted by Climate Change. The impacts of climate change are already being felt the world over … And now, the move away from carbon-intensive energy is adversely affecting those employed in traditional energy, manufacturing, and forestry sectors. In order to meet these challenges, the federal government must support adaptation measures to improve the resiliency of Canadian infrastructure while also providing social supports and retraining opportunities to assist workers integrate into the new, low-carbon economy.

The assumption here that a transition from the present economy must include supports for neighbours whose lives would be impacted economically reflects a goodwill that is imperative to justice. Sensible policy must take stock of those whose lives will be impacted by a political transition. We can only move forward together justly in the spirit of goodwill and a willingness to share economic and social challenges. Our actions must not create winners and losers, but should ensure a shared cost and benefit. In short, we must be willing to understand ourselves as neighbours.

Josh Noble is a proud Saskatchewanite from Evesham. He grew up attending the local Anglican Church before spending time with Evangelicals at Prairie Bible College and Christian Reformed people at The King’s University. Currently a distance student at Saint Mary’s University (Halifax) in the Sobey School of Business and an employee of Unity Credit Union.

Barry in Winnipeg Centre, MB

I am a brother, father and grandfather who wants to leave my children and grandchildren a clean planet. I am trying to do my part by cycling every day, recycling and composting. I believe we can reduce our carbon footprint but we need to work together with individuals, business and especially government cooperation. But we need to start now!

Kaitlyn in Winnipeg Centre, MB

I am a student in Winnipeg who wants to make good, sustainable lifestyle choices. But my limited income often makes it difficult. I want to live in a country where all Canadians, regardless of income or geographical location can fuel their lives on renewable energies linked to sustainable livelihoods in extraction, processing, and consumption. I want my government to support the ability of ordinary Canadians to live into the renewable energy economy, so that comments like ‘Well, you drive a car’ or ‘Well, you heat your home’ or ‘Well, you’re dependent on oil and gas for x, y, and z’ won’t be able to stand as arguments against ending our dependence on fossil fuels. I want a healthy future for me and my future children and grandchildren, and I don’t want this future to be constrained by my limited financial capacity to make sustainable choices.

Ann in Winnipeg Centre, MB

Back in grade school in the 80s, we knew talked with sadness and fear of acid rain and the desperate need for alternate energy sources and changes in human lifestyles. I find it sad that now in my 40s, little has changed from that time. I try to do my part, even consenting with my partner to live vehicle-free in not-so-bike-friendly Winnipeg. It’s tough at times, busy getting groceries for our family of five, getting to work, school and other events (and living in far smaller circles that we used to). But I’m thankful for my health and the ability I have to do what I can in small ways. I hope my children – who will face adult years far more difficult than mine, as climate change realities impact their lives – can at least look back and know we tried. But individual change needs to be supported by large social and systemic change. How I pray these things will happen, so we can live more justly now and have hope for the future, as well.

Anna in Winnipeg South Centre, MB

My family and I have been doing our part for many years to try to reduce our footprint on our planet by biking and busing most places, not eating meat, purposefully buying products with the least amount of packaging, making our own foods and products from sustainable ingredients., buying locally produced foods to reduce transportation pollution, gardening, composting, installing energy efficient appliances and windows and insulation, we, have never owned more than one car at a time and our car is as energy efficient as we can afford. We support many environmental organizations, and do our part to lobby and encourage wise action in our leadership in government. We can’t do much more on our own to effect change in the environment. Now it is up to you–the people who have power to legislate responsible action in how we develop our green economy and phase out our dependency on unsustainable and dangerous sources of energy. Please do not be swayed by lobbyists whose interests are only in preserving an unsustainable and harmful extractionist economy.

Bishop Johnson in Winnipeg South Centre, MB

My connection to climate change is rooted in my faith, and in my belief that all that exists was created by God and is loved by God.

When I am home, in the appropriate seasons, I enjoy spending time in my garden every day. Looking at flowers, plants, soil and birds, I am reminded of the delicate balance of sun, rain, wind and earth that allows an amazing diversity of life to thrive in my back yard and in various lands around the world. I say a prayer of wonder and of thanks for God’s gift of life.

I live on Treaty One Territory, in Winnipeg. From voices of Indigenous leaders, who speak of a deep relationship with, and connection to, the land, I hear a call to more awareness of my connection to creation, and a call to make choices that are kinder to the ecosystem.

As National Bishop, it is my privilege to travel across Canada and around the world in order to represent my church. My connection to climate change also comes from the stories I hear; stories of how people love their home and the land where they live. And stories of how people’s livelihood is being threatened by climate change.

In October, 2015 I had the opportunity to be part of a meeting on Sami Territory in Sweden entitled Future of Life in the Arctic – The Impact of Climate Change, Indigenous and Religious Perspectives. People of the North are witnessing the effects of climate change first hand. We heard about the connection between the suffering of the land and its effects on traditional livelihoods, the mental health, identity and well-being of all who live there. We learned that climate change constitutes the single most important threat to food security due to the changed and changing environment, disrupted migratory patterns, and the high cost and limited availability of market foods. Climate justice for the Arctic is a spiritual issue, and the power to change comes from spiritual sources. Climate justice is intergenerational, needs to include the peoples of the Arctic, and calls for common but differentiated responsibilities.

The choices we make have global consequences. It is an ethical matter to reduce carbon emissions in order to reduce the harm being done to other people. For me, the duty to reduce this harm is rooted in God’s call and command to “Love your neighbour as yourself.” To live out this calling, we will need to reduce GHG emissions, develop a low-carbon economy, and assist those most directly impacted by climate change.

Stephen in Winnipeg Centre, MB

I am a husband and father of two boys, but aside from the future I want for them, I want a healthy future for all people. If we don’t take action now, then any action to protect our survival in the future will be more difficult and more expensive. I strongly urge you to support the movement to be fossil fuel-free by 2050. It is ambitious and challenging, but no more so than was the challenge to a man on the moon by 1969. When there is a collective will, and financial support, then we can achieve ambitious goals.

Ruth in Winnipeg Centre, MB

I have spent a number of years living and working in East Africa, and I am deeply concerned about the vulnerability of countries in that region to climate change. I also have family who live in the Yukon, and I’m aware that Canada’s north–especially the indigenous peoples there–are also more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. In both cases, people who have contributed relatively little to the climate change problem will suffer its first and worst effects. Which is not fair.
My faith and my experiences have led me to make efforts to reduce my environmental impact. I have chosen to live within walking distance of my work, and I live in a downtown infill house designed to use less energy. (It is heavily insulated, so it doesn’t need a furnace in spite of being in Winnipeg.) I don’t have a personal car, I own one jointly with some neighbours, and I try to walk, bus or car-pool as much as possible. These kinds of individual steps are important, but individual action can only go so far. It is important that we have policies, both regulations and incentives, to point us and push us toward the international climate change goal Canada has signed on to.

John in Portage-Lisgar, MB

It is surprising how many people do not bother to do the little things — such as turning off the car when they are not in it; leaving on lights and machines when not needed; walking short distances; mowing their lawns much more than is needed or healthy for the grass. Then we could also talk about simply flying less, something my wife and I are doing. We know that flying is one of the more destructive activities, and yet people in the my boomer generation do not even think twice about it. My question: how do we get people to care, especially in areas such as ours (rural), where it is easy to not think about the “outside” world.

Andrea in Portage-Lisgar, MB

I am a newly married 23 year old. Of course my spouse and I have been thinking about having kids. We have also been thinking about the world our future children are going to grow up in. We do our best to make the right choices in our life to make sure that they will have a healthy plant to live on when we are gone. We have stopped buying new cloths, make our own soap, try to buy our food locally, or fair trade and much much more. But there is only so much that we can do on our own. Our leaders have an even greater responsibility to make sure that they are doing their best to make sure justice is done in all areas in the running our country. We are holding those in power responsible for the world our children grow up in.

Kate in Kenora, ON

I’m a young adult from Northwestern Ontario. I’ve grown up seeing the increasing devastation that climate change is causing. I know that my well-being and that of my future children is at risk, and that terrifies me. The fire in Fort McMurray could just as easily have happened in my home, and climate change is making that more and more likely. As an individual, I do what I can to change behaviour and spread the word, but I know the solutions need to be system-wide. It is far past time for the Canadian government to step up and implement a comprehensive climate plan.

Valerie in Kenora, ON

I am a climate-concerned mother and person of faith who feels a moral responsibility for Canada to do the ethical and morally responsible thing, and reduce our carbon emissions. I am an active member of Citizens Climate Lobby, Red Lake group and have been actively meeting with members of parliament, town council meetings and community members to raise awareness about the climate crisis and promote solutions. I love nature, the boreal forest and want to see it protected for generations to come. As Pope Francis articulated so beautifully, God’s creation should continue to sing His Glory.

Marlene in Kenora, ON

I am a daughter of a commercial fisherman and I grow up watching my father fish the land. We learnt back then about living off the land, eating foods taken from it and not wasting what we had. Times have changed and consumerism has gotten out of hand for this generation. Hence the waste, GHG emissions, pollution etc. I feel this generation is working towards making the right changes for this earth and for the next generation. I support these changes and many others to help to alien the earth back to its natural state where we don’t have to fear the catastrophic equations that have taken place due to global warming.

Suzanne in Kenora, ON

I am a wife and mother of four, living in Red Lake, ON, Canada’s beautiful north! I love our wildlife and lakes and the outdoors in general, but am seeing our habitats changing due to climate change! More deer are moving in, effecting the. Caribou population … I want my grandchildren to have the opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and am concerned for their future!

I am saddened by the many people’s already affected by climate change and hope we can work together to reverse this situation.

Jean in Hamilton West-Ancaster-Dundas, ON

As a part of the Anglican Diocese of Niagara our congregation has joined with others in the diocese for the last 10 years to make decisions in our church and in our homes and lifestyles which positively impact our environment. We need the government to also legislate changes.

Christa in Hamilton Mountain, ON

I have been aware of climate change for many many many years and I am thankful that people are finally admitting to it and attempting to make change, although change happens very slowly… I still feel as though we live in a culture that doesn’t understand personal responsibility and choices in their own homes will help with the big picture. It would be nice if there was more publicity about ways in which each person could help on a personal / home level…. challenges for personal change and the impact that it could have.

Jennifer in Parkdale-High Park, ON

I have spent a number of years learning about climate change and witnessing its effect on the lives of people across the world. Working for an INGO I see that our friends and partners in the majority world are facing unprecedented devastating impacts due to CC and many are unequipped for these changes. I further understand that it is not the majority world that are contributing to high increases in GHGs but instead it is us, here in Canada and others in the minority world who have been the leaders in contributing to CC. As such, I believe that we should be leaders in combating CC and making changes however we can to lower our GHG emissions. One way to start is to improve public transit, which will lower the number of cars on the road which will have a profound impact in lowering our GHG contribution.

Diane in Toronto-Danforth, ON

I am a member of the Diocese of Toronto’s “Creation Matters” Environment Committee and have worked on the issue of climate justice within a faith community for many years. As a grandmother, I want the future of my grandchildren and the future generations of all Canadians to be secure. I believe that Canada can lead the way in developing a truly just set of policies that will result in a sustainable economy and place within planet Earth.

John in University-Rosedale, ON

My daughter is only 25, and she and her children will have to live with the disastrous effects of climate change if we don’t get serious.

Adrian in Davenport, ON

Because of the nature of my work, I have travelled much by plane and car. At the time, I did not pay much attention to carbon emissions, but later I did and tried to minimize travel, but international travel was unavoidable much of the time. Now that I am retired, I live in Toronto, where I consciously avoid using a car as much as possible. I do not own a vehicle, and take public transit or walk as much as possible. Toronto is a car-centered city. That concerns me greatly. Too many people are addicted to cars. This addiction must stop!

Leah in Davenport, ON

When possible, our family makes choices that minimize our carbon footprint. However, these choices usually cost us in both time and money. If we want to see real progress on climate change, our country needs policies that make green choices easy and affordable.

Nandy in Don Valley West, ON

I have studied wildflowers in Canada and especially Ontario for over 25 years as a hobbyist. Already, serious threats to wildflowers are observable to hikers like myself due to habitat destruction caused by various urban pressures around the GTA. Climate change will just speed up these threats in the future. The time to take action is now.

Robin in Beaches-East York, ON

I am a city dweller now, but have enjoyed many parts of Canada. I am also aware of the impact of our carbon decisions on people around the world: droughts, floods, fires, rising seas. We are causing death and misery. We are also jeopardizing many other species.
This has to change. And it’s not change that’s expensive, it’s doing nothing.

Debbie in Pickering-Uxbridge, ON

I am a wife, mother and most recently, a grandmother. Having a grandchild brought a sense of immediacy for me of the need to make changes to this planet that will ensure a future for this baby boy and for the next many generations. Without radical and significant climate change, there will be no future for them. I am advocating on every level for change-to our food supply, our waters, our air, our land. I urge you to develop an ambitious plan!

Marg in Oxford, ON

I am a grandmother from Woodstock, Ontario And I care passionately that our 5 grandchildren (from 1 to 9 years) not be left to solve this issue of climate change, alone. We need to make changes now so that we are not dependent on fossil fuels in the future.
Further, the most vulnerable people in the world will bear the brunt of not making any changes. We need to act now.

Henriette in Wellington-Halton Hills, ON

As Canada regains a proactive sense of itself in the world, we need to remember that in spite of the destructive wildfires and floods we have experienced in our communities in the past few years, the impact of climate change is even more severe in poor countries.

I frequently visited East African countries in the mid-1990s to 2005, and the severity and frequency of climate-induced droughts (El Nino) was already forcing people to migrate in search of food for themselves and their animals. Now the threats are even more catastrophic across that whole continent.

I have also visited the Canadian and Swedish Arctic regions and listened to Indigenous leaders describe the alarming changes to human, plant and animal life as the ice melts. Canada’s actions to reduce its GHG emissions can contribute to alleviating the climate stress on vulnerable people and non-human life. I believe this is our moral obligation in a world where our actions transcend political and geographic boundaries.

Patricia in Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston, ON

I am in an awkward position. We had to move to Smiths Falls because my wife has COPD and could no longer breathe the air in Ottawa without serious health consequences. But, my job is in Ottawa so I am in my car two hours a day, not helping wtih Climate Change. There is a direct rail route to Ottawa, but it is prohibitively expensive, and once you get to the city, you are dumped out in locations that aren’t near anything. I would like to see expanded use of existing rail corridors for non-polluting alternatives to commuter transportation with more stations near the downtown and bike transport on the trains.

Bridget in Kingston and the Islands, ON

I have three children who, I believe, have the right along with all children of the world to live on a planet that is as beautiful as our Earth is now. They have a right to secure food sources, clean drinking water, and a stable climate. All of these are threatened by the very decisions your government will be making over the next few years. Yes, other governments will have to make serious decisions too but this does not take the responsibility away from you. It may be hard to say no to the Energy east pipeline but supporting this line will not help Canada move in a new direction which is paramount to meeting our Paris commitment and our commitment to future generations.

Andrew in Kingston and the Islands, ON

I am a Presbyterian minister in Kingston ON and a group of colleagues have formed an inter-faith group called Action Partnership – Many Faiths, One Creation because we feel that care of this earth is an essential human and indeed spiritual discipline.

Ruth in Kingston and the Islands, ON

I have children and grandchildren and would like the earth to be available and livable for a long time.

Helene in Kingston and the Islands, ON

I am a member of the global community now, with all that sustains life on lancet earth,and other galaxies in future. We are called to do justice , to love mercy and to seek the fullness of life for all creation, now in existence, and those to come.

Graham in Kingston and the Islands, ON

Climate change in its current iteration is caused by humans and its increasingly harmful effects are a very serious threat to our well-being and that of other life forms. As such it is a moral issue that our governments have not yet effectively dealt with. We have kicked the can down the road for more than 30 years. It’s time for everyone to take prompt action lead by governments that value the well-being of its citizens and future generations.

Malcolm in Kingston and the Islands, ON

I have been involved in studying climate change for the past fifteen years. I have been deeply distressed at the opportunities we have missed both in Canada and worldwide. I was an early member of 350.org and still believe that 350ppm is the safe level to stop at. We are now faced with serious problems due to our inaction. Canada needs to provide leadership on this issue – and that leadership must come from action not mere target setting.
In addition to the policies outlined below we should be improving our building standards to reflect the need to tackle global warming. An increasing national carbon taxand rebate system is the way we should go – though negotiating this will be very difficult.

Bruno in Kingston and the Islands, ON

I am convinced that climate change is happening and is hitting us at a very fast pace. The extreme strengths and frequency of hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, tsunamis and other weather related catastrophes are all symptomatic of major changes about our environment. We are seeing glaciers which existed for thousands of years melting before our eyes. I have no doubt that “sucking” oil and gas from the ground at the rate at which we are removing it, will also create adverse consequences in that such extractions will “ease” the shifting of tectonic plates under our feet. I have no doubt as well that our inordinate and reckless amount of chemicals that we use on the environment such as herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, insecticides etc. ultimately will spell “suicides”: by corrupting the natural habitat of ground insects etc. we are causing these to “shift” elsewhere, perhaps trees and causing them to attack and kill these. We are apparently killing bees without knowing and so critical are they for pollination of plants that will ultimately provide food for us. Pollution from use of petroleum base products is killing us. And one can go on and on. We need to move quickly to a “greener” approach to living for our sake and for those that will come after us.

Tara in Kingston and the Islands, ON

I am a mother of three children and feel a fierce responsibility to protect and heal the Earth and its climate as much as humanly possible for them and for, as yet, their unborn children to inherit. Already too much of the natural world has been lost to them, and environmental degradation and damage is putting their health and the health of all living beings at risk.

Having been actively involved in social justice both as a volunteer and a paid employee for many years, I have seen first-hand the increased risk climate change poses for our poorest and most marginalized citizens. Food security and poverty reduction efforts will increasingly be undermined by climate change, placing our most vulnerable even more at-risk.

Andrea in Whitby, ON

I am from Whitby Ontario. I am a teacher and I always spend time in my classroom teaching about keeping our earth healthy. I do what I can to recycle, compost, reuse, and care for the earth, and am open to learning more ways that I can help.
Climate is important to me and I support my government in making bold moves to protect it.

Brenda in Ottawa Centre, ON

We are all part of this earth and we each have a role to play in furthering its denigration or in working toward a better future. The most influential aspect of my Christian faith is that we are called to die to ourselves so that others may live, which leads me to try to live sacrificially in order that others may benefit. When I read the Bible, I see God’s heartbreak over human brokenness and His invitation to His people to participate in the renewal of the world.

As a middle-class, educated and well-travelled North American, I’ve certainly contributed more than my fair share toward climate change. But I’ve also made distinct choices to try to mitigate my environmental impact: I live in shared housing, I walk and bike most places, I don’t eat meat, I endeavour to purchase items predominantly produced in North America and even closer when possible.

Still, I realize that no matter what I do, the systems that perpetuate climate change remain. For starters, our society is dependent on oil and our suburban infrastructure has been developed to force people to rely on fossil fuels.

What the climate conversation comes down to is this: the system is broken. We have failed at caring for the world that has been entrusted to us.

All of us have perpetuated the problem and all of us can be a part of the solution. But it will require a mindset fixed on the collective good, because we won’t get to be as comfortable and live as conveniently as we feel entitled to. I, for one, am willing to make personal sacrifices so that people who are most affected by climate change can have a chance to live with dignity and safety.

I would like to call on the government to make changes to the way that Canadian society is structured, beginning with the rules governing how our cities are built. When the purchase price of a house in a new development incorporates the cost of building the roads, electrical and water lines, schools and libraries, etc, and when housing development is focused within existing urban areas, then it becomes more expensive to live in the suburbs. Subsequently, transportation, traffic congestion and other issues are mitigated. When the price of fossil fuels reflects the true cost of production, transportation and environmental stewardship, people will logically find alternative sources of energy. It should not be cheaper to drive and park somewhere, for example, than it is to take the bus. Cyclists should have access to safe, well-designed lanes. Instead of subsidizing the fossil fuel industry, investments should be made to make renewable energy accessible. When oil runs out (or is no longer viable), the sun and wind will remain.

Yes, these changes will be initially expensive. But the cost of perpetuating the current system will be higher. I don’t think we can afford to maintain the status quo.

brenda wang has journeyed through suburbia, her parents’ immigrant dream and a liberal arts education to become a wannabe farmer who is attempting to live as an authentic follower of Jesus. She spells her name in all lower case letters.

Darlene in Ottawa Centre, ON

I grew up in PEI, which will always be one of my homes. PEI has seen significant erosion over the past decade, due to tidal surges, stronger weather systems, along with other factors. Climate change is dramatically impacting the island, and will continue to do so into the future. Adaptation has already started. My husband is originally from Ethiopia. His country of origin has seen increased drought caused by climate change, along with other factors (deforestation, etc). This will continue to impact generations to come, contributing to abject poverty and conflict. My and my husband’s stories join with each story as part of an urgent call to make the bold steps needed to significantly reduce GHG emissions and to live in harmony with the planet.

Dwayne in Ottawa Centre, ON

My family and I have taken many measures as a household to try to reduce our carbon footprint, to use water and electricity carefully, and to be mindful about what we consume. For example, we make the vast majority of our trips on foot, on bikes or on the bus, and only rent a car when we absolutely have to. This has proven to be a feasible and even joyful experience.

Having worked and lived in Africa for several years, I am constantly reminded of the impact of climate change on the most vulnerable in our world, as drought, food insecurity, floods and other problems are now affecting millions of people in the global South.

But there is only so much that we can personally do as citizens, consumers and stewards. Without systematic action by our governments to not only reduce pollution, but to also redesign our entire economic, transportation and energy systems,our own efforts feel like a drop in the bucket.

Maria in Ottawa Centre, ON

I am a retired public servant who immigrated into Canada in 1962 and together with my late husband found a wonderful new home in this country. I have always been conscious of pollution and have been trying to do my small bit to comply with any and all recycling/pollution-reducing measures.
In order for our planet to survive I am willing and ready to bear some additional costs that might be necessary to achieve the low-carbon economy to which Canada has committed itself.

Julianna in Ottawa South, ON

I am a single middle-aged woman with steady reliable employment. I am extremely conservative in my energy use at home — I have upgraded windows, topped up my attic insulation, replaced my furnace with an high-efficiency model, turn off all lights, turn down heat in winter and I don’t use A/C in summer. I hang my clothes to dry and I don’t use the dishwasher. I use the toaster oven instead of the oven as frequently as possible. I live within 7 km of work. I grow my own vegetables, I plant trees and native plant species in my yard, and I have stopped eating red meat because of the impact on climate of raising beef. Similarly, I don’t eat fish or seafood because of overfishing and the need to protect the ecology of the oceans.
It frightens me when the days get really hot in the summer, and I fear that as I get older, there might be tremendous suffering in the world caused by poor human stewardship of resources.
I encourage the government to restrict use of fossil fuels harshly if needed. Can we phase out gasoline-powered automobiles? Public transit in Ottawa is inefficient at this time, taking an hour to travel the 7 km I must go for work. We also have plenty of green space. Can we not develop wind farms or solar farms to supply some of our energy needs? Can we change the way we view pleasure travel, either by car or by air — imposing strict carbon taxes on these wasteful leisure activities? Can we do the same thing with food products coming from far distances that are also available closer to home?
I support drastic government measures to save this planet from the downward spiral course we are already on.

Karri in Ottawa South, ON

I am a wife and mother from Ottawa, ON. I am very aware of the climate crisis, but still find it hard to make choices that are consistently aligned with what I know to be necessary to reduce my family’s carbon footprint. We use the right light bulbs, compost, and have a backyard vegetable garden. And, I bus or bike to work most of the time. But the truth is, in the busyness of work and school and getting to all of the activities that are part of our lives as a young family of five, it’s often easiest to just hop in the car rather than coordinate bicycles or bus fares. But when I look beyond getting where we need to be today, and contemplate where the planet will be when my children are grown, I know that I need to do so much more.

Joe in Ottawa South, ON

I’ve purchased a smaller, fuel-saving vehicle, but usually ride my bike to work and church. We’ve insulated our home, changed the windows and light bulbs, and all my RSP savings are in fossil-free instruments. But without federal government action towards more ambitious structural change – meaning carbon taxes and regulations on oil companies and updated building codes, my individual actions will not be enough to create the change Canada needs.

Michael in Ottawa West-Nepean, ON

I try to reduce my carbon footprint by using energy saving light bulbs as well as other energy efficient devices. I am careful not to use more water than necessary and same when using electricity. I do my share with doing proper recycling, not only paper, glass or plastic, but also batteries, old electronics and printer toners. I try to take a bus to commute to work, whenever possible.

Joanne in Ottawa West-Nepean, ON

When I was ten years old, my family had to move to Canada. It was not a political move nor was it a career move. It was because Hong Kong was too polluted for my sister who at the age of 2 and a half developed severe asthma.

To most, asthma may seem like a condition easily remedied with a handheld puffer. For my young sister, each time she had an asthma attack, it involved rushing to the emergency room, going to the front of the line, then a long wait just to see if the colour would return to her tiny lips that has turned deep purple. Then the doctor advised us to live in the country because the air is cleaner and would ensure my sister’s well-being.

Being an industrial giant and being filled with factories was the mentality of the Hong Kong we left behind. Then we lived in Saskatchewan where my sister did not have an attack for years. She was able to participate in sports because running was not a chore nor would it threaten her capacity to breathe.

Such focus on productivity and commodification of our resources has increased the depletion of clean and healthy environments and settings for the younger generations to thrive and grow.

As a mother of two (8 and 11), I wonder if they would know about the Emperor Penguins from animated films or that they would perceive dolphins and seals to be a figment of their aging mother’s imagination. What are we leaving to our children and what is the legacy of this generation?

Perhaps there was a time to look at this abundant creation as a bottomless wealth of resources – oil, coal, fish, land. For such a long time, we have been influenced by the approach to creation as something for us to dominate, to conquer, to control. Well, such as it may be, it doesn’t seem like we have a very good understanding or grasp as to the delicate balance that has been built into our planet.

We, as global citizens, as informed individuals, can no longer ignore the impact or our foot prints and hand prints all over the crumpling health of the planet. It is because of our rough-stepping that caused creation to shudder under our constant taking – what can the earth provide for me? I feel urged to find a way to ask – what can I give back to the earth?

In recent dialogues with indigenous peoples, I have heard a common and wise thought that we are all connected to the land. Also, we only take what we need (given that some of us think we need a lot more than we ACTUALLY need). Then it is to be accountable to the responsibility we have all been given to tend to the earth, to leave the earth as it was intended to not only our children, but to our grandchildren. More then just one generation.

I believe in the sharing of Indigenous Peoples’ wisdom and stories of Creation, we can learn to better respect this land of theirs, because truthfully, we are visitors to the Turtle Island and we should treat it with more respect than we have been.

Jim in Orleans, ON

When I was a young boy, my dad drove a giant V8 Pontiac “boat”. We would pull into the BP station in Trenton, and he would always say to the attendant (no self-serve stations those days!) “$5 worth please”. Gas was $0.32 a gallon, so the $5 bought about 15 gallons of gas (leaded in those days), or roughly 70 litres. More than enough to fill the giant gas tank of the giant gas guzzling tank he drove.

As I think now, almost 50 years later, it’s amazing how oblivious we were to economics of climate damage back then. Seeing the current state of GHG emissions, I wonder how many of those people, who blithely burned massive amounts of carbon fuels then, would have gladly cut back or paid it forward to protect what is now in serious danger. It might not have changed much, but certainly would have put the focus on how fragile our environment is, and that we do need to pay for it’s survival. It certainly colours how I look at things, and while I’m not the “greenest” I can be, I move more and more towards solutions that have a lower ecological impact. As for the costs, we pay for our health care with our taxes, that precious social safety network we Canadians are very proud of, so why is it such a stretch to pay for the health of our world, for us, our children, and their children.

Carol in Sherbrooke, QC

I belong to the web of nature, before anything else. We all do. If we can’t breathe the air, neither can other beings. What happens to ecosystems when species disappear due to global warming?
As a Canadian, my heart is broken when I see how global warming is affecting the poorest on this planet.
As a Canadian, I would be so proud to see this country do the right thing. This is what I hope for.

Michael in Compton-Stanstead, QC

Having lived in many parts of Canada, from the south to the Arctic, it is clear to me that our impact on this land is having ever more serious affects. To continue as we are, to do nothing or to just pay lip service to reducing our impact is to deny the world we know to our children. I will not allow that. I did not vote for that. I will not stand idly by…
I expect results from this current Parliament!

Monica in Lac-Saint-Louis, QC

I am very grateful for the opportunity to live in a country as wonderful as Canada. But in living ecologically I feel my options are limited. I would like the federal government to invest in better infrastructure for inter-city transportation, in-city public transit and alternative energy for heating and electricity.
I love taking the train but often find myself on a plane because it is more convenient, faster, and almost the same cost. Please invest in more frequent, faster and affordable train service in the Quebec City/Windsor Corridor.
I take a suburban train to work but sometimes find myself driving my car because I have to travel in the off peak hours. Please invest in better public transit.
I would love to be part of a solar or geo-thermal energy project. Please invest in public corporations that would make access to alternative energy easy and attractive.
Positive, collective action that brings results brings hope. As a parent of two teens, I believe one of the most important actions that the government can take is to lead by example, to show that a prosperous future post fossil fuel dominance is possible. We must ensure the next generations have hope and have options. There is little time left before doors become firmly closed.

Sister Maura in Ville Marie-Le Sud Ouest-Île desSoeurs, QC

I am a Sister of the Congregation of Notre Dame , a community of nuns with many missions in eight different countries. Our sisters and associates suffer with the population the consequences of failed political, economic policies resulting in disastrous changes in climate. Those who are made poor suffer much more than we do in Canada the effects of what is happening to our earth.

Although I do not have children of my own I strongly believe that we are responsible for the well being of future generations who will suffer the radical changes in almost every part of our earth. I believe that the issue of climate change is not only a political, economic issue but it is a moral spiritual issue. How we treat those who are most vulnerable reflects who we are as human beings. We MUST act NOW.

Rev. Adam in South Shore-St.Margarets, NS

The town of Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia is the home of the maritime’s picturesque three churches. Mahone Bay is an enclave of imaginative artisans and inspired crafters. Mahone Bay is steeped in rich history and is a hub of activism and activity. And, Mahone Bay, is also flooding.

We are not alone. Many of the East Coast’s shoreline communities are also facing the harsh truths of rising sea-levels and altered tides due to environmental degradation. And like many of these other communities, the town of Mahone Bay is now addressing the impacting legacy of pollution, irresponsible stewardship, and disregard for creation.

The town of Mahone Bay engaged community members and a team of engineers, to develop a plan to protect it from further degradation and the threat of catastrophic flood levels, which are projected to engulf the entire village. The town is now committed to creating a living shoreline. This model will not only re-create lost breakwater formations, but will also incorporate nature’s salt marsh design and native vegetation to help protect eroding shorelines, prevent dramatic flooding, and prepare for increasing storms and higher waves. Our approach is reactionary, but our continued commitment is toward proactivity.

In essence, the onus of responsibility finds its roots among us. While we may not find pictures of our Atlantic haven splashed across news outlets or national publications, we have (and in some ways, continue to) participate in the habits and short-sighted practices whose very repercussions we are fighting against.

Our town is flooding. But we are committed to rising above.

Rev. Adam Snook is a husband, father, and Lutheran pastor in the town of Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia.

David in Beauséjour, NB

I am the proud father of two wonderful adult children. I have won the birth lottery by being born in Canada, therefore I have a huge responsibility to give back to this country and planet. I have much to be thankful for, but also much to be concerned about, mainly catastrophic climate change, inequality(both income and gender), and over population. We need a WWII mobilization to confront these global issues on a global scale. Canada needs to lead, Paris was a start…before it’s too late!

Mary in Charlottetown, PEI

As a grandmother, I am particularly concerned with the condition of the Earth that we will pass on to future generations. I don’t want our descendants to look back and pinpoint us as the generation that did not care enough to take decisive, bold action to lower greenhouse gas emissions or develop and utilize renewable energy sources. I am very willing to do my part, even though it seems insignificant in the face of the challenge. I strongly support any initiatives that the government of Canada takes to ensure that we keep the commitments made at the Climate Change Conference in Paris. I also believe that we must assist those most affected by climate change and those who need help to transition from work in fossil fuel extraction to work in the creation of a low-carbon economy.

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