Dear Editor:
As we have just lived through another hot summer, we are faced with the constant threat of fire and with water shortages in most of B.C.
It is heartening to finally hear ongoing public recognition of the fact that global warming is taking place and the warnings that fire threat and water shortages will be a fact of life in the years to come.
It is also heartening to hear that the federal government and some provinces are taking the initiative relating to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Some provinces have, in fact, shown successful action on climate change.
However, the Canadian effort to reduce greenhouse gas has been piecemeal.
Further, the new federal greenhouse gas emission targets announced this year in May are still weaker than three provincial targets and is low by international standards.
I believe the federal government should take leadership on this issue and suggest two questions to put to all candidates during the current federal election campaign.
Would your government take the lead in supporting and encouraging all provinces to enact legislation to reduce carbon emissions?
How would your government work with the provinces to standardize and maximize the goals for the reduction of greenhouse emissions?
Appropriate replies should outline specific future steps and not be vague statements of past actions.
Thank you for allowing me to write about this issue that is very important to me.
Kathleen Davies
Naramata, B.C.
