We have just arrived at Taarnby Station, the gathering point for the march to the Bella Center.
The train we were on, which was packed with people also heading to this march, was delayed for about 30 minutes. An announcement had said the train was stopped because ‘activists’ were blocking the tracks. None of us believe that.
In the morning news we find even more reasons to take part in this action today.
A major new report by International Upper Great Lakes Study Board has found that climate change has already caused a discernible drop in the water levels of the Great Lakes.
The Great Lakes are the primary source of drinking water for millions of people.
The report, that involved more than 100 scientists and engineers, estimates that Lake Huron and Lake Michigan have fallen about a quarter metre relative to Lake Erie over the last fifty years with 40-74 percent of that reduction due to climate change.
This news comes just after reports that documents prepared for the Harper government in advance of the Copenhagen summit reveal they are considering weaker – than the already weak – emission targets for the tar sands.
Emissions from the tar sands are expected to triple between now and 2020 and become the source of 12 percent of Canada’s overall emissions.
Recent science demands that global North countries commit to at least a 40 percent reduction in emissions below 1990 levels by 2020.
The Harper government is promising a mere 3 percent reduction, and even that pledge is considered doubtful.
The tar sands are driving Canada’s climate change policy, which is also a very clear threat to water justice.
Mr. Harper has a critical decision to make. The climate or more emissions from the tar sands? Water or oil?
The Globe and Mail report is at http://theglobeandmail.com/news/world/climate-change/climate-change-blamed-for-great-lakes-decline/article1401784/?.
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