Green Issues by Level of Government

This post actually focuses on climate-change issues, in recognition of the Bali talks currently underway, and the upcoming Dec 8 global action on climate change.

A huge amount of action on climate change depends on policies, regulatory mechanisms, and incentives that only government can provide. So, a large part of what you, as an individual, can do is to pressure your governments at all levels to take timely and serious action on climate issues, and encourage others to do the same.

My last post told you how to contact various levels of government - if you live in the same part of the world that I do. Today's post suggests some of things that should be on the agenda for various levels of government - particularly in Canada, since the division of responsibilities may be different elsewhere.

These are just a few suggestions. Please add your suggestions as comments, or email to me at rcosbey@gmail.com.

Climate-Change Issues for the National Government

• Support for the Kyoto Protocol, and developing a strong extension to it in Bali this month. In Canada and the US, call for a reversal of the national government attempts to sabotage the Kyoto protocol.
• Incentives for sustainable energy development, especially wind and solar. (Neither fossil fuels nor uranium-resource-based nuclear energy are sustainable.)
• In Canada, the tarsands project, and its contribution to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

State or Provincial Government Climate-Change Issues

• Participation in State/Province GHG-reduction alliances, such as the Western Regional Climate Action Initiative.
• In Saskatchewan and Alberta, the tarsands project, its contribution to GHG emissions, and its effect on the local environment.
• Studying and communicating local adaptation issues. For example, southern Saskatchewan faces probable desertification due to global warming. The provincial government needs to assure adequate clean water supplies, and identify required changes in agricultural practices. (Northern Saskatchewan issues will likely be different.)
• Incentives for sustainable energy development, same as for the national government.
• Energy-efficient transportation strategies, including re-building our rail systems.
• Incentives and funding for municipal GHG-reduction initiatives.
• Incentives for increased local processing and consumption of agricultural produce and natural resources, etc., to decrease transportation requirements.
  

Municipal Government

• Effective reduction in automobile traffic, through massive improvements to public transportation, increased investment in daily-use bike paths, zoning policies that reduce the need for automobile traffic, restoration of passenger rail service, etc.
• Make public buildings and institutions more climate friendly, by improving energy efficiency, using sustainable energy sources, locating services more centrally, purchasing local goods and services so as to reduce transportation requirements, etc.
• Preparing adaptation strategies, e.g. adequate clean water supplies in the face of possible drought or desertification scenarios.