Climate scientists tell us that an increase of 2 degrees Celsius in annual global temperature above pre-industrial levels is the tipping point where nothing we do can slow down climate change. We need to kick our addiction to fossil fuels within our lifetimes if we are going to accomplish this. Right now we are using the atmosphere like an ash tray for our pollution. The UN International Panel on Climate Change has found that we basically need to phase out the burning of fossil fuels by 2050 to avoid “run away” climate change.

2 degrees might not seem like much but think of it this way, if you’re sick and your temperature goes up 2 degrees you really don’t feel well but if it goes up much more than that you could be in serious trouble. The biosphere that we all depend on is made up of a delicate balance of interconnected systems just like your body. Climate change caused by global warming is already happening causing more extreme storms and desertification and its seriously impacting people world wide. The time for change is now!

World leaders have committed to to trying to stop an increase in global temperatures beyond 2 degrees both at the G8 and G20 meetings as well as at UN climate negotiations but pollution that causes climate change keeps going up. People world wide are organizing at the grassroots level trying to stop climate change at its source. We want to be part of this world wide effort for positive change.

We are calling for our government to do 2 things to help stop an increase of temperatures beyond 2 degrees. One is based on reducing the supply of oil and the other is about reducing the demand for oil. 

1. Ban Oil Tankers off the BC coast  
2. shift investment from new highways to public transit 

why those two things?

• We need to end our dependence on oil within our lifetimes!
• The effects of climate change are already being felt worldwide and the impacts of more intense storms, deserts spreading and water levels rising are disproportionately impacting some of the world’s poorest people.
• Currently there are plans underway to build new oil pipelines through BC and expand existing oil pipelines to increase oil tanker traffic off the coast of BC. This is not only increasing the risk of a dangerous oil spill off our coast but also means that, when it comes to climate change, we are more and more part of the problem instead of being part of the solution.
• Automobiles are the number one source of climate changing pollution in BC and across Canada. Currently the Canadian government spends more than 3 times as much on highways than on all other forms of ground transportation in Canada combined.
• Investing in public transit and passenger rail is not only good for the environment but it also ensures that alternatives are available for everyone — rich or poor. Not everyone can afford an electric car but public transit investment offers affordable transportation options and reduces congestion on the road.

Therefore; we are calling on the Government of Canada to do two things to help reduce our dependence on oil and do our part to avoid an increase in global temperatures of 2 degrees Celsius.

Please take a moment to sign our petition and join our climate action mailing list … click this link

For more information download the new Wilderness Committee report Global Warming: Made in Canada?

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