The other day I attended the November 19 2016 march and rally against the Burnaby pipeline expansion and I had a few observations that I would like to share with everyone, in particular eco-activists and organizers.
1. I attended 5 organizing meetings and stressed that at least part of the message must include green jobs. I was quite disappointed when I arrived at the rally and discovered a sea of “No consent, No Pipeline!” signs which was good but there were only a few signs saying “yes” to more transit jobs. How receptive are we to anyone who begins their debate with a negative posture? Perhaps better balance, change the overall feel of the message to a positive emphasis?
2. Many of the chants were aimed against all pipelines, which goes against common knowledge that pipelines can, if properly maintained, reduce the risk of transportation and lower greenhouse gas emissions by not using trucks or trains to do the job.It is common knowledge that we have been using pipelines since the time of the Romans (aqueducts), it is unlikely that many people in that rally would object to an irrigation pipeline taking water from an area of excess to places less fortunate as the weather allows. The act of declaring all pipelines as evil and undesirable is counterproductive at best.
3. Lastly, as a PeaceBearer I was called to intervene when the Rebel News (right wing internet news site) showed up. When I arrived there appeared to be a 3 way conversation between the interviewer, a first nation individual from the working class (wearing Trump’s ball cap “Make America Great Again”), and a first nation’s elder. I arrived just in time to hear the worker say something to the effect of: “those things will not get me a job and provide for my family.” Rebel News left shortly after we arrived without incident to interview the worker in a quieter environment; this interaction immediately reminded me of two things: Firstly, I was ashamed of my skin colour. Secondly, after Trump’s election victory, out of curiosity, I watched a few US newscasts to try to find some logic to explain the result. The First Nation worker’s statement reinforced my belief that jobs were the primary motivator behind the result.
Jobs, Jobs, Jobs, and then more Jobs or not
Observation #1
Due to their improving economics there will be an inevitable migration to renewable energy therefore; I believe it would be more productive to promote the positives of this transition: JOBS and related education, are, and should be, the number one priority. The longer we delay the more difficult the transition will be on the populace.
Here are two real life example to underscore the research done on the subject.
Our work rotations in the tarsands usually lasted around 2 months and during one of these rotations we took note that there was an ambulance at the same production facility on average of once per week. How long do you think it will take for them to figure out how to automate that process? Automation has begun to replace Haul truck drivers and driverless semis are also entering the transportation industry.
Mining, processing, and transportation jobs will continue to decrease in the near future due to the adoption of automation and the creation of greater pipeline capacity.
Observation #2
This 2012 research paper by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives highlights the new jobs created by switching to renewable energy throughout the entire supply chain in addition to the benefits of clean energy. It is imperative that the greater public’s century old belief in fossil fuel economics be debunked. It is time to move on and embracing this truth will only make the transition easier.
As pointed out in the aforementioned research report, investment in renewables is already taking off in a significant manner; however there is no need to “slam the door” on the fossil fuel industry because people will need time to adjust therefore I feel that gradual penalties such as: a carbon tax, removal of any subsidies, and gradual increases of export tariffs, coupled with the opposite treatment for renewable energy, will do the trick.
Greater public incentives and education surrounding the economics of switching.
Observation #3
If you truly dislike Trump and his awful policies, and would like to do something about it, support converting the Canadian economy to primarily clean energy sources. Show our American brothers and sisters that changing the way we produce energy: will boost our standard of living, enhance our understanding, and our perspective.
Create cheap, clean energy to export whilst making old, dirty energy expensive.
Give credit where credit is due; fossil fuel energy transformed society opening previously unimagined possibilities. At this point in time it is critical that we recognize where we have been and accept that clean energy will pave the road to new possibilities in this century or we can do as President-elect Trump suggests and turtle, which, at best,will only delay the affected peoples’ access to the new doors.“we need to support the switch to renewable energy, because the sooner we accept the new reality the better off everyone will be!”
Be Seeing You!
