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Turning Adversity into Opportunity
How extreme weather is shifting the playing field.
Photos courtesy of Colin Marcano |
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The New Extremism
Global temperature trend
Source: World Meteorological Association |
Judging from the news and Twitter feeds of late, we are entering a new era of parallel extremes: extreme weather and extreme hope.
Examples of extreme weather are becoming commonplace, and it is increasingly harder for anyone to say that climate change doesn't affect them. Extreme hope, on the other hand, is the belief that there is still time to respond and that new technologies that will replace our current destructive path. It’s a tough race, but so far the safe money is on the weather.
Look deeper, and you will find that extremism is the new norm in so many ways. We must ask ourselves, can moderation and sustainability prevail in a climate of extremism?
How extremism shapes policy... |
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Advice for Updating Climate Plans
As the Obama plan shows, a good climate plan will address both the extreme climate events as well as the need for a carefully planned transition to a low-impact society.
Coincidentally, we are also due for a new wave of environmental leadership in Canada - a new call to action.
Major environmental initiatives happen in ten year cycles. The 70's was the conserver society, the 80's was acid rain and sustainable development, the 90's was pollution prevention and the Green Plan, and the past decade was green power and climate change. The names and issues may change, but the root focus is always on shifting to a sustainable path.
There are several concurrent priorities that will likely shape the next series of high-level environmental strategies, including:
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stark reality: extreme weather, and resource scarcity
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economic uncertainty: global economic trends, jobs, and local economies
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fiscal imperatives: pressure for reduced taxes and increased savings and accountability
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public demands: the desire for improved services and quality of life
You may have noticed: these issues are interconnected. The best strategies will present an integrated approach to respond to the threats at hand with solutions that also focus on a new economy, fiscal responsibility, and improved quality of life.
If you need help or advice, drop us a line. Check out our introductory special for a review of your plan and advice on how to turn adversity into opportunity!
What we are looking for. A blueprint for a high-level strategy...
What's in a name? The next generation of environmental strategies...
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 About Canada Conserves
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Solutions we can live with
Canada Conserves is a new national initiative to promote conservation and conservation leadership across Canada.
Green Angels Needed: If you see an affinity with conservation and your organization, company, agency or government, we need you to support Canada Conserves. Join our list of sponsors, supporting organizations, and donors.
Contact us today, or click on one of the links below:
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