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In the last month, I’ve had two disturbing conversations with local climate scientists. One has told me that she now hates going to climate conferences, as the general atmosphere is one of dread for the future. The other tells me that she is scared for herself, scared for her children. These are the people studying the issue, and they are terrified.

The sad reality is that things have progressed so far that substantial consequences are already inevitable. Still, the choices we make today have substantial consequences; 1.5 C is better than 2 C, which is better than 3 C. Four degrees C and above is unthinkable, and not compatible with civilization and possibly existence. And this is the path we’re currently on.

We are told by scientists that the only safe path is to decrease emissions as quickly as possible — which means burning fewer fossil fuels, now. And that it has to be fast.

Citizens are starting to wake to this reality, and it is a harsh one. The possibility of a world without whales, without the Beatles, without Shakespeare. Without safety. The world is become alarmed. Quickly. And are clamouring for stronger climate policy.

This has pretty big consequences for our province. We’ve grown very comfortable thanks to the extraction of combustible fuels, and a rapid transition threatens our cozy status quo. No wonder there is pushback. No wonder we gravitate towards reassuring voices, saying we can go back to the past, if only we silence the “alarmists.”