Where is global warming? Basically it’s a warming of our oceans and air. Our weather patterns change. The clouds now may hold more moisture, creating flash flooding in areas with destructive results. Or no rain, just warmer temperatures, setting new records.
On May 23, Fairbanks, Alaska reached 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 Celsius) while Phoenix, Arizona topped out at 83 F (28 C). Parts of Alaska did not go below 32 degrees F (0 C) all winter. India had temperatures this spring going to 48 degrees Celcius.
So what does this all mean to us in BC? A headline reads “Sorry B.C., you’re not a climate change leader.” BC’s emissions actually increased by 2.4 per cent in 2013 to 63 million tons of greenhouse gases from 61.5 in 2012. Now the government wishes to add fracking to this equation which would increase provincial emissions by more than 50 per cent. Add to this the probable contamination of our water. Vancouver Island may be having water shortage problems already. Fracking also has health side effects. Another headline: “8 U.S. states dealing with huge increases in fracking earthquakes”.
And where do the companies that do the fracking dispose of the chemicals they use? Do they use the same technique as that of Mount Polley Mine tailings pond breach? It`s part of our history now, but what is its future and what’s to stop our premier saying “Trust me”?
Peter Popoff
Thrums
