The “LEAP Manifesto” has gained some popular currency. Authored by various intellectuals, activists and artists it calls for sweeping and rapid changes to Canada, including a 100% renewable grid - and that these changes be enacted and financed by government “now”. https://leapmanifesto.org/en/theleap-manifesto/ We see this as dangerous ideology over evidence and offer this counter manifesto.
1. We start from the premise that Canada is a great country facing a world in crisis – no matter what our past sorrows or successes, only by working together as one people, can we heal wounds and face the challenges ahead.
2. Thanks to our industrious and inventive people, we survive in this extreme climate in comfort – we feed the world with farm goods, house the world with our lumber and minerals, power the world with our oil, gas and coal, enhance the world with our hi-tech, aerospace, geosciences and bio-tech innovations, and so we can afford to be the third most generous, charitable nation in the world. As well, we welcome Foreign Workers whose earnings send some $24 billion dollars back home annually, directly to family members who need this help. Little or none of it is lost in the pockets of corrupt intermediaries.
3. We honor and respect our scientists, engineers, policy-makers and monitoring agencies who, together have steadily reduced Canada’s noxious emissions and set high standards for environmental quality in air, land and water. We have a vast, modern, industrialized nation. We are distant from world markets and feature a sparse population, widely spread out, meaning transportation emissions are a given – yet, per capita GDP, our GHG emissions are less than those of the tiny Pacific Islands. To have a healthy environment and support the vulnerable, we need a strong economy.
4. Some people claim we could live in a country fueled 100% by renewables, they say that we should ‘leap’ into that. We say to them – look before you LEAP. Take the advice of power generation engineers and experts, Think common sense. “If it sounds too good to be true, it is.”
5. Canada is the country most nations would love to be We do have current and historic challenges. However, through thoughtful policy, born out of respectful dialogue and careful consideration of public concern, and by applying the evidence-based Scientific Method, we will address and resolve these one by one.
6. All countries have sovereign equality under the UN Charter (Article 2.1)—we should guard our own rights carefully; the UN is not accountable to us or elected by us. The UN is an external body made up of a majority countries that do not share our democratic, economic or social-cultural values.
7. Canada is rich in resources, making us a target in international trade wars, often fronted or disguised as environmental issues (not applied anywhere else!)
8. Careful assessment in advance can reduce or eliminate unpleasant or disastrous unintended consequences. Take time to do things right the first time.
9. Climate change science is filled with uncertainties that are reported by the IPCC. Environmental groups and news media hype a catastrophic scenario, not supported by the evidence. Climate change is a largely natural process that is affected by humans. Carbon dioxide is a nominal factor in warming; it is necessary for life itself. Pollution and poverty are more important issues to address.
10. Look at the evidence over the ideology. Haste makes waste. Look before you leap.
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Friends of Science Society is a group of earth, atmospheric, solar scientists, engineers and citizens who have been reviewing climate science since 2002. Our informed view is that the sun is the main direct and indirect driver of climate change. Friends of Science Society is funded by members and does not represent any industry. We have no corporate memberships. Look at our website: www.friendsofscience.org Tweet us: @FriendsOScience
