Government scientists across Canada were crying “Eureka!” recently after their new prime minister removed the gags that had been stuffed in their mouths for the last nine years.
For those who aren’t familiar, the scientists who work in our various federal departments were forbidden from speaking publicly or to the media about their work and findings, under threat of losing their jobs.
Typically, when we would request an interview with a scientist in, say, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, the request would be sent upstream where throngs of media handlers would pass it around via email, strategizing how best to respond without actually granting anyone an interview.
Then, a few days after deadline, if we were lucky, we’d get a prepared statement, often exalting the greatness of government and completely ignoring the original questions asked. It was part of the previous government’s attempt to exert white knuckle control over information, especially the stuff that ran contrary to the party line.
Following the announcement that Statistics Canada would reinstitute the mandatory long-form census, it’s like a light bulb has come back on in Ottawa, which we’re pleased to see.
But whether the new government actually uses that light to shine its way remains to be seen. One of the first real tests will come at the United Nations Paris Climate Conference next month.
The conference comes at a difficult time. The terrorist attacks in Paris will, rightfully, be on everyone’s minds.
Climate change may look like a secondary threat compared to terrorism. But many scientists and global leaders will tell you that the two threats may be more related than one might think at first glance.
A planet that cannot provide habitation for all its peoples will surely see more conflicts over land and water in the future. ISIS and other terrorists may be fuelled by religious insanity, but they are also driven by a need for territory. And territory that can support their followers. With the Middle-East facing record high temperatures this past year, it will only be a matter of time, if climate change is not at least slowed down, before certain areas are deemed completely uninhabitable.
Do we honestly think that those of us in cooler climes will be able to simply ignore the effects of climate change on those caught in un-ending droughts and searing temperatures? If we think the exodus from Syria is troubling – imagine a world where many populations are trying to escape unlivable regions because of massive climate change. It could make Syria’s refugees look like a drop in the bucket.
