Fort McMurray and the Leap Manifesto

The devastating fires in Fort McMurray have shone a light on the impacts of climate change. The region around the tar sands has been experiencing hotter summers and less moisture, helping the fires spread. Scientists have been telling us for years that fires are longer hotter and harder to control. There are now more than twice as many forest fires each year in Canada today as there was 20 years ago.

 

Yet, the Alberta government continues to tell us that oil production can be ramped up once the fire clears and both Premier Rachel Notley and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau are still pushing for more pipelines to be built.

 

Now is the time to talk about alternatives. What are the ways we can help to transition Fort McMurray workers to sustainable employment in renewable energy sectors? Can the Leap Manifesto point us in the right direction?