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Ontario’s green economy

Looking ahead to COP21 with Ontario Minister of the Environment Glen Murray

This week the Canadian Sustainability Network hosted an inspiring discussion between Minister of the Environment Glen Murray and Sustainability CoLab Executive Director Mike Morrice – part of a free discussion series to share different perspectives on the green economy.

Ontario EcoSchools was lucky to be able to attend this short, yet jam-packed talk. As an organization working to effect positive environmental change on the provincial level, we were thrilled to hear about visionary leadership from the Ontario Government.

There are major opportunities for Ontario to show leadership at the Paris COP21 by setting ambitious targets across environmental areas. Here are a few highlights from yesterday’s discussion to keep in mind when looking ahead to COP21 (which begins November 30th).

  • Eradicate Neonics. One of the first issues Murray brought up when asked about his environmental priorities over the next four years was the need to eradicate neonicotinoids (or neonics). Neonics are insecticides which are killing pollinators and affecting the delicate balance of our agricultural ecosystems.
  • Great Lakes protections. In addition to banning neonics, Murray brought up the issue of nutrient overload and invasive species in our Great Lakes, driving home the point that we need to look at the many interacting factors that determine Great Lakes health – a perspective shared in Ontario EcoSchools’ Great Lakes Learning and Action Resource.
  • Individual actions count. There are a host of actions we can take as individuals – from choosing active transportation over driving, to rethinking the ways in which we power our homes, to encouraging our governments to make necessary changes around climate. When it comes to societal change, shifting our individual narratives – and the actions that go along with them – can add up to a great impact.
  •  Build leadership coalitions at the provincial level. Murray gave an example of Under 2 MOU, which is a memorandum of understanding between regional governments to keep the average global temperature rise to below 2C. Actions like changing building codes and electrifying rail infrastructure can enable us to make strides on reducing emissions – without requiring federal approval. With 57 jurisdictions already on board, this could represent a powerful coalition in Paris and looking ahead.

Interested in learning more before COP21 begins? Here are some recent articles on the Government of Ontario’s stance on environment, climate change and what Ministers will be bringing to the table in Paris: