Letter: Will the shift be in time?
By Letters to the editor
To The Editor:
Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Accord has motivated many elected officials in the US, to “redoubling their climate efforts” states the former mayor of NYC. “Cities, states and corporations could achieve, or surpass, the pledge of the former administration”.
This growing list, which includes 30 mayors, three governors, more than 80 university presidents, and 100+ businesses, is negotiating with the UN to have its submission accepted alongside contributions to the Paris climate deal by other nations.
But unusual turns don’t end there. In an unprecedented move, Exxon shareholders voted overwhelmingly in favor of a policy forcing the oil giant to assess the long-term impacts of climate change. Though the executive board opposed the motion, the majority of shareholders voted to take a stand for the climate instead.
As we head into the 17th year in a row of record breaking temperatures around the globe, 21 young people are suing the US government. A US court ruled that they have a constitutional right to a safe climate. Now a Federal court will hear their case.
These historic moves, shows that we’re on the brink of a huge shift, but will it be in time?
Carole Summer
Kaslo, BC
