A Perfect Storm

“Let’s talk about the weather or, how the weather used to be.” – The Weakerthans

Ontario skiers are dumb founded. Victoria might need to invest in a snowplow or two. There’s frost in Florida and it’s raining in Restigouche. It’s January 2007.

A Strategic Council poll in the Globe and Mail asked Canadians if they felt that global warming could potentially harm future generations. 83% said yes. It’s hard to imagine otherwise given what’s on the weather channel these days. Environmental issues are getting a boost from, well, the environment.

The debate will rage. Is recent weather symptomatic of a larger trend in climate change? Do cyclical weather patterns preclude the need to be alarmed about global warming? Apparently not. The same G&M poll shows that environmental issues are currently Canadians’ number one concern, but we didn’t need a poll to tell us that. Take a look at Canada’s political elite and it is clear – it’s the environment stupid.

With this in mind, the federal Liberal party caucus has been testing campaign slogans. The dominant theme for a new Liberal mantra is a green economy, environmental technology and a clean environment. It’s the new Liberal Party: squeaky-clean party, squeaky-clean policies. And while Stephane Dion is trying to dust out the old Liberal rugs, the other Steve is doing cleaning of his own.

The Prime Minster has realigned his cabinet in light of political realities. Ostensibly, he shuffled a half dozen minister’s around, but the only move that mattered was John Baird’s. As the new environment minister, Baird will have to convince Canadians that the Conservative government has a green conscience. The rhetoric will reach gale force. Expect to see lots of pictures like this:

It’s hard to know whether to laugh or cry. Either way, the next election has unofficially started and the environment is the baby that every politician wants to kiss.

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This post was written by alevo.

[tags]environment, global warming, climate change[/tags]