PARIS – Truth or Triumph on Climate Change and Global Security.

PARIS – Truth or Triumph on Climate Change and Global Security.

In 1969 man landed on the moon 10 years or so after the challenge was made to do so. The, commitment, mission accomplished statement reflected the colossal feat of human endeavour by scientists and mere mortals alike; “one small step for man one giant leap for mankind.” It captured imagination, great dreams and ambitions among competing and supporting interests across a wide spectrum of scientific and industrial service sectors of world economies.

On November 30th 2015 man will land in Paris a World City, of Love, enlightenment, culture and beauty among many other attributes, yet currently in the midst of attempting to cope with its own anguish and sufferings from recent acts of murder and crimes against humanity in general.   Such have captured imaginations, emotions, and horrific memories of asymmetrical barbarism, stateless terrorism as well as many other emotive characterizations beyond imagination.

Also, the relentless containment efforts and robust pursuit of stateless perpetrators continues. The urgent challenges and indeed conflicts to justly- deal with the fall out of war must weigh agonizingly and heavily on the heads and offices of world leaders and on those they represent, while in Paris.

Mindful that the main burden of a Prime Minister is the Security of the Nation, the daunting task is to present a National Front not just about climate change but about the economy as well where the burden of survival in a “Free Market” Global economy, to the extent the latter and  can be achieved, rests with the enterprise and leadership of the Captains of Industry and businesses in the main.

Also mindful that Canadians rejected the proposition of a national carbon tax during the general election held in 2008, the task of summitry it seems is to deal with a one degree increase in Global Warming. Scientists want a say in the remedial decision making in an evidenced based collaborative and transparent tone and manner so that decisions can be based on SCIENCE, organic and or inorganic presumably.

In that context it seems the National Front appears to be robust environmental standards, variations or provincially tailored applications of a National Carbon tax. The global context it seems depends on reaching an accord or agreement on “emission” quantities and standards.

Much non partisan work has already been undertaken over the last 20 or so years to have reached this point. Many have worked on various initiatives, using multi-fold incentives to arrive in Paris with HOPE of making a difference, though not necessarily defined except for the needs and wants side of the equation, perhaps. Effective Evidence Based Implementation Policies are another matter.

Perhaps, Robust, grittier environmental standards, carbon taxes and their prospective disbursement are one small step for man or even one giant leap for mankind and humankind.

It may be helpful to point out that many have gone before demonstrating outstanding leadership and courage, determination and indeed sacrifice to explore beyond the planet earth. The bounty of the SPACE PROGRAM for example such as communications devices, propulsion and air transportation, now common day consumer products, have greatly improved the capacity for summitry around the world.

Now that the implications of general election promises are becoming more transparent; Now that the “Dust” has settled, so to speak, on the matter of Change, the challenges of governance, collaboration and leadership; in the fight against “pollution” remain.

The question remains whether or not we can change the weather, change the climate, of politics, environmentally so, all at the same time, urgently and quickly, so to speak. Will the Universe just unfold naturally as it should?

We have a lot to be thankful for in the act of world leaders getting together at this time where the intercourse of treaties, alliances can be invigorated for the immediate and longer term. We are thankful that it is a time of substance rather than style where the opportunity is greater than one of defining disenfranchisement or including it in a diversified way. We have “collective opportunity to show our strength courage and commitment to cooperatively undertake the task and commitment at hand, either in our traditions or within our respective senses of values.

To support our Prime Minister, we can contribute immensely by according due respect to and for the office he holds in our name. For our part we can support him and our fellow Canadians, landed immigrants, permanent residents and refugees in a “tolerant” way by carrying out our tasks of the hour to the best of our ability and in the interests of our fellow man. We await the clear practical plan to achieve environmental standards without sacrificing energy production or economic growth. It could be added; without intolerance perhaps

By way of another perspective: “I ask you to ensure humanity is served by wealth and not ruled by it.” “Having FAITH does not mean having no difficulties, but having the strength to face them-knowing we are not alone” Pope Francis, a global leader. He added:

“The worst enemy of FAITH is FEAR-Do not be afraid”. Accordingly we wish our Prime Minister and his delegation every success in PARIS and a safe and productive return. The challenge still exists to implement informed evidence-based policies. The challenge of supporting our allies and honouring our treaties and alliances in the fight for Freedom is self-evident.

 

Author

Kevin Murray-Mourne is a former Trade Commissioner for Space, Aerospace, Defence and Security with the Department of External Affairs and International Trade Canada. He is a Veteran of Her Majesty’s Armed forces. He attended the Canadian Centre for Management Development, the Canadian Foreign Affairs Institute and is a Graduate of the American Management Associations Management Program.

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