by Bridget Andrews Environmental extremism is threatening our collective well-being. Many activists fail to realize that they are one of the driving forces behind our jobs moving abroad, while others celebrate the exodus of industry.
There was a time when industry lacked accountability. However, that time is long gone. Today, environmentalism has become a trendy and sensational outlet for anger, idealism and manipulation. When will we realize that we have gone from one extreme to another? Our jobs are moving to India, China and elsewhere. We need to find a balance, before it’s too late.
I recently received an email urging me to cast my provincial election vote for candidates who are willing to “defeat Enbridge.” Not likely. This is exactly the kind of propaganda that sways the electorate away from making informed and responsible choices. My vote will go to the candidate who I feel shows the most likelihood of strengthening my community, region and British Columbia both socially and economically. I will vote based on platform, not a single controversial issue that has no simple answer.
It may be tempting to point a finger at industry, but we should really be taking a look at ourselves. Why does industry need to work so hard to provide us with the luxuries we feel entitled to? Why do environmentalists feel they have the right to stonewall industries who are only trying to keep up with demand? Many Canadians feel that we shouldn’t have to take on the risks associated with our own consumer-driven habits. Do we not see the hypocrisy in jumping on the environmental bandwagon, with our petroleum-based laptops and smart phones in hand?
Communication and compromise are tenets of a healthy relationship between social interests and corporate interests and are critical to creating a balanced, stable economy. I lived in central BC during the lumber industry’s last gasps, and I watched more than one community crumble, as businesses closed and real estate values plummeted. An industry-opponent recently insisted that a coal expansion plan will be the demise of Texada Island. I’d like them to explain where a scarcity of jobs and an increase in poverty would take any community or country? Where would it take our environment? We should be grateful that Canada is not neck-deep in an economic crisis, like many other parts of the developed world.
Environmental accountability will always be necessary, but we’ve achieved such a system. If industries continue to move to developing nations, we can be certain that it will not just be Canada’s unemployed who suffer, but environment will also pay the price. As long as these industries are present in North America, we can ensure that they are regulated and policed.
Activism must begin with self-discipline: making responsible choices, embracing balance and choosing our battles. Duty begins with embracing humanity; environment and animal rights will not be successful exclusively. We must understand that poverty only enhances our problems, and that is why jobs must always be our priority.
Bridget Andrews lives and works on Texada Island, having moved from greater Vancouver to enjoy a slower pace. She belongs to the Supporting Responsible Industry group, whose goal is to provide information to the public in the interest of achieving a healthy balance between responsible stewardship and economic development.
