Environmental issues should be front and centre in the Globe Debate on the economy

(Credit: Joe Cressy via Flickr)

Imagine if Canada was a leader in renewable energy development and clean technology jobs, with a diversified economy that allowed us to live within nature's limits -- a smart economy that would take us into the future, built on the understanding that only a healthy environment can create a healthy economy. (The two are integrated, not opposed!) What if our economy grew by creating jobs in sectors -- such as clean technology -- in industries which support our environmental goals as we transition away from our reliance on the destabilizing fossil fuel and extractive economy.

Canadians want a balance that protects the environment and the economy, but so far election coverage has been short on details of how to get there. We want that to change. For the past couple of weeks, the David Suzuki Foundation has been encouraging Canadians to get in touch with the Globe and Mail and urge them to ask tough questions of the federal party leaders during their September 17 economic debate, questions like

Do candidates support ending fossil fuel subsidies?
How will they transition to a clean-tech economy?
Do they favour a national carbon-pricing policy?
Do they support our country joining 110 nations that recognize the right to live in a healthy environment by amending Canada's Constitution?

These topics shouldn't be seen as separate from our economy. In Canada, extreme weather events like Vancouver's summer drought and flooding in Calgary and Toronto show how vulnerable our communities are. Canadian insurers paid out a record $3.2 billion in claims due to extreme weather events in 2013 and are increasing premiums, taking money out of the pockets of families that could have been spent in local economies.

As the severity of climate change intensifies, the cost of imported food rises and energy bills increase. Extreme weather events affect travel. Droughts and floods put increased pressure on local food production and prices -- yet another hit to our economy.

The good news: Solutions to the climate crisis are a huge economic opportunity

Ending subsidies to the fossil fuel industry will free up $1.3 billion annually, money we can direct to growing our clean tech sector -- a sector that generated nearly $12 billion for the national economy in 2013 alone! In fact, Canada's annual clean tech exports are on par with those from mineral products, wood and livestock. But clean tech needs our support; our share of the global market has declined by 41 per cent since 2008.

To help make sure these issues and many more are front and centre in the Globe Debate about the economy, we'll be live tweeting the debate. Our top policy analysts will help make sure what you're hearing is correct and provide interesting content and perspective. Learn more about how to follow along and have some fun at the same time by hosting your own debate party and following the conversation online.

Want to read more to get ready for the debate and engage in this election?

Find out how Canada would benefit from a national carbon price.
Find out why oceans should matter in this election.
Learn how to get involved in your local all candidates debate.

Don't sit on the sidelines! Sit on your couch and follow the debate with the rest of the David Suzuki Foundation community. Together, we can help shape the conversation and make sure Canadians understand that a healthy economy depends on a healthy environment.

YES, I'm voting on October 19.

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