By David B. Savage

I am saddened by the constant battle for higher ground in the climate change public relations wars. Where is the intelligence? Where is the collaboration? Where is the innovation? Where is the commitment? Our planet and our grandchildren deserve far better than this.

Like the famous painting above, the battle rages on and while there are peacemakers, where are those making the necessary changes? Or in the energy battles, will we continue to cut down those with great technical knowledge and reduce those with a great social conscience?

Like politics, in the climate discussion, the battles take the forefront while the war is being lost. It matters little who has a more acceptable or stronger social message, we must fix this mess. We must reduce emissions of all kinds. We must stop this dangerous trend.

Here is what I experience today (click the links to websites as you read);

1) Before the Flood: Leonardo DiCaprio hopes his new film will inspire climate action. Before the Flood article

2) Director of DiCaprio’s Before The Flood documentary ‘horrified’ by Alberta oilsands. Horrified by Tar Sands

3) This is where backgrounds, perceptions, and judgments divert us all into separate “camps.” Let’s move forward with additional perspectives.

4) Emissions by Country – EPA CO2 Emissions by Country

5) The oil sands industry currently accounts for approximately 0.12% of global GHG emissions. (Environment Canada 2015) – Share of Global CO2 Emissions

6) The IEA forecasts that in the next 25 years oil sands production in Canada will increase by more than three million barrels per day, “but the emissions of this additional production is equal to only 23 hours of emissions of China — not even one day.” IEA on Oil Sands Emissions

7) Cowspiracy – What’s 10 x fossil fuel’s impact?

8) Transitioning – How do we go to renewables?

9) Energy Education – Primary Energy Information

10) More energy sources including nuclear – Nuclear and other energy

11) Four Reasons Why the Transition From Fossil Fuels to a Green Energy Era Is Gaining Traction Change is happening now

12) Cumulative Effects – realize that cumulative effects are the elephant in the room. Cumulative Effects

Call to Action;

Remember the saying; “Bull shit baffles brains?” Too often, special interest groups and powerful organizations divert us from finding our own truth. Let’s collaboration, learn what is true for us, explore and commit to innovation and, most importantly, change our own behaviours and purchasing.

Rather than give more of your money to King Leonardo with his massive yachts, or Al Gore as he flies the world to end (the use of jet fuel?) emissions, support oil interests, or keep buying large vehicles and consuming cheap energy like there is no accountability, let’s take our own decisions and put our time and money where we intelligently decide.

You have access to the Internet, do your own fact checking! You have a global network, collaborate for a better tomorrow. Let’s talk.

As we explore (and Break Through to Yes: Unlocking the Possible within a Culture of Collaboration – yes a light pitch for my book Unlocking the Possible, here are few suggestions that I take to heart to reduce my own impact on climate change and GHG emissions.

a) Walk most everywhere. Take public transit wherever it is too far to walk. Ride your bike! Cars are can be used as a secondary transport system for long distances as a backup, not a primary source. Think of moving around your neighbourhood after supper rather than turning on the TV.

b) Turn off stuff, especially lights. An estimated 25- 40% of our home energy use is “vampire power” (those 27 clocks and flat screen TVs that must be ready to immediately turn on 24/7, the Internet of everything (where everything in our homes is being connected to the Internet…) homes

c) Elect to purchase renewables from your electrical provider.

d) Educate ourselves on energy and buy/ consume accordingly. Can we have an intelligent learning conversation on wind, sun, nuclear, oil, natural gas, geothermal?

e) Get involved in networks/ organizations/ conversations that encourage healthy learning from diverse perspectives (rather than blaming and shaming).

f) Eat less beef and more veggies…

g) Start an energy literacy group and understand interests, outcomes, and directions.

h) Live in a Net Zero home – Net Zero Homes

i) Think sustainability, think collaboration, lead as if the future matters. ThinkSustainAbility

What you can do?

What will you do today?

The Collaborative Global Initiative is a group of professionals with very diverse views and backgrounds on energy and environmental protection that are changing the conversations between stakeholders to create a better future for all. CGI

Be the change.

Let’s start this change now. Let’s work together.

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