The issue of climate change is complex, as are the methods used to determine its impact on weather patterns around the world. Scientists are still collecting data and trying to determine the impact of greenhouse gas concentrations in our atmosphere.

A small number of individuals (including oil company representatives continue to argue that there is much uncertainty over how much human activity, such the burning of fossil fuels, is a contributing factor. They insist that until the evidence is concrete, agreements such as the Kyoto Protocol or the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which seek urgent action to reduce green house emissions, are nothing but hot air. 

The problem with such arguments is that the principle of erring on the side of caution is non-existent. They also ignore a growing consensus among scientists studying climate change that the overall warming of the planet, at least over the past century, is likely a direct result of human-induced activities. Scientific models are also concluding that the atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases, which will in effect increase temperatures on earth, will also increase the occurrence of droughts and heat waves. And while some countries will be more harshly impacted, the resulting spread of disease will affect the entire planet.

Health organizations are also reporting that the incidence of asthma and other respiratory illnesses is on the rise. To pretend that our activities are not contributing factors is simply irresponsible.
Members of the international community across the globe will be sending a strong message to policy makers on March 29 as they adhere to Earth Hour. They’ll be telling their governments that the environment and the effects of climate change need to become top priority. They’ll be demonstrating that they are willing to become part of the solution and that economic prosperity is not an excuse for unbridled pollution.

More than 138,000 people around the world (approx. 37,000 in Canada) have already signed up and committed to turning their lights out between 8 and 9 p.m. on March 29.
Please join your municipality, the Muskoka Heritage Foundation and your fellow citizens by turning off your lights on March 29.
 
T.d.V.