For too long, there has been a lack of political will to tackle climate change.
Delaying climate action has already made the situation worse and further delay will only increase costs. A strong economy depends on a healthy environment, so we must consider all options to curb climate change, like implementing new regulations, providing subsidies for green infrastructure and adopting market-based solutions, like carbon pricing.
In provinces where there’s a federal fuel charge, the Canada Carbon Rebate ensures that most households get more money back than they pay through the carbon pollution pricing system. This rebate helps lower-income households the most. In New Brunswick, the federal carbon price costs the average household about $536 each year. However with an average Canada Carbon Rebate of $719 per household, these families get a benefit of about $183 each year. Any increases to the carbon price mean the rebate will also increase.
Removing this system will take money out of people’s pockets when they need it most. The carbon price also encourages the adoption of cleaner practices, which helps the environment and the economy. Many investors are increasingly focused on transitioning to cleaner practices to remain competitive in the future market.
Removing environmental protections and climate policies such as the Impact Assessment Act, Clean Fuel Regulations and the upcoming Clean Electricity Regulations puts communities at risk and will cost Canadians more to deal with the fallout. That includes higher insurance costs due to floods and fire, health costs from heat and smoke effects and threats to food security because of droughts and extreme heat.
No matter the politics, we need to take climate change seriously and work together to solve this problem. We need effective climate policies that protect the environment and support our economy. We can’t keep our heads buried in the sand ignoring the threat of climate change. Good governance means dealing with the difficult issues, not just the ones that make an entertaining sound bite.
“Climate policy isn’t just about protecting the environment — it’s about safeguarding our quality of life and economic opportunities,” says the Conservation Council of New Brunswick’s director of climate research and policy, Dr. Moe Qureshi
“Let’s take the politics and rhetoric out of the climate crisis and implement solutions that are already available. We need our governments to commit to keeping our environment, our society and our economies healthy now and in the future.”
For more information, or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Corey Robichaud, Director of Communications, Conservation Council of New Brunswick | corey.robichaud@conservationcouncil.ca | 506.458.8747
Moe Qureshi, Director of Climate Research and Policy, Conservation Council of New Brunswick | moe.qureshi@conservationcouncil.ca | 506.458.8747