The United Nations report on Global Warming warns of the huge effects the world’s ever-increasing human population will have on every man, woman and child.
The effects are pretty daunting to hear. The results are already being felt worldwide. We are presently spared the eventual magnitude of the problem we, or our children will face.
As island people by choice, we are very dependent upon others to grow and transport foodstuffs to us. The U.S., and in particular California, have provided an abundance of crops to sustain us. We have, until now, taken this for granted.
Environmental effects, more recently, have interfered with their ability to irrigate and grow the food we need. Transportation to this island has also more recently been a factor. This demonstrates how vulnerable we really are on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.
So, what can we do about all this?
England has declared it will attempt to be the greenest country in Europe. Resources of plants and trees are being made available to every citizen there. Infrastructure put in place will encourage and help its people achieve this. The two very small islands of Jersey and Guernsey already produce an abundance of food for the British market.
As long as we don’t entirely cover our green spaces with housing, we have an abundance of arable land surrounding us, as well as enough yard space for every home owner to sustain a goodly amount of their needs. This can be a challenge to young folk and a diversion from inside isolation and boredom.
They, more than we older relatives, are going to need it as they struggle to survive in a harsh world.
We have been warned.
Doug Miller
Oak Bay