When it comes to the global challenge of climate change, Skip Martin believes that individuals can make a difference.
The environmental activist is launching a Flin Flon chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL), which urges governments to put a price on carbon emissions.
“What [we] believe is that politicians don’t really create political will, they react to it,” said Martin.
Martin hosted Flin Flon’s first CCL meeting last week. Though only one other person attended, along with CCL’s national manager via Skype, Martin hopes to develop the organization over time.
He said the “overwhelming” and “depressing” nature of the problem might prevent people from getting involved in the fight against climate change.
But he said CCL, supported by respected climate scientist James Hansen, offers average people the chance to take concrete action.
At the local level, CCL will lobby Churchill MP Niki Ashton and Flin Flon MLA Clarence Pettersen – both up for re-election within the next 14 months – to support a type of carbon tax known as “fee and dividend.”
Emitters pay
Under the fee and dividend system, major emitters pay a fee to the government based on their carbon output. The fee rises over time.
“You’re slowly putting a price on fossil fuel and pricing it out of the market,” said Martin.
Since the new tax would likely boost the cost of many goods and services, revenue from the fee would be evenly shared with all Canadians in the form of dividends from the government.
Martin said it’s estimated that 60 per cent of Canadians would receive more money from the dividend than they would pay in added costs for goods and services.
While a number of jurisdictions around the globe charge a carbon tax, Martin said none have implemented the fee and dividend system to date.
Martin invites anyone interested in joining CCL to contact him at 204-687-4159.
