denial

Tuesday April 15, 2025

The 2025 Canadian election sees major parties sidestepping climate change, prioritizing immediate economic concerns while the urgency of the climate crisis remains unaddressed.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday April 15, 2025

Climate Change Takes a Backseat in Canada’s 2025 Election

Wednesday March 19, 2025

March 19, 2025

As Canadians head to the polls in 2025, the pressing issue of climate change seems to have been relegated to a whisper amidst the cacophony of economic concerns, tariffs, and geopolitical tensions. The two major parties, the Poilievre Conservatives and the Carney Liberals, have conspicuously sidestepped the climate crisis in their campaigns, raising critical questions about their commitment to addressing what remains one of the most urgent challenges of our time.

Analysis: Election 2025: a voter’s guide to carbon taxes, natural resources and other key environment issues in Canada

In recent elections, climate change was at the forefront, with parties vying to present credible plans to reduce emissions and transition to a sustainable future. However, today, the political landscape has shifted dramatically. According to Vote Compass data, environmental issues have plummeted in voter priority, eclipsed by immediate economic pressures and Canada-U.S. relations. Yet, the urgency of the climate crisis has not diminished; it is merely overshadowed.

Pierre Poilievre's push for a carbon tax election is an opportunity for Canadians to confront the costs of climate inaction—but the debate must focus on real solutions, not just slogans.

September 25, 2024

The Conservatives’ Concerning Silence: Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives have adopted a strategy that sidesteps comprehensive climate policy. By framing climate change as a “global problem” and proposing Canadian LNG exports as a solution to reduce global coal usage, Poilievre avoids committing to domestic emissions targets. This absence of a solid, actionable plan is concerning and unacceptable. While economic growth and job creation are vital, they cannot come at the expense of ignoring a crisis that demands immediate and sustained action.

News: Climate change fades as a campaign issue as tariffs dominate federal election

Despite the increasing devastation caused by climate-fuelled hurricanes, backed by data proving dramatic temperature increases in the Gulf of Mexico, political denialism, lack of media attention in the United States, and a lack of courageous leadership continue to obstruct meaningful action on the climate crisis.

October 10, 2024

The Liberals’ Temporary Retreat: On the other side, Mark Carney’s Liberals have made a strategic retreat by eliminating the consumer carbon price. This move, influenced by public dissatisfaction and economic pressures, might be seen as a temporary concession—a pragmatic pause rather than a permanent shift. For those concerned about climate change, this decision is a double-edged sword: it alleviates immediate economic burdens but risks undermining long-term climate goals.

The hope remains that this pause is just that—temporary. The Liberals must return to the table with a robust communications strategy, one that clearly articulates the benefits of carbon pricing and other climate policies. The Trudeau Liberals’ rollout of the carbon tax was fraught with challenges, allowing the Poilievre Conservatives to hijack the narrative and cast it as a burden rather than a necessary step towards sustainability.

Analysis: In 2021, there was nearly a consensus on climate change. In 2025, Carney and Poilievre are far apart

Trudeau's unwavering support for carbon pricing in the face of opposition underscores its essential role in Canada's climate action, contrasting with Pierre Poilievre's lack of a credible alternative, emphasizing the imperative for pragmatic solutions in confronting the urgent threat of climate change.

March 14, 2024

A Call for Courage and Clarity: The reluctance of both parties to address climate change head-on is a disservice to Canadians and future generations. While other issues understandably demand attention, the climate crisis cannot be perpetually postponed. It requires bold leadership and a commitment to transparent, effective policies that balance economic growth with environmental stewardship.

The 2025 election should have been an opportunity to strengthen Canada’s resolve in fighting climate change, not a retreat into the shadows of political convenience. As voters, we must demand more from our leaders—a clear, unwavering commitment to a sustainable future. The time for silence is over; the climate cannot wait.

The Illusion that Climate Change is a Non-Issue – This cartoon is bound to ruffle feathers among both Liberal and Conservative partisans. Yet, as I’ve stated before and will reiterate, my allegiance is to truth, not to any political party. Editorial cartoonists should be impartial, challenging all sides equally. Our purpose is to provoke thought, which naturally may offend those with entrenched political loyalties.

Supporters of Pierre Poilievre might argue against the depiction of him as a climate denier, while Liberals may question why their leader is depicted alongside him. However, both leaders share a stance against the carbon tax. The previous government under Justin Trudeau introduced a well-intentioned tax and rebate scheme aimed at taxing the largest consumer polluters—those with multiple cars, properties, and frequent travel habits—while benefiting the environmentally conscious and less affluent citizens. Unfortunately, Trudeau failed to effectively communicate the policy’s benefits, allowing Poilievre to exploit this communication gap and rally against it.

The consumer carbon pricing scheme, a key tool for meeting Canada’s Paris Agreement commitments, now teeters on the brink of extinction. Mark Carney, in an unexpected move, completed Poilievre’s “Axe the Tax” campaign, dismantling a program that had potential for significant environmental impact.

If Poilievre assumes office, the illusion of his environmental concern will dissipate, aligning with climate-denying regimes. Conversely, if Carney takes the helm, there’s a glimmer of hope for reintroducing consumer carbon taxes, though he remains reticent about his plans, and his supporters remain uncurious.

We find ourselves in a precarious position, seemingly ignoring the gravity of climate change, influenced by misinformation and rhetoric from a conservative leader who dismisses the climate crisis. Drill baby drill, is the mantra of Conservatives, a familiar refrain to was is heard in the south – yes the fossil fuel sector is important especially in light of tariff turmoil, but it is imperative that we remain vigilant, demanding transparency and action to safeguard our planet’s future.

Master illusionists of Environmental Policies – April 15, 2025: https://youtu.be/4wuAP1x6RMY

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

 

Tuesday May 14, 2024

As wildfires begin to ravage Canada, leaving destruction and devastation in their wake, it's time to confront a different kind of blaze—one fuelled not by dry vegetation and high winds, but by misinformation and climate denialism.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday May 14, 2024

Confronting the Flames of Climate Denial: A Call to Action in the Face of Escalating Wildfires

June 8, 2023

As wildfires begin to ravage Canada, leaving destruction and devastation in their wake, it’s time to confront a different kind of blaze—one fuelled not by dry vegetation and high winds, but by misinformation and climate denialism.

News: Wildfires surging in the western provinces

In the wake of yet another record-breaking wildfire season, it’s alarming to see the persistence of skepticism and denial regarding the role of climate change in these disasters. As outlined in Drew Anderson’s article “What causes wildfires? Lightning, people, climate change … and obsessively putting them out” from June 27, 2023, wildfires in Canada are often the result of a combination of factors, including human activity, such as off-road vehicles and campfires, and climate change-induced conditions like hot, dry weather and drought.

The Narwal: What causes wildfires? Lightning, people, climate change … and obsessively putting them out  

The escalating impact of climate change-induced disasters in Canada is not just challenging homeowners in obtaining affordable insurance coverage, but also posing systemic risks to the country's economy, prompting a call for urgent adaptive measures and collaborative efforts between insurers and local governments.

January 10, 2024

Last year’s wildfires in British Columbia, Alberta, and the North Western Territories, as documented by CBC News in their report “Raging wildfires threatening western Canada force thousands to evacuate” on May 13, 2024, left thousands under evacuation orders and resulted in the destruction of vast swaths of land. This year, as reported by CBC News, the situation remains dire, with wildfires once again forcing evacuations and threatening communities across the region.

Yet, despite the evidence staring us in the face, there are still those who refuse to acknowledge the truth about climate change and its role in exacerbating wildfire risks. This skepticism is not only misguided; it’s dangerous.

January 31, 2023

The spread of misinformation and conspiracy theories, as highlighted in Olivia Rudgard and Daniel Zuidijk’s article from August 22, 2023, only adds fuel to the fire. False narratives about the origins of wildfires, from claims of arson to bizarre theories about space lasers, continue to proliferate on social media platforms, undermining efforts to address the root causes of these disasters and implement meaningful solutions.

News: Wildfires and Extreme Weather Are Driving Climate Denialism Online

As we face another potentially devastating wildfire season, it’s imperative that we confront climate denialism head-on. This means challenging false narratives, educating the public about the realities of climate change, and holding accountable those who seek to sow doubt and confusion for their own gain.

July 29, 2023

But confronting climate denialism is not enough. We must also take decisive action to address the underlying drivers of wildfires, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting sustainable land management practices, and investing in wildfire prevention and mitigation efforts.

The time for complacency is over. As wildfires continue to rage across Canada, we must heed the warnings of scientists, listen to the voices of affected communities, and unite in the fight against climate change. The flames of denial may burn bright, but with determination and resolve, we can extinguish them once and for all, and pave the way for a safer, more sustainable future for all. (AI)

 

Wednesday January 10, 2024

The escalating impact of climate change-induced disasters in Canada is not just challenging homeowners in obtaining affordable insurance coverage, but also posing systemic risks to the country's economy, prompting a call for urgent adaptive measures and collaborative efforts between insurers and local governments.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday January 10, 2024

The Financial Wake-up Call of Canada’s Climate Crisis

July 21, 2022

In Canada, the financial toll of the climate crisis is ringing alarm bells louder than ever, with insured damage from natural catastrophes and severe weather events exceeding $3 billion for the second consecutive year. The undeniable reality of climate change is hitting homeowners hard, as insurance claims surge and premiums skyrocket in the face of increasingly frequent and severe disasters, including wildfires and floods.

News: Severe Weather in 2023 Caused Over $3.1 Billion in Insured Damage  

November 19, 2021

The recent denial of a family’s flood damage claim sheds light on the vulnerabilities in insurance coverage, underscoring the urgent need for adaptive strategies. Climate change is no longer a distant threat but a systemic risk to the Canadian economy, demanding collaborative efforts between insurers, local governments, and homeowners.

The economic consequences are reverberating through property devaluation and uncertainties within the insurance market. Insurers grapple with escalating costs, reinsurance complexities, and coverage limitations. The denied claim incident serves as a wake-up call, prompting a call for urgent measures, improved risk mapping, and comprehensive coverage strategies.

Analysis: Climate change is making insurance more expensive and more limited – and it’s only going to get worse  

August 13, 2021

As climate-related disasters become more frequent and severe, the financial impact should serve as a compelling signal, even to skeptics, that the climate crisis is hitting the pocketbook. Proactive measures, such as updated risk maps and construction practices aligned with new specifications, are crucial for building resilience against the escalating impacts of severe weather events.

The Canadian insurance industry stands at a crossroads, facing the challenge of providing comprehensive coverage while adapting to the evolving risks posed by climate change. The time for decisive action is now, as the financial toll of the climate crisis becomes an undeniable reality for homeowners across the country. (AI)

 

Saturday November 25, 2023

The Conservatives' rejection of the Canada-Ukraine trade agreement based on false claims of a carbon tax requirement is seen as a disappointing dog whistle to far-right supporters, raising concerns about Mr. Poilievre's leadership and commitment to democratic values.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday November 25, 2023

Poilievre’s Rejection of Ukraine Trade Agreement: A Disappointing Dog Whistle to Far-Right Supporters

Both Joe Biden and Justin Trudeau are contending with declining public support, faced with doubts about their leadership abilities and growing concerns regarding their electability and potential successors within their parties.

November 9, 2023

In a recent House of Commons vote on the Canada-Ukraine free-trade agreement, all parties except the Conservatives endorsed the accord. The Conservative party justified their rejection by claiming that the agreement would require Ukraine to impose a carbon tax. However, this claim is false.

Chapter 13 of the agreement explicitly states that the parties will cooperate to promote carbon pricing and measures to mitigate carbon leakage risks. Nowhere does it mandate Ukraine to impose a carbon tax. Furthermore, the Ukrainian government approved the wording of the agreement.

It is disheartening to see the Conservatives use this fictitious carbon tax as an excuse to oppose stronger trade ties with Ukraine. One can’t help but wonder if this is merely a political strategy to appease far-right supporters who lean towards Trump, deny climate change, apologize for Putin, and support the fringe People’s Party of Canada (PPC) led by Maxime Bernier.

Opinion: Pressed on Ukraine trade deal, Pierre Poilievre tells tales

August 9, 2023

The Liberal party may be attempting to paint Mr. Poilievre as a Donald Trump clone, as Trump and his supporters have shown an irrational fondness for Vladimir Putin and opposed aid to Ukraine. Interestingly, Maxime Bernier, leader of the PPC and a self-proclaimed MAGA wannabe, also opposes aid to Ukraine, suggesting a troubling alignment of views.

Mr. Poilievre’s eagerness to win back the support of the PPC and elements within his own base, while also showcasing his unwavering opposition to carbon taxes, seems to have overshadowed his support for a democracy under threat. This decision not only provides the Liberals with political ammunition but also raises concerns about his readiness to lead the country.

September 9, 2023

While the Ukraine vote might not have a significant impact on the upcoming election, it is crucial to focus on pressing economic issues such as inflation, interest rates, housing shortages, and overall economic competitiveness. Canadians are looking for solutions to the challenges we face, and it is disappointing that Mr. Poilievre seems to have turned his back on Ukraine at a time when he needs to demonstrate his leadership abilities.

Rejecting the Ukraine trade agreement based on false claims of a carbon tax requirement is a disappointing dog whistle to far-right supporters. It raises questions about Mr. Poilievre’s priorities and his willingness to stand up for democratic values. As Canadians, we deserve leaders who prioritize the greater good over political posturing.

 

Saturday July 29, 2023

July 29, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday July 29, 2023

July 2023: A Stark Wake-Up Call to Confront Climate Crisis

August 13, 2021

As the scorching temperatures of this past July have shattered records, the world is confronted with the undeniable truth of climate change. However, despite the alarming evidence, there are still those who met the news of July being the hottest month on record with skepticism and indifference, dismissing it as a mere summer heatwave. But the stark reality, backed by overwhelming data, calls for immediate radical action, as United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres aptly put it: Earth has entered an “era of global boiling.”

The impact of this blistering heatwave is felt across the northern hemisphere, affecting regions in Europe and the Americas. Devastating wildfires have ravaged countries such as Greece, Italy, and Algeria along the Mediterranean, leaving destruction and loss in their wake. In the face of such extreme weather events, Guterres has aptly termed it a “cruel summer” for the entire planet. The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated, and Guterres emphasizes that we are in the midst of a global disaster.

News: ‘Era of global boiling has arrived,’ says UN chief as July set to be hottest month on record  

The data collected from the European Union-funded Copernicus Climate Change Service reveals that the first three weeks of July marked the warmest three-week period ever recorded. Furthermore, it is almost certain that this July will be the hottest July and month on record. The average air temperature across the entire world for the first 23 days of July was a staggering 16.95 degrees Celsius, well surpassing the previous record set in July 2019.

July 21, 2022

Many climate scientists believe that this is not just a cyclical event but a critical turning point in our planet’s history. The evidence from millennia of climate data extracted from various sources, including tree rings, coral reefs, and sediment cores, strongly suggests that we are experiencing the hottest temperatures in more than a hundred thousand years.

The consequences of this extreme heat are dire. As temperatures soared above 120 degrees Fahrenheit in parts of the US, heat-related deaths increased, and people suffered severe burns from contact with scorching ground. Wildfires have claimed dozens of lives in the Mediterranean, while heatwaves in Asia are not only causing casualties but also threatening food security.

It is crucial to recognize that human-caused climate change is the primary driver of this exceptional heat. The concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is directly linked to the global air temperature. Recent studies have shown that climate change played a decisive role in the heatwaves experienced in the US, China, and southern Europe during this summer.

Although the natural climate fluctuation known as El Niño has not had a significant impact on this year’s temperatures, experts warn that it may exert a more considerable influence next year, further escalating the situation. We must be prepared for even hotter conditions in the future if we fail to act decisively now.

News: July on track to be hottest month ever recorded, analysis shows  

June 8, 2023

The records broken in June and July are part of an alarming pattern that shows the relentless progression of global warming. We are already seeing the consequences in ocean heat, which reached “unprecedented levels” in mid-May. These events are not isolated incidents but part of a broader trend that demands urgent attention and action.

As Kim Cobb, a climate scientist at Brown University, rightly pointed out, what we see now may be viewed as relatively mild in the future if we fail to take action against climate change. The urgency to reduce greenhouse gas emissions has never been more evident. Petteri Taalas, secretary-general of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), emphasizes that climate action is not a luxury but an absolute necessity.

The data is clear, and the message is unambiguous: we must confront the harsh reality of climate change. Denying the overwhelming evidence and dismissing it as a mere heatwave is not an option. It is time for collective action and the implementation of measures to address the root causes of this crisis. Each passing day without meaningful action only takes us closer to a future we cannot afford. We owe it to ourselves, future generations, and the planet to make a difference now. (AI) | Also printed in the Toronto Star.