wildfire

Tuesday August 22, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday August 22, 2023

Canada’s Worsening Housing Affordability Crisis: Political Posturing Fails to Deliver Solutions

August 9, 2023

Canada’s housing crisis has escalated into a dire situation, leaving countless citizens struggling to secure affordable homes. Amid this crisis, both the Liberal government, led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and the Conservative opposition, headed by Pierre Poilievre, have shown a lack of meaningful action. The consequences of this inaction are stark, as the dream of home ownership becomes increasingly unattainable for ordinary Canadians.

Since forming the government eight years ago, Prime Minister Trudeau’s Liberal administration has offered little more than empty promises and vague commitments to address the housing crisis. The recent appointment of Sean Fraser as housing minister, while signaling some acknowledgment of the problem, has done little to quell the growing frustration of Canadians seeking affordable housing.

Fraser’s statements exemplify the mixed messages that have come to define the government’s approach. While Trudeau’s government expresses the desire to build more affordable housing units, they are simultaneously reluctant to take measures that could impact the value of existing homes. This hesitation to confront the broader implications of their policies reveals a lack of genuine commitment to tackling the housing crisis.

News: Amid sagging support, Justin Trudeau makes Canadians’ housing woes a priority  

July 21, 2023

Furthermore, Trudeau’s assertion that housing isn’t a “primary federal responsibility” reflects a refusal to take full ownership of the issue. Housing is indeed a complex problem with shared jurisdiction between federal, provincial, and municipal levels. However, the federal government, under Trudeau’s leadership, has consistently failed to leverage its influence to effect meaningful change. While the government did launch a national housing strategy with a substantial financial commitment, the results have fallen short of the urgent need for action.

On the opposing side, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre’s approach is also problematic. He has adeptly pointed out the failures of the Liberal government in addressing housing affordability, using the crisis as political ammunition. However, his proposed solutions remain vague and underdeveloped. While Poilievre speaks passionately about the struggles of working-class Canadians and millennials who can no longer afford homes, he has not provided a comprehensive plan to effectively tackle the issue.

Poilievre’s proposal to compel big cities to increase housing construction or risk losing federal infrastructure grants is a step in the right direction, but it lacks detail and concrete implementation strategies. His focus on building high-density housing near transit stations and selling federal buildings could help alleviate the housing shortage, but without comprehensive measures to address zoning regulations and local resistance, the impact could remain limited.

Both major political parties are guilty of falling into the trap of political posturing. The Liberals’ reluctance to confront the broader implications of their policies and the Conservatives’ tendency to capitalize on the government’s failures without offering comprehensive solutions leaves Canadians stuck in an unending cycle of promises and disappointment.

Opinion: Justin Trudeau huddles with his cabinet this week. Here’s our wish list where they should focus their attention  

September 23, 2022

To truly address the housing affordability crisis, both parties need to step up and engage in a meaningful, comprehensive dialogue. Rather than resorting to political point-scoring, they should work together to develop a unified approach that involves federal, provincial, and municipal cooperation. Establishing a national roundtable or summit, as suggested by experts, could help align policies and overcome jurisdictional obstacles.

In the end, Canada’s housing crisis cannot be solved by half-hearted measures, vague commitments, or political grandstanding. It requires a concerted effort from all levels of government to develop a comprehensive strategy that encompasses regulatory reform, increased housing supply, and targeted support for those most affected. Failure to do so will only exacerbate the suffering of Canadians desperate for an affordable place to call home. (AI) Cartoon published in the Hamilton Spectator  and The Toronto Star.

From sketch to finish, see the current way Graeme completes an editorial cartoon using an iPencil, the Procreate app, and a couple of cheats on an iPad Pro. If you’re creative, give illustration a try:

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.

 

Saturday June 10, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday June 10, 2023

Pierre Poilievre’s Theatrical Filibuster Fails to Deliver Solutions

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s recent four-hour-long filibuster in the House of Commons may have garnered attention, but it was ultimately an empty display of theatrics. Poilievre’s bombastic speech touched on various topics, including historical references and monetary policy, but it lacked substance and failed to provide any tangible solutions. It became clear that his primary goal was to draw attention to himself rather than address the pressing issues facing Canadians.

March 1, 2003

Poilievre’s filibuster came at a time when wildfires were ravaging vast regions of Canada and blanketing much of the U.S. northeast in thick smoke and acrid orange skies. These devastating fires are not isolated incidents but rather a direct consequence of climate change. Scientific research has established a clear link between rising global temperatures, prolonged droughts, and the increase in the frequency and intensity of wildfires. It is disheartening that Poilievre chose to focus solely on budget-related matters and ignored the pressing issue of climate change that was affecting the lives of countless Canadians.

Opinion: I listened to all four hours of Pierre Poilievre’s fake filibuster. Here are 7 things I learned  

June 10, 2021

The urgency to address climate change and its catastrophic consequences cannot be overstated. Governments, policymakers, and individuals must acknowledge the reality of this crisis and take immediate action to mitigate its effects. This includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to renewable energy sources, protecting vulnerable ecosystems, and implementing sustainable practices. Denial and skepticism have no place in the face of overwhelming scientific evidence.

Poilievre’s attempt to exploit the wildfires for political gain during his debate with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was nothing short of opportunistic. Instead of engaging in meaningful discourse about the Bank of Canada’s interest rate hike and the budget, he resorted to personal attacks and distractions. It is evident that Poilievre’s priority lies in winning the next election rather than addressing the concerns of Canadians in a substantive and constructive manner.

May 13, 2015

While Poilievre claims to champion the issue of the cost of living, it is worth noting that climate change is of greater concern to a wider audience. The impact of climate change on the environment, public health, and the economy cannot be ignored. Poilievre’s dismissal of the carbon tax and clean fuel regulations as “Trudeau taxes” undermines the importance of market-based methods for reducing consumer emissions. His proposed solution of axing these measures without providing viable alternatives is short-sighted and misguided.

Opinion: Mr. Poilievre’s Hollywood filibuster  

March 3, 2022

Moreover, Poilievre’s reliance on selective facts and dubious claims further undermines his credibility. His speech was filled with unsubstantiated statements that crumble under scrutiny. Canadians deserve leaders who are honest, transparent, and accountable, rather than individuals who manipulate facts for political gain.

Pierre Poilievre’s filibuster was a spectacle designed to capture attention rather than offer meaningful solutions. While he may have garnered temporary media coverage, his theatrics did not hold up to scrutiny or contribute to productive debate. It is imperative that Canadian politicians prioritize addressing the urgent challenges posed by climate change and work towards viable solutions rather than indulging in empty rhetoric and political posturing. (AI) | Editorial cartoon also printed in the Toronto Star.

Editorial, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday June 10, 2023

Where There’s Smoke…

Record wildfires and the resulting smoke pollution were on every Canadian tongue this week. But not in our seats of government.

Oh, it came up at Queen’s Park. The Opposition NDP raised the crisis and asked the government to officially link the growing wildfire threat to climate change. Ford declined, accusing the NDP of politicizing the crisis and arguing that the fires were started by humans, not climate change.

And in Ottawa, Pierre Poilievre was filibustering the federal budget, which he had no chance of stopping or even slowing down. Wildfires and smoke weren’t even on his radar.

Climate change isn’t starting wildfires. It is making the season longer, making them bigger and more frequent. You would think even hard-core partisans like Ford and Poilievre could get their heads around that, but you’d be wrong.
 

Thursday June 8, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday June 8, 2023

Climate Change Fuels Wildfires and Demands Urgent Action

July 21, 2022

More than 400 active wildfires are currently ravaging Canada, engulfing vast areas of forests, displacing tens of thousands of people, and casting an apocalyptic haze over cities. The severity and frequency of these wildfires cannot be ignored, nor can we dismiss the role of climate change in their escalation. As climate change skeptics attempt to downplay the significance of these events by pointing fingers at arsonists or labeling them as normal occurrences, it is crucial to confront the reality that climate change is undeniably contributing to the increasing number of wildfires and other natural calamities.

The link between climate change and wildfires is well-established in scientific research. Rising global temperatures, prolonged droughts, and extreme heatwaves are creating the perfect conditions for these fires to ignite and spread rapidly. As the article highlights, heat and drought associated with climate change are major reasons for the increase in the size and intensity of the fires plaguing Canada. It is not a coincidence that the fires have spread from the west coast to the east coast, encompassing nearly 2,900 miles. This alarming trend mirrors the global increase in wildfires, from the Amazon rainforest to Australia’s bushlands.

News: Canada wildfires: Tens of millions under air quality warnings as fires burn 

November 23, 2016

The impact of these wildfires extends beyond Canada’s borders, underscoring the interconnectedness of climate change. The smoke and pollutants released by the fires are polluting the air in neighbouring regions, including the United States. New York City and states as far as Minnesota and Massachusetts are experiencing the consequences of Canada’s wildfires. This should serve as a wake-up call, emphasizing that the effects of climate change are not confined within national boundaries. Climate change is a global crisis that demands global cooperation and concerted action.

Furthermore, the economic and health repercussions of these wildfires cannot be overlooked. The fires are not only threatening lives and displacing communities, but they are also disrupting businesses and causing severe air pollution. Cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa, which have typically been spared from wildfires, are now grappling with the adverse effects of smoke-filled skies. Poor air quality poses significant health risks, ranging from respiratory issues to heart problems. The wildfires are forcing residents to wear masks once again, reviving memories of the COVID-19 pandemic.

August 13, 2021

The alarming reality of smoke hovering over major cities, as experienced firsthand by residents, has the potential to reignite public discourse on the risks of climate change. Those who have previously been sheltered from the direct consequences of wildfires must recognize that their immunity is no longer guaranteed. The wildfires in western provinces have exposed the inherent dangers of air pollution caused by these infernos. This newfound exposure can serve as a catalyst for renewed efforts to combat climate change and mitigate its impacts.

News: Canada is burning. A look at the wildfires blazing across the nation   

Wildfires and climate change: today’s burning issue

It is essential to move beyond denial and skepticism when confronting the escalating threat of wildfires and other natural disasters. The scientific consensus is clear: climate change is exacerbating these catastrophic events. As we witness the harrowing scenes unfolding in Canada, it is incumbent upon governments, policymakers, and individuals to acknowledge the urgency of the situation and take concrete steps to address the root causes of climate change. This includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to renewable energy sources, protecting vulnerable ecosystems, and investing in sustainable practices.

September 16, 2020

The time for action is now. We cannot afford to disregard the overwhelming evidence and bury our heads in the sand while our planet burns. The devastating wildfires in Canada are just one piece of the larger puzzle of climate change, but they serve as a poignant reminder of the need for collective responsibility and immediate action. It is our duty to safeguard the planet for future generations, and that starts with acknowledging the role of climate change in the increasing number of wildfires and committing to comprehensive solutions. (AI)  From sketch to finish, see the current way Graeme completes an editorial cartoon using an iPencil, the Procreate app, and a couple of cheats on an iPad Pro. If you’re creative, give editorial cartooning a try.