Re: Coal study plan draws criticisms, The Record, Sept. 18.
You may be thinking that concerns over the Surrey Fraser coal port are just about shipping filthy coal around B.C., with all the inevitable pollution that will doubtless spill over into our local environment. The port authority, Port Metro Vancouver argues that they will take every precaution not to harm the environment, but that is simply lip service to make you believe your concerns actually matter.
Ask yourself this question: how can you take the lowest possible grade of coal from Montana and Wyoming, ship it via B.C. and burn it in China and not harm our environment? I can say definitively that neither the federal government nor its authoritative lackey will take that factor into account. Scientists worldwide are united in stating that CO2 emissions from burning coal and other fossil fuels are causing climate change. Scientists worldwide have publicly stated that unless we curb CO2 emissions, the very existence of humankind on this planet is at risk, some fear it is already too late. Is that the lasting gift you would choose to leave your grandchildren? I think not.
The legacy of catastrophically worsening conditions for future generations is fast becoming a reality. However, you can lessen those effects for your grandchildren by opposing this coal port facility and telling the federal government that Canada will not support the use of fossil fuels but rather encourage the use of renewable energy sources. As adults, we need to set the example. Otherwise, what will you tell tomorrow's children?
Gavin Wishart, New Westminster
