Re: Defend our Climate gathering

May 22, 2014

I was in attendance at the “Defend Our Climate” gathering in Sharbot Lake as reported in your last issue of The Frontenac News. I was pleased that Julie Druker came to interview the group. It is probably not possible to have a more diverse array of answers to her question, “What brought you out today to this event?” I shared some information from a meeting I had just attended of the National Farmers Union where there was a presentation on how the NFU has been actively trying to STOP the passing of Bill C-18 (go to www.nfu.ca for info and how to TAKE ACTION). This bill, if passed, will allow the biggest seed companies in the world to exercise almost total control over seed in Canada. These companies would be able to charge royalties on a farmer's entire crop! The plan is to restrict farmers from saving their own seed, force them to buy seed from private plant breeders who will offer only a mass market product. This is not the way it has been in the past. Canada's public plant breeders have been internationally respected for working in the public interest and work with farmers to develop plant varieties that are regionally adapted and can help farmers and our food system adapt to changing climate. It should stay that way now when we need it the most. The fact is that so -called “trade deals” are being used among other concerns, to enforce plant breeders' rights and prevent our farmers from saving seed. Check out CETA, Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and the TPP, Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement, Intellectual Property Rights Chapter.

I also made the comment that I feel any conversation about climate change should also include something else that I have come across. It can be called GeoEngineering, SRM, Solar Radiation Management, or Stratospheric Aerosol Spraying. From my observations so far I have to say that I have concerns about its effects on climate, human health and the health of the planet. The topic can be researched under any of those names.

“Defending Our Climate” as the gathering was called, is about defending our communities, our rights, our economy, our health, our sovereignty, and the list doesn't end. It can seem so difficult to know what to think about the topic, not to mention what to do about it. It helps to get solid information, start talking to others who share the same concerns and support the organizations who are already taking action to defend us.

Carol Pepper