Gateway to Global Warming?
Today more and more people are trying to do what they can to reduce their contribution to climate change but it’s difficult without adequate public transit alternatives. If we make the wrong choices our tax money will be used to increase carbon emissions and speed up climate change. Our government has to lead the way.
The Soceity Promoting Environmental Conservation (SPEC) examined the Ministry of Transportation’s reports and has found that the Gateway Project will lead to a 31% increase in the greenhouse gas emissions which cause climate change. Meanwhile, the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) has published a report showing the possibility of reducing emissions by 45% by 2020. It is up to us to make the right choice.
Toxic Emissions affect our Health
If the South Fraser Perimeter Road is built as proposed and Highway 1 is doubled to eight lanes, we, the residents of communities south of the Fraser, will be encircled by major highways and every resident will be increasingly exposed to thousands of extra emissions-spewing trucks and cars every day.
Environment Canada considers vehicle emissions to be toxic. Health Canada tells us that fine particulate matter is known to aggravate symptoms in individuals who already suffer from respiratory or cardiovascular diseases. The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada has recently reinforced the same statement with their January 2008 report card. In addition they declare there are approximately 6000 additional deaths in Canada because of short term exposure to air pollution. Do we really want to increase the number of cars, vans and trucks going through our back yard?
Investing in Livability
We can reduce traffic congestion and protect the livability of our community. Let’s act now to ensure the safety and stability of our community. We have the chance to ask our government to reduce pollution, traffic accidents and destruction of our green spaces. The dirty footprint that Gateway would leave on our neighbourhoods would be massive and irreversible.
We could reduce our travel times right away, save money and reduce our contribution to climate change at the same time by redirecting money ear-marked for Gateway and investing it in better public transit right now. The 2008 B.C. budget includes $621 million more for highway expansion than for transit. It’s time to stop the madness now – it’s not to late for that to change. The choice is ours: let’s go with sensible solutions.
