Green students

The kids are all right, with their rock ‘n’ roll music, and their environmental responsibility. 

The Canadian Federation of Students is launching the Students for Sustainability Tour.  Part speaking tour, part roving documentary, part workshop, the tour is meant to do two things: highlight the positive actions taken by Student Unions across Canada, and start to mend Canada’s reputation.

What’s that?  Canada has a sterling reputation?  Maybe when it comes to backpackers and general politeness, but when it comes to climate change, Canada is an international laggard.  This December marks 11 years since the Kyoto Protocol, with Canada committing to reducing emissions by 6% from 1990 levels. 

The result?  We’re going the wrong way.  As of 2004, emissions have actually increased by 24%.  Students tend to be an eco-friendly lot, so prominent activists such as David Suzuki, Maude Barlow and Adria Vasil are tag-teaming up to land a decisive blow in the cage match against global warming. 

The tour aims to educate and advocate.  One featured speaker, VEGA founder Brendan Bazer, (photo G Living Network) will discuss the number-one climate change villain: the food industry.  Surprised?  You’re not alone, and that’s part of the problem. 

Student for Sustainability is calling on students to effect positive change. Their proposed solutions highlight key actions for improving our record: governmental leadership, and consumer action. Their Green Energy Plan calls consumers to stop wasting energy and push our leaders to set higher standards for efficiency across all sectors.

With such lofty goals, one can easily forgive them if they manage to have some fun along the way.