A hint of the stone age if we don’t change
The disaster in Jasper, and other weather events, highlight the nightmare future awaiting humanity if we don’t address the climate crisis.
Homelessness won’t just be a problem for the marginalized few, it will impact everybody. Imagine trying to replace your home lost to catastrophic weather events, like flooding, wildfires, windstorms or hail, if you can’t get insurance.
As the climate crisis bites harder and harder, insurance rates will rise astronomically or insurance companies could abandon homeowner coverage entirely, as some have already done in areas like Florida.
Without insurance you can’t get a mortgage. So even those who own their current home free and clear won’t be able to replace it after one of these disasters.
Unless the world gets the climate crisis under control, our planet will become effectively uninhabitable.
Mankind will be driven back to the stone age, with hunter gatherers living in temporary structures, because nothing permanent will be practical or affordable.
What will it take for people to appreciate the magnitude of our looming climate disaster?
S.I. Petersen
Nanaimo
Jasper is worth our support
Ah, Jasper, that little town where an adult with a bright piece of cloth tied to a hockey stick escorts children to school, fending off the wandering elk … the town that had world-class accommodations and a proud history … the town that was named for voyageur Jasper Hawes … the town that offered up elk and marmot and bears for visitors’ awed delight.
I first enjoyed Jasper from the back of a horse, doing a mountain trek 30 years ago. More recent visits have been less strenuous, but always joyful.
This is an appeal to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to turn up, once the embers have cooled, with buckets of cash. Jasper is worth it. And to you climate-change-deniers, maybe make a donation to help the town rebuild?
Anne Moon
Victoria
Think of the creatures in the burning forests
Yet again, in all the news media articles I have read regarding the raging forest fires everywhere not once are the residents of the forests ever mentioned.
Why is that? Everyone should stop and consider all the wildlife species that grace and beautify Mother Earth who are being displaced, or worse burning up, as their homes go up in flames.
We are not the only species here. We need to remember all the others who are also being negatively affected.
All life is precious. Most of these fires are human caused so yet again Earth is being destroyed by us.
I am still questioning our role here. If it’s about “stewardship” then we have, and continue to fail miserably.
Anne Forbes
Victoria
More service centres would help Victoria
Re: “Mayor’s proposal will spread disorder throughout Victoria,” commentary, July 24.
Victoria and British Columbia have long been a magnet for people who are struggling financially or in other ways, because our climate is kinder than most of our country.
These people are all Canadian citizens and regardless of where they’re from, they deserve our acceptance and respect. Regardless of their financial stability, many have greater needs, and no supports to access them. I do wish the province was louder in demanding more assistance from the federal government to financially support our welfare and medical systems, but we have an election coming to make that request of both levels of government.
I can’t understand why having more service points across our city would be a detriment to anyone; most of us are a paycheque from joining our peers on the streets. Crime is fairly evenly spread across Victoria, and lifting some people out of dire poverty is proven to alleviate petty crime. You can check the VicPD’s crime map for recent data. I live near Vic West park and see all of these issues daily, and have for eight years.
These residents without homes are already living across the Capital Regional District, and granting them more autonomy and access to services through these new centres is actually likelier to help a number of fronts. We know that a housing first policy helps people with extra needs be better cared for and therefore our community is stronger and safer.
Alexandra Edmondson
Victoria
Proven track record, so just say yes
Re: “Spend money on housing rather than on managing unhoused,” commentary, July 25.
How can the Anglican diocese proposal possibly be turned down?
Their accomplishments in providing affordable and supported housing over the years are amazing.
When will B.C. Housing say yes?
Judy Lightwater
Victoria
Support housing plan from Anglican Church
It is well past time to resolve housing for vulnerable population groups. We know that the only places we can build social housing is on land that is free, donated, offered at low cost or in new partnerships.
Using church lands, school board owned space or publicly owned land (municipal, provincial or federal) may be our only way to add lower cost and rental housing to our community’s housing stock.
We need to make it easier, not more difficult to get such projects off the ground. The Anglican Church has been a leader in providing opportunities to do this. Let’s support them and other such groups to support such initiatives.
Jan Mears
Oak Bay
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