Climate change concert calls for more investment in green energy

Around 100 people gathered on the Alberta legislature grounds Saturday afternoon, trying to convince politicians that a strong economy and healthy environment are not mutually exclusive.

The Jobs, Justice and The Climate concert was held to encourage investment in renewable energy.

"It's really about pushing the federal and provincial governments to invest in … energy options that address the climate crisis but put jobs in the community first," said Mike Hudema, a Greenpeace campaigner who helped organize the concert.

Hudema argued that taking action to reduce climate change doesn't necessarily mean the economy takes a hit. Other countries have been able to create jobs developing green technology and clean energy, he said.  

The effort is particularly important to Alberta, Hudema said, given its reliance on the oil-and-gas industry. Instead, he argues the province should take advantage of its vast potential for solar and wind energy.

"We're a huge source in the climate problem in Canada," he said.

"We need to replace it with something else. So we're still generating jobs, so that we're still diversifying our economy. And renewables are the perfect way to do it."

The concert comes a day before a march planned in Toronto, calling for more government action on climate change. Next week, politicians from across North America will meet in the city for a summit on the climate.

More than a chance to discuss the issue, Hudema said the concert was also set up to showcase some renewable energy options. The majority of the power used during the event came from a combination of solar and bicycle-powered generators.

Time for a 'transition'

Eriel Deranger also believes Canada could benefit, both environmentally and economically, by a shift to renewable resources. However, she said the country must act quickly, because other nations are already making it a priority.

"The age of the sun and wind is here. The faster that Canada can make those investments, the better off we're going to be," she said.

"The more jobs we are going to see, the more economic benefit we are going to see. And the healthier our communities will be."

A representative from Athabasca-Chipewyan First Nation, Deranger said Alberta needs to do more to cuts its emissions.

While she said she doesn't think development in the oilsands should stop, she did say the province needs to do a better job in crafting environmental regulations and making sure they are enforced.

"We want to see the development of an economy that respects First Nations rights, culture and identities."

The reserve has already taken steps to produce more renewable energy: she said many homes have been retrofitted to become the more efficient. As well, many now sport solar panels to further reduce the need for traditional power.

She'd like to see both the provincial and federal governments encourage more renewable use.

"It's going to take real work, from everyone and every demographic, to ensure we build a clean future for everybody."