Quick petition
- Details
- Published on Sunday, 29 November -0001 16:00
- Written by editor
Paov,
I’ve got a sinking feeling in my stomach as I write this email.
Western Canada is bracing for another weekend of extreme wildfire risk. And just when we thought it couldn’t get worse, a heat dome is set to drive temperatures a staggering 10°C above normal.1
Firefighters are already exhausted, and resources are stretched thin by the unprecedented wildfire situation that exploded last week.2
Communities, like East Prairie Métis Settlement in Northern Alberta, have reported seeing the province's "trucks come in with firefighting equipment but turn around … to fight another fire."3 On Saturday, farmers in High Prairie were forced to take matters into their own hands, frantically digging ditches to protect their homes and livelihoods while the flames and smoke surrounded them.4
It’s outrageous that our so-called leaders seem to be relying on acts of heroism from ordinary people – people who should be far from harm’s way – while obscenely rich companies rake in billions from fuelling the climate crisis.
That’s why we’re calling on the federal government to... tax the fossil fuel industry’s excess profits and fund the robust climate disaster response we need. Can you help us send the strongest possible message by signing the petition now?
It might seem distasteful to get political during an unfolding disaster, but the oil and gas industry has hidden behind calls for politeness and decorum for far too long.
The fact is these companies knew decades ago that fossil fuels would set the world on fire and instead of doing the right thing, they coordinated a campaign of climate denial, delay, and obstruction.
Now people across Canada and around the world are suffering the consequences. Alberta is on fire. Siberia is burning.5 Temperatures are reaching all-time highs across Southeast Asia too.6
Paov, we cannot let these climate disasters overwhelm whole communities and firefighting crews while the culprits profit. Sign the petition now and demand accountability.
In solidarity,
Chris
PS: East Prairie Métis Settlement is raising money to support community members directly affected by the fire. Please chip in to their official fundraiser if you can.
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