In light of the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, a student run environmental group called Climate Action Montreal organized a fascinating panel discussion on Thursday called “Canada & Climate Change: Epic Fail.” The event was put on to enlighten fellow students on the pressing environmental issues. It outlined the basics of the science and policy of Climate Change, Canada’s Response, and illuminated the issues of the Tar Sands. In conjunction with various environmental student groups, Hillel was one of the key sponsors for the events. Environmentalism is at the forefront of Hillel’s agenda this year. The environment is something that defies any cultural, religious or political borders. As citizens of the earth, we all have a responsibility to sustain it for the betterment of humanity, and for future generations. The Tar Sands are a pressing issue which has been pushed under the rug, and Hillel students have refused to let it go unnoticed. The tar sands remain a stain on Canadian society and have social, environmental, and human rights costs. In line with Tikkun Olam, the ethic of Bal Tashchit and V’ahavta L’reechah Kmochah, Hillel students have stood up against environmental degradation to create an incredible panel to enlighten fellow students and provide an outlet for the students to take action and stand up for their values.
The event was put on by:
Powershift Climate Action Montreal in collaboration with the Dawson Student Union, SSMU Environment Committee, Sustainable Concordia, Concordia Student Union, Hillel McGill, and Challenge Your World.
Panelists included:
Shannon Walsh, Director of H2Oil
Nathan Cullen, NDP Deputy Environment Critic
Dr. Catherine Potvin, Global Change Biology, McGill University
Andrew Cuddy, Canadian Youth Delegation to Copenhagen
Moderated by: Cameron Stiff