Rural policy is another area that needs a re-think.. At present, rural areas are given preferential treatment in the House of Commons and in policy in general. Yet, the structure of Canada's rural areas is energy inefficient. Setting aside the same issues of car culture that apply to suburbs as well, rural areas are shaped by the structure of our agriculture and resource industries. Canadians rely heavily on imported food because we are not sufficiently oriented to our own food production outside of grain. Both grain and our mineral and forest wealth shape rural life, but are based on long shipping times using energy-intensive vehicles. A shift to developing renewable energy for use in these areas, and more sustainable practices in general, will allow for a dramatic reduction in energy consumption.
However, the culture change factor is the single biggest driving force why shifting the focus to renewable energy in daily urban and rural life is the most important factor for achieving energy sanity. Once Canadians are oriented towards renewable energy and to energy issues in general, they will be more likely to adopt the other eleven steps. In particular relocalizing food production is an essential step because it reduces demand for trucking. Only with awareness will there be pressure on governments to support local food production industries and only with awareness will consumers begin to make better choices with respect to the food they purchase. Another example of how culture change stemming from a re-orientation of mindset is that consumers will feel empowered to take initiative. The problem right now is so huge that the natural tendency is to assume that only government has the resources to deal with the issue. When ordinary citizens...
Additionally, they are more likely to support government initiatives that do happen, making a carbon tax more politically feasible than it is today.
Canada has tremendous potential for renewable energy so the dividends from this policy will be seen right away. Many provinces rely on hydroelectricity, but the development of renewable energy resources for transportation and industry is another step altogether. Policies that encourage Canadians to become involved in these industries will help foster Canada as a renewable energy power. Government intervention is often used to protect infant industries, and surely reorienting the country towards renewable energy should include incentives to invest in this industry. Germany dramatically increased the number of solar panels with government-sponsored purchase incentives.
If we can match the energy usage patterns of Europe, that will make a significant dent in the demand for hydrocarbons. We can even set an example for the United States. By reducing our dependence on hydrocarbons we will be in a position to reduce total environmental impacts on the country. If the suburbs no longer sprawl, more forest and farmland will be saved. If our communities are more compact, they will be more energy-efficient even without taking into consideration the impact of cars. But the first step is to recognize that a lot of our hydrocarbon addiction derives directly from the policy choices that our civic leaders make. If we can make different choices, smarter choices, that emphasize reduced energy consumption and increased use of renewable energy, we will go a long way to improving Canada's environmental well-being.
