What is climate capitalism? On Wednesday April 28th we heard from Tom Rand to discuss this question. Over 100 Ecology Ottawa supporters tuned in to participate in a topical and thought provoking discussion around the intersection of climate action and economics. How do we, in Tom Rand's words, "use the most powerful tool available to us to solve the biggest problem we face?" In this 90 minute recording, we think about whether "climate capitalism" is an oxymoron, or a pragmatic synthesis.
Featuring renowned Canadian author and speaker Tom Rand, we will be exploring ideas from his new book, "The Case for Climate Capitalism," which articulates a middle ground between anti-market critics such as Naomi Klein, who target capitalism itself as a root cause of climate change, and climate-savvy business leaders who believe we can largely continue with business as usual by tinkering around the edges of our economic system.
A warming climate and a general distrust of Wall Street has opened a new cultural divide among those who otherwise agree we must mitigate climate risk. Rand argues that both sides in this emerging cultural war are ill-equipped to provide solutions to the climate crisis, and each is remarkably naïve in their view of capitalism.
Packed with hard questions from our moderator, Annie Bérubé, and equally challenging questions from the audience, this recording contains a thorough discussion of climate capitalism and points out some of its relative strengths and limitations.
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Ecology Ottawa urges protection of Ottawans from Idling Pollution
Ottawa City Council's Environment and Climate Change and Emergency Preparedness and Protective Services Committees met today to discuss staff recommendations for amendments to the City's Idling Control By-law. Ecology Ottawa made a delegation, supporting the recommendations and adding a few of our own to better reduce our GHG emissions and Ottawans' health—especially that of our most vulnerable.
Stop Harmful Idling Emissions!
As part of their review of the Idling By-law, Ottawa City staff have issued new recommendations for the By-law. These recommendations come to a joint meeting of the Environment and Climate Change and the Emergency Preparedness and Protective Services Committees this Thursday. Here’s what you need to know!
Ecology Ottawa delegates on Budget 2025 Directions: Where are the Strategic Priorities?
Ottawa Council's Finance and Corporate Services Committee considered the Directions for the City's 2025 budget this morning. Ecology Ottawa was there, calling out the Directions' failure to respond to the crises—climate, biodiversity, housing affordability, addictions—facing Ottawans, as well as their failure to incorporate any of the City's Strategic Priorities. You can watch our delegation or read it below.