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Poli-sci prof Copenhagen bound

Western will have at least one representative in Copenhagen for the United Climate Change Conference in December.

Radoslav Dimitrov, associate professor for the department of political science, will participate in the conference as a member of the Bulgarian delegation.

The conference will highlight climate issues and attempt to form an agreement intent on stabilizing the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Dimitrov noted Copenhagen, however, will not be the be-all end-all of climate change policy.

“It’s part of a very long policy process,” Dimitrov said. “And the process will continue — the reason for this is very important because countries are negotiating the global transition of a low carbon economy.”

Dimitriov added achieving this will involve the fundamental transformation of modern society.

“[It’s] not just an environmental problem — it’s an issue that will affect every [aspect] of our lives — jobs, economic growth [and] physical survival,” he said.

For some, the Copenhagen conference will hopefully provide a push for the Canadian federal government to take a stronger stance on climate change policy.

“I do not think the government is representing Canadians’ needs in terms of climate change policy,” Cory Morningstar, representative for Canadians for Action on Climate Change, said. “A lot of people are hoping for a deal but quite frankly, the policies on the table to be signed are all suicide pacts. What we’re discussing is nowhere near anything that’s going to save us.”

The federal government, however, said they are ultimately trying to bring the country into a greener future.

“We will focus on the development of an effective international climate change agreement that balances environmental protection and economic prosperity, has a long-term focus, supports the development and deployment of clean technologies, supports constructive and ambitious global action and includes commitments from all major economies,” said Sujata Raisinghani, media relations officer for Environment Canada.

Dimitrov confirmed the need for Canada to step up its commitment in regards to climate policy, but added Canadians need to push the government to do so.

He also mentioned the government needs to assess whether they are willing to risk the economic drawbacks if they choose not to move forward with climate change policies.

“Countries that rush ahead with the transition for a green economy will pay costs in the short and medium term, but in the long term they will be creating jobs in the new environmental sector,” Dimitrov said.

“People have to stop being apathetic and complacent and start demanding action,” Morningstar said. “There’s no other way.”

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