Woodenizing Canada Would Make Us An Environmental Leader

I just had an enlightening conversation with a friend. He's an architect and a professor. We got to talking about global warming.

In his mind, there's no doubt the bulk of the warming is man made. He pointed to the Industrial Revolution as the starting point. However, he doesn't believe there are man made solutions to this fact. Bluntly, it's too late.

I asked him if he was pessimistic about the future. It's not a question of being pessimistic or otherwise he explained. Human nature is cyclical. Certain things are simply out of our control. Either we go back to a pre-industrial way of life or we don't. Obviously, that option isn't practical or realistic; especially considering China and India are on their way to being consumer societies - and wait until Africa industrializes. Africa is the last great frontier and China and the United States are in a battle there.

So if this adds up to us becoming an extinct species so be it. Some other species likely to emerge because of the warming will take over. Maybe one that is vastly superior? I know, pure speculation on my part.

I've mentioned a similar train of thought here on this blog. My contention is I don't trust the cabal of environmental crusaders demanding we change our way of life while they maintain theirs. A whole cottage industry has been created predicated  on environmental catastrophe fears. Ultimately, I never believed man could ever take on nature. He could alter his way but that would have little impact.

The conversation shifted to Canada's place in all this. The oil sands, a popular bone of contention for environmentalists, is a small part of the overall picture. That Canada was singled out in Copenhagen was ridiculous considering the bigger players involved. It's funny how when the Liberals were in power, all was alright. Suddenly, Canada is a bad guy now that the conservatives are in power.

My friend believes there's a great opportunity for Canada to take charge in a different way. Being a semi-diversified, resource based economy, one of our biggest industries is forestry. Wood is one of the best storer of carbon. Right now, we're cutting down our forests without replanting them.

The premise, simply put, would make wood the cornerstone of our economy. If you build something, instead of using steel or concrete consider wood. In other words, Canada can develop itself a viable industry with finished goods with wood at its base. And it will all be incredibly environmental.

We're in a lucky position. With Quebec already blessed with hydro-electric power, Canada is also filled with forests. Add nuclear energy and Canada can indeed be a true beacon to the world when it comes to the environment. Each of these present a more realistic approach as opposed to solar and wind energy. 

It's an interesting take and one leaders have only begun to talk about. It may not "save" the world, but it would make sense.

Golden Canada? Try Wooden.