Dawn Stofer, Island Tides, August 18, 2010

Dear Editor:

We live in a beautiful place, whose provincial motto is ‘Beautiful British Columbia’. We have a province abundant with diverse ecosystems, thriving/struggling populations of fish and wildlife. It has also been described as being ‘Super Natural’.

The enjoyment, harvest and management of such riches requires care and respect if we are to preserve this gift of nature in balance for future generations and if we are to live healthy lives which at least attempt harmony with the landscape we enjoy.

The good news. People have become more mindful of ‘the planet’ and of our impact upon it. We recycle, monitor our water-use, drive cars less, pay attention to the foods we
eat, think more about our carbon footprint.

This forgiving planet has thus far seemed to absorb our assaults upon it and fortunately, we are more informed about and appreciative of the beauty and delicacy of the environmental system that we are a part of.

It is accepted that continued fossil fuel dependence is unnecessary and only perpetuated because of archaic thinking, not to mention self-serving corporate  influences on government, at the expense of the health of the planet.

The personal contributions we make in our own small ways in our own backyards are how we make change happen globally. Our contribution can be as small as simply speaking up, voicing our concerns.

Now the bad news. The tipping point has arrived; the dangers of accumulated environmental poisons are clear and imminent, most notably CO2 in excess—the worst
offender being coal.

I wish to express my outrage that a coalmine is actually being proposed in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island — an area, a community which enjoys pure air, clean water and a rich seafood culture. Another coalmine in this age of enlightenment! Not only will this mine and its operation have a serious negative impact on the area—its aquifers, human health, the flora and fauna, but it contributes globally to a larger problem.

We are well beyond the dark ages of the industrial revolution and there is no such thing as clean coal. We must stop poisoning ourselves for short term financial gain and begin thinking in terms of alternative sources of energy which are available now.

I strongly oppose the proposed Raven Coal mine development and wish to add my voice to the growing choir of protest. Our voices make a difference when combined.

Dawn Stofer,
Denman Island

Ed’s Note: September 20 is the last date for public submissions to the current round of the Canadian Environmental Assessement process on the proposed coalmine. See also related article, page 1.

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