Mr. Speaker, the world community is looking to Canada and other industrialized nations to set a good example on the pressing issue of climate change.
Certain gases, most notably carbon dioxide, collect in the earth's atmosphere and trap heat. Most carbon dioxide is produced in industrial nations from burning coal, oil and gas. Thus we must find ways of reducing the consumption of these fossil fuels.
Climate change is not only an environmental issue, but also an ethical issue. If Arctic ice caps melt and oceans rise, the lives of millions of coastal and island people around the globe will be in danger. It is important that Canadians understand the cause and effect of climate change.
Therefore I urge the government to do everything in its power to launch a public education and awareness program to explain the complexity of this issue.