Chapter Six

Canadian Responses to Global Change
A Final Word from Global Change and Canadians...
"Global change represents an enormous challenge to Canadians as well as to society in general. The scope of the issues that make up global change are incredibly broad and complex, and the uncertainties surrounding them are daunting. However, the enormity of the challenge and the level of uncertainty must not be seen as a cause for despair and inaction. We have more than enough information already to demonstrate the need for action, and the initial solutions are both obvious and simply supplied. What is still lacking is the will to act." (Global Change and Canadians, p. 51.)

Summary

Chapter 6 gives global change issues an action focus, suggesting ways that Canadians are taking steps to improve the global environmental and economic systems, despite the existing uncertainties. Obstacles and uncertainties are very real impediments to action but with knowledge, understanding, and the will to make positive contributions to global environmental enhancement, then Canadian governments, corporations, and individuals can proceed.

Educational Significance

Throughout Global Change and Canadians and this Teacher's Guide, the enormity and complexity of global change issues has been stated again and again.Students and individuals need to be able to see the issues from many viewpoints. They need to have a clear understanding of the impact that environmental and economic change can have on local and global systems, on the economy, and on individuals.

At times the resolution of diverging interests and conflicting viewpoints has been undertaken in an adversarial manner, with often antagonistic interest groups manoeuvring to have their needs met in what could only be a win-lose situation. Protests, strikes, lockouts, debates, arbitration, and other forms of confrontational problem resolution processes were seen to be the only way to settle controversial issues. Unfortunately, no matter which group won the argument, someone always lost.

This adversarial approach has its limits in solving many of these global problems. A non-confrontational, collaborative decision-making process is now advocated, when various interest groups agree to work together to find solutions, such as the process developed by the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy (NRTEE). The Round Table process is designed to find solutions that are based on consensus rather than confrontation, on compromise and agreement rather than protest and power. A kit developed by the NRTEE is required for suggested learning activity 6.1. Information on how to obtain the kit is noted in the Resources list in Appendix 4.

Learning Outcomes

Students will:
  • choose an important local environmental issue;
  • work in groups to develop presentation briefs and proposals;
  • consider a variety of perspectives on the same issue;
  • interview, research, and compile information to support a variety of viewpoints and interests;
  • evaluate the arguments and presentations of others;
  • decide on protocol issues for the Round Table event;
  • discuss issues in a collaborative manner;
  • predict consequences of possible action scenarios;
  • engage in decision-making techniques;
  • use a non-confrontational problem solving process to reach consensus; and
  • develop plans for further action.
TABLE OF CONTENTS | CHAPTER ONE: WHAT IS GLOBAL CHANGE? | CHAPTER TWO: WHY IS GLOBAL CHANGE IMPORTANT TO CANADA | CHAPTER THREE: THE CAUSES OF GLOBAL CHANGE | CHAPTER FOUR: THE CONSEQUENCES OF GLOBAL CHANGE | CHAPTER FIVE: HOW WILL GLOBAL CHANGE AFFECT SOCIETY? | CHAPTER SIX: CANADIAN RESPONSES TO GLOBAL CHANGE | APPENDIX | TABLE OF CONTENTS | CREDITS

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