crazy dreams
I dare not express too high expectations for fear of being disappointed. But if I had to indulge in somewhat crazy dreams, I would like to see our host country, and Quebec in particular, surprise by its audacity and very concrete, quantified and short-term measures intended to increase biodiversity and thus reverse the disastrous trend that has already done so much damage. By a strong and daring example, who knows if others would not also begin to dream.
André LeBlanc, Laval
The trust is gone
Apart from spending millions, I do not feel that the event brings concrete solutions. We talk and we do not act. I lost confidence. With new technologies, we are doing online meetings. The money saved could be used for better purposes. To see changes, each individual must take the right steps to move forward in society.
Marie France Bernier
so many questions
What is our action plan to reform the agricultural sector in order to protect priority habitats to maintain heterogeneity and diversity? How do we sensitize the population to take action? How do you make everyone accountable and have clear, simple and understandable goals? Why aren’t there easy-to-follow steps? Why aren’t Black Friday or sales banned? How can we create growth without endangering our living environment?
Selma Gueddich
Hypocrisy
Protecting biodiversity will require ending our dogma of infinite growth in a finite world, and no one wants to consider that. We’re wasting our time, we’re wasting our money. This COP, like those of the climate, will offer us at best some illusions that we can continue to consume so many resources and energy without harming biodiversity. This hypocrisy is useless and harmful. As for me, I would be fine without it.
Cedric Michaud
Increase protected areas
I hope and wish to see the governments, and particularly that of Quebec—environmentally retarded—to increase protected areas by 25%, to protect endangered floral and faunal species and to invest in the health of our natural environments in the city and in the countryside. We owe that to our children and our grandchildren.
André Clermont, biologist and environmentalist
A glimmer of hope
To answer the question, I will follow this conference with interest. I am concerned about the loss of biodiversity, wetlands and the number of endangered species in the world, particularly in Quebec. I deplore the disinterest of the Legault government, for whom the environment is first and foremost a business opportunity. For the Prime Minister, it is clear that an endangered species must never prevent the creation of wealth and the famous good jobs. This short-sightedness is absolutely deplorable. However, it must be recognized that things are not much better on the side of the opposition parties. Who remembers the last time a party leader or even a mayor tore his shirt off about protecting endangered species and wetlands? Neither do I. Quebec is the host of COP15, but I expect nothing from the Quebec government. However, I hope that a glimmer of hope will emerge from the debates.
Yves Lusignan
Straight into the wall
I have no expectations. We have our main problem with COP15. Lots of publicity and no action. Yes, there has been a lot of investment in Montreal and nothing is happening regarding the destruction of the planet. As long as the economy has the upper hand everywhere over the environment, we are going straight into the wall.
Paul Rioux
For the human
Given that this convention will take place in Montreal and that human beings are also on the agenda because of their needs for access to water, land, food, in short, dignity, it would be essential to focus efforts on helping people who are victimized by dictators and thirsty for power. Why not focus the discussions, the reflections to protect the human being from human foolishness such as wars and abuses of all kinds. The child deserves a healthy life. Let’s review his rights and act for his well-being. Families deserve the hope of living in peaceful worlds. COP15 will have to focus its efforts on lasting peace. Water, air, land, sharing will follow suit subsequently.
Francois Robert Jr, Quebec
Bravery
The situation is serious. Humanity has never needed so much…humanity. Since man is man, he has only reproduced the same self-destructive behaviors. Only the means have changed. Thanks to science and technology, we have become hyper-efficient at destroying ourselves. To destroy life.
My expectations ? Bravery. Real courage. To look yourself in the eye and become aware of who we are, what we do. Political courage to take real action that will make a real difference. For example, regulating the stock exchanges of the world. The stock market model is killing us. Planting a few trees, imposing taxes and attending conferences is utter hypocrisy if, on the other side, we continue to let go of a market that is based on “always more”, inequality, exploitation …
We are no longer in the hour of compromises. We want courageous political actions that will hurt some, but relieve the majority in the long run. More sharing, equality, humanity… Actions that will promote and defend life. At all costs…
Yuri Del Rio