We are at a historic turning point, a moment where the choices we make today will define not only our future, but also that of generations to come. Quebec’s Chief Forester, Louis Pelletier, has sounded the alarm about this summer’s wildfires and how quickly climate change is affecting our forests. This observation echoes a larger question: are our decision-makers ready to take crucial and bold decisions to improve our resilience in the face of climate challenges?
The climate does not work according to electoral cycles. However, this is what seems to be the case with our decision-making. Yesterday’s policies, although appropriate for their time, may prove inadequate, even dangerous, in the current context. The time for reflection has passed; the time for action has arrived.
There is a saying that sticks well to this reality: “Finished is better than perfect. Of course, it’s not about acting impulsively. But now is the time to accept that we cannot wait for perfect solutions. Climate change is an ever-changing reality and we must adapt at the same speed. Otherwise, we are destined to always be chasing, in reaction mode rather than action.
If we examine the forestry domain as a case study, the lack of diversity in management practices increases our vulnerability. Wildfires, exacerbated by climate change, are not only environmental disasters, but also socio-economic disasters that affect communities and industries. Louis Pelletier proposes a strategic approach, with specific zoning for each region, to strengthen the resilience of the forest. Solutions like this need to be considered at local, national and global scales, not just for forests, but for all sectors affected by climate change.
Why are we reluctant to implement bold solutions? Are we paralyzed by the fear of failure or are we too stuck in bureaucracies, lobbies or electoral clientelism? Our laws and policies must be as flexible and adaptive as the world in which we live. The status quo is no longer a viable option. This concerns each of us, because everyone has a role to play. However, our decision-makers bear a particular responsibility: that of undertaking these changes.
It is often said that it is in moments of crisis that awareness arises. So, consider that we are already in this moment of crisis. We must not wait for the next disaster to act. We need adaptation measures that will force the change in behaviors necessary to be proactive. Future generations will not care which parties we voted for, but they will undoubtedly be affected by the decisions we refuse to make.
Ultimately, what we decide and do today will leave an indelible mark on future generations. Time may be running out, but it is not yet up; we still have precious moments to positively influence the course of things. It’s time to embody the change we want to see in this world. Let us call on our decision-makers to be the heroes of this era, to act with the audacity and the determination which are now imperatively required.
Our right to live on a healthy planet has no expiration date, but our ability to secure this right is shrinking every day. We don’t have the luxury of waiting. In this moment of crisis, let us remember that it is precisely in these moments that great progress is made. The time to act is not tomorrow or after the next election. The time to act is now.