Community Articles (listed by posting date)
General News · 26th October 2007
norberto rodriguez dela vega
Thanks to Ms Trevena for calling the meeting on Ferry Fares. Let me pass a few comments.
I am afraid we have to face reality: price of oil will keep raising and that will have an overall effect to all these islands, not only in ferry fares. This is a fact.
Now, I think we are missing the key issue with the ferries, which I believe is their impact to Climate Change.
No one can deny these days that global warming is happening and how the climate is changing. Just see the devastating fires in California, caused by the terrible drought as a consequence of global warming.
It is true that we can not blame global warming for all climate crisis. However there is enough proof out there to acknowledge that many of these disasters will become more frequent as the climate worsen. Having this acknowledgement gives us the opportunity to talk about potential solutions to alleviate the situation.
There is no doubt anymore that a major cause for global warming are greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, from cars, houses, airplanes, and ferries.
By the way, using BC Ferries figures, their current fleet uses every year more than 118 million litres of fuel, which represents more than 3000,000 tones of GHG every year !
Bottom line, cheaper or free ferries, and bigger ferries, will only make things worse for all. It is time we change our way of thinking about mobility and public transportation.
With this in mind, let me suggest a different way to address the ferry fares problem, by looking into alternative solutions for reducing GHG emissions from the ferry.
Perhaps it is time to ask questions such as:
- how many ferry trips are enough to cover our needs? This is the idea reducing the frequency of ferry service, mainly in non-prime season. I know of other islands in the area thinking on this possibility.
- what are other ways of transportation, with less GHG emissions?
- what are BC Ferries’ specific plans to reducing GHG emissions?
- how can we minimize our use and dependency of the ferries?
- what are the benefits of not using the ferries that much?
- how can I reduce my ferry use and consume less of everything?
- how can I find more enjoyment in our community and our local things?
- how can I help in reducing our community ferry and car enslavement?
- how can I let go an outdated and dangerous way of living, that is so car-dependent and market-driven?
- what is my contribution to ensure my grandchildren will live in a clean and healthy future?
Perhaps I am dreaming too much...
I invite everyone to open your minds and bring your positive, creative ideas to this meeting !
I am afraid we have to face reality: price of oil will keep raising and that will have an overall effect to all these islands, not only in ferry fares. This is a fact.
Now, I think we are missing the key issue with the ferries, which I believe is their impact to Climate Change.
No one can deny these days that global warming is happening and how the climate is changing. Just see the devastating fires in California, caused by the terrible drought as a consequence of global warming.
It is true that we can not blame global warming for all climate crisis. However there is enough proof out there to acknowledge that many of these disasters will become more frequent as the climate worsen. Having this acknowledgement gives us the opportunity to talk about potential solutions to alleviate the situation.
There is no doubt anymore that a major cause for global warming are greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, from cars, houses, airplanes, and ferries.
By the way, using BC Ferries figures, their current fleet uses every year more than 118 million litres of fuel, which represents more than 3000,000 tones of GHG every year !
Bottom line, cheaper or free ferries, and bigger ferries, will only make things worse for all. It is time we change our way of thinking about mobility and public transportation.
With this in mind, let me suggest a different way to address the ferry fares problem, by looking into alternative solutions for reducing GHG emissions from the ferry.
Perhaps it is time to ask questions such as:
- how many ferry trips are enough to cover our needs? This is the idea reducing the frequency of ferry service, mainly in non-prime season. I know of other islands in the area thinking on this possibility.
- what are other ways of transportation, with less GHG emissions?
- what are BC Ferries’ specific plans to reducing GHG emissions?
- how can we minimize our use and dependency of the ferries?
- what are the benefits of not using the ferries that much?
- how can I reduce my ferry use and consume less of everything?
- how can I find more enjoyment in our community and our local things?
- how can I help in reducing our community ferry and car enslavement?
- how can I let go an outdated and dangerous way of living, that is so car-dependent and market-driven?
- what is my contribution to ensure my grandchildren will live in a clean and healthy future?
Perhaps I am dreaming too much...
I invite everyone to open your minds and bring your positive, creative ideas to this meeting !
thanks Shane
Comment by Stan Oliver on 5th November 2007
Thanks for correcting my typo on emissions. I have had the opportunity to try most of the transportation modes you suggested. The downside to all, "time & being practical"!
Thanks for correcting my typo on emissions. I have had the opportunity to try most of the transportation modes you suggested. The downside to all, "time & being practical"!
re: Ferry Alternatives
Comment by Shane Nelson on 1st November 2007
In response to "Almost anyway one travels there is bound to be O2 emissions."
Just some ideas that don't have to produce extra CO2 emissions (just breathing!):
- Kayak
- Bike,
- Walk,
- Sail Boat
- Row Boat
Ways to reduce CO2 emissions and not give up or change your lifestyle:
- Slow down (in your car or on the ferry)
- Don't run 1/2 empty ferries
- Car pool
In response to "Almost anyway one travels there is bound to be O2 emissions."
Just some ideas that don't have to produce extra CO2 emissions (just breathing!):
- Kayak
- Bike,
- Walk,
- Sail Boat
- Row Boat
Ways to reduce CO2 emissions and not give up or change your lifestyle:
- Slow down (in your car or on the ferry)
- Don't run 1/2 empty ferries
- Car pool
Ferry Alternatives...
Comment by Stan Oliver on 30th October 2007
Now with the impending ferry fare increases I suggest we consider another mode of transportation.
Air or Floatplane! There are a number of airdrome's around Cortes Island and an airfield on the southend. I believe this could elevate some of the congestion at the ferry line. Almost anyway one travels there is bound to be O2 emissions.
Now with the impending ferry fare increases I suggest we consider another mode of transportation.
Air or Floatplane! There are a number of airdrome's around Cortes Island and an airfield on the southend. I believe this could elevate some of the congestion at the ferry line. Almost anyway one travels there is bound to be O2 emissions.
respond to Bob
Comment by norberto rodriguez dela vega on 27th October 2007
Today · Bob, thanks for your comment. I didn’t try to imply the California fires were caused only by global warming.
I have read that the main causes are very high winds and extremely dry conditions.
I have also read people saying this is a lethal combination of “freakishly strong desert winds that have acted like a blowtorch on a region undergoing an unprecedented drought - but it is also part of a long-standing clash between natural weather cycles and the whims of human development.”
In another report Tom Swetnam, a fire ecologist at the University of Arizona, says that “ climate change global warming has increased temperatures in the West about one degree and that has caused four times more fires.”
I also read today that the Santiago fire, in the Orange county, was caused by an arsonist --I can’t comprehend who may be so sick to do something like this.
Anyway, my heart goes to all the people that have been devastated by this disaster.
The point I was trying to make is connecting the dots between our GHG emissions, global warming and changes in the climate that may contribute to disasters like this one.
And then, to find solutions to decrease our dependency on the ferry and our cars, so to reduce our GHG emissions.
If any of you wants to read a new interesting, a bit long, article on James Lovelock and Climate Change, go here:
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/story/16956300
Today · Bob, thanks for your comment. I didn’t try to imply the California fires were caused only by global warming.
I have read that the main causes are very high winds and extremely dry conditions.
I have also read people saying this is a lethal combination of “freakishly strong desert winds that have acted like a blowtorch on a region undergoing an unprecedented drought - but it is also part of a long-standing clash between natural weather cycles and the whims of human development.”
In another report Tom Swetnam, a fire ecologist at the University of Arizona, says that “ climate change global warming has increased temperatures in the West about one degree and that has caused four times more fires.”
I also read today that the Santiago fire, in the Orange county, was caused by an arsonist --I can’t comprehend who may be so sick to do something like this.
Anyway, my heart goes to all the people that have been devastated by this disaster.
The point I was trying to make is connecting the dots between our GHG emissions, global warming and changes in the climate that may contribute to disasters like this one.
And then, to find solutions to decrease our dependency on the ferry and our cars, so to reduce our GHG emissions.
If any of you wants to read a new interesting, a bit long, article on James Lovelock and Climate Change, go here:
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/story/16956300
Comment: Looking for Ferry...'
Comment by Bob Gauvreau on 26th October 2007
Norberto...I enjoy reading most of your articles. You are passionate and usually well-informed. However, I must correct the statement wherein you say, " No one can deny these days that global warming is happening and how the climate is changing. Just see the devastating fires in California, caused by the terrible drought as a consequence of global warming."
That is a very broad and sweeping statement, and gnerally it is NOT accurate. These fires WERE NOT caused by 'terrible drought' as you state (most of San Diego County is a desert, or close to it); rather they were caused by seasonal winds called Sanata Ana's. They blow in off the desert to the east and are characterized by hot, dry, winds - usually 35 - 50 MPH, and a lowering of humidity to, in some cases, as low as 4-5%. What set the fires off, in most cases, was accidental - downed power lines, blown power transformers, etc. Arson is not out of the question, but to this point in time, not all causes are known.
In the case of the current 'firestorm' in San Diego County, the Santa Ana's were abnormally high - 50 - 70 MPH, and the humidy unusally low - 4% in this case. For the first 48 hours, no water-drop air support could happen, due to dangerous flying conditions.
Since about 1989, my wife and I are residents of Cortes about 6 months every year and consider uorselves to be members of this wonderful community. The other 6 months, we live in a very small high-desert community called Warner Springs, located in North East San Diego County. We are not in the 'middle' of these fires, but as I type this, our home is being threatend by the Witch Creek / Palomar Mountain fires. Thus, I know of which I speak. And, let us not ignore the fact that in the San Diego region of Californa, once you are 5-8 miles east of the Pacific Ocean, you are in the desert.
Again, thanks for your writing and passion. As I said, I generally am in agreement with you.
Norberto...I enjoy reading most of your articles. You are passionate and usually well-informed. However, I must correct the statement wherein you say, " No one can deny these days that global warming is happening and how the climate is changing. Just see the devastating fires in California, caused by the terrible drought as a consequence of global warming."
That is a very broad and sweeping statement, and gnerally it is NOT accurate. These fires WERE NOT caused by 'terrible drought' as you state (most of San Diego County is a desert, or close to it); rather they were caused by seasonal winds called Sanata Ana's. They blow in off the desert to the east and are characterized by hot, dry, winds - usually 35 - 50 MPH, and a lowering of humidity to, in some cases, as low as 4-5%. What set the fires off, in most cases, was accidental - downed power lines, blown power transformers, etc. Arson is not out of the question, but to this point in time, not all causes are known.
In the case of the current 'firestorm' in San Diego County, the Santa Ana's were abnormally high - 50 - 70 MPH, and the humidy unusally low - 4% in this case. For the first 48 hours, no water-drop air support could happen, due to dangerous flying conditions.
Since about 1989, my wife and I are residents of Cortes about 6 months every year and consider uorselves to be members of this wonderful community. The other 6 months, we live in a very small high-desert community called Warner Springs, located in North East San Diego County. We are not in the 'middle' of these fires, but as I type this, our home is being threatend by the Witch Creek / Palomar Mountain fires. Thus, I know of which I speak. And, let us not ignore the fact that in the San Diego region of Californa, once you are 5-8 miles east of the Pacific Ocean, you are in the desert.
Again, thanks for your writing and passion. As I said, I generally am in agreement with you.