Many scientists and economists also say putting a price on carbon through carbon taxes and/or cap-and-trade is necessary.

What about our children and grandchildren and their children and grandchildren? Do we not want them to live healthy and happy lives?

We have altered the physical, chemical and biological properties of the planet on a geological scale. We have left no part of the globe untouched.

Each time I visit Japan, I am reminded of how Canadian I am and how little racial connection matters.

People.. especially people in positions of power.. have invested a tremendous amount of effort and time to get to where they are. They really don't want to hear that we're on the wrong path, that we've got to shift gears and start thinking differently.

So now the challenge is to imagine a different world where our wealth is in human relations and the things we do together, and we learn to live in balance with the rest of nature.

Hydraulic fracturing requires massive amounts of water. Disposing of the toxic wastewater, as well as accidental spills, can contaminate drinking water and harm human health.