Welland Tribune e-edition

Are we listening to the planet?

Re: Environment Canada is predicting storms on both coasts. What does that mean for B.C. and Newfoundland and Labrador? Nov. 24

Most of us have heard of the flooding in B.C. and now torrential rainfall on the East Coast.

Mother Nature is angry. B.C. this year alone has experienced heat waves, forest fires and now devastating floods. Some dismiss this as a oncein-a-500-year event.

The experts say this is a sign of things to come. They tell us the increase in natural disasters around the world is linked to climate change, deforestation, rapid development, and the mining and burning of natural resources. Do we for some reason think the same things will not occur in Niagara Region?

Developers have placed millions of dollars into the building permit hope chest in Welland alone. Meanwhile, farmland and forests are being destroyed to put up housing most people in Welland can’t afford. Look at Webber and South Pelham roads, development of the land formerly owned by John Deere, development and proposed developments along the canal, the proposed development of farmland between Quaker and Port Robinson roads.

When all the trees are gone that stabilized the soil, and high-density and regular housing diverts all the water from roofs into drain systems, how long before our area looks like B.C.?

Oh, it won’t happen here! If you listen to experts in the field, it is not a matter of if, it is a matter of when. Apathy is the catalyst to disaster.

Are we listening or is the jingling of the coins in our pockets drowning out the anguished cry of Mother Nature?

Kim Wright Welland

OPINION

en-ca

2021-11-27T08:00:00.0000000Z

2021-11-27T08:00:00.0000000Z

https://wellandtribune.pressreader.com/article/281595243804149

Toronto Star Newspapers Limited