Areas for Change

What needs to change to ensure a livable future for all? If we know what is currently harming people and the planet, we are closer to figuring out how best to take action. As we explore the multiple, interconnected and wide-scale changes needed, we also get closer to the next step in the KTCC process – actions and solutions!

From August 2019 Teachin

In the KTCC Toolkit we ask, “What activities contribute significantly to our emissions? Where should we be taking action?” You can pick and choose from the emissions graphs, maps and quotes on pgs. 14-23 in the presenter slides (supported by talking points on Pg.19-27 in the facilitator guide), to explore these questions with your group.

In general, the areas emissions need to come down in are:

  • Industry (including oil and gas)
  • Transportation
  • Buildings
  • Agriculture
  • Electricity/Energy
  • Waste

Other areas not always directly accounted for include the Stuff we buy and use, Land Use (i.e. deforestation), Airplanes and the Military. In fact, many things need to shift and change to safeguard a livable future, one in which everyone has adequate shelter, clean air, ample food and fresh water. A future where all living beings can thrive, one that protects health and wellbeing for all. Explore some more Ways of Looking at Change as well as the toolkit resources below.


Emissions – Where do emissions come from?

If you can find some pictures or examples that represent your country, state/province and locality, that’s a great way to make the conversation relevant to your attendees. Pictured below, a few images from the Canada, Ontario, Toronto version found in the KTCC Toolkit.


Global Perspectives and Climate Justice

Pictured below, a more global perspective found in the KTCC Toolkit.


Ways of Looking at Change – Climate Justice

To achieve and safeguard a livable world, action on climate must also be action for economic and racial justice. Change must target the roots of the problem (i.e. colonialism, extractive capitalism), uproot what causes harm (i.e. uncurbed growth economy, weakened workers’ rights) and tend more healthy approaches (i.e. defund police and move resources to community-directed programs that create safety and security, fully recognize Indigenous self-determination and sovereignty).

  • Some examples that you might talk about:
    • Globally, countries that have benefited the least from fossil fuels, the poorest and most vulnerable countries, experience the most impacts. In fact, many places already experience life-threatening impacts including loss of safe shelter and food scarcity.
    • Racialized communities experience both inequity and disproportionate impacts – precarious housing, food insecurity and air pollution to name a few.
    • Many Indigenous communities are faced with fossil fuel and other polluting projects on their home-lands, irregardless of their rights and sovereignty.
    • Indigenous land-stewardship is very much a part of a livable world.
    • Climate justice is racial justice.

Ways of Looking at Change – Individual and Collective

In the world of climate justice, is individual action enough? The magnitude of the climate emergency means that we can not stop when we reach the limits of individual action. For widespread, equitable and swift action, advocating collectively for societal change is also critical. This idea connects nicely with the next section of the KTCC – Actions and Solutions – where we suggest that facilitators guide an interactive brainstorm focused on what changes we need. Below, there are a few action call-outs and ideas to help get the brainstorm started!

More to come soon!

A few Collective Action Call-outs

Individual Areas for Action

Take a look at these two documents….

Try a footprint calculator or pledge system….


Ways of Looking at Change – Health and Wellbeing

More coming soon!

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