Flow of Canada's Rivers Threatened

A recently published study by the WWF has been reported in several news outlets, including the Vancouver Sun. According to the report, without ‘serious action’, Canada’s rivers may be facing serious threats. Demands on water flow have increased in proportion to energy demands, and city expansion.

The WWF is taking the side that without action taken, the rivers of Canada may fall into environmental degradation. Though they published a study, they are clearly an environmental rather than a scientific organization. Many people could argue about the scientific validity of WWF’s report, and therefore, the precautionary principle applies. Precautionary thinking requires some scientific uncertainty, and yet a desire to act to protect the environment (or whatever else one believes requires protection).

The point of view the WWF is arguing that even without full information, action must be taken now or else long term environmental harm could result. There are valid reasons for arguing the opposite way. One could say it would not be cost effective to act, as according to the article the WWF seems not to have suggested valid and economical ways to ‘fix’ the rivers.

I feel that precautionary is definitely a logical way to approach this issue. Fresh water is an invaluable resource in these dry days, and Canada is one of the richest in it. However, if we don’t protect our waters, it could mean not only economic but serious industrial, domestic, and environmental effects. Logical thinking is necessary in any case to sort out this issue.

References

De Souza, Mike. “Canadian rivers in trouble, study warns” (Oct 15, 2009) Canwest News Service. Accessed October 21 from http://www.vancouversun.com/business/Canadian %20rivers%20trouble%20study%20warns/2104100/story.html