Author: Susan Huebert

The Paris Climate Accord, also known as the “Paris Agreement” is an international effort “to tackle climate change and its negative impacts.” On December 12, 2015, at a UN climate change conference, world leaders came together to create this agreement. This agreement is legally binding and includes almost 200 countries. Over the course of five years, there is an action plan for climate change. Every five years these goals are updated. Every country involved in the Paris Agreement has taken different paths to take action against climate change.

Canada has a goal to reduce their carbon emissions 40-45% lower than the 2005 emission level by 2030. To do this, the country has implemented a carbon pollution pricing system. The federal government left how severe the pricing would be up to the provincial governments. Another way Canada is reducing their carbon emissions is by investing in eco-friendly means of travel and energy production. Canada is investing $28.7 billion into public transit, $26.9 billion into green infrastructure, and over $500 million to organizations to generate clean growth. Canada has also followed the lead of other countries to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Net-zero emissions means that the country will either produce no greenhouse gasses, or they will offset the emissions enough. Despite the billions being invested into greener initiatives, little change has actually been made.

At this moment in time, Canada is making slow progress to their goals. Despite the nation as a whole having set goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, seven out of twelve provincial governments did not have a set target. Out of the five remaining governments, only New Brunswick and Nova Scotia were on track to reach the overall target they set. Initially, Canada had set on reducing carbon emissions by 2020. However, when that goal was greatly missed, they shifted their focus to reducing carbon emissions by 2030.

On a positive note, Canada made waves by implementing a single-use plastic ban nationwide. Six different categories of single-use plastics were banned, such as foodservice ware, checkout bags and cutlery. In this ban, the manufacturing, importing and sale of these items are no longer allowed. This ban is not immediate. In December of 2022, foodservice ware, cutlery, checkout bags, stir sticks and straws were no longer allowed to be manufactured and imported in Canada. By December of 2023, these items will no longer be sold. And in December 2025, Canada will no longer be able to export these items.

There is still hope for Canada to start reaching its goals. In the next seven years if each province and territory step up to the plate and take strides to lower their greenhouse emissions, the initial goal of the Paris Climate Accord won’t seem so far out of reach.

Sources

https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resource/2_Canada.pdf
https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/paris-agreement
https://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/parl_otp_201803_e_42883.html#hd3a https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/managing-reducing-waste/reduce-plastic-waste/single-use-plastic-overview.html

Graduating from post-secondary school is an interesting time. For many, this means that your journey with academics has come to an end and you’re moving on to the next stage of life. Though exciting, it can also be quite daunting, especially if you now find yourself just sitting around while feeling lost or confused.

If you’ve been like that and you’re just sitting around as a result, here are some pieces of advice and strategies to navigate this situation:

Advice For Feeling Lost/Confused

Try Exploring Other Fields If Your Interests Have Changed

Is questioning your original choice of field the reason why you’re feeling confused? Do you find that you’ve developed an interest in other fields? In that case, look up how to go about pursuing them, e.g. the required education, associated practical training, etc. Of course, there’s no urgent need to make any commitments or concrete decisions concerning this since you’ve just finished school, but you should consider it if you’re having doubts regarding what you initially chose to pursue.

Look After Your Mental Health

Transitioning from school to the real world can be challenging as you’re probably experiencing pressure to start establishing yourself professionally now that you’ve graduated. Therefore, it’s understandable if feeling lost is further causing feelings of anxiousness.

Looking after yourself remains crucial, so try engaging with anything that helps you relax. You could set aside time on a regular basis for a hobby. If you haven’t already, try yoga and meditation. The breathing exercises they involve are known for being very helpful in this respect.

All in all, it’s evidently important to know that you must take measures to address your current circumstances as you’re now entering the workforce. However, you should also refrain from being too tough on yourself. This could cause additional stress that wouldn’t benefit you in any way.

Strategies To Navigate This Situation

Try Working an Odd Job or Volunteering In The Meantime

As this is a confusing time and you’re unsure about what to do, try working an odd job or volunteering. These are good ways to also be productive while you decide on any long-term, professional pursuits. There’s a possibility that doing so could provide you with other opportunities you’ve never considered before as well.

Research Career Coaching Services

Career coaching services are for helping people find and pursue the right career path. Many can assist in every step of the process, from creating the best related goals for you to refining your job application documents. Overall, seeking career coaching would be beneficial as, with this guidance, you’ll likely develop a better sense of where you’d like to end up.

Having just graduated, it’s normal to feel lost/confused at this point in your life. Remember that starting the career you’re meant to have likely won’t happen right away, so remain patient and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. If you consider taking the pointers above while looking after your well-being, you’re on the right path to effectively improving you current situation and making the correct choices for you.