Can political ecology and green perspectives provide the solutions needed for Saskatchewan’s environmental challenges?
The urgent need for collective action to preserve the planet’s atmosphere, is now more evident than ever, particularly among policymakers who are slowly recognizing the necessity of enforceable measures to combat environmental degradation. This growing awareness has propelled political ecology into prominence, a movement born from frustration with the lack of environmental representation in political discourse. Political ecology is the study of how power, economics, and social factors shape environmental change, resource distribution, and ecological conflicts. In Saskatchewan, where resource extraction and land management have posed significant challenges throughout its history, and especially over the past eighteen years under the leadership of the Saskatchewan Party, political ecology offers a vital framework for addressing the complex intersection of power, inequality, and governance in environmental issues. As far-right ideologies continue to influence environmental narratives and put forward narratives that downplay climate change and promote exclusionary policies that harm marginalized communities, political ecology serves as a powerful counternarrative emphasizing justice and inclusivity. It invites us to examine how power dynamics shape environmental discourse and consider how resource allocation and risk distribution disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. As Saskatchewan settles into the results of its most recent provincial election, it is critical for residents to advocate for a future grounded in justice, sustainability, and inclusivity, challenging divisive ideologies that prioritize profit over people and the planet.
To gain insight into Saskatchewan’s environmental challenges, Glenn Wright, a board member of the Saskatchewan Environmental Society, and Naomi Hunter, leader of the Saskatchewan Green Party and 2024 provincial election candidate, shared their perspectives on environmental justice in the province during the fall of 2024 in the lead up to the election in October.
How do far-right ideologies manifest in Saskatchewan’s environmental policies, and what are some specific examples you’ve observed?
Glenn Wright*: I have observed far-right ideologies and prominent right wing leaders spreading misinformation about climate, COVID, “peaceful” protests, and so on. This is troubling because people are willing to ignore facts and embrace “alternate facts” that align with their ideology. This is extremely dangerous and undermines our democracy.
Today I had lunch with an old friend that I had not seen in more than two years. Sadly, he has been traumatized by the death of his parents and mother-in-law during COVID. He believes COVID was a hoax and that it was overblown by governments that curtailed his freedom in response to the pandemic. I agree with him that it was unfortunate that he was prevented from spending time with his parents during their final years due to the lockdowns and the pandemic, but the facts are that the political machine (worldwide) declared the pandemic to be a health emergency. The trauma of his parents dying without receiving the care he could have provided weighs on him. He has grown a deep mistrust of our government and become more aligned with extreme “libertarian” politics. This is just one example of many that I observe.
Far-right politicians undermine the credibility of electrification, of renewable energy, of electric cars, of climate science, of vaccinations, and the legitimacy of governments. In August of 2024, there was a protest in Weyburn, SK, where local community members opposed the development of a 200MW wind farm citing health concerns about noise. The misinformation [that] clean tech is slowing the necessary energy transition. Far-right politics has had a hand in forestalling the clean energy revolution in Saskatchewan and we must find the courage and conviction to stand up and call out the misinformation being spread by our friends and neighbours. This is tough to do as the present context is that we are being “bullied” by the far-right to tolerate (and accept) their viewpoints. The old management adage is playing out in the mainstream: “if we allow it, we approve it.” It is noteworthy that the minister for SaskPower Dustin Duncan wouldn’t comment on the health concerns about the wind farm, saying “that questions should be directed to Enbridge” – clearly the minister is willing to allow and approve this spread of misinformation and thereby forestall wind energy and the tremendous economic opportunity it represents for the people of Saskatchewan.
In what ways do you see power dynamics influencing resource management and environmental practices in Saskatchewan?
Glenn Wright: I observe the Saskatchewan government focused on fighting with Ottawa and passing legislation like the Saskatchewan First Act. This legislation created the Economic Impact Assessment Tribunal which has conducted studies about the proposed Clean Electricity Regulations and the proposed Oil and Gas Emissions Cap. I see the government champion[ing] the oil and gas sector (with support from the opposition members) and I do not see the government following the precautionary principle.
We should be enacting legislation to protect wetlands for example (as many other provinces have). We should be doing an environmental assessment on the potential expansion of Lake Diefenbaker before forging ahead with a mega project to expand irrigation and other industrial water demand on the South Saskatchewan watershed. Furthermore, we have the best solar resource in Canada and one of the best wind resources in the country, yet these resources remain underdeveloped. A prudent response to dangerous climate change would see us focus on renewable energy with strong ambition. Instead, our government insists on building new gas plants to purportedly support renewable energy and the phase out of coal power. Neither of which are happening fast enough. After all it was 2012 when Prime Minister Stephen Harper (a right-wing politician) first signalled that coal power had to end by 2030.
“There is too much focus on maintaining political power for the incumbents at the expense of good governance for the people.” – Glenn Wright
There is too much focus on maintaining political power for the incumbents at the expense of good governance for the people. We cannot keep fighting between the municipal, provincial, and federal governments. We need cooperation and statesmanship to address the environmental challenges with maturity and objectivity. Decarbonizing our economy is a huge task, but there will be economic benefits. Our economy and society need clean energy to remain competitive and attract investment. Sadly, it seems that those with power and established industries are acting to forestall change – this will ultimately hurt the people of Saskatchewan as the world is changing and we are being left behind.
Do you believe political ecology is an important framework for addressing environmental challenges in Saskatchewan?
Glenn Wright: So, when I think about Political Ecology here in Saskatchewan, I think about the popular opinion with respect to our environment and how people in Saskatchewan perceive our impacts on the environment.
In Saskatchewan we are used to having clean air and water and we also have vast open spaces because we have a low population density. In addition to that, we have one of the most extreme climates on the planet where it can range by nearly 100C from the extreme cold of winter to the hot summer days.
This leads many people to believe that Saskatchewan and our way of life has little to no impact on the environment. Although our impact may not be significant relative to other countries, it is only because we have such a small population and such a large area. The facts paint a different picture as we live in a car culture society and our energy consumption is very large per capita. On top of that, we use some of the most polluting forms of energy in Saskatchewan. Our Saskatchewan government is pushing back on the federal government by proposing to run coal fired power plants beyond 2030 and to delay decarbonisation of our electricity to 2050. While other states and countries are accelerating their ambition to reduce emissions, we are trying to delay action and justifying it to ourselves saying “the world needs our food, fuel, and fertilizer.”
The environmental challenges should not be a partisan issue. Dangerous climate change, water security, forest fires, and loss of biodiversity are real issues supported by a large body of observed facts. We should not be disputing the legitimacy of these serious issues. We should not be misled by politicians that stoke fear and hatred based on misinformation about environmental policies like pollution pricing.
We are entering a new era where we will be forced to do things. Either by reacting to dangerous climate change as we pretend we can keep our “freedom” or by implementing mandatory regulations and other measures necessary to mitigate the damage. People bemoaned mandatory things like seat belts, no smoking, ending slavery, allowing women to vote and own property, and so on. But I believe we are better to manage change by embracing the precautionary principle than to throw caution to the wind in the name of freedom and lack of trust in our ability to govern. For me this is grounded in equal human rights for everyone on the planet.
As elections approach, what key messages should environmental advocates focus on to mobilize support for green policies?
Glenn Wright: Climate change should not be a partisan issue. It is a fact that burning fossil fuels is causing dangerous climate change which poses a grave threat to humanity’s future. The only way to address the threat of climate change is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Saskatchewan has many alternatives to produce clean electricity. Saskatchewan should partner with Manitoba as our clean wind and solar energy could compliment Manitoba’s Hydro electricity for mutual benefit. We could be leaders in clean energy which would grow our economy and make life more affordable for all. We have proven alternatives that are ready today.
“We must reduce our impact on the environment and replace fossil energy with clean [options]. To do that requires us to reconcile our relationships with each other and nature. We cannot continue to treat nature as property to be exploited for maximum profit.” – Glenn Wright
More generally, green policies are needed to acknowledge that our current economy and way of life in Saskatchewan is unsustainable. We must reduce our impact on the environment and replace fossil energy with clean [options]. To do that requires us to reconcile our relationships with each other and nature. We cannot continue to treat nature as property to be exploited for maximum profit. We must sincerely prioritize the triple bottom line of economic, social, and environmental objectives to ensure that we build an economy that blooms and lasts while ensuring that no one in Saskatchewan is left behind. We can do that, if we are willing to work together. “Courage my friend; ‘tis not too late to build a better world.” Tommy Douglas (also from Weyburn, SK)
What role does political ecology play in your platform, and how do you see it influencing the upcoming elections in Saskatchewan?
Naomi Hunter: Ecological Wisdom is one of the six core values of the global green movement. The Saskatchewan Greens believe the forms of democracy needed for a healthy relationship between humankind and other kind must include representation for nature. The SGP adopted a Resolution put forward by longtime member Dave Greenfield and myself recently, Respecting the Rights of Mother Earth and Indigenous Wisdom. We then rewrote our entire policy book with that resolution centered in every piece of it. We also supported the formation of the Sovereign Indigenous Peoples Advisory Committee (SIPAC).
The Saskatchewan Green Party recognizes that there is a human rights consideration in the exposure to environmental contaminants, and supports the theory of an environmental bill of rights for the province of Saskatchewan.
Can you elaborate on how resource extraction and land management practices under the Sask Party have impacted Saskatchewan’s environment and communities?
Naomi Hunter: Since coming to power in 2007, the Sask Party has privatized over 1.1 million acres of Crown land in clear violation of Treaty. This land includes formerly protected grassland, wetlands, and aspen parkland that are the territories of the Cree, Saulteaux, Nakota, Dakota, Lakota, and Métis Peoples. With less than 15% of native prairie remaining in Saskatchewan, this land provides essential wildlife habitat and carbon sequestration and is critically important to Indigenous food sovereignty and language revitalization. Any semblance of reconciliation or action on climate change must begin with protecting the precious little native prairie that remains and keeping it public.
“Any semblance of reconciliation or action on climate change must begin with protecting the precious little native prairie that remains and keeping it public.” – Naomi Hunter
Saskatchewan has 1800 miles of drainage ditches, draining 4.5 million acres of wetlands. The process has been streamlined by the Sask Party government’s new Ag drainage strategy, approving the draining of up to 90 per cent of wetland acreage in any given district.
Saskatchewan is the only province without a Wetlands Protection Policy. It’s time that Saskatchewan follows the lead of our neighbours in Alberta and Manitoba and develops a more balanced mitigation policy, one that offers protection for municipalities, producers, and society.
How does Saskatchewan’s environmental struggle fit into the global conversation on political ecology and green perspectives?
Naomi Hunter: Saskatchewan will be profoundly affected by climate change. Through innovative policy and establishing secure energy supplies, we can position ourselves economically for an energy future that is robust, sustainable, safe and affordable. Saskatchewan gets most of its electricity by burning oil, gas, and coal. This produces greenhouse gases and other air contaminants, and importing some of these [fossil fuels] ups our carbon footprint. With the impact of rising levels of greenhouse gases and the level of dependence on insecure sources of fossil fuels in Saskatchewan, the time to transition to secure renewable energy is now.
*Glenn Wright disclaimer: “These do not represent the views of anyone other than me personally and not in any capacity as an employee, board member of any NGO I sit on, or political party member.”
Feature Image: “Red Lily Wind Farm Moosomin” by Masterhatch is marked with CC0 1.0.
