Edmonton's Mosquito Control Backlash
In 2022, Edmonton opted to cease airdropping mosquito-larva-eating bacteria into water bodies, favoring more 'natural' pest control methods. Experts warned that mosquito populations could double. Now, residents report a 'mosquitopocalypse' after walking in grass last weekend, confirming the grim prophecy.
Pattern of Progressive Environmentalism
This pattern recurs across Canada and the West: government officials develop romantic notions that non-interference is best for the environment, convincing colleagues to sacrifice convenience, comfort, and health for an organic lifestyle, then imposing these views on the public.
Europe's Heatwave Irrationality
The worst examples are in Western Europe, where masses endure intolerable heatwaves without air conditioning. Germany's public broadcaster warned AC could worsen global warming due to energy use. In France, where hundreds died from heat last week, climate activists label AC a distraction from fighting global warming, influencing building codes. Britain has regulated AC to the point of tearing units from homes during brutal heatwaves.
Science vs. Exaggerated Impacts
These policies have some scientific basis: AC expels warm air, heating the environment. But activists ignore the tiny effect size. An Arizona State University study estimated AC raises outdoor temperatures by only 1°C to 1.5°C at night and 0.25°C to 0.5°C during the day, based on cooling homes to 25°C in a week of daytime highs over 40°C. For one degree outdoors, hundreds of lives could be saved.
Climate Anxieties Driving Policy
Europe's AC-phobia stems from the same climate anxieties that led to coal and nuclear plant shutdowns. The result: higher energy costs, increased blackout risk, and greater dependence on Russia, all to satisfy those who oppose sustaining modern existence.
North American Trends
North America follows similar trends. Some cities reduced herbicide use and mowing for biodiversity, claiming native plants help insects. In practice, once-neat greenspaces became overgrown with nuisance weeds, appearing neglected. Others, including Portland and Edmonton, applied the same organic philosophy to mosquito control, leading to population surges and public discomfort.
