May in Munk Debates

Green Party Leader Elizabeth May will participate in the prestigious Munk Debates on Tuesday, December 1st in Toronto, along with Bjorn Lomborg, Lord Nigel Lawson, and George Monbiot.

The topic at hand is “Climate change is mankind's defining crisis, and demands a commensurate international response.”  Ms. May and Mr. Monbiot, both best-selling authors of books on the mitigation of climate change, will argue in favour of an urgent and significant international response to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions.

On the opposing side is climate change skeptic Bjorn Lomborg, and Lord Nigel Lawson, former Chancellor of the Exchequer of the United Kingdom, both of whom question whether climate change mitigation will cause unnecessary social and financial hardships.

The Munk Debates is a signature initiative of the Aurea Foundation, a charitable organization established in 2006 by Peter and Melanie Munk to support Canadian institutions involved in the study and development of public policy.  Held annually, previous Munk Debates have featured U.S. diplomat Richard Holbrooke, activist Mia Farrow, journalist Charles Krauthammer, historian Niall Ferguson, former diplomat Stephen Lewis and General Rick Hillier.

“I am honoured to be selected as the only Canadian and only political leader to join internationally respected author George Monbiot in the debating team for urgent climate action. There is really no longer any scope or time for debate. With every passing year the Canadian government falls behind in terms of green technology, green jobs and responsible action to give our children a future,” said Ms. May.

The Munk Debates will be held on Tuesday December 1st, 2009 at The Royal Conservatory – TELUS Centre for the Performing Arts in Toronto, at 7:00 pm, and are open to the public.

Tickets range from $20 to $50 and can be purchased through the Royal Conservatory box office by phone at 416-408-0208 or online at performance.rcmusic.ca. Seating is limited. A free public reception will follow the event.
For more information on the Munk Debates visit: http://www.munkdebates.com/media/