Climate Change Actions and Ideas

Write letters to the provincial and federal governments urging stronger climate targets

Currently, BC is aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40% (from 2007 levels) by 2030, and 80% by 2050. The federal government aims to reduce emissions 30% (from 2010 levels) by 2030 (a Harper-era target), and be carbon neutral by 2050. I would urge the City of Powell River to write a letter to the provincial government, requesting a 55% emissions reduction by 2030, and carbon neutrality by 2050. Likewise, I would urge the city to write a letter to the federal government in request of a 55% emissions reduction by 2030. A target of 55% emissions reduction by 2030 would harmonize Canada's climate goals with those of the European Union (and potentially the Biden administration, which is expected to release its climate targets later this month), and would be in line with the 6% or greater annual reduction in emissions that António Guterres, the U.N. Secretary General, called for in December. As Guterres pointed out, a 6% or greater reduction is necessary to prevent global warming over 1.5 degrees Celsius. Thank you for reading my proposal.

DEVELOP a sustainability decision matrix to guide employees when they make decisions Offset the community 's carbon footprint.

We could be the first carbon neutral city in Canada to be carbon neutral.

Encourage or Require Solar Panels on New Buildings

The city could encourage or mandate the installation of solar panels on new buildings. A rebate for installing solar panels would create an incentive to install solar panels; alternatively, building codes could be updated to require solar panels on buildings that are in direct sunlight (it probably wouldn't make sense to install solar panels on buildings that are heavily shaded by large trees).

Pave safe continuous bike lanes through the city.

Preserve Green Space within the City Limits

One way of meeting our climate goals is to maintain existing green space within the city limits and to provide further opportunities to develop our recreational amenities such as trails (for example forest in Lot 450 extending from Brooks to Town and also forest below the mansion extension). We have a unique opportunity to enhance and maintain our existing, intact forest ecosystems which will provide in-town recreational amenities, wildlife corridors, active transportation routes, tourist sites, and spaces which actively sequester carbon. They also provide the opportunity for long term forestry assets if stewarded by the community forest. If our city focuses on our cultural and environmental amenities and continue to densify and provide walkable and affordable homes, we will be able to maintain and enhance our green spaces.