By Peter Jarvis
Although not everyone may agree with British Columbia’s leadership in climate change, we should be proud of the efforts made by the B.C. Liberal government (Environment Minister Mary Polak and Premier Christy Clark).
Climate change is here to stay and each of us needs to acknowledge the need to do our part in cutting greenhouse gas emissions (GHG).
B.C. initiated a carbon tax in 2008, which today is $30/tonne. It resulted in a slight reduction; at least until this year and reminded B.C. residents of the issue.
In May 2015, a B.C. Climate Leadership Team was formed from across a broad spectrum of stakeholders to craft a climate action plan for B.C. meshing with the federal government plan and the United Nations worldwide plan, advising on industrial, transport and built environment (buildings, waste water, etc.) sectors.
Later that year, they released a discussion paper and asked for input from the general population: 2013 B.C. GHG emissions: where 64 million tonnes – transportation (37.2%), industry (39.5%) built environment (18.3%) plus deforestation (4.9%).
In November, after processing public input, the Climate Leadership Team issued recommendations. It contains a tremendous amount of useful information and 32 recommendations – engage.gov.bc.ca/climateleadership.
They include reaffirming 2050 greenhouse gas target at 80% below 2007 levels, setting 2030 targets at 40% below 2007 levels including industry sector targets, re-implementing the revenue neutral carbon tax $10/ton/year while helping the vulnerable and expanding its application, investing in reduction technologies and projects and electrifying and reducing greenhouse gas escape from the liquefied natural gas projects.
Incidentally, the proposed liquefied natural gas projects will make it more difficult to meet targets and the Site C project more likely – both major issues.
In early 2016, a Consultation Guide was issued and comments were requested. The comment period has just closed and the final plan is promised for spring 2016.
If most of these recommendations are implemented, we will be off to a good start.
But is it enough to allow Canada to meet its targets to the UN Climate Control Conference?
These are difficult issues, but the cost of addressing them and the effects of not addressing them will only go up with time – best to deal with them now.
Review the website – engage.gov.bc.ca/climateleadership – and voice your concerns to your local municipal, provincial and national representatives.
Peter Jarvis is a director with the South Cariboo Sustainability Society.
