Thank you to everyone who joined us November 28th in Victoria for BCSEA’s 11th Annual General Meeting. In between the release of recommendations from BC’s Climate Leadership Team (read BCSEA’s media statement here) and the start of the Paris Climate Conference, the membership elected a new Board of Directors. BCSEA’s Executive Director Ali Grovue announced highlights of the association’s 2016-2018 strategy, which is focussed on raising awareness and understanding of the benefits of transitioning to a low-carbon economy, building a movement of members to share inspiration and deepen engagement, and informing and inspiring policy leadership.
Read... coverage of the AGM here from Robert Wisla, Kamloops Chapter steering committee member.
About 125 people gathered in Kamloops on November 29th for a rally to support clean energy and climate action, organized by BCSEA Kamloops Chapter and other local groups as one of 2,475 events making up the Global Climate March. In just two weeks leading up to the rally Kamloops organizers gathered 1,200 signatures asking PM Trudeau to take strong action on climate change.
Later, BCSEA Kamloops presented to City Council, shining a light on the fact that emissions in Kamloops are rising, and requested that the City start developing a Community Energy and Emissions Plan. The request was narrowly defeated 5-4, but Mayor Peter Milobar indicated staff would be ready to move on the plan a year from now.
COP 21: Thinking globally and acting locally
The COP21 Conference on Climate Change in Paris this month will have a resounding effect on future policies and politics around the world at both an economic and moral level and could be one of the great turning points in history. BCSEA urges its members to take action locally by encouraging the BC government to adopt strong policies. Read Article
Compelling Vision, Exceptional Partnerships and Skookum Volunteers Marion Pape, Chair of Victoria Chapter describes the program that may have helped affect election results. Read MoreCheryl Kabloona, Chair of BCSEA Kamloops Chapter, comments on the new government’s commitments in the context of COP21. Read Article
A new report from The United Nations shows the connection between natural disasters, climate change and food security. Read Article
BCSEA member Renewable Cities discusses the role of cities reducing emissions and COP21. Read Article
Other cities are far advanced in transit planning projects, while Metro Vancouver is stuck in a financial deadlock. Read Article