Energy Forum urges premier to raise B.C.’s climate change game

Coalition of 16 business and environmental groups supports recommendations of the Climate Leadership Team

A coalition of B.C. power producers, industry associations and environmental organizations is calling on the provincial government to implement the 32 recommendations made by the Climate Leadership Team.
 
Calling itself the Energy Forum, the group included Alterra Power, the BC Sustainable Energy Association, Clean Energy Canada, the David Suzuki Foundation and the Pembina Institute.
 
“Implementing the Climate Leadership Team recommendations will solve B.C.’s growing carbon pollution problem, attract renewable energy investment and have broad support in British Columbia,” reads the open letter, addressed to Premier Christy Clark. “We urge you to announce a climate plan this month that puts B.C. back on track for its 2050 climate targets.”
 
The CLT, appointed by the premier, delivered its recommendations last fall. They covered all aspects of the B.C. economy, with a focus on carbon pricing and new targets for emissions reductions for 2035 and 2050. In response to those recommendations, the province is expected to announce a new climate-change plan at the end of June.
 
The letter notes that between 2010 and 2014, carbon pollution in British Columbia increased by the equivalent of adding 500,000 cars to the road. B.C. is now expected to have the highest emissions growth of any province.
 
Recently, the Pembina Institute released a report showing that B.C.’s efforts to combat carbon emissions are far less effective than those of Alberta, Ontario and Quebec. In those provinces, emissions are projected to decrease by 26 per cent, 22 per cent and 23 per cent respectively by 2030. B.C.’s greenhouse gas emissions could rise by 39 per cent over the same period.

Read elsewhere
Metro Vancouver residents use much more water than those in Seattle. (BC Local News)

Cruise ships, turn off your engines. The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority is considering adding shore power to Ogden Point, allowing cruise ships to plug in and reduce their emissions. (CBC)