Mr. Jake Hubley, Community Organizer,
Force of Nature Alliance, appeared before the Committee providing an overview
of the group’s work, as well as their collaborative efforts with other cities
in identifying climate targets.
The speaker referred to the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on Global
Warming of 1.5°C released in 2018
October which recommended community-wide emission reduction targets of 45% by
2030, 65% by 2040 and 100% by 2050. Mr. Hubley advised that these are the
minimum targets needed to avoid the worst impacts of climate change by the
next generation, and advocated that the City set even higher emission
reduction targets. Five cities in the Lower Mainland have adopted targets to
date.
Mr. Hubley stated that cities have a
big influence in reducing the impact of climate change. He noted a number of
solutions to reducing community-wide emissions which cities could implement,
including adoption of: BC Step Code, property assessed clean energy (PACE)
financing, electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, more bike lanes,
car free streets, banning plastic bags, and renewable natural gas. Further, the
speaker emphasized the importance for cities to measure and report emission
levels, and tracking progress.
The delegation also advocated that
cities declare “climate emergency”. In addition to the Lower Mainland cities
of Richmond, Vancouver and New Westminster, over 600 cities internationally have
declared “climate emergency”.
In conclusion, Mr. Hubley advised
Force of Nature is asking that all municipalities within the Lower Mainland
do the following:
1.
Pass
a formal resolution to adopt the latest IPCC recommended greenhouse gas
reduction targets for community-wide emissions.
2. Establish a set of
interim targets.
3.
Draft
a plan for annual transparent measuring and reporting.
In closing, Mr. Hubley added that he
would provide the Committee and staff with additional information to support
Burnaby’s work regarding climate targets.
The Committee recommended the
delegation bring this presentation to Metro Vancouver which has jurisdiction
over many of the areas addressed by Mr. Hubley.
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