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NORTHERN CLIMATE CHANGE NETWORK LISTSERV, Mar/08– Issue 11
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IN THE BC NEWS...
Premier Meets with Forest Sector on Climate Change
On February 15, 2008, Premier Gordon Campbell met with representatives of the forest industry, researchers and the forest ministry at a Climate Action meeting in Prince George. The focus of the meeting was to discuss BC’s climate action goals and examine the roles and opportunities for the forest industry to assist with reducing greenhouse gases and meeting emission reduction targets. The next step will be the development of a joint industry-government strategic plan.
Speakers included Ric Slaco, Vice-President of Interfor, Don Roberts, UBC Dean Jack Saddler and Graham Whitmarsh, head of the Climate Action Secretariat. Presentations and posters from this meeting can be found at: http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/mof/Climate_Change/
IN THE BC NEWS...
BC Announced Carbon Tax in 2008 Budget Speech
On July 1, 2008, subject to approval by the legislature, British Columbia will begin to phase in a fully revenue-neutral carbon tax with built-in protection for lower income British Columbians.
The purpose of the carbon tax is to encourage individuals and businesses to make more environmentally responsible choices, reducing their use of fossil fuels and related emissions. The tax has the advantage of providing an incentive without favouring one way to reduce emissions over another. Business and individuals can choose to avoid it by reducing usage, increasing efficiency, changing fuels, adopting new technology or any combination of these approaches. Details.
Related Links:
- The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, BC Office released the report “Searching for the Good Life in Carbon Neutral BC”
- Voters taking Action Against Climate Change
- The Progressive Economics Forum – written letter from 70 economists urging Minister Taylor to set carbon taxes. Details.
- Ministry of Small Business and Revenue information on the carbon tax
- More from the BC Climate Change Secretariat – more information.
$1 Billion Announced in BC Budget Speech for Climate Action
$1 billion over four years was announced in the 2008 BC Budget Speech for operating and capital expenditures and tax incentives to encourage environmentally responsible choices, implement new regulatory requirements, undertake cutting-edge research, and make needed low-carbon investments. Details.
Of particular interest to those in northern BC, the following initiatives are highlighted:
- $31 million to support innovation in the pulp and paper industry to further reduce its carbon footprint and enhance the carbon storage potential of B.C. forests;
- $49 million to improve B.C.’s ability to adapt to climate change implications, including funds to enhance climate data collection systems and funding for flood protection and planning;
- $111 million — including $62 million for contingencies to develop additional climate action solutions — to undertake stakeholder consultations, establish and fund the Citizens’ Conservation Council, assist the Climate Action Team, and support public outreach to promote greener choices.
Chief Forester Announces Future Forest Ecosystem Initiative Strategic Plan
On January 23, 2008 the BC Ministry of Forests and Range released their three-year strategic plan guiding the implementation of the Future Forest Ecosystem Initiative (FFEI). This initiative looks at how to adapt forest and range management in light of changing climates and resulting changes to BC’s forests and range lands.
The Chief Forester recently established a Climate Change and Forest Carbon Strategic Leadership Work Unit to coordinate many of these initiatives, as well as FFEI management and delivery. FFEI will be implemented in concert with a broader ministry strategic plan for climate change being prepared in collaboration with the provincial Climate Action Secretariat. Details.
Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions – New Website
BC Premier Gordon Campbell announced on Jan. 25 that his government will seek legislative approval for $94.5 million to create the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS), to be hosted and led by the University of Victoria.
PICS will bring together top scientists, government and the private sector to develop innovative climate change adaptation and mitigation solutions. The collaboration also includes the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University and the University of Northern British Columbia. Visit their website at: http://www.pics.uvic.ca/
New Bioenergy Strategy Advances Innovation
On January 31, 2008, Premier Gordon Campbell announced the BC Bioenergy Strategy which will create new opportunities for rural communities, spur new investment and innovation, and help British Columbia reach the goal of becoming electricity self-sufficient by 2016. Details.
Land Trust Alliance of BC Releases Report on Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
The report “Mitigating and Adapting to Climate Change through the Conservation of Nature” was released by the Land Trust Alliance on January 17, 2008. The report provides an overview of the role that natural ecosystems play to mitigate and adapt to climate change, the projected impacts of climate change on ecosystems in BC, and, strategies to reduce impacts, focusing on conservation and ecosystem protection. Details.
NEWS FROM CANADA...
Climate Action Network of Canada
The Climate Action Network of Canada publishes a weekly newsletter of national and international articles related to climate change. Below are several stories that are most relevant to our Northern (BC) Climate Change Network. Complete details are available at: http://www.climateactionnetwork.ca/e/, or you can sign-up directly with CANC.
Students Launch Cross-Canada Tour
Canada’s university campuses will be blooming with solutions this spring once the Canadian Federation of Students completes its tour of 30 campuses from Victoria to St. John’s. The tour will demand a commitment by the federal government for meaningful action in the fight against climate change. Resources North contacted Peter Schiefke, the Environmental Campaigns Coordinator and asked if UNBC would be on the cross-Canada tour. Schiefke said they didn’t have the resources to visit UNBC, but that the BC Chapter of the Canadian Federation of Students may attend UNBC as part of a provincial-level tour aimed at supporting the national tour. If you would like more information or to request that the Provincial tour attend UNBC this summer, please email them.
Natural Resources Canada Releases 2007 Climate Change Impact Report
On March 7, 2008, Natural Resources Canada released their Climate Change Impact Report for 2007. The report presents a region-by-region portrait of the impacts of greenhouse gas pollution on Canadian life and the environment today and over the course of this century.
This is the first comprehensive national study in a decade on where and how climate change will impact Canada, provides dramatic evidence of the costs of climate change, and the need for urgent action. Details.
Scientists Find 9 ‘Tipping Points’ of Climate Change
A team of leading climate scientists has identified 9 ‘tipping points’ (i.e. trigger points for major, out-of-control impacts such as the melting of the Greenland ice sheet). Several are expected to occur within the next 100 years. The melting of the Arctic sea-ice and the disruption of the West African monsoon will happen within 10 years. All will be unstoppable under business-as-usual emissions track scenarios. Details.
Conference Board of Canada Calls for National Emissions Tax
The Conference Board of Canada has added its voice to the growing call for a fixed price on GHG emissions from Canada’s industrial sector. “Fundamentally, as economists, you have to believe that one of the great challenges of (addressing) climate change is that carbon is still treated like it’s free," said Glen Hodgson, senior vice-president and senior economist at the Conference Board.
Tax measures, coupled with market forces, will be key to the fight against climate change and the ability of Canadian firms to adjust. Green taxes and green investment tax credits are needed if Canadian firms are to accelerate their technological adaptation to a carbon-priced world. As a complement to green taxes, a cap and trade system should be implemented, combining regulation with market forces via emissions trading. Part of the Canadian Tax Reform for Sustainable Prosperity series, this briefing report looks at how taxes and markets can be used to combat global warming.
Canadians Say Global Warming World’s Most Pressing Issue – Canada’s World Poll
Environics conducted a major poll January 9-28, 2008 on our attitudes and opinions about international issues and what Canada’s role should be. When asked, unprompted, what issue concerns them most, more Canadians said “climate change” than any other issue, including war and poverty. Full story.
Upcoming Events:
Resources North will host a session at the Planning Institute of BC Conference - Planning for Climate Change- Acknowledging the Past, Planning for the Future. The conference will be held in Prince George, June 10-13th. Resources North will host the session entitled: "Towards Adaptation Planning in Small BC Communities". Conference details.
Other Resources and Links
- http://www.climateforchange.ca/ has various links and resources about climate change.
- Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers’ (CAPP) Stewardship Program has a climate change component. The Stewardship Program website is at: http://www.capp.ca/default.asp?V_DOC_ID=648 and the actual report can be viewed at: http://stewardship.capp.ca/
- Council of Forest Industries (COFI) Northern Operations, based out of Prince George, has a new High School presentation theme developed by Chris Lear entitled “Climate Change and our Forests”. The target audience is Grade 10-12 and is 60 minutes in length. For more information, Mr. Lear can be reached at lear@cofi.og or at (250) 614-4352.
- The Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium out of University of Victoria has a number of interesting online presentations available for viewing. Their location is at: http://pacificclimate.org/resources/presentations/
- Natural Resources Canada funds research and studies in climate change impacts and adaptation. One such project, lead by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities is looking at “Municipal Infrastructure Risk”, details available at: http://adaptation.nrcan.gc.ca/projdb/index_e.php?class=116
