Global warming is the most urgent issue of our time. Many scientists say we have less than 10 years to reduce greenhouse gas emissions before the process of global warming reaches a point of no return. Canadians believe that action on global warming is a top priority, and that governments must do more. The BC government leads the country with its legislated commitment to reduce provincial greenhouse gas emissions, yet much more remains to be done. The Federal Government for example must fully commit, with other industrial nations, to an 80 percent reduction in emissions below 1990 levels by 2050. Our Campaign.

Solarpanel

BC’s special places are already experiencing the devastating impacts of global warming. Our beautiful interior forests have been decimated by the mountain pine beetle, a consequence of warmer winters having allowed a vast extension of the insect’s range. Large tracts of Vancouver’s treasured Stanley Park were destroyed in a 2006 winter storm that uprooted more than 1,000 trees, and scientists are warning that storms will increase in frequency and intensity as the world warms. Rising sea levels threaten many of our coastal communities, fertile floodplains and shorelines. The fresh water cycle will also be severely impacted. A fast-changing climate poses grave challenges to the survival of many BC species, including our salmon stocks. A Special Place.

The B.C. government’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions 33 per cent by 2020 is commendable, but would be improved if the reference year were 1990, not 2007. Meanwhile, our province has no Transportation Plan aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in a sector responsible for 40 percent of BC’s greenhouse gas emissions. Continuing public subsidies to oil and gas companies—along with proposed new coalbed methane development—encourage expansion of industries responsible for 18 per cent of BC’s greenhouse gas emissions at a time when we have a pressing need to invest in clean, renewable energy. Threats.

Wind Turbines

Sierra Club BC promotes both strong regulation and creative solutions in tackling global warming. Our Sierra CERCles (Carbon Emission Reduction Clubs) make it easy for friends, colleagues and neighbours to support each other in reducing household emissions. We encourage municipalities to become Cool Cities by taking action to cut carbon emissions. We encourage the provincial government to develop climate-friendly policies such renewable energy subsidies, continuation of the carbon tax and implementation of a "Cap and Dividend" trading scheme to predictably reduce emissions and encourage consumers to choose products made and transported with the tiniest environmental footprint. A portion of the Cap and Dividend funds should be spent on infrastructure to ensure present future generations are provided energy and its products from renewable sources. Solutions That Work.

Doing anything in your spare time? Please join us in working to prevent further global warming. We still have time. What You Can Do.