Martin Golder enjoys zooming around Victoria on his emissions-free electric bike, the closest thing to a sailing experience on dry land.  A green architect, Martin also has a mediation practice and is involved in a variety of social issues -- from First Nations housing issues to children’s rights.

Martin believes the practice of architecture is an important avenue for addressing many seemingly disparate social and environmental problems. “Providing secure housing is the most important thing we can do to ensure individual, family and social stability,” says Martin. “At the same time, green building practices can help us cut up to 50 per cent of the CO₂ we currently emit.”

“Green is not only about energy savings, it is also about healthy buildings and a healthy design and construction process. Every step of the way has to be directed by a positive approach – to the planet, to our fellow beings and to ourselves,” says Martin.

Martin joined the Sierra Club BC Executive Committee because he resonates with the Sierra Club’s strong focus on the grassroots – mobilizing concerned people in constructive action.

“It is at the grassroots level that meaningful action to combat climate change will take place – that new patterns and a new way of life will be designed,” says Martin.

Martin sees the tar sands as the number one issue for Canadians. “It is simply the most destructive project on the planet and makes virtually no sense on scientific, moral and ethical grounds,” says Martin. “It is greed-driven and resembles the dying efforts of addiction.”

 Martin would like to see a moratorium on expansion as the first step. All Canadians who are looking to answer the question “What can I do?” should go political and campaign vociferously to stop any expansion!