Climate change has been called one of the greatest threats in history
to human health, the economy, and the environment. The vast
majority of climate scientists agree that human activities are the
primary cause of this change. These activities include things like
burning fuel to power vehicles and consuming energy in the heating
and cooling of our homes, as well as the industrial processes that
produce consumer goods, the methane released from garbage in our
landfills, and much more.
Over the past century, our dependence on fossil fuels has released
enough carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases to alter the
natural balance of the earth’s atmosphere, thereby changing the
climate. If we fail to take action on climate change, scientists predict
serious consequences such as decreased food production, water
shortages, and increased infestations of temperature-sensitive pests
like the pine beetle that has devastated forests in BC.
Climate change is a serious challenge, but we have real solutions.
We have technology and resources to heat our homes efficiently and
systems for making sure reusable, recyclable, and compostable items
don’t end up in the landfill. We are planning our neighbourhoods to
be quieter, greener, and more walkable—where the grocery store is a
few blocks from your house and you meet your neighbour more often
than you sit in a traffic jam. These strategies are just the beginning.
We have the knowledge, skills and innovation to bring carbon dioxide
and other greenhouse gas levels back into balance with nature. We
can transform our cities and enjoy cleaner air, more green space,
healthier people, and create new job opportunities at the same time.