So, Edmonton has declared a climate emergency and you’ve heard me talk about jobs, food on the table for our families and saving Edmontonians’ dollars. That’s because taking action on climate change can be both practical and realistic. The global economy is moving toward climate-focused energy and technology, and Edmonton is faced with a choice: we can either be the buyers of that innovation, or we can be its suppliers.

In declaring a climate emergency, Edmonton has added itself to a growing list of governments participating in the global conversation about climate change, and what it means for our future. We need to have a seat at this international table because what is discussed there will translate into jobs for NE Edmonton, and the rest of the region.

I want to see council act on climate change because it won’t just make us money — taking action will save us money, too. Part of my job as a city councillor is to be responsible with Edmontonians’ dollars, and make choices that make life more affordable for residents. Ignoring the effects of climate change means we run the risk of using a financial patchwork approach to fix problems that weren’t addressed in the past.

For example, flood mitigation is costing our city $1.5 billion. The more-frequent freezing and thawing of our ground means the city has to spend more on pothole and sidewalk repair. We’ve all heard stories of the crops our farmers grow being devastated by new pests and unexpected rain storms leading to higher grocery bills for all of us. Band-Aid solutions are costing the city, and the residents, more money long term.

By declaring a climate emergency, we are getting creative about global food production, building better products for export and fostering a culture of technological innovation. We will provide common-sense solutions to the world and bring investment and prosperity to central Alberta.

To be blunt, taking action on climate change makes fiscal sense. In 2016, Edmonton’s climate focused energy economy unlocked $3.6 billion in economic output and was responsible for nearly 15,000 jobs in our region. Climate change is the largest wealth creation opportunity we will ever see.

Our city is on the map for its cutting edge machine learning research, world class agricultural production, and a pristine river valley. In focusing on practical solutions for our grandkids’ future, we will put food on the table for our kids today.

Declaring a climate emergency works in tandem with our plan to ramp up our Energy Transition Strategy: our common-sense eight-point action plan. So, I have asked our administration to update city council each quarter on the progress we have made to achieving these goals. That means better transit, access to good, local food and healthier communities. Because if we don’t course correct now, we risk missing the goalposts all together.

Taking action is not a choice between investing in the basics for Edmonton, or clean drinking water; it is a choice to invest in a new economy, build careers for Edmontonians and demonstrate to the world that we are leaders.

We have declared a climate emergency to prepare for the changes that are coming to our ecosystems, our communities and our economy. It is a commitment to keeping the climate at the forefront of our decision making, because out of challenge comes opportunity. When we harness the power of climate change the effects are tangible: international investment, attracting talent and a seat at the global table.

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Councillor Aaron Paquette is committed to building strong and diverse communities in northeast Edmonton. Prior to his election to city council, Aaron worked as an award-winning Indigenous artist and author.

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