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ByRichard Walton, on behalf of the B.C. Mayors Climate Leadership Council

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Within the past six months, we have seen the emergence of collaborative action on climate issues: internationally with the signing of the Paris Agreement, and nationally with the provinces endorsing the Vancouver Declaration. Now it is our turn to take action in our own backyards.

More than half of British Columbia’s energy use and carbon emissions come from buildings and transportation within our urban areas. Local government policies and regulations can have significant impact in these areas, and now, with the province’s recommitment to a vital climate strategy, it is time for local and regional governments, and the communities they serve, to roll up their sleeves and pitch in.

The province’s Climate Leadership Team delivered a strong set of recommendations to the government in late 2015, highlighting the initial successes of the 2008 climate policies. However, with limited policy action since 2012, emissions have been rising again. The team’s recommendations are the best up-to-date road map we have to achieve significant greenhouse gas reductions and meet our 2050 climate action goals. Many of the team’s recommendations will require local community partnership if B.C. is to achieve its overall goal.