VICTORIA B.C. - Dr. Andrew Weaver, leader of the B.C. Green Party, released the Party’s strategy on climate change today in Victoria. Before becoming the first B.C. Green Party MLA in 2013, Weaver was a world-renowned climate scientist and professor at the University of Victoria.

“Climate change is not just an environmental issue. The need to take action on climate today is paramount for the future of our economy and the world we will leave for our children,” said Weaver.

“B.C. was once a leader on climate action, but under Christy Clark’s B.C. Liberals, we have moved backwards. Of Canada’s four most populous provinces, only British Columbia is projected to increase our emissions by 2030. A B.C. Green government would take immediate action to make B.C. a leader in both climate action and the opportunities that arise from transitioning to a low-carbon economy.”

The climate strategy released today focuses on mitigation through reducing emissions. A further strategy on climate adaptation will be released in the coming weeks.

Weaver also noted that the climate strategy complements the party’s innovation and sustainable enterprise platform released last week in Vancouver. That strategy will create good-paying jobs, boost innovation and support small B.C. businesses and sustainable enterprises.

Key components of B.C. Green Party’s climate strategy include:

Adoption of the Climate Leadership Team’s recommendation to establish an interim emissions reduction target of 40% below 2007 levels by 2030.

An investment of $29 million over four years to enhance the scientific understanding of the effects of climate change on B.C.

A progressive increase in the carbon tax by $10 per year for four years beginning January 2018.

A revisitation of the mandate of B.C. Hydro to optimise support for clean energy development, including grid storage.

An extension of the carbon tax to include fugitive emissions and emissions from slash burning forest fibre in 2020.

A number of measures that will make low-carbon consumer choices more affordable and readily available to British Columbians.

A number of measures that will improve efficiency in equipment, vehicles, new buildings and community planning.

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Attached:

Media contact

B.C. Green Party

Jillian Oliver, Press Secretary

+1 778-650-0597 | jillian.oliver@bcgreens.ca