BC’s Climate Progress Pt. 2
(The second in a two-part series looking at how B.C.’s plan to lower climate-changing emissions is doing.)
Last month, in the first of this two-part series, columnist Janet Parkins examined Clean B.C.’s targets, gave an overall progress summary and looked at the first four categories and their grades. Here are the final six categories and my conclusions.
5. Leave no one behind—Minor progress
• The climate emergency continues to deepen existing inequalities for the most vulnerable in our communities. To minimize human suffering, we must prioritize climate action in ways that promote equity, anti-racism, and social justice; support those that have been directly affected; and implement the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.
• A new study of the 2021 heat dome—which killed 619 people in B.C.— revealed poverty and poor health increased the risk of mortality. Climate change is a public health crisis, and doctors warn that B.C.’s LNG industry is fuelling impacts across the province that increase healthcare costs and reduce access to care.
• B.C. needs a comprehensive plan for a just transition away from fossil fuels, and an independent health impact assessment of fossil fuel infrastructure.
6. Protect and restore nature–Minor progress
• The 2023 Tripartite Framework Agreement on Nature Conservation between the federal government, the B.C. government and the........
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