Looking ahead in 2010…

Copenhagen Conference = millions of emissions released into atmosphere + millions of dollars spent + non-legally binding targets + more cynicism in the climate change sphere.

Not to go on rant about the troubles and challenges of Copenhagen, but I vehemently believe that global targets on emissions are too hard to implement! For a long time, I have argued that cities need to play a much more active role in combating climate change. 50% of the world’s population now live in urban environments- growing cities around the world have their own problems with pollution, transportation and waste management, but they also have innovation, ideas and talent.

I hope this decade witnesses a rise in municipal leadership; especially in the Canadian environment. In Canada, we know that energy consumption and emissions reduction are subject to decisions by all three levels of government; the federal government sets environmental standards and impact assessments, provinces have constitutional authority over natural resources, and municipalities directly influence transportation, land use and housing. We should be trying to overcome this inherent complexity in multilevel governance relationships within Canada, specifically over climate change.

If cities were given more power and funding from the feds (because cities have no money) we could very well see some critical changes in our transportation systems, air pollution strategies, waste diversion programs like recycling and composting and housing design that incorporates energy efficiency and renewable resources. All of these endeavours are possible to administer at the city level, insofar as our municipal leaders actively engage with the private sector to advance change on the environment and economy. There are countless examples of cities that have gone the extra mile to address climate change, remember “wisdom way solar village”?

Also, whatever happen to energy audit programs that were once successful in cities such as Waterloo? Energy audit programs are just another example of how cities can significantly address climate change. Homeowners would love to learn about how they can live comfortably while concomitantly cutting down on energy usage.

I think cities need to have access to funding, especially for administering energy audits to ensure that the actions stimulated by the incentive are most appropriate or provide the best return for homeowner investment. Local climate action from cities and municipalities are indispensable in the fight against climate change. Cities must start forming partnerships with their utility companies, consulting firms and other stakeholders to share the costs and increase local awareness. This is how citizens at the local level can be more engaged and hence more willing to make changes to their everyday lives.

Key message: Progress on climate change action requires local participation where people feel engaged and learn about practical ways to do the right thing for the planet. This may be buying a more efficient dishwasher, making solar energy more viable or having access to waste diversion programs for example. The interests at the grassroots can only be sustained if the city is willing to provide resources, incentives and enact policies that are progressive for our planet.