Climate change is real and is being felt now. What can we do?

The past month has seen the hottest temperatures on record in BC, accompanied by forest fires and many people dying*. This newsletter looks at different ways we can adapt and mitigate.

Adaptations are actions we can take to minimize the harms that are already appearing because of climate change; mitigations are actions we can take to reduce the heat-trapping gases that human activities have been adding to the atmosphere and that are impacting climate.

• Adaptations for Co-ops (for heat)
  One of the most obvious changes in climate has been an increase in temperature. There are many consequences to this, including rising sea levels and more violent weather.
• Building Envelopes, Energy Efficiency and Funding Options
  Residential buildings in BC are responsible for a significant share of the province’s overall greenhouse gas emissions. Co-ops can take on bold actions to reduce their energy use.
  
• Climate Change, Extreme Weather, and Your Food
  Warmer temperatures may sound attractive, but heat waves, chronic drought, and extreme weather can be detrimental to farmers.
• Reef-Safe Sunscreen
  Sunscreen is important, but when it washes off into an ocean or lake, it enters our waterways, which then affects organisms in the oceans.
  
• Reflections on the 2021 BC Wildfire Season (pdf)
  Michael Pontinen, Co-Chair of the Climate Emergency Task force, reflects on the 2021 BC Wildfire Season.