A local non-profit is launching a Regional Climate Action Plan on May 11 at the Stockey Centre.
The Georgian Bay Biosphere says the plan will be shared with the community during the 4 to 6 PM event, which will also include a tradeshow of energy booths, climate action opportunities, and community initiatives.
GBB officials say the plan outlines actions and initiatives that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase renewable energy adoption, promote sustainable transportation, offer waste management solutions, and more.
GBB Climate and Energy Programs Coordinator Allison Covert says the event will be a great opportunity for everyone to learn how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions together while networking with people from across the community. Covert says there are already many positive initiatives underway that the biosphere can’t wait to share.
Officials say electric vehicles will also be on display outdoors so people can ask the owners questions about the range, cost savings, and battery charging before the event starts.
The biosphere says the plan would not have been made possible without three main factors. Those are the work of volunteers in three Climate Action Groups who recommended actions for the plan and the Integrated Community Energy & Climate Action Plans (ICECAP) partnership that showed the support of area municipalities and First Nations. And finally, the public survey with over 600 responses which confirmed the main themes of Green Buildings, Sustainable Transportation, and Waste Management.
GBB officials say sustainable and active transportation were top concerns in the survey. Concerns that the biosphere says can be addressed with more cycling infrastructure, trails, and EV charging stations.
Benjamin John, Climate and Energy Programs Manager says actions with a focus on education and awareness are the biosphere’s top priority.
“Our survey showed that not only do people need information on what they can do, they need to know why they should be doing it. Taking climate action is more than just reducing greenhouse gas emissions. There are economic and social benefits as well. Equipping people with knowledge on how to take action is the foundation from which everything else can be built,” John says.
Officials say moving forward the biosphere is looking for new volunteers for Climate Action Groups to help implement priority actions for the region. These include information campaigns about energy efficiency, retrofits, and the long-term cost savings of heat pumps.
Anyone interested in joining a Climate Action Group is encouraged to reach out to the Biosphere at 705 774 0978 or [email protected].
To register for the RCAP Launch Event, go to gbbr.ca/events. GBB officials add that all attendees will be entered into a draw to win a countertop composter donated by FoodCycler.