ClimateStream

British Columbia is a testing ground. It’s Provincial government recently passed into law the most aggressive carbon reduction targets in North America. By 2020, BC must reduce its carbon emissions 33% from 2007 levels.

In the last eighteen years, BC’s emissions have gone up by 30%, the third largest increase in Canada after Alberta and Saskatchewan. Population and economic growth continue to push emissions higher and higher.   Meeting this target will be a tremendous challenge. It will lead to profound changes in how we produce, consume, and get from place to place.

Can this province of four million people reduce its emissions by one third within the next twelve years? What will it mean to the average person’s lifestyle? How will these climate measures impact business in the province? Will our leadership inspire others to action?

Every week, this blog will explore these questions. We will examine government policies and their impacts on behavior.  We will report on innovative new climate change initiatives being implemented by communities and businesses. And, we will look at international developments in climate change and how they impact British Columbia.