Municipalities Can Stop Climate Change
In the not too distant past the world’s scientific community debated over the validity of climate change from global warming. Fast forward to present day and these deliberations are on how much impact and when. In this same time period, extremist views have shifted from heavy droughts and storms to whether or not our species can survive. From the mouths of Al Gore and David Suzuki it is time to find the will to act and it is time to open our eyes.
Municipalities have long known their role in leading communities. A Federation of Canadian Municipalities study, Act Locally, The Municipal Role in Fighting Climate Change, states, “ Municipal governments have direct or indirect control over approximately 44 per cent of GHG emissions in Canada”, “Municipal governments are fundamental to achieving local, community-based emission reductions since they have significant influence on development and land-use decisions that shape the pattern of energy use within communities” and finally, “Municipal governments are also the order of government that is the closest to citizens and can most easily engage households and businesses to implement local projects to reduce GHG emissions”.
Based on these assertions, what should local governments do and what are the resulting complications?
- Municipal operations (direct control) - Buildings, fleet, utilities and landfills are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. As assets reach the end of their useful life and need to be replaced it is the time to action changes. Unfortunately, competing with climate action commitments are the other needs for automation efficiency, quality improvements and service enhancements, all being restricted by a taxation threshold and human nature’s aversion to change. The problem with replacing long lived assets with like for like, is a lost opportunity to make positive improvements and one that will not return again, for some assets, for a century. In order to meet climate action commitments, local governments need to be deliberate, focused and relentless towards greening infrastructure, fleets and waste management systems. If a local government does nothing else, these actions will have a positive impact on global warming and meet our commitment;
- Housing, development and building policy (indirect control) - A municipality has control over land use, areas of growth, densification levels, transportation corridors and building quality. It is through these regulations that a local government can ensure new builds consider energy efficient construction methodologies, smart city infrastructure and land use layout that lowers the community’s greenhouse gas emissions. A powerful example in British Columbia is the housing Energy Step Code where local governments have the option of waiting for the Province to mandate changes or to voluntarily elect for an early adoption strategy. Every home built without these new energy efficient standards will be a lost opportunity that will not return for another fifty years; and
- Citizen habits (influence) - Governments ought to be leaders by example in driving change and the best way I know to depict the power of influence is through the infamous Dancing Guy video . A climate-committed local government that shows it is serious about its obligation to the human race will bring others with them. Businesses and citizens will follow suit and do their part, if only their municipality led the way by converting its infrastructure and regulating development.
Summary:
Of course, municipalities cannot stop climate change as the title suggests, however, they can have a major impact. In meeting its commitment to mitigating against global warming, local governments should look after their own operations firstly, then use regulations to influence societal changes and finally, be an early adopter of climate change initiatives.