Re: “New team to advise on climate action,” Oct. 24.
Finance Minister Carole James has pledged to “carve out a new path” where “addressing climate action is a tool for long-term sustainable growth and jobs in every corner of our province.” This new path should include strong climate policies that will reduce carbon pollution from B.C.’s building, transportation and industrial sectors.
Indeed, we know that ambitious climate action opens the door to clean growth, and benefits British Columbians. B.C.’s clean-tech sector earned $1.8 billion in revenue in 2016, up 20 per cent from 2014. There are 31,700 jobs in B.C.’s green building sector, and energy-efficient homes can lower energy bills by more than 50 per cent.
It’s time to roll up our sleeves and get to work on building B.C.’s clean-growth future. The world is moving forward with climate action. Let’s do our part — and reap the benefits, too.
Karen Tam Wu
Acting B.C. director, Pembina Institute
