Strong Cap and Trade System One of the Keys to Reducing British Columbia's Greenhouse Gas Emissions
British Columbia and its partners in the Western Climate Initiative are currently designing a "cap and trade" system to reduce the pollution that causes global warming. If designed well, the system has huge potential to reduce British Columbia's global warming emissions. Large industry and aviation, two sectors that could be covered by cap and trade, produce approximately 40% of the province's emissions. A new report by the Pembina Institute, Cap and Trade: Reducing Pollution, Inspiring Innovation, explains how cap and trade systems work and offers recommendations for the design of an effective system.
Negotiations about what the Western Climate Initiative cap and trade system will look like are at a critical phase, and there is a brief window of opportunity for the public and policymakers to provide input. To learn more, read the fact sheet "Tackling 40% of British Columbia's Global Warming Emissions" or the full report Reducing Pollution, Inspiring Innovation. For more information, contact Matt Horne, Acting Director of British Columbia Energy Solutions.
A mining boom is underway in Northwest British Columbia. Mining companies have proposed multiple new mining projects to capitalize on high mineral prices. However, in the rush to profit before prices fall, the needs of local communities, as well as long-term impacts on the environment, are often overlooked. The Pembina Institute
has launched a new website, www.afterthegoldrush.ca, devoted to the mining and energy issues facing Northwest British Columbia today. The site features a slide show of the region's natural beauty, maps, primers on key issues, and more.
Businesses in British Columbia are taking action against climate change with help from an innovative new program launched by Ecotrust Canada, the Pembina Institute and the David Suzuki Foundation. The Carbon Neutral Workgroup program helps small and medium-sized businesses measure their carbon footprints, reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and take advantage of carbon offset opportunities. [MORE]
First Nations communities are often directly affected by resource development on their land. Armed with the facts, communities are able to minimize the negative impacts of conventional energy projects and to develop renewable energy alternatives. In April 2007, Pembina participated in the inaugural First Nations' Energy Summit. [MORE]
Community Engagement
The Pembina Institute works directly with communities throughout British Columbia on energy issues. Through services such as energy and sustainability planning, our Sustainable Communities Group helps municipalities and First Nations communities identify and achieve sustainability goals.
We also conduct grassroots outreach on energy issues affecting the province, such as the impacts of oil and gas development and opportunities for renewable energy projects. [MORE]
