Climate Action Framework

Dear City of Vancouver Councilmembers:

Thank you for addressing climate change through a Climate Action Framework guided by principles of social, economic, and environmental sustainability.

I strongly support the Framework—including an equitable implementation of its strategies to build a resilient, green economy in Vancouver. I am particularly supportive of the Framework’s focus on investing in communities already overburdened by the impacts of climate change, increasing building and vehicle electrification, implementing 100% clean energy, and nurturing natural systems such as expanded tree canopy and clean water that will make Vancouver more resilient in a changing climate. 

As you adopt this Framework, I urge you to ensure the following is achieved in its implementation: 

• measuring progress in ensuring equitable investment and engagement with overburdened communities; 
• establishing a transparent and public process to review and evaluate progress on the Framework; and,
• prioritizing investments that achieve multiple benefits, supporting both community and natural systems to bolster the resiliency of the community. 

I strongly support the Framework’s enhanced focus on building electrification, which is clearly the best option for addressing the climate impact of buildings.

The Climate Action Framework is bold, and it reflects a strong effort to gather community input. Looking forward, the Framework will be most effective if the community remains engaged in implementation and the City staff have the full support of the City Council in transforming Vancouver to address the climate change crisis.

Thank you for your work,

Background

Vancouver is stepping up to tackle the climate crisis. On Monday, December 5, 2022, at 6:30 pm, the Vancouver City Council will consider taking a major step towards a more equitable, sustainable Vancouver by voting on a new Climate Action Framework—an 83-page plan that proposes tangible steps for the city to foster an equitable transition to clean energy, healthier communities, and natural systems that bolster Vancouver’s resilience in a changing climate.

Please join us in supporting Vancouver’s proposed Climate Action Framework and urging the Council to support City staff in implementing the plan. *Sign the petition above.

Already this fall, the Vancouver City Council passed the region’s strongest prohibition on new large-scale fossil fuel facilities, a major victory for Vancouver advocates for healthier, safer communities. Like the fossil fuel ordinance, Vancouver’s Climate Action Framework results from community support for Vancouver becoming a statewide leader in climate action guided by principles of social, economic, and environmental sustainability. With your support, the Vancouver City Council can take a big step to address the climate crisis head-on.