Departure Bay Neighbourhood Association Taking Climate Action
Recently, the Departure Bay Neighbourhood Association members met with Nanaimo Climate Action Hub board member Deanna Fourt to talk about climate action. The good news about climate action is that every tonne of greenhouse gas emissions avoided contributes to a positive future. Rapid emissions reduction stabilizes global temperature (IPCC, 2021) and decreases the occurrence of record-shattering events (Fischer et al.,2021). The deadliest extreme event for Nanaimo and British Columbia was the 2021 heat dome, characterized by numerous days of extreme heat and warm nights. Unfortunately, the temperature on the hottest days and the duration of extreme heat events will increase until we stabilize global warming.
What Can We Do As A Neighbourhood Association?
MITIGATION
Reduce Emissions – Every Kilogram Matters
Collaborate on home energy reduction – energy audits, group purchase for heat pumps or solar.
Check out Sustainable Energy Co-op Gabriola
Check out Old City Quarter Thermal Imaging Project for Greener Home Heating
Advocate for safe bike lanes and active transportation – Check out Strong Towns Nanaimo.
ADAPTATION
Prepare for Changing ClimateDevelop a Neighbourhood Extreme Event Emergency Plan
Green-Up for Best of Both
Reduce and Prepare for Changing Climate with these Actions
Plant a mini-forest at the school or parks. Check out Snuneymuxw’s mini-forest project
Check out Rock City NA Seed-to-Table Workshops and shared equipment
Check out UBC’s Cool-It Tool Kit
Create rain gardens and community gardens - check out Green Communities Canada
And of course, join Nanaimo Climate Action Hub!
