January 2025

Greetings from Kevin Lindsay, NCAH Board Chair

New Year — New (and not so new) Climate Challenges & Opportunities for Action

Happy New Year! I hope the holiday season gave you an opportunity for rest, reflection, self-care and celebration in whatever way was meaningful for you and your family. For me personally, time outdoors on our beautiful island provided a much-needed respite from the heaviness of 2024 — and a temporary avoidance of thinking about what lies ahead in the coming year.

Well, 2025 is here and the effects of climate change are raging. At this moment, all eyes, including this dad's, are on Los Angeles. My daughter, a UBC Environment and Sustainability student currently studying in L.A., had to flee the smoke and ash of a burning city in favour of online classes in the cleaner air of the desert. This has obviously made her mom and me more than a little anxious.

Sadly, but realistically, this will not be the only climate disaster we follow this year — and to whose victims we send ‘thoughts and prayers’. But much more than sentiment is needed. We're witnessing the cost of inaction continually play out before us; this year must be a pivotal year for climate action.

Next week a new administration moves into the White House and in the coming months Canadians will elect a new leader. Here in B.C. our newly re-elected NDP premiere just issued his mandate letter to Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions and Minister responsible for Francophone Affairs. In it, Eby refers to tackling "the challenges people worry about at the kitchen table".

Sierra Club B.C. issued their spot-on response on Thursday; here's part of it: “The kitchen table issues this government is focused on cannot be addressed without maintaining the natural life support systems that sustain all communities. Intact watersheds and forest ecosystems help stabilize the climate and reduce flooding and wildfires – the unnatural disasters that have devastated B.C. communities time and again."

I don't know about you, but climate change is regularly the topic at my kitchen table. And while climate action "remains foundational" for the B.C. government, clearly, we need to see a greater sense of urgency. With our next Climate Solutions Café and AGM coming up, I look forward to opportunities to get together and figure out our most effective actions as a community.

Advance gratitude for the work we will do together this year,

Kevin

Renew Your NCAH Membership for 2025!

It's hard to believe we're already into a new year. And, yes, along with everything else you're trying to remember to do before closing out 2024, we ask you to take just a moment to renew your NCAH membership (or if you've never been a member to become one today!).

Why do we ask you to renew every year? We get this question all the time – and the answer is twofold: (1) as an organization, it is important that we have not only a robust membership list, but one that is up-to-date and truly representative of its members in terms of both geography and intent; and (2) we see annual renewal as a conscious step to think about and renew your commitment to climate action.

Here is your convenient link to renew or sign up today.

Membership is FREE, but if you appreciate and want to support the work of Nanaimo Climate Action Hub donations are always welcome via e-transfer at nanaimoclimateaction@gmail.com.

Annual General Meeting (AGM) February 22nd

It is time to gather again as members for our AGM. We hope you can make it!

When: Saturday, February 22nd at 5:00 pm

Where: Pacific Gardens Cohousing Social Room, 347 7th Street, Nanaimo

Who: Current members (see information about membership renewal)

What: Business meeting; 2025 priorities; potluck; musical guest Dan Parker

Why: Because you are valued members and we want to hear from you!

Use this link to RSVP and to indicate your potluck contribution.

We currently have two open positions on the board and are currently taking nominations. If you are interested in nominating yourself for a board position, please email us at nanaimoclimateaction@gmail.com. We would be happy to have a chat with you to provide information.

Departure Bay Community Association Taking Climate Action

Recently, the Departure Bay Neighbourhood Association (DBNA) 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.

So, what can a group like the DBNA do to take action? Take a look at the graphic below (also click here to visit our blog which lists active links to all the resources mentioned).

If you are part of a neighbourhood group or association and would like a representative from NCAH to talk with your members, please email us at nanaimoclimateaction@gmail.com.

Climate Reality Project Training, Vancouver, March 29th

Climate Reality Project Canada has announced a special one-day training to be held in Vancouver as a part of a global campaign to raise climate ambition in the lead up to the pivotal UN conference on climate change, COP30. Registration will open soon. Sign up here to receive registration updates.

Help Seniors for Climate Grow in 2025!

Remember the day of action initiated by Seniors for Climate (SFC) on Oct 1st, 2024? Across the country, 76 communities participated, including Nanaimo, which is pictured here. A recent poll of community organizers indicated a majority want to do it again!

The goal is to not only organize an action on or around Oct 1^st, 2025, but also expand efforts to include an event in the spring and take action during the 2025 federal election. Elections are a great time to reach more people and seek accountability from politicians!

Join SFCs email list here to learn about all their plans.

Help SFC reach their goal of 10,000 subscribers by the end of 2025! Of course, all ages are welcome and appreciated!

Mark Your Calendar — Climate Solutions Café

It's a new year and time to meet again at our next Climate Solutions Café! Following a busy December and the holiday break, we're still in the planning stages but go ahead and sign up today. Time and location are subject to change as we firm up details.

In the meantime, mark your calendar for Saturday, February 15th.

Looking for an easy way to support Nanaimo Climate Action Hub?

We have an account with the Regional Recycling South Return-It Depot at 839 Victoria Road in Nanaimo. You can donate the money from returnable items by asking the clerk to credit the Nanaimo Climate Action Hub account. Thanks in advance for your support. It makes a huge difference!

This newsletter is a publication of the Nanaimo Climate Action Hub. For more information, please click below:

We respectfully acknowledge that we live, work and play on the traditional territories of the Snuneymuxw, Stz'uminus and Snaw-Naw-As First Nations.