September 2023

Hello friends!

Fall is definitely in the air and it is shaping up to be a busy one for climate activists here in Nanaimo and all around the world as well. Most days recently we have been spared the smoke here in our region, but we cannot forget that there are still more than 400 wildfires burning across our province. Evacuations continue to disrupt the lives of our neighbors in the Okanagan. The continued drought here on the Island is our reminder that climate change is real, is now, and requires our commitment to action as a community.

While our work is never done, it's important to acknowledge our successes. I couldn't be more proud of our city as a climate movement leader! By adopting the Zero Carbon Step Code (ZCSC) a full six years ahead of the Provincial mandate, we are an example for other Canadian cities to emulate. NCAH had the privilege of organizing the action that led to this outcome, but credit goes to all of you who supported it, and to the brave and committed Councillors who made it a reality.

I am grateful to our many NCAH members and partners and look forward to seeing some of you at our potluck picnic this Saturday. If we haven't heard from you and you'd still like to come, be sure to RSVP at nanaimoclimateaction@gmail.com.

Bye for now!

-Heather

NCAH Joined in on Global March to End Fossil Fuels

It was great to see so many supporters - young and old! - bring their voices and enthusiasm to March against the fossil fuel industry last Friday. We heard impassioned speeches from city councillors Hillary Eastmure, Paul Manly, and Ben Geselbracht, along with several other community members and youth. Thank you to Extinction Rebellion for organizing the march!

Kathryn-Jane Hazel Featured on the EcoCentric Podcast

Kathryn-Jane Hazel is on the board of directors of Nanaimo Climate Action Hub. She recently sat down to talk to Keith Wiley, host of the EcoCentric podcast. News of the City of Nanaimo's recent decision to adopt the Zero Carbon Step Code effective July 2024 is reaching our friends all over the country. Listen to Katherine-Jane talk to Keith about what it means for our city and why it's so important that all citizens actively push their elected officials to make tough choices to save our planet. Have a listen here... the conversation starts around the 18-minute mark. Great job KJ!

How Organizing Led Nanaimo to Adopt the Doughnut Economics Framework

The following is an excerpt from the article How organizing led Nanaimo to adopt the Doughnut Economics framework, published in The Monitor, September 1st, 2023.

The Nanaimo Climate Action Hub (NCAH) was established on November 21, 2020, during the worst period of the pandemic - not the best time for starting a climate action group, you may think.

But within three weeks of its formation, NCAH had its first successful action, persuading Nanaimo city council to vote in favour of three climate initiatives after it received a deluge of emails from our members and supporters.

Continue reading full article here, and to learn about Doughnut Economics check out this great video featuring Kate Raworth, co-founder of the Doughnut Economics Lab.

Partner Event: Climate Action Fair at VIU - this Thursday

Back to school and back to full Fall calendar of climate action events. Our partner the VIU EcoClub, along with the VIU Geography Department, have a great day planned featuring speakers and organizations. We are proud to co-sponsor this local event. Kevin will be there from NCAH, so come on by and say hello.

More details can be found here, but here's a snapshot of the event:

Where: VIU Nanaimo Campus Plaza in front of the VIU Library/Cafeteria

When: Thursday, Sept. 21, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm

Why: Because collection action is powerful!

NCAH recommends...

“What the fossil fuel industry doesn't want you to know” (Al Gore | TED Countdown Summit*) July 2023

A scathing rebuke of the fossil fuel industry, the financial system that provides capital, and governments that subsidized the industry in the amount of a trillion dollars last year alone. The passion and energy in Al Gore’s newest TED talk is inspiring! He repeatedly asks, “Do they take us for fools?”

Is there any good news??? YES! Watch the video to hear about the progress we’ve made with renewables and the even better news about the expected drop in global temperatures when we get to a true Net-Zero.

*Countdown is a global initiative to accelerate solutions to the climate crisis.

Please Support Us!

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.