A message from Karen Tam Wu
As we celebrate Earth Day this week, a note from Karen Tam Wu, Program Director, Climate & Nature:
“I was at a meeting recently when someone asked what brings me hope. Generally an optimist, I was astounded to find myself at a loss of words. Climate seems to be the last thing on a politicians mind these days, but it still weighs on many people’s hearts.
But there is hope. And as our communities celebrate Earth Day, I want to share some of my hope with you.
A few months ago, THF supported a post-election survey of British Columbians and their perspectives on climate change. The survey found that British Columbians of all political stripes want their government to take climate change seriously, and to continue to invest in electric heating incentives. That’s good news.
The B.C. government just announced funding to continue to support putting heat pumps into the homes of more British Columbians, especially low-income and middle-income households, and those who live in condos and apartments.
Supporting climate action is also bringing me lots of hope. I’m really excited about the work of our new grantee partners:
- Stand.earth works to stop fossil fuel expansion in cities. The group raised the alarm when Vancouver City Council considered reversing its zero carbon building policy, motivating people and businesses to speak out. As a result, Council decided to stay on course. The requirement for all new buildings to be zero carbon buildings by 2030 stands.
- Movement is a new initiative focusing on organizing transit riders to demand improved access to transit in Metro Vancouver. A recent push through their Save the Bus campaign resulted in a big win. Local and provincial governments announced increased funding to provide more bus service across the region. This gives residents more dependable, affordable, low carbon transportation options.
- Create Climate Equity empowers community leaders, across B.C. and beyond, to encourage and support their communities to save money through energy efficiency upgrades in their homes.
- Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society works with First Nations, citizens and residents across the province – from the Southern Strait of Georgia, to the Okanagan, and the territories of the Kaska Dena people, to Haida Gwaii – towards the important target to protect 30% of BC’s lands and waters by 2030.
I also do not want to sugar coat reality – floods, drought, and wildfire season are around the corner. Climate impacts will continue to create anxiety for those who live with evacuation alerts, ruin farmers crops, devastate communities and ecosystems. That’s why we continue to create a new path forward, because our climate requires it and because the new path itself, generates hope to keep going.”
Karen Tam Wu,
Program Director, Climate & Nature