SPEAK UP! THE PEOPLE’S VOICE ON CLIMATE CHANGE NEEDS TO BE HEARD
Can you change the world in less than 10 minutes? It seems unlikely, BUT the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) has launched its climate change survey and it needs people in its electoral areas to complete it. Now.
So yes, you can make a difference, maybe even change your world, within a matter of minutes.
“We’re seeking local opinions on climate change. We need to hear stories from our RDKB rural communities to know what citizens are thinking. We want to understand their concerns and challenges, know how their lives and livelihoods are affected, and identify what barriers there are to taking action so we can tailor the help and support we provide,” says Freya Phillips, Senior Energy Specialist with the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary. Phillips helps the RDKB lead from the front as an exemplar of best practices. “This survey is all about creating an action plan, one that effectively reduces energy and emissions, prepares local people for climate change and helps them adapt. It’s happening, we see it all around us and we collectively can do something about it. We just need residents’ input,” she adds.
The survey aims to drill into the experiences and priorities of those living and working in rural communities, rather than their urban neighbours, to provide a tailored approach. RDKB’s subsequent help, support and action will then be appropriately shaped to the nuances of the region.
If you live or own a business in Areas A, B (Lower Columbia – Old Glory), C (Christina Lake), D (Rural Grand Forks) or E (West Boundary), you can take action, and give local government the information it needs to ‘walk the talk’ on climate action.
The survey can be filled in online jointheconversation.rdkb.com/climate-action-plan Link: Climate Action Plan | Regional District of Kootenay Boundary – Join the Conversation (rdkb.com). Paper copies can be completed at the following venues: RDKB office reception (Trail and Grand Forks), the Grand Forks Aquatic Centre, Christina Lake Welcome Centre, The Riverside Centre in Rock Creek and Beaverdale Post Office. Survey closes 31 May.
Only 19 quick-fire answers stand in the way of you and resiliency against fire, drought, flood, food insecurity, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions throughout the Kootenay and Boundary areas.
The results of the survey will determine priorities and how the RDKB moves forwards to reduce emissions, increase building energy efficiencies, conserve water, Firesmart properties and remove barriers for individuals and businesses to take climate action, either directly, in partnership with others or advocating at a provincial and federal level.