Submitted by Amira Elwakeel
ColumbiYA
Earth day is a day where people flood social media with stunning photos of the world’s natural wonders. We’ve got a lot of reasons to be thankful, living here in the Columbia Valley. It’s easy to appreciate the hot springs, majestic mountains, and countless lakes that make the Columbia Valley an irresistible tourist attraction. From bluebird days on the Whiteway to secret fishing holes, we all have a reason to appreciate our local landscape. In addition to reflecting on why we love our home, today is a good time to think about what we could do to preserve our paradise.
Our climate has been changing over the last century, and the rate of these changes is speeding up over time. Elder Alfred Joseph, former chief of the –akis“nuk nation, has witnessed changes in our local climate firsthand. “I’ve got recordings of the generation that came before me where one fellow says that … when he was younger, they used to have seven-foot snowfall down here (in the Valley). By the time I came along, we were getting 2 feet, and they said that wasn’t a lot of snow.” This story is mirrored by climate records. According to a Columbia Basin Trust report, the Cranbrook to Golden region has been experiencing around 48 per cent more winter rain and 13 per cent less winter snow since the 1960s.
The changes in our local climate put the future of many of our recreational activities at risk. In northern regions like Canada, the climate is changing more rapidly than nearer to the equator. Our lifestyles will be forced to adapt as the climate does. Higher levels of spring rainfall will increase our flooding risk and longer, drier summers will result in worse wildfire seasons.
Climate action is not a political issue or charitable cause- it’s something that can bring our community together to keep our home on earth the spectacular place that it is. Studies have shown that investments into climate and hazard mitigation result in at least triple the future savings due to avoided recovery costs. From an economic perspective, climate action is important for the economic future of our country. From a personal perspective, climate action can protect our pow days and reduce our smoky summers.
Individuals, businesses, corporations and governments all have a role to play in protecting our wonderful home. While we can all try to live sustainably, it is important for our municipal governments to support our efforts. In 2010, the District of Invermere (DOI) and the Regional District of the East Kootenays (RDEK) set targets for reducing green-house gas emissions. The deadline for these plans has passed, and many of the targets have gone unmet. New targets with real action plans and check in mechanisms are needed for our municipal governments to do their part. Afterall, everyone in the Columbia Valley wants a future of economic prosperity, snowy winters, and crisp fresh air. It’s time to put effort into securing the near-future that we desire.
We know that the residents of the Columbia Valley are proud to call this place home for a wide variety of reasons. We would like to hear from you- what are your favorite things about the Columbia Valley? Post your thoughts on Instagram with the hashtag #ClimateResiliantColumbia or email us at [email protected]. Submissions will be used to create an infographic. All participants will be entered for a chance to win a customized local gift with a value of at least $50.
