Dear Editor,
Over the last 25 years or so, British Columbia’s population has grown by a third, from 3.7 million in 1996 to 5 million in 2021. During this time, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have been flat (Source: BC Provincial GHG Inventory 1990-2019), rangebound between 62 and 69 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. More recently, emissions have resumed their growth trajectory, growing 2.5% annually from 2015 to 2019 (the last year of available data). There is nothing in this data suggesting that B.C. is on a net zero pathway by 2050; to think otherwise is to delude oneself.
Quite simply, changing the trajectory would require a seismic shift in how we live and do things, comparable to the industrialization of developed economies such as Canada, U.S. and Europe during the first half of the 20th century. Bike lanes and low flow shower heads just aren’t going to do it.
So what might do it? Electrification – of everything. For many of us locally, we would have to be convinced that electric heat was cheaper than the propane and wood many currently use. We would have to be convinced that an electric vehicle will have the torque to haul our loads and the range to not leave us stranded on a dark road as we make our way home in the deep of winter. BC Hydro will have to construct many more electricity generation sites, most likely hydroelectric, with their own environmental impacts. And no, swapping LED lights for incandescent will not have us avoid this fate. Energy efficiency will help, increased residential density will help, but they will not drive the change.
What is needed? More engineers and technologists to design the changes and more tradespeople to build the changes, with strong provincial support for education and investment. The importance of local elections in all this? Not so much.
Walter Romaniuk
Fairmont Hot Springs
There are a few truths that need to be clarified:
1. We do not need new tech to resolve emissions. We have the technology right now to get to Net Zero 2050. New tech will simply accelerate the reduction of emissions.
2. Electrification of major energy users is rapidly coming available on all fronts: electric vehicles and heat pumps are two important tools.
3. BC does not need new hydro dams to keep up with demand. Renewables and hydrogen will fill the gap.
4. There is no single magic bullet to reduce emissions. It takes action on all levels and yes, including densification, bike friendly towns, energy conservation and high efficiency devices.
4. Local action is extremely important. The brunt of the efforts for transition occur at the local level….whether individually or with local governments. Local governments are essential here and that is why local elections are very important. Please elect climate friendly officials this fall.