Climate Action Powell River (CAPR) Board of Directors would like to thank John Wilkinson for his constructive criticism and supportive suggestions published in the Peak last Friday regarding our Meatless Monday initiative [“Viewpoint: Meatless Monday an odd choice for funds,” February 15].
The major purpose of the program is to raise awareness of the estimated 20 per cent contribution the industrial production of meat makes to greenhouse gas emissions, and therefore climate change.
We are, however, somewhat perplexed by the evaluation of the program as an “odd choice for funds” based on his belief it is like other campaigns that are “notorious for producing little of the desired results.” Meatless Monday has a distinguished global track record as a worthwhile means to increase attention paid to meat consumption by the general public.
It is true that City of Powell River has approximately $150,000 in accumulated Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program (CARIP) funds, which it must apply for annually in great detail and with much accountability. However, these funds should not be assumed to be available to CAPR just because we are in the climate action business. The city manages these funds and has spent a considerable amount on its own corporate projects to reduce the carbon footprint of city operations.
It is highly unlikely that large numbers of people will change their diet immediately and completely, but perhaps in small steps over time. Meatless Monday strives to demonstrate one of those small steps to the public. CAPR has a long list of climate actions it would like to proceed with, but it needs the financial support of city council in allocating CARIP funding.
Most recently, CAPR acquired $9,400 from these funds to have the Powell River ecoCity Report completed by BCIT in partnership with an environmental consulting firm. This report establishes the ecological footprint of Powell River, including its carbon footprint, and concludes that there is a 72 per cent gap between our current collective lifestyle and what it needs to be to live sustainably in the global context. At present levels of consumption we would require the resources of 3.5 planet Earths to support us indefinitely into the future. In essence we are using up resources that future generations will need. In short, CAPR is doing its homework.
CAPR appreciates Wilkinson’s expression of support as a taxpayer, and his agreement that CARIP funds be applied “as necessary to implement a carbon reduction plan.” We ask that many more Powell River residents send the same message to council.
To keep up to date with local and global climate action trends, go to facebook.com/reducingourcarbonfootprint /posts/. To see an online synopsis of the CAPR ROAD document, go to climateactionpowellriver.earth. For an e-copy of the ecoCity Report, email a request to climateactionpr@gmail.com.
Board of Directors
Climate Action Powell River
