It is all very well to declare a climate emergency, and for the corporation of the City of Powell River to be progressive, and even aggressive in setting the tone for emissions reductions [“City of Powell River one of more than 400 Canadian municipalities to declare emergency,” July 5]. But the message to the general public needs to shift from implied to direct.
Powell River inhabitants need to start reducing their consumption of gasoline and diesel fuel as soon as possible if there is to be any hope of achieving a 45 per cent reduction by 2030, the stated goal. They need to be using smaller vehicles for the day-to-day running of errands, or commuting to work, not trucks. Transit, cycling and walking can only accomplish so much.
As reported, transportation is by far the largest source of community wide emissions. And as reported in the 2016 EcoCity Report done by BCIT, Powell River public sector emissions continue to rise.
Obviously there are many of us who are not getting the message, or if so, not doing anything about it.
Bill Lytle-McGhee, member
Climate Action Powell River
