JOIN A TEAM THAT'S MAKING CHANGE HAPPEN

Two years ago a few concerned local citizens formed the Maple Ridge Climate Hub and began looking for ways to make change happen in our community. 

We’ve hosted events, sent out newsletters, partnered with like-minded organizations (hello HUB Cycling), badgered spoken respectfully to City Hall and our MLAs, made presentations, and sponsored youth workshops. 

Now we’ve grown from a grassroots organization to a registered non-profit, and we’re looking for great people to join our new board of directors. People like you, with a passion to make change happen right here at home. 

You’ll be part of a team of people who understand the science of climate change, know that solutions are at hand, and see a positive future – if only we work together. 

We have board roles in several key portfolios, including Community Engagement, Marketing & Communications, Policy, Youth Programs, and Vice-President. 

Check out the details on our website, and please think about bringing your skills and experience to the fight against climate change. The world needs you.

CANADA'S NEW EMISSIONS REDUCTION PLAN

Last week Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault released the federal government's plan to dramatically curb greenhouse gas emissions over the next eight years, pledging $9.1 billion in new investments to meet ambitious targets. 

In order to cut emissions by 40 to 45 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, the government will continue with the carbon tax program, which may include price adjustments at the border for goods imported from countries without a carbon tax.  

Every industry sector will be required to reduce emissions, with a special incentive for oil and gas producers to encourage uptake of carbon capture and storage technology.  

Money will be directed to help workers in several oil-producing provinces upgrade or gain new skills to be on the leading edge of the zero carbon industry. 

Current incentives to buy zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) will be extended, with the goal of ZEVs accounting for 60 per cent of all new vehicles sold in 2030, rising to 100 per cent by 2035. New funding will help add 50,000 chargers to Canada's current network of charging stations. 

For cities, builders and homeowners, the plan will set out new policy, programs, incentives, and standards needed to drive a massive retrofit of the existing building stock, and construction to the highest zero-carbon standards. 

An additional $780 million is earmarked for the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund to deliver emission reductions from nature-based climate solutions. The Fund supports projects that conserve, restore, and enhance Canada’s vast and globally significant endowment of wetlands, peatlands, and grasslands to store and capture carbon. 

For further detail, see the government's announcement on the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan. 

CLIMATE CHAMPION AWARDS APRIL 23

Thanks so much to everyone who nominated your favourite Climate Champion for our first awards. We'll be announcing the award winners on Saturday, April 23, as part of the city's Earth Day activities. 

After the awards are announced, drop by the Climate Hub booth for a meet and greet with the winners. You might be inspired to follow in their footsteps! 

PLASTIC POLLUTION BYLAW PROPOSED

At the March 29 City Council meeting, Councillor Ahmed Yousef gave notice of a motion that he plans to bring forward, recommending that Council adopt a bylaw to ban plastic checkout bags, plastic straws, and styrofoam containers.  

Many BC communities have now brought in bylaws banning these items, including Victoria, Vancouver, Tofino, Ucluelet, Richmond, Saanich, Nanaimo, Surrey, Esquimalt, Rossland and Chilliwack. In the next few months the bylaw will come into effect in Port Moody, Sooke, Revelstoke and Fernie, and it is under review in many other municipalities. 

The motion will be considered by Council at the next meeting on April 12 at 7:00 p.m. HELP GET THIS MOTION PASSED by calling and emailing members of Council. Email addresses and phone numbers can be found by clicking on each member of Council's profile image on the Meet Your Council page of the city's website.   

Let's get this planet-killing garbage gone! 

BEES, BUTTERFLIES, BEETLES & BIRDS DAY - APRIL 10

On Sunday, April 10 our friends at the Alouette River Management Society (ARMS) are throwing their annual party for pollinators, just as they’re starting to emerge for spring. 

Learning about the needs of local bees, butterflies and beetles (and birds) can help them succeed in their lifecycle, part of which involves pollinating our gardens – a true win-win for all.

As if that's not enough, some of them give us tasty treats (honey) and many provide pest control for our beautiful gardens. 

ARMS is promising fun activities as well as learning. Do you know what a seed bomb is? You will after you come to this pollinator-themed event.  

If you have any questions, please email Marissa at education@alouetteriver.org. 

CELEBRATE EARTH DAY WITH US

Earth Day celebrations are back in person this year! The 2022 theme is “Pathways to a better normal,” and it's designed to encourage people to take small steps toward the world they want to create. 

Through themed exhibits, you'll be invited to journey into water and energy conservation, new ways of thinking about transportation, the outdoors and our natural environment, and what kind of community we want for the future.

See what ideas jump out at you as something you can fit into your life. Do one thing, then do another. 

This year the Climate Hub will have a booth at the Earth Day event. Come on over to say hi, and find out what steps you can take to fight climate change.  

Check out the lineup of activities on the Earth Day website. 

See you there! 

CAN'T GET ENOUGH CLIMATE CONVERSATIONS? 

Have you come across a good article you'd like to share? Has your favourite source delivered good insights on the latest policy announcement? The Climate Conversations Facebook Group is a great way to connect our community on the urgent need for climate action, and the solutions that are at hand.

Become a member, and you can start or join a discussion on climate change and climate action. The conversation can be anything you want it to be -- from personal action and local opportunities, to global solutions. 

• Visit and join Climate Conversations - Maple Ridge on Facebook

FEEL FREE TO FORWARD

At this critical time in the race to combat climate change, it's crucial that we stand together and act in big and small ways to move our community to a low-emissions future.   

You can take one simple step today: forward this newsletter to friends and family members, neighbours and co-workers. One of the most effective ways to fight climate change is simply to talk about it. By sending this newsletter out into your world, you are talking about our climate, and helping others join the conversation. 

Sustainably yours,

The Maple Ridge Climate Hub team 

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