Our house is on fire. Who will put it out?

In this federal campaign, find out who in the riding of Pitt Meadows-Maple Ridge has the best plan to fight climate change and protect our environment.

What: Debate on the Environment - Pitt Meadows-Maple Ridge
Date: Wednesday, September 8
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. 

Register for the debate

A balanced and thriving environment is the foundation for life on earth. Humankind has always relied on the clean air, water and abundant food sources nature provides for us to thrive too, building amazing cultures, developing profound philosophies, and discovering startling scientific insights during our brief history on earth.   

But the balance has shifted. Scientists agree without any doubt now that at the current pace of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions and global deforestation, among other harms, we are on a collision course with catastrophes that range from increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events to increasing likelihood of global pandemics. Our crops are failing from drought, our rivers are flooding, our water supply is dwindling, our forests are burning and our oceans are rising. 

The only way to avoid environmental devastation is by urgently stepping up our efforts and pursuing the most ambitious path.    

One of the most critical things we can do for the climate is elect leaders with the foresight and courage to pursue this path. Join us on Wednesday, September 8 at 7:00 p.m. to hear from our local candidates on topics ranging from fighting climate change to a just pandemic recovery. 

Register for the debate

Heat pump webinar coming your way - again

No, you're not having deja vu. We did run a heat pump webinar in July, just in time for air conditioning season. Now we know that with the cooler days and nights you're likely thinking about whether your old furnace will make it through another winter. So we're back just in time to help you decide whether to replace old faithful with another GHG-belching "natural" gas furnace or move on to an eco-friendly, super-efficient heat pump.  

Because crazily enough, heat pumps work to both heat and cool your home. (At different times, of course!) And since they run on electricity, they eliminate the GHG emissions caused by heating your home with a gas furnace.

Heat pumps are the most efficient, climate-friendly heating and cooling system on the market today. Join friends and neighbours in an interactive webinar at noon on Tuesday, September 14, and learn:

• what heat pumps are
• their many benefits
• how to find a program-registered contractor
• what rebates, financing offers and supports are available to help you upgrade your heating system.

The webinar, hosted by the Community Climate Hubs of the Lower Mainland, features a presentation by the CleanBC Community Energy Coach Program, followed by a Q&A. 

Date: Tuesday, September 14
Time: 12 noon 

Register for the webinar

Not able to make the date, but still interested? Register anyway to receive follow-up information by email, and watch the recorded webinar from July 6 on our YouTube channel. 

Undecided? Check out Vote Compass

Wondering where you fit in the political landscape? Check out Vote Compass for the federal election on Sept. 20. 

The citizen engagement tool, which was designed by political scientists, asks you 30 questions on issues that range from the nation's finances and health care to schools, climate and the environment, and a number of social issues.

You can then compare what you had to say with how the parties look at each of the issues. The party positions were found through a comprehensive review of the public statements made by party officials. All the parties were consulted and invited to review the findings and provide feedback.  The tool is sponsored by the CBC and Vox Pop Labs. 

Learn more and use Vote Compass to see how your ideals line up with each party's platform. 

Become a Climate Reality leader

You see our climate changing and injustice growing across the planet.

You want to make a difference.

Join the Climate Reality Leadership Corps of international activists and learn how, by attending free online training led by Al Gore and a team of world-renowned scientists, activists, innovators, and more. (Editor's note: I've done the training and it blew my mind. KG)

The next online session takes place October 16 - 24.  

Space is limited, and filling fast. Find out more and register

Youth Climate Ambassador workshops

We're gearing up to bring our Youth Climate Ambassador workshops to SD42 schools and youth groups this fall.

Our workshops aim to supplement existing resources with information about how high school students can become “Climate Ambassadors” and encourage their local communities to take action on climate change. 

By empowering young people to act, and demonstrating how effective their actions can be, we aim to foster a sense of agency and purpose.

Each workshop is facilitated by youth volunteers who can meaningfully relate to and engage with their high school peers. 

Find out more and sign up to bring a Youth Climate Ambassador workshop to your school or youth group. 

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