Environmentalists Rate BC Climate Plan a Failure

Vancouver — Stand, the non-profit environmental group formerly known as ForestEthics, responded with disappointment and dismay at the BC government’s so-called ‘Climate Leadership Plan,’ today.

“While the plan claims to create a decrease in emissions the actual policies outlined will likely lead to an increase in CO2 emissions over the next decade,” said Karen Mahon, National Director of Stand. “Today’s announcement is a massive missed opportunity just at the moment in history when we need real leadership on climate change.”

Stand pointed out four areas where the Christy Clark’s plan falls short:

– Failing Carbon Accounting 101: Clark’s plan counts only the GHG revenues from carbon reduction projects, ignoring the costs from forest losses.

– Show us the Funding: Clark’s plan has funding to reduce only 2.1MT of the 25MT emissions reductions that the government announced today.

– Emissions Enlargements instead of Reductions: Clark’s plan supports an increase in sectors like LNG that will only raise BC’s greenhouse gas emissions.

– Baseline Jumping: Clark’s new plan plays games with its carbon target dates, effectively moving the GHG goal line and declaring victory while raising emissions
“The Climate Leadership Team presented her with a balanced and responsible plan for keeping BC at the forefront of responding to the climate crisis,” said Mahon. “Unfortunately the Premier chose not to follow their advice.” 

“With other provinces like Alberta, Ontario and Quebec announcing truly forward thinking policies on climate in the last year, today’s announcement confirms that BC has been knocked off the podium for climate leadership in Canada” said Sven Biggs, Campaigner for Stand. “Premier Clark has squandered Gordon Campbell’s legacy and our province’s national leadership role.”