Coquitlam is falling behind on responding to the climate crisis. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) demands that we reach net-zero emissions by 2050. So far, ten cities across the Lower Mainland, including neighbours Port Moody, Burnaby and New Westminster have taken steps to adopt the IPCC targets, or better. The City of Coquitlam is currently aiming to reduce community emissions by 15% below 2007 levels by 2031. We know that we need stronger targets in order to combat the climate crisis, and as one of the fastest developing cities in the Lower Mainland, Coquitlam can have a huge impact on community emission reductions.

The impacts of the climate crisis can already be felt locally; salmon have disappeared from Hoi Creek due to the longer, drier summer. And with Coquitlam aiming for major expansion and redevelopment, it is crucial that City Council place tackling the climate crisis as the number one priority for every decision the council makes. Therefore we’re calling on Coquitlam City Council to model the visionary leadership we need to attain deep and swift emissions reductions over the coming decade, by:

1) Passing a formal resolution to adopt the latest IPCC recommended greenhouse gas reduction targets of 45% below 2010 levels by 2030, 65% by 2040 and 100% by 2050 for all community-wide emissions.

2) Establishing a meaningful set of interim targets and ensure that these targets are incorporated into all forthcoming municipal planning documents, including Community Energy and Emissions Plans (CEEPs) and Official Community Plans (OCPs.)

3) Directing city staff to draft a plan for annual transparent measuring and reporting on the municipality’s community emissions beginning no later than 2020, including a proposal for how these activities will be funded.

We know political will can be influenced by public support. That’s why we’re taking action, and we need you. Will you join us?