Climate Action Program

Bowen Island declares Climate Emergency

Research by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change recommends emission reductions of 45% from 2010 levels by 2030, and 100% by 2050 in order to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

Metro Vancouver has set emission reduction targets of 45% from 2010 levels by 2030, and 100% by 2050 in order to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, and is developing strategies to achieve the targets.

The Islands Trust has declared a Climate Emergency for the Islands Trust Area and has directed staff to recommend measures to reduce emissions and adapt to the inevitable changes in the climate.

Bowen Island will face increasingly negative impacts from a changing climate if emissions are not reduced. Council has made a declaration of Climate Emergency:

We recognize that climate change represents an emergency for Bowen Island, and commit to developing a strategy to reduce emissions in alignment with the targets to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

The draft Bowen Island 2050 Climate Change Strategy has been referred to municipal staff and the Transportation Advisory Committee, Community Economic Development Committee, Advisory Planning Commission, Finance Advisory Committee, and the Parks, Trails and Greenways Advisory Committee.

Climate Action Program

Bowen Island Municipality has resumed its work to develop and initiate a Climate Action Program that addresses:

Reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
Community energy planning
Corporate carbon neutrality
Feasibility of an on-island composting facility
Mitigation of and adaptation to water shortages
Transportation alternatives
Support for community-based initiatives related to climate action
Other emerging climate-related issues

Bowen Island Community Energy Emissions Plan - Received by Council at its December 12, 2016 meeting.

2017 CEEP Implementation Report - approved by Council at its February 27, 2017 meeting.

Bowen Island Climate Action Revenue Incentive Reports

As a signatory to the BC Climate Action Charter, Bowen Island is required to file an annual Climate Action Revenue Incentive Report (CARIP). This document lists corporate and community actions.

Climate Conversations

These workshops have brought together community members, council, and invited speakers on topics related to climate action. Rough notes and presentations follow:

October 6, 2019: Farmland Preservation and Revitalization, co-hosted with Bowen Island Food Sovereignty

September 29, 2019: Climate Emergency and the Future of Food, co-hosted with Bowen Island Food Sovereignty