Tag: #50by2030

CAM gives the District’s new Community Energy and Emissions Reduction Plan a mixed review

CAM

Climate Action Muskoka gives the District’s new Community Energy and Emissions Reduction Plan a mixed review

Grassroots climate group calls the plan ‘a good start,’ noting that much depends on implementation.

Muskoka, April 15, 2024 — Climate Action Muskoka (CAM) commends the District of Muskoka for its recently-released Community Energy and Emissions Reduction Plan (CEERP) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Muskoka.

“This is an important, ambitious, evidence-based plan, developed with broad community input,” say Linda Mathers and Tamsen Tillson, who represented CAM on the Climate Change Mitigation Task Force.

“As a framework, this is a good start. But we need to go further, faster. We need to see this implemented right away. We are counting on our District and municipal leaders to set specific targets and timelines and to allocate staff and source the funding necessary to achieve the climate goals we have committed to here.”

Based on a 2021 audit of the source of emissions, this plan outlines a vision for reductions and key actions required across the three areas that create the most emissions: transportation, buildings, and community systems. The District of Muskoka has committed to achieving a 50% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030—less than six years away—and net zero by 2050.

CAM is concerned that projected emissions reductions in CEERP are too reliant on the adoption of EVs by private citizens and the initiative and leadership of community groups, many of which are volunteer-run. The group calls on the District and municipal governments to set an example by implementing the climate actions in all three areas of the plan: transportation, buildings and community systems.

As the plan enters its implementation phase, CAM calls on the District and municipal governments to provide leadership as follows:

1.     A dedicated climate action department and sufficient staff to carry out the implementation requirements in the plan.

2.     Policy and regulations to meet the plan’s targets that are specific, measurable, costed and funded, with timelines and deadlines.

3.     Adequate funding and investment in climate-resilient infrastructure and community incentives. Every dollar invested today saves six dollars in the future, according to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

4.     Address the need to phase out ‘natural’ gas in Muskoka, plan for this transition with rebate incentives for residential heat pump uptake, and lead the way by retrofitting all municipal buildings with air source heat pumps.

We cannot afford for this plan to gather dust. With less than six years to cut emissions by 50% CAM calls on the District and municipal governments to move forward with the utmost urgency and looks forward to working with elected representatives and staff on next steps.

Climate Action Muskoka is an inclusive, non-partisan Muskoka-based group formed in 2019 whose mission is to collaborate with individuals, businesses, groups and all levels of government to mitigate and adapt to the climate crisis.

-30 –

Huntsville General Committee meeting – February 28

CAM

Climate Action Muskoka (CAM) delegated to the Huntsville councillors Wednesday to express community support for real climate action that will drive down fossil fuel pollution. Having been invited to delegate, CAM reviewed why escalating climate impacts require urgent action. 

CAM also presented results from two climate surveys – one carried out by the District of Muskoka and the other an International Gallop Poll (see above) – that show citizens are demanding that their governments act to lower climate-heating greenhouse gas emissions and, surprisingly, that they are willing to pay more taxes and even to contribute personal income to get the task done!

Thank you to the 50+ community members who came out to support our delegation.

CAM Partners with Retired Teachers of Ontario to Deliver Climate Curriculum to Muskoka Students

CAM
Climate Curriculum in Muskoka Schools

TLDSB Superintendent of Education Jay MacJanet receives a delivery of bookmarks and curriculum. Left to right: Tamsen Tillson, Sue McKenzie, Len Ring, Jay MacJanet, Janet Libke, Linda Mathers and Joanne Garvey.

You have no doubt heard of Climate Action Muskoka’s Community Carbon Challenge, an initiative to highlight and promote everyday actions that we can all take to reduce our carbon footprint to achieve a 50% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030.
This week, in partnership with the Retired Teachers of Ontario RTOERO, District 46 Muskoka, Community Carbon Challenge-inspired curriculum along with CCC bookmarks are being delivered to all Muskoka students in grades 4-6 in the Trillium Lakelands District School Board, Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board, and every private school.

A downloadable PDF of this curriculum is free to access

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> HERE<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< 

Know a teacher who might be interested? Please share!  

Bookmarks-QRCodeCurriculum

“We hope that students will take the ideas home and encourage their families to take up the Challenge to reduce their GHG emissions”, says CAM member, Len Ring.  

A study of youth around the globe, released in Britain last September prior to the global COP26 Climate Summit, reveals that young people are feeling helplessness and despair about the climate crisis. It identified the source of their anxiety as adults not taking the actions required to protect their future. Source.

The bookmark project in Muskoka provides the opportunity to enhance family discussions that focus on solutions, starting with individual actions.  

Have you signed up yet to take the Community Carbon Challenge? Learn more and get started today!

March 2, 2022 — The High Price of Bad Energy Choices

CAM

This month, in a collaborative event with Seniors for Climate Action Now! and Climate Action Muskoka, EH! will host Jack Gibbons from The Ontario Clean Air Alliance. 

The high price of bad energy choices

Under the Ford government plans, gas plants will be used to replace aging nuclear reactors and meet new demands for electricity from electric vehicles and home heating. But this will result in soaring greenhouse gas emissions at a time when we should be doing everything we can to combat climate change. Gibbons will lay out an alternative plan for getting Ontario to a zero-carbon electricity grid by 2030.

recording available here

Getting Ontario to a Zero-Carbon Electricity Grid by 2030

Ontario Clean Air Alliance – January 2022 – report

Ontario historic emissions

According to Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), the greenhouse gas (GHG) pollution from Ontario’s gas-fired power plants will increase by 375% by 2030 and by more than 600% by 2040 as the province uses fossil gas to replace aging nuclear reactors and to meet growing demand for electricity driven by population growth and the increased electrification of homes, buildings and transportation systems. If this occurs, Ontario will lose almost half (48%) of the pollution reduction benefits that it achieved by phasing-out its dirty coal plants.

READ THE Report

Climate Action Muskoka, COP26 Climate Strike, G8 flag park in Huntsville.

CAM
While they talk, our world burns. Climate Action Muskoka, COP26 Climate Strike, Saturday November 6, at the G8 flag park in Huntsville.

COP26 Climate Strike, Saturday November 6, at the G8 flag park in Huntsville. Click the arrow to play the Slide show!
More pictures on Facebook:  Climate Action Muskoka 
and Instagram @climateactionmuskoka

RTO-ERO and CAM Taking Action In a Climate Crisis

CAM
RTO-ERO and CAM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Muskoka – An exciting new initiative to take action on the Climate Crisis in Muskoka was launched Friday at the weekly Climate Strike in Memorial Park, Bracebridge. The Muskoka Chapter of the Retired Teachers of Ontario (RTO/ERO) is supporting Climate Action Muskoka (CAM) with a financial donation to be used to promote the CAM 50% by 2030 Community Carbon Challenge. 

The Challenge calls on all Muskoka households, businesses and groups to assume the same greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goal – 50% by 2030 – as the District of Muskoka and the area municipalities. Sign up to take the challenge at climateactionmuskoka.org. 

RTO-ERO’s goal is to significantly increase the number of households in Muskoka who pledge to take action to make a difference in sustaining the Muskoka environment. They also want to promote the use of the Carbon Calculator on the CAM website and encourage changes in behavior by individuals and households.  

RTO-ERO is looking at three different steps to achieve its goal and, to that end, has printed bookmarks to invite participation by both permanent and seasonal residents and to provide lots of simple ideas for GHG reductions. The group will be: 

  • providing posters and bookmarks to Muskoka businesses that are frequented by seasonal residents to provide information on the Community Carbon Challenge and how to access it. Watch for posters and bookmarks coming soon to local businesses and bulletin boards across Muskoka! 
  • providing bookmarks to all municipalities in Muskoka. 
  • distributing bookmarks to all junior level classrooms in Muskoka, along with some curriculum ideas for teachers, to encourage students and their parents to take up the Community Carbon Challenge.  

The Retired Teachers of Ontario, District 46, Muskoka (RTOERO) endorsed the efforts of CAM almost a year and a half ago and can now report that the District of Muskoka, the Township of Lake of Bays, and the Town Councils of Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, and Huntsville have joined the Township of Georgian Bay in declaring a climate emergency.  

For more information contact Joanne Garvey at president46@districts.rtoero.ca or CAM at climateactionmuskoka@gmail.com 

Natural Gas Subsidies In Muskoka

CAM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 18, 2021

MUSKOKA – On June 13, 2021 Climate Action Muskoka (CAM) sent an open letter to MPP Miller and Premier Ford to raise awareness of a misguided Ontario policy – the expansion of new gas lines. The goal of affordable home heating is a good one. However, adding more greenhouse gases (GHGs) to the atmosphere is not the way to go. Muskoka must reduce GHG emissions 50% by 2030 and reach net zero emissions by 2050.

CAM advocates practical, workable solutions. We suggested four obvious ways to eliminate the need for natural gas heating: 1) super-insulated buildings require far less energy to heat; 2) advancements in heat pump technology make them the most energy efficient form of heating available (and they function well to -20C); 3) solar panels can help reduce the need for grid electricity; and 4) cash rebates can offset electrical energy costs. CAM also opposes the use of natural gas to generate electricity.

Our letter cited the government subsidies for Burk’s Falls and Hidden Valley. The cost: $3.1M for 144 buildings ($21,500 per unit!). We did not include the cost of the full Natural Gas Expansion Program (NGEP). In 2018 the Ford government put aside $234M to fund new gas distribution to 8,750 buildings ($26,000 per unit!).

It is provincial tax contributions that are funding the installation of natural gas lines by private companies. However, residents will be required to purchase natural gas furnaces themselves, committing them to the use of GHG-emitting fossil fuels for the next decade.

CAM believes that the NGEP is a misguided use of our Provincial resources. The policy does not reduce heating costs for the majority of Ontarians, and causes significant harm to our environment.

The Ford government is not responding to the urgency of the climate crisis and taking appropriate steps to address it. In fact, the government has already spent $231M to cancel over 750 renewable energy projects. As well, they have proposed legislation (within Bill 276) to repeal the existing requirement to give priority consideration to renewable energy production.

CAM calls on the provincial government to:

1.  Halt and reverse the expansion of natural gas distribution.

2.  Phase out gas-fired power plants by 2030.

3.  Spend the previously allocated funds on energy solutions that reduce GHGs.

4.  Distribute the benefits of the spending more equitably.

Oliver Klimek

On behalf of Climate Action Muskoka

Gravenhurst Climate Emergency

CAM

April 20, 2021 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

MUSKOKA – Gravenhurst has become the first Town in Muskoka to unanimously declare a Climate Emergency and to align its greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goals with the District of Muskoka’s targets – a significant event in Earth Week, 2021.  

At its Tuesday, April 20, 2021 meeting, Council passed a Climate Emergency resolution brought by Climate Action Muskoka (CAM), pledging to reduce its GHG emissions 50% by 2030, reaching zero by 2050.  

“It’s the miniature, little needle-pushing that we do – our municipality, other municipalities, the province, federally that add up and make it a success,” said Councillor Steven Klinck, “And in the end, and hopefully as a nation, we reach these goals. If we fail, at least we failed trying.” 

In her presentation, CAM co-founder Sue McKenzie stressed the urgency of taking action, noting that in 2018 the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) gave us just 11 years to take significant action to limit global heating before planetary tipping points are reached. This has now shrunk to 9 years. She urged Gravenhurst to join the over 10 000 cities and municipalities around the world which have adopted meaningful carbon emission reduction targets. 

“We are ecstatic about this outcome,” McKenzie said. “We only have praise for the forward-thinking Gravenhurst councillors who understand everyone must take action NOW to keep global heating below 1.5C. I am so proud to live in Gravenhurst!” 

Councillor Sandy Cairns, who seconded the motion, stressed the importance of putting Gravenhurst on the map as a community moving forward on climate action. Echoing her comments, Councillor John Gordon, mover of the motion, noted that Earth Week is a great time for Gravenhurst to show its commitment to making the earth a liveable place for all future generations. 

Councillor Jo Morphy liked the idea of showing climate impacts of Town decisions on reports and Councillor Penny Varney pointed out that many people in the community want to know what they can do to help. 

Mayor Paul Kelly stressed the importance of collaboration among the municipalities, noting that area CAOs are already working on a plan to co-ordinate actions. 

CAM will ask the other lower-tier governments in Muskoka to pass the same resolution over the next few months. The Township of Georgian Bay declared a Climate Emergency in February, 2020, and has a Climate Action Plan in place. 

Read the full resolution at climateactionmuskoka.org. Take individual action by signing on to CAM’s Community Carbon Challenge, also on the website.  You can watch the replay of the Council discussion at https://www.gravenhurst.ca/en/town-hall/webcasts.aspx

Re-Imagining the Future: Climate Action Muskoka Launches Vision

CAM
This is the first submission in the Re-Imagining Series from Climate Action Muskoka – MuskokaRegion.com

Imagine a future where we are no longer staring down a climate crisis but are experiencing a drawdown of carbon from the atmosphere, where the health and well-being of people in an equitable and resilient Muskoka are reflected in communities around the world, and where a global response to what was once a heating planet has been achieved.

Imagine our Muskoka filled with small, thriving, locally-supported businesses and hundreds of green energy and care sector living-wage jobs — where everyone has an affordable, sustainable home built or retrofitted with carbon sequestering materials — a Muskoka powered by locally produced electric power.

Imagine walking or cycling to services from your neighbourhood, visiting neighbouring communities via a network of paved, separated and safe cycling lanes. Imagine no more noisy, internal combustion engines, quiet streets and lakes, an accessible public transport system, an inexpensive train service linking us to communities both near and far.

Imagine urban agriculture within easy walking or cycling distance of our homes where we can work our own plot, buy fresh, local, organic produce, or subscribe to a regular delivery of produce to our homes — a Muskoka where feeding ourselves means food no longer travels long distances or is at the whim of constant price rises. Imagine a tourism economy thriving on ecotourism in a protected and cherished world class destination.

Imagine a future in which we no longer worry about our children’s and grandchildren’s future, because we ensured it would be safe 20 years ago when we took action in 2021.

We know the path we are on now is unsustainable. We know we need to set out on a new path. Join our inspired Climate Action Muskoka team of contributors on a journey as they look to Muskoka in 2030, 2040, and onwards. Through a series of columns, they will be Re-Imagining the Future and capturing the steps we need to take now in order to get there.

From their diverse areas of expertise, our writers will help us imagine a decarbonized, equitable and resilient Muskoka. They will motivate us to see our opportunities as individuals, as communities, and as elected officials to get to where we need to go. Seeing what that future could look like makes it easier for us to embrace the changes needed now to get there.

Impossible you say? We are at a crossroad with opportunities like never before. We have the solutions. Join us as we explore the possibilities within our own Muskoka communities.

Imagine what a collective difference we could create in Muskoka if our very first step is to take up the Community Carbon Challenge (CCC) and reduce our own carbon footprint 50 per cent by 2030: climateactionmuskoka.org

In the words of Christiana Figueres, key architect of the Paris Accord, “Impossible is not a fact. It is an attitude.”

Linda Mathers -Thursday, March 11, 2021

Linda Mathers is a retired teacher, advocate and longtime volunteer working for a future for her grandchildren.

Find links to all the columns in the series –here

Who Are The Rabble Rousers To Watch In 2021?

CAM
Fridays For Future weekly climate strikers before the covid19 lockdown
Bracebridge, Muskoka, Ontario

Why Muskoka Declared a Climate Emergency

Maya Bhullar – March 4, 2021

In 2020, amidst the pandemic, the district government of Muskoka declared a climate emergency and endorsed a plan which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50 per cent by 2030 and take them down to zero by 2050. This is a region which votes staunchly conservative every provincial and federal election. Who made this happen and how did they do it? The organization behind the curtain working tirelessly to make these changes are the “rabble rousers to watch” at Climate Action Muskoka. Here is what I learned in my interview with rabble rousers Sue McKenzie and Linda Mathers from Climate Action Muskoka.  Read the whole story – here

Listen to Sue McKenzie and Linda Mathers speak with Maya Bhullar about how they organized to have their municipality declare a climate emergency on rabble radio- here.