NOTL’s Climate Coordinator Marks 100 Days: Activists Urge for Bold Climate Action Ahead

In response to the growing interest in climate change, Niagara-on-the-Lake hired Kassie Burns as the climate change coordinator in early February. Burns, a recent graduate of Brock University with a master’s in sustainability, has been on the job for over 100 days. So far, she enjoys the role and the collaboration it involves.

Burns works with various groups within and outside the municipality. Key partners include the Niagara Region, the Niagara Climate Change Action Network, and other towns in the area. Her initial tasks include reviewing bylaws and policies related to climate change.

Looking ahead, there’s a comprehensive plan to make a positive impact. “We have a climate change adaptation plan with a long list of goals,” she said. These include developing a stormwater management strategy, enhancing urban forestry, and supporting waterfront initiatives. This plan, created in 2022, focuses on six key areas: climate policy, urban forestry, flood risks, building construction, risk assessment, and public awareness.

Local perspectives also shed light on these efforts. Lidija Biro, founder of Seniors for Climate in Niagara, actively advocates for environmental protection. Her organization addresses local issues, including traffic congestion. “We’re pushing for solutions like an electric vehicle shuttle to ease traffic,” she said.

Biro noted that while hiring Burns is a step forward, many feel that municipal action remains limited. “We called out the local government last year for delays in hiring a climate coordinator,” she explained. When the mayor announced Burns’ hiring, it was a relief, but many still expect more from the Council.

Past actions have led to disappointment, particularly when Mayor Gary Zalepa and other Councillors declined to sign a letter advocating for climate action, due to concerns over wording about pipelines. Biro recounted the mayor’s comments about the letter, highlighting divisions in how climate issues are approached at the municipal level.

Currently, over 50 environmental groups in the Niagara region call for more action against climate change. Additionally, Niagara Region has committed to achieving net-zero corporate emissions by 2050. However, the question remains: is the municipality genuinely progressing in its environmental efforts?

“It’s a narrow improvement,” Biro stated. The frustration of activists illustrates the ongoing challenge of turning plans into meaningful action. The collective push for environmental change is crucial in a time when many communities are feeling the effects of climate change firsthand.

Source link

ready,Top 3