BC Climate Action Secretariat
Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Performance Measures
Goal 1: Government’s Climate Action Plan is completed and implemented
Objective 1.1: Lead the successful development and implementation of climate action initiatives across government
By leading and co-ordinating initiatives across government ministries, the BC CAS will assist government in identifying priority initiatives, developing a comprehensive climate action plan and ensuring its implementation.
Challenges associated with this objective include co-ordinating diverse and technically complex initiatives and ensuring that policies are consistent and reinforcing.
Strategies
Key strategies for this objective include:
- developing climate action policy research and planning documents as directed by the Cabinet Committee on Climate Action (CCCA);
- assisting ministries to develop policy, legislation and/or regulations as required;
- providing research support and leveraging existing ministry capacity to guide strategic policy development;
- supporting the work and deliverables of the Climate Action Team; and
- establishing the Carbon Trust.
Performance Measure 1: Government Climate Action Plan in place to guide initiatives
| Performance Measure | 2007/08 Forecast | 2008/09 Target | 2009/10 Target | 2010/11 Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Government Climate Action Plan in place to guide initiatives | In development | Climate Action Plan Complete | Update/monitor Climate Action Plan | Update/monitor Climate Action Plan |
| Data Source: BC Climate Action Secretariat. |
Discussion
By developing a comprehensive Climate Action Plan, the BC CAS will ensure that government priorities are co-ordinated across government. The Climate Action Plan will be a significantly updated and expanded version over the 2004 Weather, Climate and the Future produced by the Ministry of Environment. The 2008/09 target for the creation of a Climate Action Plan was set to ensure adequate time to develop policy, consult with ministries and external stakeholders, and ensure consistency. The form of the Climate Action Plan is expected to evolve over time and will be reviewed and amended as needed.
Goal 2: Ministries and Crown agency activities are aligned with government climate action priorities and integrated
Objective 2.1: Guide the successful delivery of climate action goals across government by providing direction and resolving issues
The BC CAS will facilitate the co-ordination and integration of activities across all ministries and crown agencies by providing necessary direction and co-ordination.
Challenges associated with this objective include resolving complex technical issues and providing consistent direction in the context of a dynamic environment.
Strategies
Key strategies for this objective include:
- ensuring ministries and Crown agencies are aware of climate action priorities;
- supporting ministries in the development of legislation required to reflect priorities;
- fostering two-way communication through meetings with key climate action ministries; and
- presenting climate action vision and priorities across the public service through presentations and an Intranet website.
Performance Measure 2: Ministry and Crown agencies assist in implementation of climate action priorities and policies
| Performance Measure | 2007/08 Forecast | 2008/09 Target | 2009/10 Target | 2010/11 Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ministries and Crown Agencies assist in implementing climate action priorities | Planning and development | 50% of Climate Action Plan priorities underway | 75% of Climate Action Plan priorities underway | 100% of Climate Action Plan priorities underway |
| Data Source: BC Climate Action Secretariat. |
Discussion
The BC CAS will ensure that government priorities are implemented by providing direction and leadership to ministries and crown agencies. The targets set here are based on the recognition that implementation of Climate Action Plan priorities will increase over time as legislative and regulatory frameworks are put in place and based on the recommendations of the Climate Action Team in July 2008.
Goal 3: Government is successful in achieving its intergovernmental relations climate action objectives
Objective 3.1: Lead the development and implementation of government’s climate action intergovernmental relations strategy
By developing and implementing the government’s intergovernmental relations strategy related to climate action, the BC CAS will successfully reinforce the need for regional, national and international strategies to combat climate change.
Challenges associated with this objective include a dynamic intergovernmental context, changes in priorities of partners and possible delays in action.
Strategies
Key strategies for this objective include:
- working with the Western Climate Initiative (WCI), the International Climate Action Partnership (ICAP), The Climate Registry, and the Pacific Coast Collaborative to co-ordinate regional climate action goals;
- continuing to work with Canadian provinces and the federal government through the Council of the Federation;
- pursuing other regional, national and international opportunities to advance climate action goals and fostering collaboration through formal agreements and partnerships; and
- working with local governments to further climate action goals.
Goal 4: The public sector is carbon neutral
Objective 4.1: All public sector organizations are provided with the tools and resources needed to comply with carbon neutral requirements
By facilitating the development and distribution of tools and resources across the public sector, the BC CAS will ensure that the carbon neutral commitment can be achieved.
Challenges associated with this objective include ensuring a consistent and user friendly accounting system across the public sector.
Strategies
Key strategies for this objective include:
- working with the Ministry of Labour and Citizens’ Services to develop a carbon measurement tool for all public sector organizations to use;
- developing and distributing guidelines for carbon neutrality to all public sector organizations;
- providing expertise and advice as required;
- reporting on progress; and
- making emission offsets available to ministries through the BC Carbon Trust.
Performance Measure 3: Carbon neutral tools and resources developed and implemented by public sector organizations
| Performance Measure | 2007/08 Forecast | 2008/09 Target | 2009/10 Target | 2010/11 Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon Neutral tools and resources developed and implemented by public sector organizations | Plan to support a carbon neutral public sector created | Measurement tool created and distributed; guidelines for reporting developed | Public sector organizations achieve carbon neutrality | Public sector organizations achieve carbon neutrality |
| Data Source: BC Climate Action Secretariat. |
Discussion
The carbon neutral public sector commitment requires the compliance of a diverse group of public sector organizations. The targets set here reflect the need to develop tools and resources to assist public sector organizations to learn how to measure, reduce and offset the greenhouse gas emissions for which they are responsible. All public sector organizations will be carbon neutral by 2010 and for each subsequent year.
Goal 5: The public is engaged in climate action and positive behaviour change is occurring
Objective 5.1: A comprehensive strategy for public engagement is developed and implemented
By developing a comprehensive strategy for public outreach BC Climate Action Secretariat will assist the province in encouraging the level of public engagement and behaviour change required to reduce provincial greenhouse gas emissions significantly.
Challenges associated with this objective include a lack of research on British Columbians’ approach to climate change and best practices on successful public outreach strategies related to climate action.
Strategies
Key strategies for this objective include:
- establishing the Citizens’ Conservation Council to advise on public engagement strategies; and
- launching an informative, comprehensive and engaging website and other communications resources as identified.
Performance Measure 4: Comprehensive public engagement strategy
| Performance Measure | 2007/08 Forecast | 2008/09 Target | 2009/10 Target | 2010/11 Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A comprehensive strategy for public engagement is developed and implemented | Public engagement plan developed | Citizens’ Conservation Council established Full website launched | Annual review of strategy and implementation of new initiatives | Annual review of strategy and implementation of new initiatives |
Discussion
Public engagement and outreach is a critical component in achieving our greenhouse gas reduction targets. The performance measure targets set here reflect the need to conduct the necessary analysis in order to adopt the best possible public engagement strategy for the province, solicit the advice of a new Citizens’ Conservation Council, and continually develop new tools to incent public behaviour change.
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