BC Climate Action Secretariat

Strategic Context

The BC Climate Action Secretariat has begun its operation within a strategic context characterized by both challenge and opportunity. This context includes an increasingly serious global environmental crisis, a robust economy, a dynamic intergovernmental relations backdrop, and a complex, multi-dimensional public sector. These four contexts will affect the ability of the Secretariat to perform its mandate and achieve success.

Environmental Context

British Columbia’s geographic location in the northern hemisphere means that the effects of global warming are more pronounced here than elsewhere. As a result of these temperature increases, the province is experiencing the symptoms of climate change right now — from the warming of the North to increased forest fires, flooding, and rising sea levels. The mountain pine beetle epidemic, caused by the lack of cold winters for more than a decade, is costing our province millions of dollars.

The impact of this environmental crisis on British Columbia is clear. So is the need for strong early action. As indicated in the reputable Stern Report, “Tackling climate change is the pro-growth strategy for the longer term, and it can be done in a way that does not cap the aspirations for growth.” In fact, Stern’s comprehensive economic review of the impact of climate change argues that “the benefits of strong, early action considerably outweigh the costs.” The question is not whether to act to mitigate climate change, but how. It is not action that creates unmanageable economic, social and environmental burdens. It is inaction.

The BC Climate Action Secretariat must focus both on strategies for mitigation (greenhouse gas reduction), as well as on assisting the province to adapt to the effects of climate change and prepare for the anticipated impacts of tomorrow. The scope of the problem for British Columbia is serious; the success of the BC CAS will thus depend in part on its ability to adequately respond to climate change through appropriate mitigation and adaptation strategies.

Economic Context

At the same time as the province faces the global crisis of climate change, the economy of British Columbia is experiencing great success, with high economic growth rates and unemployment at the lowest level in 30 years. The province is also actively pursuing opportunities for economic growth as Canada’s Pacific Gateway to the surging economies of the Asia-Pacific and as a result of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

The vigorous British Columbia economy presents both an opportunity and a challenge for climate action in the province. While strong economic growth makes it possible for the government to invest in transportation infrastructure and other capital intensive strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, high growth also generates its own increases in greenhouse gas emissions through economic activity, industry, construction, increased trade-related transportation, greater energy demand, and population growth. The province is also experiencing a labour shortage, which may present problems for climate action initiatives that require human resources — such as increasing provincial expertise in carbon trading, expanding the province’s capacity to perform energy audits, and so on. One of the challenges the BC CAS will face, then, is balancing the pursuit of climate action initiatives with economic growth opportunities. The government is also committed to supporting the province’s potential to capitalize on the burgeoning green economy and to create innovative technologies and industries that will enhance competitiveness in the new carbon-sensitive economy of the future.

Intergovernmental Context

Climate change does not recognize borders, whether they be municipal, regional, provincial, national or international. It is also not a challenge that we can tackle alone. The British Columbia government has recognized the need to build new partnerships that establish a critical mass for decisive action and that can leverage collective strength, build on common purpose, share resources and expertise, and launch regional and international systems that will help us reach our targets.

National and international collaboration to establish market mechanisms for identifying efficient greenhouse gas reductions is therefore a key part of British Columbia’s climate action strategy. The partnerships British Columbia has joined will lay the foundation for compatible market-based systems to trade carbon offsets and credits worldwide. It is critical for British Columbia to help lead in the early stages of how these systems are designed and structured.

The intergovernmental relations context related to climate action is not characterized by certainty, however. As a result, the success of several key components of the provincial approach to climate action, including the establishment of a regional cap and trade system, for example, are dependent on maintaining and strengthening intergovernmental relationships and encouraging other jurisdictions to join similar emissions trading systems.

Provincial Government Context

The government of British Columbia has committed to lead by example, by harnessing the energy, enthusiasm and dedication of the BC Public Service to become carbon neutral by 2010. This commitment is an important way for the government to demonstrate leadership and “walk the walk” of climate action. The public sector includes not only core government ministries, but also a variety of crown agencies, schools, colleges, universities, and health authorities. Creating a system by which all of these diverse entities can easily measure, report, reduce, and offset their emissions through a valid emissions offset system, is a complex challenge. The achievement of a carbon neutral public sector will also depend on the engagement of a wide variety of public servants. This must occur within a public service that is facing the demographic challenge of an increasing number of retirements and an increasingly competitive marketplace for skilled employees. The ability of the BC CAS to guide the public service and inspire their commitment to carbon neutrality will be important determinants in the successful implementation of this key climate action initiative.