Earth Day marked by discussion of immediate urgency and plans for the future

Today is Earth Day, with the only topic on the agenda for those taking stock of the state of the world; that of ensuring that we and those coming up behind us can all still live here in the years to come.

The days review of where we are and where we are going features International, National and local themes.

The observations towards the climate issues of the day was led off this morning by President Joe Biden who is hosting a Climate Summit today, with world leaders weighing in on how they plan to address the pressing concerns of our times.

For Canada, that meant a reset on our emissions target with Prime Minister Trudeau making his announcement as Part of Today's Virtual Climate gathering, with the Federal Government highlighting his commentary with a statement.

During today’s Leaders Summit on Climate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, announced that Canada will enhance our emissions reduction target under the Paris Agreement – known as a Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) – by 40-45% below 2005 levels, by 2030. 

As a signatory to the Paris Agreement, Canada’s NDC reflects its highest possible ambition in light of its current national circumstances. 

 In his address, Prime Minister Trudeau also highlighted the importance of working with other global leaders to tackle climate change, create growth, and improve the well-being of all people. Climate change knows no borders, so every country must do its part to invest in a cleaner world. 

Going forward, Canada will continue to work closely with the United States and other countries to reach our ambitious climate goals, including through our Roadmap for a Renewed U.S.-Canada Partnership and the corresponding High Level Ministerial Dialogue on Climate Ambition.

The Province of British Columbia has also spoken to environmental themes today, with George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy making note of the BC Government's ongoing commitment to climate issues.

“Today, we join with people throughout British Columbia and around the world in celebrating Earth Day. While this year’s celebrations reflect the requirement to stay apart due to COVID-19, today is a day to recommit to the work ahead – tackling the threats of climate change and unlocking the twin benefits of cleaner communities and clean-energy economies that will determine the future of our planet.

In B.C., our government continues with significant investments in our CleanBC plan to build a cleaner, stronger economic recovery and help us reach net-zero emissions by 2050. 

We’re expanding clean transportation options that are affordable and convenient. We’re helping people, businesses and communities build energy-efficient homes, buildings and schools. And we’re working with B.C.’s industry and clean tech sectors to reduce emissions, support good jobs and build on our advantages in the clean economy of the future."

More on the BC government's Climate Action strategies can be found here.

The Climate Change themes made for much discussion earlier this week at the British Columbia Legislature, and as we noted this morning, that included a contribution to the conversation from Skeena MLA Ellis Ross.

North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice has yet to provide for her themes on the topic, though as environmental concerns have often been a theme for her political commentary, her social media stream will more than likely be the forum for her notes on the 2021 agenda and path forward.

Update: By Thursday afternoon, the North Coast MLA had updated her social media stream with a collection of photos and comments related to Earth Day 2021, you can review her themes here.

Likewise, so far neither Mayor Lee Brain or the City of Prince Rupert as an organization has made note of Earth Day through their range of communication channels.

However some of the City Council commitment towards the environment can be found in some recent discussions in the Council Zoom Chamber through their recent work on the Official Community Plan, as well as a recently announced initiative on garbage and recycling, which will see the return of curtsied recycling to Prince Rupert, though in a very different approach than the past.

As well, Mayor Brain and City Council have a wide ranging program listed on the City website as part of its 2030 Sustainable City initiative.

The commitment to environment is also a theme for many local organizations, among them Ecotrust Canada which continues to expand their footprint in the community, you can review some of their discussion topics and priorities here.

Throughout today, the discussion of the earth and its future is being explored through a live feed from Earth Day organizers, which you can review below:

More on their plans for the day can be found here.