LiveSmart BC Community Feature
Mayor Wants Regional Action
Peter Fassbender has been an active community member in Langley for the last 33 years, which made him a natural fit for the regional Citizens’ Conservation Council on Climate Action. It didn’t hurt that he’s also Mayor of the City of Langley.
“I have a heart for the community, and I have an interest in the future of my community, my region, the province and the world.”
In 2008, the provincial government appointed seven regional councils to help build a network for grassroots climate action across British Columbia. Mayor Fassbender is the acting chair of the Lower Mainland-Southwest council.
The councils advise government on the best ways to encourage individuals, groups and communities in their regions to learn more about climate change, participate in climate action initiatives and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“I was interested because the councils engaged a broad cross section of people from different walks of life,” said Mayor Fassbender. “I was interested to see what we could accomplish.”
Each council is made up of citizens who represent their region's youth, seniors, municipal government, local business, First Nations, community groups and educational institutions.
The councils also appealed to Mayor Fassbender because of their regional focus.
“It’s hard to create a cookie cutter solution for all of the regions, and this approach recognized that. The councils appreciate the similarities of each region while recognizing the differences.”
The council chairs submitted a status report to the Cabinet Committee on Climate Action in March, where they outlined their preliminary recommendations to government. The report suggested that government communicate in terms that are relevant to the local communities; support green business, technology, education and training; engage First Nations knowledge about local habitat; initiate a provincial challenge to reduce greenhouse gases; and conduct a literature review on climate smart behaviour.
The report outlines dozens of other recommendations from each of the seven councils.
“I personally believe carbon pricing and carbon policy to affect behaviour change are the most important climate actions that will make a difference in our region and around the world,” said Mayor Fassbender.
For more information about the councils, the report and government response to the report, click here.
