Salt Spring CAN: Building Collaborations for Bigger Impacts

TSS has already formed the CLIMATE ACTION NETWORK (CAN) to bring together all the major stakeholders that have the resources and the commitment needed to make tangible changes. The School Board, CRD, Islands Trust, BC Ferries, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, local First Nations, Island Pathways, Community Energy Group, Chamber of Commerce, Fire & Rescue, Conservancy, Transportation Commission, Economic Development Commission, Foundation and dozens of other groups have responded to our call to work together. CAN meets regularly to prioritize actions and build the collaborations needed to accelerate plans. TSS knows that our chances of success are multiplied when we work together towards the same goals. CAN is the vehicle to get us there. TSS is leading the way.

But we need:

• Professional staff to help organize these meetings, raise funds to pay for projects, and facilitate collaborations.

 

Community Outreach: Amplifying Individual Impacts through Education

With all the information out there urging us to change our lifestyles, make smart choices and reduce our impact on the climate, it can be hard to know what changes will make the most impact. The Salt Spring Climate Action Plan has uncovered those actions that work best for Salt Spring Island. Things like maintaining health forests and oceans that capture carbon, increasing our ability to grow food locally, and building better transportation systems for bikes and electric buses. TSS is creating stronger communications and education systems to reach to ALL Islanders with the information, resources and inspiration people need to make better choices. 

But we need:

• A better website
• Ongoing social media outreach
• Staff to help organize educational events and volunteers

 

Climate Action Coach Program: Connecting Islanders to Incentives 

Climate Coaches will be an information clearinghouse for locally available incentives that reduce emissions & improve ecosystems for homes, buildings & surrounding properties. Coaches will provide general knowledge on energy efficiency, water conservation, green construction & sustainable land practices. Coaches will provide information & referrals for coordinated access to local services & suppliers. The program will add new demand for incentive programs by amplifying their reach and helping participants make decisions. Two new incentives will be offered: one for harvesting rainwater/greywater to address Salt Spring’s escalating water shortages, and one for efficient wood stove replacement to address concerns about wood smoke emissions & local forest health. The resulting retrofits and related services lower emissions, improve local environments & boost the bottom lines of participating service providers.

But we need:

• Experienced staff to work as Climate Coaches, connect with Islanders, and help them make good choices on retrofits, incentive programs, and other immediate actions.

 

Blue Green BC: Sequestering Carbon Here at Home

Our forests & oceans have vast potential to absorb carbon and will be critical in meeting emissions reductions targets. Yet, conventional forestry practices generate 50% of total BC emissions—more than the combined emissions from all transportation & fossil fuel industry sources. Carbon stewardship in our forests and marine ecosystems offers high quality livelihoods & sustainable business opportunities—while also addressing social inequities, and a path to First Nations Reconciliation. Blue Green BC will generate policy options & on-the-ground initiatives to transform forestry & aquaculture practices in the Salish Sea/Discovery Islands corridor into carbon sinking AND job creation opportunities. 

But we need:

• Professional staff to help make the business case, coordinate expertise and research, organize workshops, and find funding for these efforts.