Open letter calls for overhaul of CleanBC to include First Nations input

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The call to overhaul CleanBC includes several new targets:

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• Updating B.C.’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions target to align with the IPCC and to limit global warming to 1.5° Celsius.
• Halt incentives, resources and subsidies to the fossil fuel industry, and accept that phasing out the industry needs to happen in the near-term, accompanied by an immediate and long-term investment to transition the people and communities that currently rely on this part of the economy.
• Address the failure to reflect Indigenous Rights, Title and Treaty Rights in the Clean BC plan and policy development, and ensure all climate laws, policies and initiatives going forward reflect the Declaration Act, and make space for First Nations as true partners with inherent jurisdiction. This should also be more than simply holding engagement sessions.
• Acknowledge that climate change is connected to the damage done to communities and territories, such as the severe threats to biodiversity and, subsequently, food security. CleanBC should used to address the biodiversity crisis and support conservation and Indigenous stewardship, which would both reduce GHG emissions and the ability to adapt to the effects of human-caused climate change.
• Advance the development of local renewable energy as a focal point for B.C.’s transition to net-zero emissions, and support First Nations capability to participate in the production, generation and transmission of clean energy.

The letter also calls for the government to include First Nations in enhanced dialogue, exchange of information and development of recommendation on climate change law and regulations.

The FNLC states that they are not alone in expressing concern with the CleanBC plan and how it will fall short of responding to the climate change crisis, saying over 200 organizations issued another open letter in September calling on the government to implement 10 actions to confront the severity of the climate emergency.

The FNLC said bold action must be taken immediately in order to preserve the world for future generations.