New members of B.C.'s Climate Solutions Council will support the Province's work to transition to a clean economy with good, sustainable jobs for British Columbians.
"After another year of unprecedented climate impacts and the worst wildfire season in B.C.'s history, we know we need to accelerate our work taking action on climate change," said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. "We also know that B.C.'s economy is strong and diversified, not despite climate action, but because of climate action. The combined knowledge of the Climate Solutions Council is an important part of our work to find a path forward to a cleaner future for all of us. We welcome aboard our new members and appreciate our outgoing members' contribution to our progress and transparency with British Columbians."
The Climate Solutions Council provides advice to government on its work to meet climate goals and build a cleaner economy, mitigating climate risk and supporting sustainable economic development. New members are selected through a rigorous evaluation process, and bring a wide range of expertise from different regions and sectors. This includes First Nations, environmental organizations, industry, business, academia, labour, local government and youth.
New council members are:
- Denni Clement, climate-action peer network lead for the Coastal First Nations Great Bear Initiative;
- Linda Coady, president and CEO, Council of Forest Industries;
- Ashley Duncan, president, BC Insulators Union;
- Mahmudur Fatmi, assistant professor in civil engineering, University of British Columbia Okanagan;
- Matt Horne, manager of climate mitigation, City of Vancouver;
- Madeleine McPherson, assistant professor in civil engineering and associate director of the Institute for Integrated Energy Systems at the University of Victoria;
- Nangkilslas, Trent Moraes, deputy chief councillor, Skidegate Band Council; and
- Freya Phillips, senior energy specialist at the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary.
"By reviewing CleanBC policies, we can identify effective, equitable, and efficient climate solutions," said Nancy Olewiler, co-chair of the Climate Solutions Council. "Understanding the policies' impacts on reducing B.C.'s greenhouse gas emissions and increasing climate resilience will help contribute to a sustainable future for people, companies and our communities across the province."
B.C. continues to lead on climate action, with the CleanBC Roadmap to 2030, one of the strongest climate action plans In North America. The road map outlines a comprehensive strategy to reduce emissions by 40% and create jobs in the clean economy, preparing B.C. for a changing climate. Progress is published in the annual Climate Change Accountability Report.
Learn More:
- To learn about the Climate Solutions Council, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/climatesolutionscouncil
- To learn about CleanBC, visit: www.cleanbc.ca
- To read B.C.'s annual Climate Change Accountability Report, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/climate-change/planning-and-action/ccar
- To read the Climate Solutions Council's 2023 annual report, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/climate-change/advisory-council/bc_climate_solutions_council_2023_annual_report.pdf
To view the backgrounders, click here.
