To the editor,
Re: City action plan calls for no more new natural gas hookups in B.C., April 6.
While the City of Nanaimo’s focus on eliminating new natural gas connections makes good press, it’s like trying to empty a flooded basement with a teaspoon.
The UN report finds “[GHG] emissions increases from rising global activity levels in industry, energy supply, transport, agriculture, and buildings.” Why is the city not focusing on the thousands of gas or diesel-powered cars and trucks (including its own fleet) that travel Nanaimo streets daily? We know that burning natural gas produces significantly less CO2 and methane than coal or oil, so why is there no talk of limiting new conventional car dealerships or gas stations?
Why does the city continue to approve large high-rises and massive neighbourhoods at the extreme ends of Nanaimo which will be dependent on even more gas or diesel-powered cars and trucks? Where is the focus on large industrial complexes and buildings that rely on fossil fuels for process, transport, and heating?
Lest we think electricity is a panacea, look at the Site C dam. How many hectares of carbon-capturing forest has already been removed and how many more will be removed once the dam is operational? And just what will fuel those gigantic electricity-producing generators anyway? Surely no one needs reminding just how fragile our electrical distribution systems are during a storm?
It’s well past time for significant action on climate change. Instead of picking on vulnerable future homeowners, the city needs to firm up its political resolve and address areas that will have a more meaningful impact. The clock is ticking.
Kenn Hample, Nanaimo
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