Like the tens of thousands of climate protesters who took to the streets around the world, the Town of Mahone Bay is demanding action.
And to do their part, town council recently passed a motion declaring a climate emergency.
“The time is right for everyone to take a stand on the issue of global warming,” wrote Mayor David Devenne via email. “The level of awareness of the problem across Canada is on the rise.”
Council originally passed the motion at their Feb. 12 meeting.
Staff has since been directed to prepare a report outlining steps to help quantify and reduce the town’s carbon footprint.
The report, which will also outline budgetary implications, is expected to be completed by April 9th.
When asked about the background of the motion, Devenne said climate change has been on council’s radar for years.
“The most active discussion has been around the generation and use of energy,” he said.
In fact, the town recently appointed an Asset Management Committee which aims to train staff in improving their day-to-day business activities; many of these concepts rely on implementing climate friendly strategies into long-term planning.
Devenne pointed to the town’s proximity to the ocean as a further incentive to taking a stand against climate change.
“Mahone Bay is a coastal community with a strong tourism sector which relies on access to clean water for recreational purposes as well as in supporting those with fishing as their livelihood,” he said.
Devenne also added that the town is making every effort to work together with other municipalities in the county and across the province.
For example, HRM’s council voted on Jan. 29 to declare a climate emergency, making it the second Canadian city to highlight the issue.
“Political support for such initiatives to mitigate the impact of global warming is strong,” he said. “Mahone Bay is just one municipality choosing to do (so).”
Vancouver was the first Canadian city to declare a climate emergency.
