Isramart: Durham setting targets to reduce carbon emissions

Isramart news:
On June 2, Durham Regional Council is expected to endorse a recommendation setting greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.

The targets include a five-per cent reduction by 2015, 20 per cent by 2020 and 80 per cent by 2050. The Region is using 2007 as the baseline.

A staff report noted, “The development of a community GHG emissions reductions targets is a significant step forward for Durham Region.”

The heavy lifting will come as the Region’s Roundtable on Climate Change begins work on a local action plan.

While he’s pleased Durham is working on climate change, Clarington resident Louis Bertrand said the targets weren’t aggressive enough.

“The big surprise is the number is a little more timid,” he said, suggesting the target for 2020 be 25 per cent or higher.

“It’s nice we’re aligned with other municipalities. Overall, it’s a very timid target,” Mr. Bertrand said to committee members on Tuesday.

“It’s nice to have them,” he said of the targets, but noted the Region doesn’t have an overall plan to achieve them.

“Without realistic plans, the chance to meet even timid targets is low,” he stated.

Most Durham residents work outside of the Region, so greenhouse gas emissions won’t be lowered until more jobs are available locally, Mr. Bertrand said.

Clarington resident Linda Gasser praised committee members for working on climate change targets.

“It’s very positive Durham is looking at climate change. It’s good the suggested targets are provisional and can be changed,” Ms. Gasser said.

She was critical Durham was using 2007 as a baseline for emission targets, while most organizations were using 1990.

A “climate change secretariat or a commissioner” at the Regional level should be added, she added.

The targets are “only as good as the implementation,” Ms. Gasser noted.