“First Things First Okanagan” wants Oliver Town council to think more about climate change and how it’s impacting the environment.
Brita Park and Jim Beattie, one of the founders of the group, recently addressed council about global warming and its potentially devastating effects.
“We’d like to work with communities to educate the public what we as citizens can do to mitigate the impact of climate change and slow down the planet’s warming,” Beattie said.
Part of the group’s plan is to seek ways to support local governments as they carry out their existing climate action mandates.
Park noted there will be a public presentation in Penticton on March 6, when a panel of scientists (including UBC professor Simon Donner) will address the climate issue. They will also provide insight into the effects on communities and local agriculture.
The presentation will be held at the Penticton library/museum complex from 7-9 p.m.
Beattie said if the world’s temperature rises two degrees, the danger is losing ice caps and glaciers.
“This impact on the climate will be devastating,” he pointed out.
Beattie noted that municipal councils can have a significant impact on this by their mitigating actions.
Oliver Mayor Ron Hovanes said Oliver council signed on to a climate action plan similar to what other municipalities have done.
