Manitobans need stronger climate leadership
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This article was published 06/09/2021 (631 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Devastating droughts and smoke-filled skies — this summer Manitobans have begun to experience what the climate crisis will mean for us personally if we don’t take action now.
Manitoba’s greenhouse gas emissions are at an all-time high and are growing quickly under this government. Instead of fighting climate change, the government picks fights with the federal government and wastes money on lengthy court challenges that could be invested in making Manitoba more sustainable.
We know that the climate crisis will be hardest on low-income communities around the world, despite them having the smallest environmental footprint. Here in Notre Dame, there are many families who want to do their part, but can’t afford large expenses like an electric car or retrofitting their home.
Government needs to act now to reduce our province’s emissions and help low-income communities withstand the impacts of climate change.
Notre Dame is a dense community with very little public green space. Buildings and concrete absorb more heat than green space does, which is called the urban heat island effect. In a community where many don’t have access to air conditioning, a lack of green space makes heatwaves more dangerous for Notre Dame families.
The government needs to be investing in expanding green space in urban communities, as well as protecting our parks and wilderness. Instead, it has been attempting to sell off park lands, which will mean higher fees and less accessibility for families.
For Notre Dame families who are on a tight budget but want to live more sustainably, there are programs available to help. Manitoba Hydro’s Home Energy Efficiency Loan program helps homeowners finance improvements to their windows and doors, insulation, and ventilation, among other projects.
Efficiency Manitoba also offers a Home Insulation Rebate to help people cut energy costs. I’d encourage constituents who have problems with insulation or drafty windows and doors to check out these programs!
While we can work on an individual level to help fight the climate crisis, we ultimately need strong leaders at all levels of government who will make the systemic changes needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The government has proven it can’t meet the moment in this climate emergency.
The minister herself said that their plan isn’t to reduce emissions, but just let them increase less. This is unacceptable — Manitobans need stronger leadership now if we are going to leave a livable planet for future generations.
Contact my office anytime at (204) 788-0800 or Malaya.marcelino@yourmanitoba.ca.
Malaya Marcelino
Notre Dame constituency report
Malaya Marcelino is the NDP MLA for Notre Dame.