Wildsight Commends Kootenay Communities Green Commitment

For Immediate Release
January 2, 2008

Cranbrook, B.C. — Wildsight congratulates the East Kootenay municipalities and the Regional District who have signed the B.C. Climate Action Charter, and hopes to see more communities commit in the near future.

By signing the Charter, the cities of Golden, Fernie, Kimberley and the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) have pledged to measure and report on their community’s greenhouse gas emissions, and to work to create more compact, energy efficient communities. In addition, they have demonstrated leadership by committing to become carbon neutral by 2012.

“These communities have taken a great step in the right direction and should be commended,” says Megan Walsh, Wildsight’s Climate Solutions Program Manager.

Carbon neutral means that for every ounce of greenhouse gas produced and released into the atmosphere, something is done to take an ounce out - such as reducing fuel use or planting a tree.

Walsh hopes other Kootenay communities will soon take action and begin to move toward a cleaner future.

“This is a great opportunity for more Kootenay municipalities to show leadership throughout the province and the rest of Canada,” says Walsh. “Here’s a chance to take a good, hard look at their impact and take action that will actually make a difference in the short- and long-term.”

“Municipalities who join and fulfill the charter’s recommendations help to confirm they care about their citizens, their future and the healthy development of their community,” says Walsh.

Wildsight will continue to work closely with Kootenay communities to help meet the goals set by the B.C. Climate Action Charter.

Wildsight has already begun work with the City of Fernie to develop a greenhouse gas emissions reduction plan. As well, Wildsight will continue to provide climate change education, community initiatives and solutions throughout 2008.
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For more information, contact Megan Walsh, Wildsight’s Climate Solutions Program Manager at 250.423.7212 or megan@wildsight.ca.

About Wildsight
Wildsight works locally, regionally and globally to protect biodiversity and encourage sustainable communities in Canada's Columbia and Southern Rocky Mountain region. This area is internationally recognized as a keystone to conservation in western North America. Wildsight received the 2005 Canadian Environmental Award for Conservation in recognition of its successful work to protect the region's wildlife and wildlands. For more information, please visit www.wildsight.ca.