Climate change is the single biggest health threat facing humanity today, and municipalities across British Columbia are on the front lines of this crisis. From devastating wildfires to deadly heat waves, the impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly severe and frequent. Greenwashing by the oil and gas industry is fueling the crisis.
CAPE BC and 36 partner organizations have penned a letter to mayors, city councillors, and members of the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) calling for decisive action to eliminate fossil fuel sponsorship in municipal politics and address the issue of greenwashing.
Key points from the letter:
1. Support Resolution NR97: We urge UBCM members to support a resolution proposed by the City of Vernon to eliminate fossil fuel sponsorship of the UBCM Convention.
2. Climate Change and Health: Climate change results in devastating health impacts, including increased mortality from air pollution and wildfire smoke.
3. Municipal Impacts: BC municipalities are facing significant financial and health costs due to climate-related events such as wildfires, heat waves, and flooding.
4. Greenwashing Concerns: Greenwashing by fossil fuel companies has detrimental effects on climate action and consumer choices.
5. Call to Action: We outline four specific requests for the UBCM, including ending fossil fuel sponsorship and enacting advertising bans.
The influence of fossil fuel companies in municipal politics through sponsorship and advertising is akin to tobacco companies sponsoring medical conferences. Just as the medical community led the charge against cigarette advertising, it’s time for municipal leaders to take a stand against fossil fuel influence.
Climate change is not a distant threat – it’s affecting BC communities right now. From the destruction of Lytton to the repeated evacuation alerts in Kamloops, the impacts are real and devastating.
Read the full letter on our website
