On Thin Ice: Winter Sports and Climate Change - David Suzuki ...

on thin ice: winter sports and cliMate change
What winter tourism communities and municipal
governments can do:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Conduct detailed annual greenhouse gas emissions and energy inventories of
municipal operations and infrastructure. These analyses will identify areas with
the greatest potential to reduce emissions and save on energy, while also demonstrating
informed leadership.
Develop an integrated energy, air-quality, and greenhouse gas management
strategy and create a dedicated staff team to carry out the necessary measures to
reduce community-wide emissions and energy consumption.
Make substantial investments in energy-conservation initiatives for key municipal
building assets. This will reduce local government emissions and quite often
substantially reduce long-term operating costs.
Develop a land-use and transportation plan with the aim of building transit and
pedestrian-friendly communities where residential areas are close to areas where
residents work and play.
What VANOC and the 2010 Winter Games can do:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Commit to making the 2010 Winter Games carbon neutral (i.e., net zero greenhouse
gas emissions).
Ensure that all major emissions from the Games are measured, and reduced where
possible, or offset, including emissions resulting from spectator air travel.
Use only high-quality carbon offsets. In recognition of the international nature of
the Olympics, VANOC could use a portfolio of high-quality offsets from B.C. and
Canada, and also at least 20 percent from international offset projects that meet
the Gold Standard, the highest standard in the world for carbon offsets. Using
carbon offsets from renewable-energy and energy-efficiency projects will help
promote sustainable energy use in Canada and in less developed countries.
Implement a high-profile public outreach campaign for the Games that describes
VANOC’s climate initiatives and engages athletes, officials, sponsors, spectators,
and the general public, and leaves a legacy of climate solutions in the region.
What winter sport businesses and tourism operators can do:
1.
2.
Learn how to manage your business’s greenhouse gas emissions with the David
Suzuki Foundation’s new how-to guide, Doing Business in a New Climate. See:
www.davidsuzuki.org/Publications/Doing_Business_in_a_New_Climate.aspx
Power your business and operations with clean, renewable energy. Many electricity
utilities offer green power or sell renewable energy, and also offer programs to
help you conserve electricity or switch to more energy-efficient equipment for
your business.
35