Climate Equity
The climate crisis effects everyone, but it does not impact everyone equally. That's where we come in.
Climate change. Global warming. Climate weirding. The climate crisis.
Whatever you call it, the shifts in climate are having devastating effects on all ecosystems - including those built and inhabited by humans. But, while some people have the opportunity and means to move to higher ground, buy an electric car, or install airconditioning and heat pump, for many people the effects of the climate crisis are compounded by financial, social, mental, and physical barriers.
Working at the space where climate action and social equity meet, our climate work seeks solutions that ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate in climate action and to protect themselves and the planet we all share.
A green economy is the future economy
Programs & Initiatives
News & Publications
Join us for the visit of Wendy Brawer, the distinguished Director of Greenmap.org based in New York. With an impressive track record spanning over 25 years, Wendy has passionately contributed to the creation of numerous regional maps, notably within … Read more
We are thrilled and deeply honored to receive the Climate and Energy Action award from the Community Energy Association (CEA) for our groundbreaking E-Bike Incentive Pilot Program. This recognition would not have been possible without the unwavering support and … Read more
Join us this Saturday, September 2, at the Moss Street Farmers Market as we showcase our Common Ground Community Mapping Inclusion Project in partnership with Community Living BC. Share your experiences on a large map of the CRD with … Read more
Imagine a breathtaking island community where golden sunsets, towering trees, and thriving coastal waters allure residents and tourists alike. However, beneath this paradise, a pressing challenge looms over its transportation system, impeding progress on accessibility and environmental sustainability while … Read more
Connecting Coastal Communities: The Need for Change Imagine an early summer morning on Malcolm Island, where the sun bathes the landscape in a warm glow, accompanied by a gentle breeze from the Queen Charlotte Strait. The awe-inspiring peaks of … Read more
In recent years, a quiet revolution has been taking place on the streets of cities worldwide. E-Bikes have been rapidly gaining popularity as a clean, efficient, and practical mode of transportation. As the province of British Columbia seeks sustainable … Read more
With Uber being given the go-ahead to operate within the region, many are rejoicing at the thought of being able to have an alternative to taxis in the city. Despite the fanfare, many equity seeking groups and individuals have … Read more
The Community Social Planning Council (CSPC) of Greater Victoria has been actively engaging with regional and international partners on just transitions. Within this initiative the CSPC has launched the Transportation Access, Climate and Economic Security (ACES) project to design … Read more
As summer temperatures rise and the climate crisis accelerates, many are looking to build resiliency and move away from fossil fuels where possible. The heat dome in 2021 was one of many extreme weather events yet to come, claiming … Read more
As Canadian cities roll out climate action plans to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in line with Canada’s objective of reaching net zero carbon by 2050, it is crucial that equity is embedded in each step in developing these … Read more
Testimonials
“The Planning Department, Sustainability Division has been collaborating closely with the Community Social Planning Council on their Transportation Access, Climate, and Economic Security (ACES) program, and has benefitted from their input on climate-friendly transportation program design. Their expertise in calculating regional living wages, administering low-income public transit programs and convening participatory research with community-based organizations makes them extremely well-placed to advance regional conversation on climate equity in transportation.” – District of Saanich/Sustainability
“We support more community engagement to embed equity in climate action, particularly around transportation. We are able to bring the perspectives of immigrants, refugees, new Canadian citizens, and visible minorities into this project (with living wage honoraria). We hope to see projects like this shaping the COVID 19 recovery and encourage you to support this important work.” – VIRCS
“I see the need for more engagement of diverse cultural and race perspectives in the design of climate action in transportation and consider this work to be important. Too often the perspective of low-income individuals and those from BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and immigrant refugee identities are not represented in climate action and well-intentioned program design ends up reinforcing existing inequities. I encourage you to support the Community Council in its ongoing work to bridge social and environmental perspectives on climate action with community engagement, well-informed tools and propagating best practices.” – Ruth Mojeed /The Inclusion Project
“Transport equity and mobility justice are essential considerations for any transportation program, and an area of increasing focus for the public and decision-makers. This is particularly true for sustainable transportation strategies, and more focus on equity is needed in climate action plans. The transportation sector is a major contributor of global air pollutants and transport system access is a significant factor affecting household incomes and expenditures, along with considerations such as childcare and health services. I look forward to seeing the Saanich E-bike project move forward and collaborating with Saanich and the Community Social Planning Council on monitoring and evaluation.” – Alexander Bigazzi/Associate Professor @ UBC
Contact Information
Lorenzo Magzul: lorenzo@communitycouncil.ca
Funders & Partners
