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
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
April 22nd marks Earth Day – an annual reminder for everyday citizens to be cognizant of how their actions impact the environment. Though this holiday is recognized across the world, the celebration of Earth Day is especially important … Read more
Did you know it’s estimated that creating one required parking spot can add an additional 10 to 15 percent to overall development costs? As our housing unaffordability and cost of living crisis continue to put communities under pressure, policy … Read more
On September 20th, 2022, Climate Equity team members Lorenzo Magzul and Chelsea Power had the opportunity to speak to the BC Poverty Reduction Community of Practice. The CoP meets monthly to learn from each other, to enable professional self-development, … Read more
While this summer has, so far, been on the cool side for Greater Victoria, the risk still exists for extreme heat events in July, August, and even September. Following the devastating heat dome in 2021 that killed 619 people … Read more
The Community Social Planning Council has been actively engaging with regional and international partners on just transitions. Within this initiative we have launched the Transportation ACES project to design a regionally focused climate equity framework for transportation decision making. … Read more
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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
