Editor:
Re: “Massive solar array on Claytons a B.C. first,” Nov. 6.
Claytons is to be commended for installing a solar array and helping generate their own electricity. It is beneficial for sustainability, but it does little for climate change. The article implies that solar power reduces our reliance on carbon-based energy. It does not. In B.C., most of the electricity generated does not produce greenhouse gas emissions (GGEs). If Claytons were using the panels to replace a gas furnace, then they would be reducing carbon-based energy. But they won’t reduce carbon-based energy if they are using the panels instead of BC Hydro electricity. Similarly, the solar panels at the Sechelt Seniors Activity Centre were an idea of someone who was inspired to fight climate change. But sadly, the same problem exists there as well.
Claytons should be recognized for their wisdom and forethought, for having on their property two electric vehicle chargers and particularly the only fast charger in Sechelt. This amenity is significant in reducing GGEs.
Coverage of climate change has been unremarkable in this newspaper, considering how significant the crisis is. It bears noting that Coast Reporter’s parent company is Glacier Media Group. In Glacier Media’s holdings you will find publications such as the Daily Oil Bulletin, Oil Sands Review and Oilweek.
Reducing carbon-based energy and reducing GGEs will help fight climate change. In order to reduce GGEs on a personal, government or corporate level, we need to stop driving gas-powered vehicles and we need to stop using natural gas or oil for heating. In addition to doing that we need to ask the provincial government to stop subsidizing LNG, which produces considerable GGEs during extraction and transport. In the 2017-18 fiscal year, the provincial government provided $830 million in subsidies to the fossil fuel industry, according to a report from the International Institute for Sustainable Development. I gather these subsidies continue now at the same pace. By reducing personal use of oil, gas and natural gas, and lobbying for change, these are the ways in B.C. that we can fight climate change.
Penny Brown, Davis Bay
