If you've been following the Lake Friendly channels, you know that we often mention this thing called the "Made in Manitoba Climate and Green Plan." While we'd advocate for all Manitobans taking a deep dive into the document itself, we thought many of you busy bees might appreciate a post that gives a brief rundown on what you'd find if you did.
So, let's jump right in.
What is the Climate and Green Plan?
For those of you unfamiliar, the plan is a sustainable development document created in 2017 by the Government of Manitoba that outlines a strategy for growing our economy while protecting our environment.
The overall goal of the document is to get all Manitobans on the same page when it comes to what needs to happen in order for our great province to become the cleanest and greenest in all of Canada.
Why is this plan necessary?
Well, for the following reasons:
- Severe storms and unpredictable weather are occurring more often.
- Flooding, fires, and drought can cause economic and social hardship—impacting families and communities.
- Wildfires and pests affect our croplands, grasslands, and forests.
- Insurance impacts and costs are rising due to increased flooding and fires.
- Communities, businesses, and governments face higher disaster management costs as a result.
- Farmers growing our food are on the front lines of climate change in Manitoba. Changes in weather, water, and heat affect what they plant and how they harvest.
This plan is necessary because all Manitobans need to work together to mitigate these impacts—and in order to work together, we must all be on the same page.
By working together, we can become more resilient at both the provincial and local levels in the face of climate change. We can gain jobs and economic opportunities by making smart investments in clean technology and green jobs. And we can reduce carbon pollution causing climate change.
What is the point of the plan?
Being an integrated plan means the Manitoba communities involved—a key aspect of this report. Government officials released the plan and encouraged Manitobans to voice any opinions and questions about it, as well as what they believe our province needs to address when it comes to climate change. An online survey was made available, providing an easy way for Manitobans to fill out quick multiple choice responses and have their opinions heard.
Here's one example of a question from the survey:
Imagine you have $100 from the carbon levy and you could spend it on the categories listed below.
Please review these categories and note in the space provided how much of the $100 you would spend in each of them. You can spend it all in one category or you can divide the money among the three categories.
A) HELPING HOUSEHOLDS
________
B) INVESTING IN GREEN PROJECTS AND CLEAN GROWTH
________
C) ADAPTING TO CLIMATE CHANGE
________
Although the plan was released three years ago and responses were collected on November 30, 2017, the site is still active for Manitobans who want to learn more about
What are the key takeaways?
This document has TONS of important information about why this plan is necessary, what the focus areas are, and what Manitobans can do to help our province become cleaner and greener.
The Four Pillars of the plan are as follows:
Climate
- Clean energy
- Carbon pricing
- Sector emissions reductions
- Adaptation
Jobs
- Innovation and cleantech
- Financing and investment
- Skills and training
- Green infrastructure
Water
- Wetlands and watersheds
- Agriculture and land use
- Flood and drought
- Water quality
Nature
- Parks and protected areas
- Wild species habitat
- Forests and natural areas
- Conservation
The plan then goes into detail about how new practices will be implemented and how results will be measured.
Bottom line: whether or not you're an avid environmentalism activist, this is an important document for any Manitoban to be familiar with.
Where can I learn more?
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