Climate Action Charter

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BRITISH oo —
COLUMBIA RECEIVES)
The Best Place on Earth

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NOV ~ 7 2007
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ISLANDS TRUST

November 2, 2007

Ms. Kim Benson, Chair
and Members of the Board
Islands Trust

200 - 1627 Fort St
Victoria, BC V8R 1H8

Dear Ms. Benson and Board Members:

Thank you for signing the British Columbia Climate Action Charter. By signing the Charter,
you are working with the Province of British Columbia to ensure that all levels of government
lead the way in becoming carbon neutral in their operations. This commitment will assist in
achieving our larger provincial objective: to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 33 per cent by
2020.

Later this Fall, the Province will introduce the first phase of its provincial climate action plan.
The plan will lay out strategies that we have identified to this point and will help us achieve our
emission reductions targets. Responsibility will be shared across all sectors. Meeting our targets
will be a challenge, but we believe that by working collaboratively with local communities, the
challenge can be met.

Again, thank you for demonstrating your leadership by signing the Charter.

Sistetely,
Re
Gordon Camp¥ell Ida Chong, FCGA/ /
/

Premier Minister

Enclosure

PO Box 9041 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria BC
V8W 9FI

Province of British Columbia
Office of the Premier

www.gov.be.ca

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THE British COLUMBIA CLIMATE ACTION CHARTER

BETWEEN
THE PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA (THE PROVINCE)
AND
THE UNION OF BRITISH COLUMBIA MUNICIPALITIES (UBCM)
AND
SIGNATORY LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

(THE PARTIES)

The Parties share the common understanding that:

(a) Scientific consensus has developed that increasing emissions of human caused
greenhouse gases (GHG), including carbon dioxide, methane and other GHG
emissions, that are released into the atmosphere are affecting the Earth’s climate;

(b) the evidence of global warming is unequivocal and the effects of climate change are
evident across British Columbia;

(c) reducing GHG emissions will generate environmental and health benefits for
individuals, families, and communities;

(d) climate change and reducing GHG emissions are issues of importance to British
Columbians;

(e) governments urgently need to implement effective measures to reduce GHG
emissions and anticipate and prepare for climate change impacts;

(f) protecting the environment can be done in ways that promote economic prosperity;
and

(g) it is important to take action and to work together to share best practices, to reduce
GHG emissions and address the impacts of climate change.

The Parties acknowledge that each has an important role in addressing climate
change and that:

(a) The Province has taken action on climate change, including commitments made in the
2007 Speech from the Throne, the BC Energy Plan, and the Western Climate
Initiative on climate change;

(b) Local Governments have taken action on climate change, including planning livable,
sustainable communities, encouraging green developm

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