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Proactive disclosure Print version   | |  Temperature rising: Climate change in southwestern British Columbia Let's meet the challenge
The uncertainty Although we know that climate will change, the magnitude and rate of this change are not known. The resulting costs and benefits are also unknown. Why should we act? Why aren't we acting? People tend to respond best to immediate crises. But what if:
The risks The risks are high. We may be facing unprecedented changes in climate that will affect how we live. Better safe than sorry! We need to proceed cautiously when our actions may have long-term negative consequences. Shouldn't we reduce greenhouse-gas emissions now to lessen the negative impacts of climate change in the future? The longer we wait to take action, the fewer options we may have for dealing with climate change. Action By reducing our greenhouse-gas emissions, we can slow the rate and eventual magnitude of climate change. But we will also have to adapt, because some climate change is now inevitable. Who, me? "Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that has."  Necessity is the mother of invention Our climate crisis has created a demand for good ideas that will reduce our greenhouse gas emissions - new technologies, alternative energy sources, progressive government policies, and lifestyle choices. We can be innovators at home, where we work, in the marketplace, and within our communities. It's up to us!
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