IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: A version of article was originally published by ThoroldToday on May 30.
A presentation by representatives of the Partners for Climate Protection Program became a platform for a pair of Thorold councillors to question human's impact on climate change.
In a line of questioning to Kiana Simmons and Lindsay Telfer, who came before city politicians Tuesday, Councillor Carmen DeRose delved into a flurry of numbers, including the amount of carbon dioxide in the Earth’s atmosphere – “it’s approximately 420 parts per million,” he said – before grilling them on how much of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions come from decaying animals and plants.
“Just to let you know, it’s 97 per cent,” DeRose claimed, before being cut off by Mayor Terry Ugulini.
“What further questions do you have?” Ugulini asked.
“They should be knowledgeable and able to talk about this Mr. Mayor,” DeRose shot back. “If they’re pushing this stuff on us, they should be knowledgeable about this.”
The comments drew applause from the gallery in council chambers.
DeRose continued: “So basically, that means that the world’s eight billion people produce only three per cent of all carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, correct?”
But before either of the delegates could answer, Councillor Tim O’Hare jumped in, calling point of order.
“I don’t think we’re here for a science lesson,” he said.
Ugulini asked if the delegates had an answer or “if we are moving on.”
Simmons said that council should look to the International Panel on Climate Change for that kind of information.
“I’m sure they have Canadian representatives that might be willing to come to council,” she said.
Meanwhile, Councillor Jim Handley asked Simmons and Telfer what are “the legal obligations” for the City when it comes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
“Truthfully, that is not something we deal with as a part of the program,” Simmons said. “This is an optional program to join.”
The Partners for Climate Protection program is administered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability Canada and receives funding from the federal government.
The program, which boasts 523 member municipalities from across Canada, is free for municipalities to join. The PCP provides member municipalities with tools and technical support to help them meet the program’s five milestones: creating an inventory of greenhouse gas emitters, setting a target level for reduction, developing a plan, implementing that plan and monitoring the impact.
“We represent over 70 per cent of the Canadian population,” Simmons said. “It’s a way of connecting municipalities across the country.”
The only other member around the horseshoe to ask questions was Councillor Tim O’Hare, who wanted to know how long it takes municipalities such as one the size of Thorold to achieve milestones.
“It’s not really dependent on the size of your municipality but the data you have available,” Simmons said. “It really depends on how much time staff has to spend to get that data.”
Noting that the PCP provides opportunity for technical support for municipalities, O’Hare wondered how difficult it would be to speak to someone from the organization.
“How accessible are they to reach and answer questions to support the work we are doing in our municipality?” he asked.
Simmons said that reaching out to the organization is always welcomed.
“Generally, the turnaround time is quite quick,” she said.
DeRose, meanwhile, said that staff time being devoted to meeting the program’s milestones was another concern for him.
“To let you know, staff time is taxpayers’ money,” he said.
Simmons, however, said becoming a member of the PCP is free and that the program will help connect municipalities with funding opportunities through the Green Municipal Fund. Those funds could cover between 50 to 80 per cent of the cost of green initiatives, Simmons said.
Tuesday was not the first time both DeRose and Handley have questioned the validity of a climate emergency.
DeRose has expressed criticism of the PCP at previous council meetings while Handley is on record as wanting the City to withdraw from the partnership via a motion at a council meeting last March. Council voted at that time to stay in the program but also decided to consult with the Region on what resources are available.
A decision whether or not Thorold will stay enrolled in the PCP program will come before council in June.
CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story stated that the PCP program is funded by the federal government and ICLEI, when it actually only receives funding from the federal government, through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
