Media Releases

Are BC electricity imports a realistic solution to Alberta's emissions reduction plan?

Recent proposals to use British Columbia hydropower as a substitute for coal power in Alberta should be viewed in the context of new research showing that in the long-term, BC has little energy to spare, and that an

Scientists: Thriving BC forests outpace pine-beetle CO2 losses by 2020

In a rare bit of good climate change news, scientists have found that trees are growing faster in British Columbia due to global warming, and this is starting to counter the carbon-loss impacts of the province’s devastating mountain pine beetle (MPB) outbreak.

Could a Norway-style electric vehicle revolution happen in BC?

What lessons can British Columbia learn from the current electric vehicle revolution in Norway?

Retrofit loans, done differently, mean energy efficient homes plus jobs for BC

A streamlined form of borrowing that enables homeowners to repay the cost of energy retrofits via their electricity bills would, in time, save British Columbia four terawatt hours (TWh) in energy use plus make homes a lot cheaper to run.

A policy pathway to ultra energy-efficient buildings for BC

Stronger commitment to "net-zero" buildings could create jobs, grow the economy, and help the province meet it's climate targets.

How to accelerate energy efficiency in BC's buildings

Learning from the "green leader" states of California and Massachusetts.

What works - and what doesn't - for engaging people on climate change

A special report analyzing what works—and what doesn't—for motivating people to take action on climate change has been released today by the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS).

Holisitc policies needed to realize the potential for fossil fuel divestment

Replacing fossil fuel investments with “green energy” stocks has minimal impact on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and is also unlikely to provide a safer haven for investors.

BC's LNG strategy won't help global climate change: report

Analysis finds stronger climate policies needed to encourage a switch away from coal use, and a reduced role for natural gas in a carbon-constrained world.

Agricultural trade appears unaffected by BC carbon tax

BC's carbon tax does not appear to have had a measurable impact on international agricultural trade, despite concerns it would greatly reduce the BC industry’s competitiveness.

Can biochar slash BC's GHG emissions and offer new lucrative markets?

A renewable fuel called biochar could substitute for all coal and some natural gas burned in BC resulting in as much as a 22 per cent reduction in provincial greenhouse gas emission

British Columbia should prepare for a different climate future

The findings from the IPCC AR5 report re-affirms the science behind the human-caused climate change we have already seen and what we can expect in future.

New tool to assess bioenergy potential from BC wildlife prevention work

A new online tool will help rural communities in British Columbia determine if debris left by local wildfire prevention work can provide a sustainable – and economically beneficial - source of fuel for clean energy production.

Climate change compounds problems for stressed BC agriculture sect or

Climate change will make it even harder to put locally sourced food on our tables if steps are not taken to strengthen the BC agriculture sector.

Reducing carbon footprints puts fast money into the pockets of small business

New research shows that British Columbia businesses that reduce their carbon footprint not only lower their annual operating costs but also typically pay off the investment required within a few years.

District Energy Systems can reduce carbon, save money—but only if well-regulated

Is centralized heating an effective way for BC communities to reduce greenhouse gases?

Report urges a coordinated approach to renewable energy development in BC

Impending expansion of renewable energy projects in BC will require a concerted effort by the province to protect both ecosystems and public interests, according to a report from the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS).

Report urges more action to prepare BC for uncertain food future

British Columbians should not assume that food supplies will continue to be easily accessible in future, and more steps should be taken to improve food security as climate change and other pressures evolve.