Sudbury: Time for ‘bold action’ to reduce oil use
Sudbury Northern Star / John Hood / 08 March 2010
Canada’s economy is highly dependent on oil. Many Canadians believe western Canada’s oil sands deposits will be our salvation. The oil sands, however, are a major atmospheric carbon emitter, which will exacerbate global climate change significantly, while also fouling the region’s water supply.
Should we all be driving hybrids to prepare for the impending high oil prices and volatility? Perhaps, but the report asserts, “There is real danger that the focus on technological advances in cars is making consumers and governments complacent.”
Policymakers in Greater Sudbury should take the following steps to mitigate this impending crisis:
- Support greater planning and funding for public transit, including expanding routes throughout the region with a fleet of “mini” buses on collection routes, transporting riders to major routes.
- Support planning for less energy-intensive forms of urban development (less sprawl, more transit-oriented housing, retail and businesses).
- Transition to more energy-efficient transportation fleets or vehicles.
- Co-ordinate policy mechanisms and organizational practices to create a behavioural shift from private car use to other more sustainable forms of mobility, including public transit, car sharing, cycling and walking.
- Encourage, enable and practice smart green community tactics such as local shops and stores, and local athletic and parks facilities.
- Promote and support locally generated sustainable energies such as wind power, photovoltaic electricity generation, solar thermal and earth energy systems.
- Co-ordinate policy and financing mechanisms, such as applying local improvement charges to residential buildings, to promote and support Sudburians to energy retrofit their homes. This is particularly critical in older areas throughout the City where many homes are poorly insulated and many homeowners are unable to afford to do the necessary energy retrofits.
- Promote and support local food production, processing and distribution.
- Promote and support the development and creation of local industries and businesses, particularly those with a focus on green technologies.
