One-stop shopping to address climate change?
The District of Sooke, in partnership with the Fireweed Learning Commons, has released the first edition of the Climate Field Guide for Residents of the Sooke Region.
This practical, one-stop resource is now available digitally, offering residents tools and guidance on how to take impactful local action to address climate change, the district said in a media release.
A key element of the guide's focus is to build upon the concerns of residents and supports Sooke’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions by 50 per cent by 2030.
"It reflects the district's vision in the Sooke2030 Climate Action Plan of rethinking how we relate to others and our environment, inviting residents to work together," the district noted. "Through education and community collaborations, we can work toward a better future."
Written by citizens for citizens, the guide empowers residents to contribute to local climate goals by addressing key areas like carbon footprint reduction, emergency preparedness for climate events, and personal well-being in a time of climate uncertainty.
The Livable Futures Workshop Series hosted by the Fireweed Learning Commons is using this guide to engage residents in interactive climate planning for households as well as learning about the global energy transition, climate misinformation, and how to talk about climate across diverse perspectives.
"Our community is committed to creating a sustainable future, and this Climate Field Guide is a valuable resource to help residents make informed choices," said Sooke Mayor Maja Tait. "The actions we take today will have a lasting impact on future generations."
Dr. Elizabeth Lange, co-chair of the Fireweed Learning Commons, added that the path to a livable future requires each of us to not only think differently but to act differently.
"This guide and our workshops are more than just a how-to resource, they are an invitation for residents to reconnect with the Earth to understand what is going on around us, to our community and hope in its collective future, and to the concrete actions required of us in an already changing climate. I have deep gratitude to the T’Sou-ke Coast Salish and their territory where we live and for the wisdom of these lands and waters which teach us how to shape a sustainable and just future, now and for future generations."
Key features of the Climate Action Guide include emergency preparedness, carbon footprint reduction, well-being, and practical steps to protect your household against the growing threat of extreme weather events.
"The Climate Field Guide reflects Sooke’s broader climate action vision of working together to create an even better community," the district noted.
To access the digital copy of the guide, visit letstalk.sooke.ca/sooke2030 or fireweedlearningcommons.ca. Hard copies will be available through the Livable Futures Workshop Series, which willl be offered again in spring 2025.