Estrie Regional Environmental Council lauds collective climate action

In order to demonstrate that the climate concerns economic stakeholders, the Estrie Regional Environmental Council (CREE) has led to more than 30 industries, businesses and institutions in the region towards concrete actions to limit the impacts of climate change. These mobilized companies are paving the way to continue this vast regional campaign entitled "Here, we’re taking action for the climate! "

The $60,000 funding obtained by the CREE under the Action-climat Québec program, funded by the Green Fund and implemented by the FAQDD, was able to raise awareness for almost 400 representatives of organizations in the region of the impacts of climate change and the importance of taking action. Through conferences and workshops on the theme "Understanding and responding to climate change in the Estrie region", these change agents were invited to act on sustainable rainwater management, the electrification of transportation and active transportation, eco-responsible practices in companies, and the energy efficiency of buildings.

At the heart of this original approach, experienced experts have accompanied industries, businesses and institutions (ICI) in the region ready to act in the fight against climate change. The CREE, ADDERE Consulting Service, the Quebec Association for Energy Management (AQME), COGESAF, COBARIC and the MRC du Granit have offered their expertise to ICI by identifying their needs and providing them with the tools they need to move to action. Several measures have already been implemented as a result, such as the purchase of an electric vehicle by JL Expertise, the conversion of lighting and windows by the Sherbrooke Community Development Corporation, the organization of a bike-to-work campaign by the firm EXP, and obtaining the ICI recycle level 3 certificate by Horizon Notaires.

The number of municipal councils that support the Universal Declaration of Citizens with a Climate Emergency is multiplying in Quebec (more than 150 municipalities) and the number of signatories to the Transition Pact exceeds 250,000 people. It is clear that citizen mobilization for the climate is being organized. At the same time, at the 24th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP24), leaders and representatives of 196 countries and states are expected to establish guidelines that will enable them to meet the commitments made at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP24), that is to the Paris Agreement, to limit global warming to below 2 ° C.

Any action undertaken, be it citizen, political or economic, is likely to contribute positively to the fight against climate change. The results of the ICI campaign show how climate can work for the climate and bring long-term positive benefits for an organization in all spheres of development.