What is an energy transition? | What is an energy transition? | <div class="ExternalClassAD06DA8170F94937BB12F2845AE3B706">The energy transition means using energy more efficiently, expanding the use of clean and renewable
forms of energy, and relying less on fossil fuels. Residents and businesses use energy to heat buildings
and water, fuel vehicles, and power industry. Burning fossil fuels such as natural gas, gasoline, diesel,
and propane for this energy emits health-harming contaminants and greenhouse gases that are causing
climate change. Fortunately, in this region there are many opportunities to use clean and renewable
forms of energy, and switch away from fossil fuels.<br></div> |
Why is the energy transition needed? | Why is the energy transition needed? | <div class="ExternalClassE838D021B47244EEBA2AD37C35CBD23F"><p>The energy transition will improve health, stimulate economic opportunities, and help curb climate change. Metro Vancouver needs to keep pace with economies across the globe that are already benefitting from the energy transition. This transition will also create good jobs. Delayed action on climate change will create more dangerous conditions, and impose higher household costs over time. </p><p>Supporting facts:
<br></p><ul><li>Switching to electrified transportation and heating systems reduces health-harming air
contaminant emissions. The potential regional health benefits from implementing the Metro
Vancouver Clean Air Plan between 2020 and 2030 were estimated at $1.6 billion.</li><li>Regionally, the green building industry stands to gain $3.3 billion in revenue between 2018 and
2032 as a result of regulations for improved energy efficiency and low-carbon heating systems in
new construction.
</li><li>In 2023, global investment in the energy transition reached a record high of $1.8 trillion,
including investment in power grids, electrified heat and transportation, and renewable energy.</li></ul></div> |
What is Metro Vancouver’s plan for the energy transition? | What is Metro Vancouver’s plan for the energy transition? | <div class="ExternalClassCCD8CEE857A44A5088931B99CC1D4A63"><p>Metro Vancouver has developed a roadmap for the region to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The Climate 2050 Energy Roadmap (2023) involves substantially reducing energy use by increasing energy efficiency; transitioning to 100% clean, renewable energy; and developing an energy system that is resilient to future impacts of climate change.</p></div> |
Is the energy transition going to aggravate affordability issues? Won’t this cost residents more? | Is the energy transition going to aggravate affordability issues? Won’t this cost residents more? | <div class="ExternalClass12913BF77EC24DFD8E25E91B2B32B0F6"><p>The upfront costs for some low-carbon technologies can be higher than fossil fuel alternatives, therefore policies need to ensure that lower-income households are not unfairly burdened and can access Updated: March 19, 2024
financial support to benefit from these solutions. Meanwhile, the costs of climate impacts for residents will continue to worsen without strong climate action. The energy transition also presents significant economic opportunities, including good jobs. While financial considerations are complex and some individuals and families face particular challenges, average energy costs for households in BC are expected to decline with a transition to clean and renewable energy. All levels of government need to work together on the most cost-efficient, fair, and equitable policies that minimize affordability impacts on residents.</p></div> |
Won’t phasing out fossil fuels mean job losses? | Won’t phasing out fossil fuels mean job losses? | <div class="ExternalClass6CA1F7C1254442C29ABC76FAE2215418"><p>Across Canada, and across the globe, job gains are increasing significantly from the increased use of renewable energy. New clean energy jobs are projected to far outpace the loss of jobs in the fossil fuel industry.</p></div> |
Who makes decisions about what types of energy will be used in the province? | Who makes decisions about what types of energy will be used in the province? | <div class="ExternalClass048A72A6EEA740C5846D41D386DD24C0"><p>This responsibility primarily falls to the Government of BC. In BC, energy utilities must file long-term resource plans with the BC Utilities Commission (BCUC). Currently, to meet CleanBC targets, FortisBC has proposed a gas-centric pathway, whereas BC Hydro's plan emphasizes growing the supply of clean, renewable electricity. A coordinated approach is critical to secure the necessary supply of low carbon energy, and to ensure peak energy demand is met, in the most efficient and affordable way. Metro Vancouver and other local governments continue to provide information and input to provincial processes to advance the energy transition. Local scale energy systems, such as low-carbon district energy, also have a role to play. </p></div> |
Why is the energy transition important for human health? | Why is the energy transition important for human health? | <div class="ExternalClass03A6CA8C61904DD189611BCD56C061B2"><p>The energy transition will reduce severe health impacts as we transition away from fossil fuels. Many
low-carbon technologies and practices can also help to protect people from the impacts of climate
change. For example, heat pumps, which are around three times more efficient than a high-efficiency
boiler or electric baseboard heaters, also provide cooling. And well-insulated buildings can maintain
safer temperatures during a power outage. Benefits include cleaner air, and buildings that provide
needed cooling and protect occupants from extreme weather. </p><p>Climate change has already impacted the health of Metro Vancouver residents. For example, 321 people
in the region died due to the heat dome in 2021. We also see increased hospitalizations for respiratory
and cardiovascular illness during forest fires and heat waves. By shifting to cleaner sources of energy at
all levels of government, we will reduce these and other human health impacts of climate change. <br></p></div> |