Think Global, Act Coastal: The Green Beacon Project

Our aim is to make the community centre, and the communities of Main-à-Dieu & area, sustainable – both fiscally and environment-tally – as well as a model for other rural com-munities wishing to ‘go green’.

In the short-term

With current energy costs already beyond the reach of many (especially seniors and others living on fixed-incomes), and with no sign of relief, the economic struggles of rural com-munities will only worsen. The Main-à-Dieu Community Development Association is committed to finding ways to strengthen the economic outlook of the Centre, and the area, by minimizing ener-gy costs and reducing its environmental impact. ‘Right to Heat’ campaign»

Model community

We also believe that our Association can play a broader educational role by making Main-à-Dieu a Green Beacon – a centre of excel-lence on renewable energy projects, becom-ing a source of information for other com-munity groups, individuals and businesses striving for environmental & fiscal sustain-ability. This, we believe, will also benefit the provincial government as it works toward its own green initiatives for the province. Go to Resources»

In the long-term

Gas and home fuel prices have risen by 50% from 2001 to 2007 (35% above inflation). To ensure affordable home heating and electri-city now and into the future, we need solu-tions that decrease our dependence on non-renewable energy resources – ‘fossil fuels’ – like oil, coal and gas. Only then will we avoid simply passing the problem on to future generations.

Fossil fuels & climate change

Burning fossil fuels releases ‘greenhouse gases’ (like carbon dioxide and methane), so-called because they trap heat. We’ve been emitting these polluting gases faster than the Earth can absorb and neutralize them, and the resulting build-up in the atmosphere is causing global temperatures to rise. If this trend continues as predicted, global sea level rise could devastate coastal areas worldwide.

Posted by Mike Targett | Email a comment