Letter to the Editor

Simultaneous unprecedented climate emergencies across the country make for an interesting federal election. Meanwhile, our local governments are struggling to keep residents safe and alive.

Without the federal government carrying their weight on climate action, it is becoming increasingly difficult for locally elected officials to deliver on their mandate ​​to foster social, environmental, and economic wellbeing for all residents. This is exemplified by the Western Canada heat wave, which killed 500 people and led into an early wildfire season and unprecedented water shortages.

Air quality affects everyone’s health.  There is a health care burden and costs associated with poor air quality. According to IQ Air (iqair.com):  “During the middle of 2021, Cranbrook was experiencing a period of “Unhealthy” air quality with a US AQI reading of 160. This United States Air Quality Index number is calculated using the levels of six of the most prolific air pollutants, namely, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide and both sizes of particulate matter, being PM2.5 and PM10.”

Cranbrook’s Air Quality monitoring station (iqair.com) from July 27 to Aug. 25, show the Particulate Matter (PM) of 2.5 ranging from 12-125.  A target of 10 or less is recommended by the World Health Organization.

Our next MP will have a say on climate policy decisions, which will impact our community. Climate change is an immense and complex problem, so federal collaboration is vital.

Please vote for the candidate in your riding whose party has a strong climate reduction policy.

Sharon Cross,

Cranbrook

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