Looking back at April, the weather was pleasant, but not environmentally friendly.
The shortage of April showers “raining violets” to bring the flowers that bloom in May didn’t help prevent the threat of future drought and wildfires.
As I write this, seven wildfires were reported in the Cariboo, probably human caused, with one between Quesnel and Williams Lake burning out of control. It’s hard to be optimistic. A wet May or summer could save us, but what if the weather stays dry?
April is Earth Month. Last Monday was Earth Day. How many of us noticed? Most of us realize the climate is changing, March had the warmest weather on record, but few of us are willing to inconvenience or discombobulate ourselves by changing our lifestyles to protect the Earth. The latest worry is plastic pollution which is taking over everything. I hope the powers-that-be can control it.
One large environmental/economic issue looming locally is the possible closure of the Atlantic Power Plant because it can’t get fuel. The plant not only pays huge city taxes, it provides good salaries to its employees and it supports sustainability by utilizing “waste” wood from logging operations.
City council pledged to work for the plant’s continued operation, but is anything happening? Let’s hope there is, because we can’t afford to lose the plant and there’s only eight months to go before its cited closing date in January, 2025.
Diana French is a former editor of the Williams Lake Tribune and long time resident of the Cariboo Chilcotin.
READ MORE: MLA, chamber add support for long-term, sustainable agreement for Atlantic Power
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