BC woman helps local leaders turn climate ambition into policy

Sep 16

Zoe Grams speaks at a Climate Caucus event in Ottawa. Photo by: Sarah Scott

By Patricia Lane & Zoe Grams

Zoe Grams empowers climate champions in local government. In her role as executive director of Canada’s Climate Caucus, this Clayoquot Sound, BC, resident supports hundreds of local, elected leaders and thousands of their allies as they develop, launch and scale climate policies for safer, healthier, more prosperous communities.

Tell us about your work.

We build networks, advocate, facilitate resource-sharing and launch innovative collaborations to unlock community potential to reduce climate-change-related damage to communities. We also lobby senior governments to reduce pollution and slow climate change.

Two thirds of Canadians have at least one climate-concerned official on their local council. That’s a lot of diversity, expertise and ideas, but some are in the minority on their council or are doxxed or attacked. We host regional chapters and working groups that offer confidential, warm spaces to share information and experience and develop mutually supportive relationships. Some of our newest members have established mentoring relationships with seasoned officials thousands of miles away. Being an elected official intent on climate mitigation and adaptation can feel lonely. We want to ensure our members have places to turn to for help.

We are proud to be the anchor partner of the Elbows Up for Climate campaign. We also lobby for greater infrastructure spending and “Right to Cool” initiatives. We help elected leaders amplify local concerns and advocate for the removal of barriers at other levels of government or the passage of legislation that will mean all Canadians have better lives.

We facilitate the sharing of ideas and resources among our members, providing grant resources and connecting communities to experts on shared issues like water or infrastructure. We write sample policies and produce handbooks and briefing notes. We offer a granting database. Our door is open, and we have an “Ask Us Anything” approach and service.

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YCAA recipients

Peter Allan

BC woman helps local leaders turn climate ambition into policy

Tell us about your work.

Student encourages others who love their country to love the planet, too