Summary
Every conversation about climate is an opportunity to focus on investment in housing, affordability, food security, good jobs, and vibrant communities.
Climate action is a powerful way for Canada (Ontario) to address pressing community concerns. Achieving this synergy requires framing and implementing climate action in ways that are relevant to people’s lives. The first step is listening to communities about what they actually need and hope for. Climate action can then be harnessed in acting on these priorities precisely because effective climate action entails building vibrant, climate-safe communities. Polling shows people care about climate, but they need government support to take action. Our research shows that helping Canadians with core problems in their communities IS climate action. Platforms should make the argument to voters that climate action is about making their lives better and solving their problems. Take climate out of the elite narrative and bring it to communities where they are.
