In an era marked by increasingly severe environmental challenges, the Calgary Climate Hub stands out as a beacon of hope and action. Led by Jared Blustein, the organization’s Executive Director, this volunteer-driven non-profit brings together a diverse array of Calgarians dedicated to meaningful local climate action. Since its inception in 2017, the Hub has worked tirelessly to engage a broad spectrum of communities, industries, and cultures in the fight against climate change.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
The Calgary Climate Hub is a volunteer-led, non-profit organization that unites a diverse group of Calgarians committed to working together to support meaningful local action on climate change. We represent a variety of communities, industries, cultures and causes. We believe that a broad and diverse range of Calgarians and organizations need to be engaged in the climate crisis to develop impactful solutions that fit our unique political and economic circumstances.
What problem does it aim to solve?
Climate Change, inequity, social cohesion on climate issues
When did you start/join it?
Started in 2017, I joined in April 2024
What made you want to get involved?
I am passionate about social, economic and environmental issues, and committed to trying to increase equity and leave the world better than I found it. I am equally passionate about empowering people to take action on what they care about and helping them to feel capable of doing so. This position is the perfect blend of those two motivations, as we work to empower and educate citizens to take evidence-based action on the climate issues that they care about.
What was the situation like when you started?
Bad, and clearly getting worse. The impacts of climate change are being felt more and more every day. Each year we are breaking heat records, witnessing more wildfires, heat domes, droughts, floods, etc. Anthropogenic (human-caused) climate change is real, and we must unite to take action on it now. If not, then we will continue to see a rise in adverse social, economic and environmental impacts.
How has it changed since?
Well, it’s only been four months, but as mentioned, it’s not getting better. The fires in Jasper are a clear indication that urgent measures are needed to combat the climate emergency and prevent further catastrophic climate-induced extreme weather events.
What more needs to be done?
At the most rudimentary level, we need to limit the amount of GHGs being released into our atmosphere now, and this comes from improving waste stream management, active transportation systems, clean/renewable energy systems, access to affordable and efficient homes, watershed, logging and environmental protections, appropriate legislative measures to limit the release of pollutants and harmful toxins, and more. Most importantly, effective climate change action is achieved when communities come together and affirm their civic ability, power and priorities, and then implement self-determined responses. This community education, cohesion and empowerment is what we directly support and aim to achieve at The Calgary Climate Hub.
How can our readers help?
Get involved! Join the Calgary Climate Hub, or any other climate organization, and add your voice, energy and efforts to addressing an immediate and achievable climate issue that you care about! Join our Advocacy Campaigns, Tiny Forest Planting initiatives, Nature Node, Book Club, and more! Get involved in local politics. Speak with your councillors, neighbours and friends. Vote for climate! Lastly, be aware of your consumption practices. Seek to limit needless consumption, and work to support businesses and individuals that are addressing climate change, not adding to it.
Do you have any events coming up?
Tiny forest planting event on September 7th, details here
Where can we follow you?
Website | Facebook | Instagram
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
There are a few: FreshRoutes, The Arusha Centre, ACORN Alberta, and Black Eco Bloom.
