Dear Editor,
The summer of 2024 was the hottest summer on record. Across the country we saw extreme heat waves, record-breaking floods and many damaging storms. These dangerous events are all driven by fossil fuel-driven climate change.
The need for real climate solutions that keep our communities safe is clearer than ever, and a universal free heat pump program could do just that.
Heat pumps are an incredible climate technology that run on electricity and efficiently both heat and cool a home. Because they are more efficient than other heating or cooling systems, they typically result in less emissions.
So not only do they keep us safer in extreme heat events, they also actively reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change.
There are existing rebate programs across the country to install heat pumps, but these are only available to homeowners or those who can afford them out-of-pocket. The severity of climate impacts demands universal solutions that benefit all of us.
The federal government must take urgent action to deliver a universal heat pump program for the sake of our health and the health of the planet. Let’s win heat pumps for all.
Riesah Prock
High River