This week we chatted with My Climate Plan’s own Partnership Specialist, Trenton McIntyre. Trenton is a member of the Skuppah Indian Band and Tsimshian First Nations and lives in Victoria, B.C.
Below, Trenton explains how his own brush with a climate emergency led him down the path that brought him to My Climate Plan, and what he is doing to help members quickly and confidently take action to prepare for the climate impacts that will affect them most.
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Trenton always considered himself to be climate conscious. But it wasn’t until he had his own close call with a climate emergency that he started to become more proactive in being prepared for what the future may bring.
He recalls, “A few years ago I was driving home from work in a terrible rain storm. I noticed that the streets were overflowing with water and levels were starting to rise. I instantly thought of my family and my pets at home. Would they be okay if our home flooded? What about my house and belongings? I realized I wasn’t prepared.”
Luckily, his home and family were spared from the worst of it – but it was a wake up call. He decided to take action to make sure he could keep his loved ones and his home safe from flooding.
But as he searched the internet, he became frustrated at how little information was available on what the risks were in his particular area – and what he could do about them.
He says, “It took me so many hours of research to even find the information I was looking for. And what I did find was full of graphs and really science-based terminology that was hard to figure out – even for someone like me who is climate conscious.”
He continues, “I thought to myself: the average person doesn’t have the time to do this level of research just to understand the dangers that their homes and families were facing due to climate change. And yet it’s information that’s crucial to our safety and well being.”
Earlier this year, Trenton was chatting with My Climate Plan Co-founder Adam Lynes-Ford about the possibility of bringing his skill set to the development of the platform. He realized that what Adam was describing was exactly what he wished he had had back when the flood waters were rising.
“What I heard was a platform that would bridge the gap between the overwhelming volume of climate data and accessible, actionable information.”
He continues, “It’s something designed to empower people with information and recommendations specific to their needs – ultimately helping them to make decisions to protect themselves and their families. And I knew then that I had to be a part of it.”
Since then, Trenton has been working to build a network of partners across Canada who can bring high-quality, tailored solutions to members. From heat pumps to contractors specializing in flood preparation and everything in between – he’s working to bring you the best of the best, right at your fingertips.
Part of this work has been making sure all partners are aligned with My Climate Plan’s values and vision for a climate safe future.
The other part has involved careful screening to find the most trustworthy partners and solutions providers, while also being able to offer discounts for the services member’s need most.
He says, “I want the resources we offer to be trusted right away, so it takes the guesswork out of the process for our members. And at the same time, I am working on securing discounts and rebates so members can benefit.”
Trenton is excited to bring these benefits to My Climate Plan members when the prototype begins to roll out later this month – focusing on a few regions in Canada at first, but continuing to build over time.
He says, “I really believe in what we’re doing. My own experiences are what motivated me to join the team, but knowing that I can help others like me is what drives me to keep going.”
What kind of services and solutions would you like to see available on the plan? Send Trenton an email and let him know what would be the most valuable to you and your loved ones to help you prepare for what comes next.
And make sure to join My Climate Plan as a founding member to benefit from Trenton’s fantastic work.
You climate questions: How can I prepare my home for a flood?