In Review: City Limits

The Carbon Charter, Godo Stoyke, New Society Publishers: Gabriola Island, 2009, 144 pages.

While national governments wrestle with global climate change protocols, cities are moving to the forefront of the climate struggle. Small wonder, since as much as three-quarters of all greenhouse gas emissions are caused by cities. It’s time for up-to-date, straightforward resources that will lead to quick worldwide implementation of best practices.

Written by the author of the Carbon Buster’s Home Energy Handbook, and president of Edmonton’s Carbon Busters Inc., The Carbon Charter purports to be such a resource, claiming to give municipal councillors easy access to the world’s best bylaws. Maybe it’s too big a job for any one book. Maybe some future edition will become the standard desk reference. But this book doesn’t do the job. It gets the context for the work wrong, misunderstands municipal responsibilities and has too many gaping holes. …