Courtenay resident Will Cole-Hamilton was among 35 Canadians trained on climate change solutions by former U.S. vice-president/Nobel Laureate Al Gore, June 27-29 in Bellevue, Wash. near Seattle.

Gore founded the Climate Reality Project, a global network of citizens committed to implementing solutions to climate change.

鈥淐limate change isn鈥檛 just about polar bears鈥�, says Cole-Hamilton. 鈥淚t has a real effect on us here in the Comox Valley. Ocean acidification threatens our prized local oysters, storms and flooding cause damage to homes and businesses. Even the majestic Comox Glacier is threatened 鈥� it has endured for more than 10,000 years, but scientists say that it will be gone in 20. This valley is my home, it鈥檚 where I raise my children, I want to do what I can to protect it.鈥�

As part of the leadership training, Cole-Hamilton participated in sessions on climate science, explored the practical tools and solutions that already exist, and learned how to present this information to his fellow British Columbians.

He has committed to delivering free presentations on climate change to groups in the Comox Valley and around Vancouver Island.

鈥淚鈥檓 looking forward to sharing what I have learned - climate change is a problem we can solve,鈥� says Cole-Hamilton.

Contact him at willcolehamilton@gmail.com if interested in a presentation.

The Climate Reality Project Canada is the Canadian branch of a non-profit organization dedicated to mobilizing action around the issue of climate change. So far, Gore has trained over 13,000 Climate Reality Leaders around the world. Their role is to promote education and action with regards to the climate crisis. There are over 600 active Climate Reality Leaders across Canada.

FMI: www.climatereality.ca, or follow Twitter at @Reality_Canada.