Topic: Climate Action Planning

The State of Climate Action in Canadian Municipalities

A report and database from the Municipal Net-Zero Action Research Partnership (N-ZAP)

Municipalities in Canada are essential contributors to the nation’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving the objectives set at local, provincial, and national levels. Their role is crucial in the worldwide effort to cap the rise in global temperatures to 1.5°C, a goal established by the 2015 Paris Agreement. The proactive participation of these municipalities in the design, execution, and tracking of climate-related measures is not only vital for cutting down local emissions but also for promoting a future that is both sustainable and low in carbon emissions.

The recent database and study released by the Municipal Net-Zero Action Research Partnership (N-ZAP) draw on survey responses from 256 Canadian municipalities spanning all 10 provinces, which together account for roughly 69.5 percent of the nation’s populace. These municipalities have provided key data concerning their strategies and actions for climate change, including greenhouse gas inventories, policy measures, and initiatives for engaging stakeholders.

The survey results reveal that municipal governments are actively taking significant steps to combat climate change. However, the report also points out that there is room for improvement. Enhancing the speed of interventions, setting more ambitious goals, and improving the effectiveness of local actions are necessary to bolster the nationwide efforts to address climate change.

Partners for Climate Protection Program

The Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) program is a network of Canadian municipalities that have committed to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and acting on climate change. Delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, the PCP program provides tools and resources to support municipalities in achieving their emissions reduction targets.

This insights report details real examples of how Canadian municipalities are leading the charge on climate action. Read on the discover how the PCP program is supporting innovative climate action initiatives in municipalities of all sizes.

National State of Professional Workforce Knowledge and Skills to Action Climate Change Adaptation Survey (2023) Final Report

Earnscliffe Strategy Group conducted research for Natural Resources Canada to assess the preparedness of professionals in fields like engineering, planning, accounting, and landscape architecture to integrate climate change considerations into their work.

The National Adaptation Strategy emphasizes the importance of a skilled workforce in building climate-resilient communities and economies. The research aimed to identify gaps in knowledge and skills among these professionals, highlight training needs, and inform strategies for developing a skilled workforce.

The findings will help design climate change adaptation programs, understand the current labor market context, and target resources to create a diverse and inclusive workforce capable of addressing climate change across various sectors, including natural resources.

ClimateReadyBC

ClimateReadyBC is an online platform to help the public and communities:

  • Understand disaster and climate risks
  • Find funding and supports to make communities more resilient

The platform is a disaster and climate risk reduction tool for public and community use.

It’s also a hub for future collaboration and growth. ClimateReadyBC will evolve through engagement with First Nations, local governments, and other partners.

Deeper collaboration and open access to risk data will prepare them to respond to disasters and climate-related events.

The goal of ClimateReadyBC is to build a service that meets the needs of communities across British Columbia.

Sustainable Urban Landscapes: Site Design Manual for BC Communities

The Site Design Manual for BC Communities is rooted in several and extensive efforts to develop alternative development and engineering standards for the design of new (and for the retrofit of existing) communities in British Columbia. With the cooperation of citizens, government organizations, and related agencies, these efforts have been motivated by a shared belief that integrated processes and principles are crucial ingredients in the development of more sustainable communities and urban regions.

Secondary Indicators for Community Inventory Interpretation

This project was initiated to review and propose ‘secondary’ or influence indicators of progress related to energy and GHG emissions at the community level.

Specific objectives of the project are to: 
  • Identify practical indicators to support the CEEI sectors – land use, transportation, buildings, solid waste, and agriculture – to provide local and provincial government representatives with enhanced indicators for monitoring the effectiveness of local government policy changes;
  • Review currently used community-based indicators focused on energy and GHG emissions including those established for regional growth strategies and community energy plans, as well as identify suitable benchmarks appropriate to the local government in BC energy and GHG emissions reduction context; and
  • Define those indicators for which targets may be suitable and are also within the control or sphere of influence of local governments.

Resources From Waste: Integrated Resource Recovery

This guide to Integrated Resource Recovery (IRR) emerged from an independent report released by the Government of British Columbia in May 2008. That report, entitled Resources from Waste: Integrated Resource Management Study examined approaches local governments across British Columbia might consider in using solid and liquid waste to create energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve water, and recover nutrients. This IRR Guide is intended for those who plan, design, and fund infrastructure – including water, wastewater, transportation, energy, and solid waste. Although it is technical in nature, it is also intended to be a resource for the broader community which uses this infrastructure.

Rainwater Harvesting in Greater Victoria

Rainwater harvesting is the practice of collecting rainwater for beneficial use. Usually this refers to collection of rainwater from a rooftop and storing it in tanks and cisterns for later use in or near the point of collection. The use of rain barrels is a simple form of rainwater harvesting, although larger storage systems are required to serve most uses.

Preparing Together for Climate Change

An Implementation Guide for Local Governments in British Columbia This guide focuses on ways to implement climate change adaptation strategies. This tool provides resources and information for local governments to learn more about understanding, preparing for, and adapting to climate change.