Clarington council has declared a climate emergency highlighting its commitment to protecting the community and ecosystems from climate change.
Clarington joins more than 400 Canadian municipalities, 1,300 governments in 25 countries and the Region of Durham in a collective commitment to respond to climate change, said a council media release.
“We acknowledge that climate change is a global issue and one of the biggest problems of our lifetime. As a municipality, we are committed to changing our practices and the way we operate to minimize our environmental impact,” said Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster.
The municipality is joining Partners for Climate Protection Program (PCP) established by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities – International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives. The PCP consists of a five-milestone framework, regarded as the industry best practice for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The PCP five milestones include setting a baseline inventory of GHG emissions, establishing a forecast for emissions, setting emissions reduction targets, developing a local action plan, implementing the action plan, monitoring progress and tracking results.
Climate Action Plan
The municipality is already using the PCP framework to establish corporate greenhouse gas emissions targets. The municipality has established an Interdepartmental Climate Change Working Group to develop a Climate Action Plan. This plan will look at specific actions Clarington can take to reduce its GHG emissions and become more resilient to future climate.
Last spring, the municipality released its five-year Energy Conservation Demand Management Plan outlining its energy-saving priorities. The plan looked at energy use across municipal facilities, tracking historical data and forecasting energy performance measures to help reduce energy consumption, reduce GHG emissions and save the Municipality money. In compiling this plan, Clarington has established its greenhouse gas inventory.
Clarington has also partnered with students from Trent University Durham GTA, to develop an Electric Vehicle (EV) Strategy, which will examine the Municipality’s role in providing EV charging infrastructure and services in the community. To reinforce its commitment to renewable energy, Clarington is looking to purchase electric vehicles as part of its municipal fleet.
“By declaring a climate emergency, we are using all the tools within our reach to inform our decision-making, our budgets and alter our actions to reduce our impact on the environment and adapt to climate change,” added Mayor Foster.
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