The City of London is currently developing a Climate Emergency Action Plan and is seeking community input.
The City of London is working towards a new long-range greenhouse gas reduction goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in London by the year 2050. This target of net-zero will apply for both municipal operations and the community as a whole to mitigate and adapt to climate change. The City of London will also review its current medium-term goal to be 37 percent below 1990 levels by 2030.
“We must develop an action oriented, collaborative plan to reach a target of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in London by the year 2050,” says Jay Stanford, Director of Environment, Fleet and Solid Waste at the City of London. “To accomplish this goal, we need to work together to ensure that idea generation, the economy, the community, and the environment are all considered on the path towards long-term sustainability and greenhouse gas reduction.”
Net-zero emissions means that any remaining human-caused greenhouse gas emissions from London would be removed from the atmosphere by natural means and by technology. The Climate Emergency Action Plan will guide London in how to accomplish this target.
“This is a community conversation, and as the Climate Emergency Action Plan develops this year, there will be new and more opportunities to get involved and participate,” says Mike Fabro, Manager of Sustainability and Resiliency at the City of London.
Londoners can share their feedback, view upcoming events, and ask questions at https://getinvolved.london.ca/climate
London’s Climate Emergency Declaration
On April 24, 2019, the Declaration of a Climate Emergency was approved by London's City Council for the purposes of naming, framing, and deepening our commitment to protecting our economy, our ecosystems, and our community from climate change. As of January 28, 2020, London is one of 1,325 jurisdictions in 26 countries to recognize and declare a climate emergency.
Where do London’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions Come From?
The largest source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in London are personal vehicles accounting for 31% London’s emissions. Our homes are the second largest source of emissions, accounting for 19% of emissions. Combined, the day-to-day activities of Londoners at home and on the road account for more than half of London’s emissions. In 2018, City staff estimated that Londoners spent almost $1.6 billion on energy commodities. Gasoline and electricity are our two largest expenditures.
What can be done immediately?
Start by measuring your own greenhouse gas emissions with Project Neutral. More than 1,000 London households have already used Project Neutral’s carbon calculator to create a personalized action plan, and have begun making a positive impact. Discover your carbon footprint in just five minutes and better understand your climate impact.
Upcoming Community Engagement
Over the course of the development of the Climate Emergency Action Plan, the City will be posting a number of survey questions to https://getinvolved.london.ca/climate and will be looking for community feedback.
The City of London will also be announcing engagement opportunities for the Climate Emergency Action Plan at a number of upcoming events beginning with the Lifestyle Home Show at Western Fair District Agriplex between Friday, January 31 and Sunday, February 2.
More opportunities are being planned and will be shared soon. Residents, businesses, or community groups looking to learn more about attending or hosting engagement opportunities for the Climate Emergency Action Plan, can contact climateaction@london.ca