Local Action

Local Action

Climate change is happening and we need to respond urgently. We each have a role to play.

Building a low-carbon future in Squamish

Scientists have identified the need to keep the global average temperature increase to below 1.5 degrees Celsius total or risk devastating consequences. Each one of us must take action to reduce our carbon emissions. At the District of Squamish we are taking steps towards building a low carbon future, but we need your help.

In 2019, the District of Squamish declared a Climate Emergency and set out to create a Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP). The CCAP outlines Six Big Moves, actions and strategies that we can all do to keep climate change at bay and continue to enjoy what we love about living in Squamish: Clean air and water, good health, and a thriving natural environment.

Read the CCAP Report

How are we taking local action?

Based on our emissions inventory, we know that most of our emissions come from transportation, waste, and buildings. The District is also responsible for implementing climate action targets within our municipal facilities and infrastructure. See how we're working to lower emissions in these areas.

The CCAP identifies Six Big Moves that will guide community efforts to reduce our emissions by 45% or 38,300 tonnes CO2e by 2030—that’s the equivalent of 2.3 million round-trip drives between Squamish and Vancouver. Our ultimate goal is to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Based on our emissions inventory, we know that most of our emissions come from transportation, waste, and buildings.

 

graphic with the six big moves: Close the loop on waste, shift beyond the car, decarbonize transportation, decarbonize existing buildings, construct better buildings, other organizational actions

Learn more about our focus areas

Transportation

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Buildings

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Waste

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Municipal Action

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We are already experiencing the effects of climate change in Squamish, ranging from wildfires to rising sea levels. See how the District is preparing for the impacts of climate change that are already underway.

Learn more about Adaptation

Increasing infill housing in Squamish neighbourhoods means that places to live, work, and play are closer together and consequently require less reliance on cars for travel. Shaping our neighbourhoods to accommodate more housing options creates options for work and play in walking/cycling distance or being close to public transit.

Learn more about Community Planning

Above and beyond the CCAP, we also need a customized strategy specific to emissions that the District of Squamish is responsible for. The new Municipal Energy and Emissions Plan aims to reduce municipal emissions to 730 tonnes CO2e per year, or a 68% reduction from 2030 business as usual projections.

Learn more about the Municipal Energy Emissions Plan

The District of Squamish has joined numerous BC municipalities, including Metro Vancouver, as a participant in the Local Carbon Registry (LCR). The LCR allows organizations to showcase actions that reduce local carbon emissions, to track progress to reduce emissions, and to plan pathways to be carbon neutral.

Municipal projects like the District’s Residential Organic Waste Diversion and Composting Program and Electric Vehicle charging stations are examples of projects in the LCR.

Squamish is carbon neutral as a municipality, which means that it offsets its corporate emissions. It is important to first do everything you can to reduce emissions before looking to purchase offsets.

How are we doing?

The District of Squamish is committed to measuring progress as we work together to build a low-carbon future. Follow along as we take action to mitigate, adapt to and measure the effects of climate change.

CCAP progress

See our progress