We are lucky to live in a community with so many beautiful natural places. However, climate change can affect these wild places, as well as our vibrant community. We are already seeing the impacts of climate change at home, with neighbouring communities and around the world.
In Squamish, our greatest climate change impacts of concern are forest fires, sea level rise, and extreme precipitation events. Forest fire seasons have become longer and more severe in recent years, affecting our health, the economy and sometimes even our homes. Squamish also is preparing for a one-meter sea level rise by 2100.
Although we find ourselves in a predicament, there is hope. Climate action is a task each of us must take seriously— one that requires effort from every citizen and all levels of government. Every small step makes a big difference, and Squamish is committed to being a leader.
In 2019, the District of Squamish declared a climate emergency and began work on a Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP), which outlines 122 actions to reduce community greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030. In 2021, the District also launched the Municipal Energy and Emissions Plan, which provides a roadmap to reducing GHG emissions for all District operations.
The Six Big Moves list actions that our community can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 38,300 tonnes CO2e per year by 2030—that’s the equivalent of 2.3 million round-trip drives from Squamish to Vancouver.
Interested in learning more about climate change? Discover scientific resources, frequently asked questions, podcasts, webinars, and much more.
