Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge
Climate change is a challenge we often view on a global scale. And while there’s no question that international measures are necessary, solutions are also needed at national, provincial, and local levels. As you read this, other cities and towns across Canada are already decreasing their total greenhouse gas emissions in order to reach a community reduction target. To join this nation-wide effort, the Climate Action Plan was developed with input from people across our community in order to provide Waterloo Region with a relevant course of action for addressing climate change at a local level. © 2013, The Regional Municipality of Waterloo. All Rights Reserved.
The preparation of this plan was carried out with assistance from the Green Municipal Fund, a Fund financed by the Government of Canada and administered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. Notwithstanding this support, the views expressed are the personal views of the authors, and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the Government of Canada accept no responsibility for them. “We are pleased to see the ongoing collaboration and innovation that this action plan embodies. The results of this initiative and approach to implementation significantly leverages community resources to help fulfill our commitments to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Partners for Climate Protection program. As our community continues to grow, the plan should aid in ensuring that Waterloo Region will continue to be a thriving and sustainable community for current and future generations.”
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With this Climate Action Plan acting as a guiding direction for our collective efforts, Waterloo Region is set to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 6% from our 2010 levels, while at the same time improving the quality of life across the region. The recommendations, actions, and strategies detailed in the following pages outline how we can work collaboratively to achieve this target by 2020. Take a look. Because if you live or work in Waterloo Region, you’ll find that you’re an important part of this solution too.
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Throughout Waterloo Region a strong sustainability network is taking shape. The leaders involved in this network include governments, businesses and organizations, environmental professionals, academics, and engaged community members. This growing network includes the very people needed to accelerate region-wide action on climate change. As the concentration of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the atmosphere increases, more heat is trapped closer to the earth’s surface, which raises the temperature of the air, ocean, and water, and changes the conditions in which we live. To respond to this challenge in Waterloo Region, various programs and solutions are already working to mitigate the growth of greenhouse gases and adapt to the effects of climate change that we’re experiencing firsthand.
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To leverage these various efforts, this Climate Action Plan was developed as a collective direction for municipal and community leaders to take action that results in local GHG emission reductions. There is a significant opportunity to work collaboratively towards achieving a common GHG reduction target, strengthening our local economy, reducing the costs of infrastructure renewal, increasing energy security, and improving the public health and air quality of Waterloo Region. As we reach our goals through continued action, we’ll realize the vision set out in this Climate Action Plan: Waterloo Region as an innovative and forward-thinking community where we work together to achieve environmental sustainability.