Description:

The CRD’s Climate Action Program (CAP) acts as a regional hub and facilitator on climate change issues. We work with local governments, non-profit societies, public institutions and the private sector to help reduce emissions today and plan for climates of tomorrow.

By taking action on climate change, we can:

• enhance quality of life through more complete, compact communities;
• reduce congestion and improve mobility by increasing transportation choice;
• lower energy costs through efficiency and conservation in transportation, infrastructure and building systems;
• support community economic development and job creation by generating more energy locally and supporting low-carbon industries;
• protect fragile ecosystems and productive agricultural land by containing growth;
• improve fiscal sustainability of infrastructure systems by reducing solid waste, waste water flows, and concentrating development;
• reduce infrastructure risk from extreme weather events; and
• reduce health costs through improved air quality and active lifestyles.

Our Strategy: Engage, Reduce and Prepare

By ensuring that residents and businesses are engaged in the issues and understand the challenges, opportunities and case for taking action, we are likely to be successful in meeting our goals to reduce energy and emissions and prepare for climate change impacts.

The CRD Climate Action Program supports the necessary shifts in policy, attitudes, infrastructure and planning that we need to maintain a vibrant, healthy and green region.

Engage

The Climate Action Program (CAP) supports education and outreach programs that empower citizens, businesses and organizations to shift towards a low-carbon economy. The CAP is connected to a growing network of local, provincial and national organizations that are focusing on climate change issues and inspiring change across the country.
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Reduce

As a region, the CRD Board has set a target of reducing emissions by 33% below 2007 levels by 2020.  Through leadership at the regional level and by supporting local governments in developing and implementing bylaws, programs, events and initiatives, we can achieve our goal.

To effectively reduce GHG emissions and climate change, we not only require changes in personal behaviours and attitudes, but also in our systems and technology. Read more 

Prepare

Adaptation is needed now because the climate is already changing. Adaptation aims to enhance the livability of, and quality of life in our communities in the future. It will also reduce health risks and insurance costs, while protecting other investments. Climate change will create major challenges to the way we manage our resources and the services that the CRD delivers throughout the community. CRD staff is working to identify vulnerabilities and priorities for dealing with the impacts of future climates within the services we provide in order to help communities adapt. Read more 

Organization Type: Government Agency