Earth’s average temperature has already increased by approximately 1 degree Celsius.
In 2018, a report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change found that it is necessary to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius to avoid serious impacts. Achieving this requires that we reduce our greenhouse gas emissions significantly, and that we have until 2030 to undertake these changes.
Earth is currently on track to warm by more than 3 degrees Celsius (according to a UN Emissions Report).
"The greatest danger to our future is apathy" - Dr. Jane Goodall, primatologist and anthropologist
In 2019, District of Squamish Council formally recognized that climate change constitutes an emergency for the community of Squamish, otherwise known as the Climate Emergency Resolution. Council committed to reducing emissions in line with reducing warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
What is CCAP?
The Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP) is a Plan to reduce Squamish’s emissions by 45% by 2030.
As we are in process of updating this Plan, we need your input as we continue to plan for a resilient, healthy, low carbon future for Squamish and to do our part globally.
Squamish’s community emissions are primarily from transportation (52%) buildings (29%) and waste (19%). The CCAP consists of six ‘Big Moves’ and 122 Actions focused toward achieving 45% GHG emissions reductions by 2030.
Since adopting the Community Climate Action Plan in 2020, we've made progress on over 75% of the Plan’s actions. Now, we're ready to take the next steps toward an even more livable, resilient, inclusive and low carbon community. In 2024 Squamish is updating its CCAP to guide the community toward deeper emissions reductions. Our new Plan will build on the District’s existing climate action leadership, leverage our strengths, examine challenges, and lead BC communities with innovative initiatives.
As part of the 2024 CCAP Update, existing actions will be updated to reflect current local conditions and opportunities. The scope of the Plan will be expanded to consider:
- Local Renewable Energy
- Embodied Carbon (e.g. low carbon / eco-friendly building materials)
- Better integration of inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility (IDEA) and Reconciliation considerations
- Improvements to measuring the outcomes of the Plan’s actions (i.e. Key Performance Indicators)
Co-benefits of climate action include economic opportunities, cost savings, improved health and a more livable community.
More information about climate action in Squamish is
available at: https://squamish.ca/climate-action/.
Get Involved!
Here’s how you can participate:
- Fill out our Survey below!
- Attend our Open House: October 9 from 5-7pm at the Squamish Library
- Keep your eyes open for meetings with specific interest groups (such as the construction industry and various community groups)
- Keep your eye out for our public art instillation!
