Resolutions support goal of environmental leadership
Mayor Sam Sullivan today announced he will support a proposed motion to establish greenhouse gas (GHG) emission targets for the City of Vancouver. Councillor Peter Ladner is expected to introduce the motion at today’s City Council meeting.
“Enhancing Vancouver’s reputation for environmental leadership is one of the goals I have established for my government,” said Mayor Sullivan. “By fighting urban sprawl, Vancouver’s EcoDensity plan will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve our quality of life. I want to congratulate Councillor Ladner for his work on this file.”
Councillor Ladner’s motion resolves that:
- Vancouver set a city-wide reduction target of 33% of current GHG emissions by 2020 and an 80% reduction by 2050 – with carbon neutrality for all new buildings by 2030
- As part of an upcoming report, city staff comment on how to move Vancouver towards these longer range targets
“It is important that City Council sets a long-term target so we can make the right long-term plans for our infrastructure, land use, energy use and building replacement,” said Councillor Ladner.
Vancouver is already pursuing reduced global warming emissions based on a target of reductions to 20% below 1990 levels by 2012. City Council has previously passed a motion to plan significant reduction targets beyond 2012, in association with provincial targets and considering the eventual goal of a carbon neutral city.
The BC government has committed to reducing GHG emissions by 33% of current levels by 2020 – placing emissions 10% under 1990 levels.
“In addition to EcoDensity, we are securing significant investments in rapid transit, new buses, Stanley Park, green taxis and hundreds of kilometers of new bike lanes to protect the environment and sustain our community for future generations,” concluded Mayor Sullivan.
This February’s World Mayor’s Council on Climate Change adopted GHG reduction targets of 30% by 2020 and 80% by 2050. The Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change has called for a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2050 worldwide.
