Calgary is actively seeking and building pathways towards an ecological future. In the face of global climate challenges, the local council and community are joining forces to reduce carbon emissions and make the city more resilient. In this article on calgary-name, we’ll discuss the city’s programmes and projects that enable a daily fight against climate change.
Calgary’s Climate Change Programme
On 15 November 2021, the City Council voted to declare a climate emergency. Calgary joined over 2,000 jurisdictions and local authorities around the world in this declaration. The Calgary Climate Change Programme was established at the same time.
As part of the programme, Calgary tracks the amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) released into the atmosphere annually by activities within the city limits. Roughly two-thirds of these emissions are caused by heating, lighting, and energy consumption. Another third is due to transport emissions, and the remainder comes from local landfills.
Some practical advice has been developed for Calgarians. For instance, to regulate indoor temperatures, residents are encouraged to use window blinds or curtains. To lower heating bills, it’s also worth checking all windows and doors at home to protect the house from draughts. Consistent adherence to these simple, everyday steps can positively impact the overall situation.
Renewable Energy Sources
Since 2012, Calgary has used wind power for all municipal operations, including public transport services. This commitment helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and demonstrates the city’s leadership in the energy transition.
Alongside this, Calgary invests heavily in solar panels on public buildings and is upgrading its street lighting. In 2020 alone, the city replaced 80,000 streetlights with new, energy-efficient lamps. This resulted in significant energy savings and reduced maintenance requirements.
Transforming the Transport System
One of the most obvious opportunities for emission reduction is transforming the transport system. The city currently has over 200 public charging stations for electric vehicles. Private businesses are also actively building similar stations.
Notably, Calgary operates one of the greenest transport systems in the world – the CTrain. Furthermore, the city already runs a large number of electric buses. These buses are quiet, produce zero emissions, and require significantly less maintenance than conventional models.
The city council is actively developing infrastructure for cyclists. Numerous rental options for bicycles and electric scooters are available, enabling residents to reduce their reliance on cars and public transport.
Community Action: The ‘Calgary Climate Hub’
Stable community action plays a considerable role in the fight against climate change. The “Calgary Climate Hub” is a volunteer-led charitable organisation that brings together Calgarians committed to tackling climate change issues. It is an independent group that supports effective climate action and policies, rather than specific political parties or politicians.
The activities of the “Calgary Climate Hub” cover several areas. One key focus is education and community engagement. The organisation hosts various events and training sessions where residents learn how to influence climate initiatives. Another important area is greening the city. Through the efforts of the “Calgary Climate Hub”, a mini-forest containing over 800 trees was planted.
The organisation also promotes the idea of sustainable urban planning: creating more green spaces, developing pedestrian and cycling routes, and fostering environmental awareness among city dwellers.