The City of Calgary Gets an “A” Grade on Climate
Our journey on the pathway to net zero-emissions recently got international recognition when Calgary landed on the “A list” by demonstrating climate leadership through focused and effective action. The list curated by CDP (formerly known as the Carbon Disclosure Project), includes 123 countries and cities from around the world taking bold leadership on environmental action and transparency.
“Getting straight A’s is no small feat and this grade reflects The City’s dedication to supporting Calgary’s future as a healthy and green city,” said Mayor Jyoti Gondek. “We are stepping forward with strong environmental policies and actions to reduce the impact of extreme weather events and solidify our position as an energy and climate leader." Mayor Gondek recently joined The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM). GCoM was created in January 2017 to bring together and create the largest global coalition of cities and local governments to combat climate change. CDP is a recognized reporting platform for GCoM.
It’s the fifth consecutive year Calgary has earned this international praise, which includes the following actions, among others, that led to the A-listing:
- Implemented an adaptation plan and are tracking progress towards our adaptation goals.
- Implemented a mitigation plan and are showing progress towards our science-based climate targets.
- Have a clear understanding of the impacts and risks climate change poses to our jurisdiction.
- Have a clear understanding of our community-wide emissions inventory and detailed emissions breakdown in different sectors.
In addition, with our four-year Climate Implementation Plan and Council approval of the 2023-2026 budget, Calgary is in an even better position to become a modern city that uses less energy and reduces climate risk. The plan carries the momentum from the last five years (and farther) to the next four years and beyond as we work to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
“We’re taking climate action head-on by thinking globally, acting locally, collaborating with our partners and thinking beyond our city limits,” says Manager of Climate and Energy Strategy, Climate & Environment, Dick Ebersohn. “We’re on the right track and receiving this acknowledgement from a respected international organization validates that we are on the right track.”
The City’s commitment to achieving environmental sustainability in the community goes back 20 years; Calgary has strategically developed environmental plans, policies and strategies to guide the protection of public health and the environment for present and future generations. Our commitment to the environment is guided by three core values: sustainability, resilience and livability.
Adapting and mitigating climate change will not be easy. It’s a global effort from cities and countries from around the world – our global village. 1,002 cities and countries received a rating for their climate action from CDP in 2022, an increase of 965 cities and countries scored in 2021. In 2022, just over one in ten local governments scored by CDP received an A.
About CDP
CDP is a global non-profit that runs the world’s environmental disclosure system for companies, cities, states and regions. Founded in 2000 and working with more than 680 investors with over $130 trillion in assets, CDP pioneered using capital markets and corporate procurement to motivate companies to disclose their environmental impacts, and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, safeguard water resources and protect forests.
Nearly 20,000 organizations around the world disclosed data through CDP in 2022, including more than 18,700 companies worth 50% of global market capitalization, and over 1,100 cities, states and regions. CDP is a founding member of the Science Based Targets initiative, We Mean Business Coalition, The Investor Agenda and the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative. Visit CDP or follow @CDP for more information.
How to Score an “A” Through the CDP
- To score an A, local governments must publicly disclose through the CDP-ICLEI Track and have a community-wide emissions inventory, among others.
- Local governments must have set a renewable energy target for the future and have published a climate action plan.
- As well, local governments must complete a climate risk and vulnerability assessment and have a climate adaptation plan showing how it tackles climate hazards.