The City of Montreal recently presented its new climate plan – Climate Plan 2020-2030 – which aims to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 55 percent (from 1990 levels) within ten years and become carbon neutral by 2050.
The Climate Plan outlines 46 actions in the areas of cleaner transport, urban greening, and more energy-efficient buildings. It also includes a commitment to apply a ‘climate test’ to all city decisions.
“Before the health crisis hit, the climate crisis was at the heart of our concerns. In September 2019, Montréal witnessed a historic march that brought together 500,000 people demanding concrete action to fight climate change. The COVID-19 pandemic turned everything upside down. But the year 2020 also highlighted the importance of having a resilient city on a human scale. A city that offers quality green spaces to its population. The Climate Plan we are presenting will enable Montréal to improve the quality of life of its population in the short, medium and long term through a recovery that we hope will be green and inclusive. Our plan will also enable Montréal to meet its commitments and maintain its leadership role in the fight against climate change,” stated Valérie Plante, Mayor of Montréal.
It is expected that incorporating the Plan’s targets into urban and mobility planning would contribute to a 50 percent reduction in GHG emissions from road transportation. These actions include converting parking lots into open spaces and planting 500,000 trees; developing public and active transport and promoting car-sharing, taxi use, and carpooling; and creating a zero-emissions zone downtown.
To reduce emissions from buildings, the city will shift to renewable energy sources and eliminate the use of heating oil, which should reduce emissions by five percent.
Montreal also plans to adapt bylaws and support programs that boost the energy efficiency of buildings; design a funding program for property owners to support environmentally friendly renovation work; and bring in a system of rating and disclosure for the energy consumption and GHG emissions of buildings.
The city plans to publish an annual report about progress on the actions outlined in the plan.