Hamilton City Council Approves Update to Climate Action Strategy to Reduce Carbon Emissions and Mitigate Extreme Weather Risks

Hamilton City Council has approved a recommendation to update the City's community-wide Climate Action Strategy to accelerate efforts in reducing carbon emissions and protecting the community from extreme weather risks. This update comes after a preliminary assessment in the annual Climate Action Strategy Progress Report, which confirms that faster climate action is both possible and advisable given the increasing threats of climate change. While progress has been made, stronger action is needed to address growing impacts such as infrastructure damage, business disruptions, human health, and ecosystem harm.

Key Takeaways:

• The City of Hamilton has approved up to $100,000 in Climate Change Reserve funding to initiate and update the Climate Strategy.
• The updated 'Low Carbon Scenario', created in 2019, will show the steps Hamilton needs to take to reach Net Zero carbon by 2050.
• The updated scenario will help guide changes to Hamilton's climate plans and meet the goal of reviewing the Climate Action Strategy every three to five years.
• Council has approved up to $100,000 in Climate Change Reserve funding to update Hamilton's Climate Strategy.
• The Office of Climate Change Initiatives has been using data, partnerships, and innovation to meet the climate challenge and deliver benefits to the community.
• Key focus areas for the updated Climate Action Strategy include moving to electric vehicles, adding more bike lanes and charging stations, and encouraging sustainable transportation options.
• The City has made notable progress in achieving climate action goals, including planting 55,482 trees, adding 13.6 km of new bike lanes, and helping residents stay cool during extreme heat.

Statistics:

• 11% increase in tree planting goal achieved in 2024 (55,482 trees planted).
• 13.6 km of new bike lanes added in 2024, bringing the city-wide total to 590 km (60% of 970 km planned network).
• 21.84 million HSR transit riders in 2024, a 14.5% increase over 2023 levels.
• 2,000 free bus tickets to cooling centers distributed to residents.
• 830 'cool kits' with helpful tips to beat the heat distributed.
• 140 air conditioner subsidies provided to eligible residents.
• 60% reduction in carbon emissions achieved at a rental building project using geothermal energy and energy-saving ventilation systems.

Sources:

• City of Hamilton news release
• Office of Climate Change Initiatives
• City Manager Marnie Cluckie
• Director of the Office of Climate Change Initiatives Lynda Lukasik
• Quick Facts (Undated)