April 21, 2021
City Council approved a new and ambitious Community Energy Transition Strategy earlier this week. The new strategy introduces targets aligned with the Paris Agreement and outlines economic opportunities for Edmontonians.
“We are already seeing the consequences of climate change,” said Stephanie McCabe, Deputy City Manager, Urban Form and Corporate Strategic Development. “Energy transition is a way to create local jobs today, while reducing emissions and avoiding the most catastrophic impacts like increased wildfires and urban flooding that science has warned us about.”
For Edmonton to become carbon neutral by 2050, the new strategy is designed to accelerate change in four transformational areas:
- Renewable and Resilient Energy Transition
- Emissions Neutral Buildings
- Low Carbon City and Transportation
- Carbon Capture and Nature Based Solutions
“The Energy Transition Strategy is a jobs, public health and quality of life plan, as much as it is a climate response,” said Mayor Don Iveson. “This strategy builds on our proud heritage as energy problem solvers here in the heart of Canada’s traditional energy economy, to remain prosperous through the transition to a carbon-neutral economy.”
Decisions we make now on building design, transportation systems and energy infrastructure will set the course for our future greenhouse gas emissions. The new Community Energy Transition Strategy will help shape Edmonton’s future economy and the way Edmonton is built — transforming how energy is generated, how people move around the city and how buildings are constructed. The City acknowledges and thanks all of the stakeholders involved for sharing their insight, feedback and support to ensure a just and equitable energy transition.
