Charlottetown residents now have access to a new tool to monitor the progress of P.E.I.’s capital on its climate action plan. The climate action tracker displays the city’s advancements in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, both community and corporate, as well as the status of each action specified in the plan.
Kristen Gore, who serves as Charlottetown’s acting climate action officer, emphasized the significance of the city leading in the climate sector. She highlighted the importance of the public platform in enhancing transparency and accountability as they work towards the plan’s objectives and actions, fostering a sense of shared climate responsibility within the community.
The city introduced its climate action plan in April, focusing on enhancing climate adaptation and mitigation efforts in three key areas: connected and resilient communities, low-carbon infrastructure, and municipal climate leadership. Key performance indicators (KPIs) on the tracking platform include metrics such as community garden area, housing density, annual tree and shrub planting, and the percentage of LED street lights. Presently, there are 46 KPIs, with plans for additional indicators as more data becomes available over time.
The climate action plan outlines ambitious goals, aiming for a 50% reduction in community greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and a 75% reduction by 2040 compared to 2015 levels. The plan includes various actions to support these targets, such as implementing programs to enhance energy efficiency for renters and landlords and experimenting with car-free zones in downtown areas.
Regarding corporate greenhouse gas emissions, the plan sets a goal of reducing emissions by 30% by 2030 and 60% by 2040, using 2015 as the baseline. Initiatives to achieve this objective include transitioning city lawn maintenance practices to utilize electric equipment and natural methods, as demonstrated by the recent use of sheep for lawn upkeep.
The five-year climate action plan is scheduled for review in 2030, with ongoing opportunities for feedback and dialogue through the tracker as the plan evolves. Gore emphasized that the platform empowers residents to track progress, monitor updates, and gauge proximity to targets and goals, serving as a reliable indicator of the city’s overall progress.