EARTH DAY 2024
SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2024 • SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS
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BY KRISTIN MARAND P erched at the confluence of adjoining rivers, with verdant green spaces and proxim- ity to several nearby water sources, Winnipeg is a gem in the crown of the prairies. Between 2017 and 2019, the City of Winnipeg developed a community climate action plan to maintain the health of the environment and address growing sustainability and climate concerns. Winnipeg’s current mayor, Scott Gillingham, carries the torch to make good on those commitments and is working towards making the city a cleaner, greener place to live, work, and play. Based on greenhouse gas inventory and forecasting studies, the climate action plan ex- amines Winnipeg’s per capita emissions, how the city compares to other municipalities and sets emissions reduction targets for various sectors. According to the study, Win- nipeg emits 7.8 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per person per year, placing it in the middle of the six-city comparison. “When we developed our climate action plan a few years ago, we found that Winnipeg’s per capita emissions are significantly lower than some major west- ern Canadian cities,” says Mayor Gillingham. “We’re on par with Toronto and Ottawa.” Winnipeg’s main source of emissions is transportation, whereas the major- ity of our westerly neighbours’ (Calgary and Edmonton’s) emissions stem from buildings. However, Winnipeg’s waste-related emissions are among the highest in the country. The climate action plan proposed reducing emissions by 20% from 2011 levels by 2023 and 80% by 2050. Leading the way on Earth Day Like Mayor Gillingham, bike to your work April 22nd
Photo by Doug Little
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