Climate and Environment
This chapter of the Comprehensive Plan focuses on climate resilience and environmental sustainability. It is based on the following feedback received during the plan development process:
- Reduce air pollutants that contribute to climate change, called greenhouse gas emissions.
- Improve climate preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.
- Avoid creating or worsening local climate impacts, particularly on vulnerable populations.
- Strong desire to protect and expand natural assets, including preserving open space, preventing habitat loss, and increasing tree canopy.
- Climate resilience seen as a priority, with interest in adaptive infrastructure and emergency preparedness.
- Emphasis on the importance of access to essential medical, food, and social services to support community health.
Below are the key goals that support the vision for this chapter:
Chapter Goals
| Goal | Description |
|---|---|
| CL-1: Resiliency and Climate Adaptation | Vancouver is a resilient and sustainable city that is prepared to mitigate and adapt to the localized impacts of climate change, including sea level rise, landslides, flooding, more intense winter storm conditions, drought, heat, smoke, and wildfire. |
| CL-2: Increase Biodiversity and Enhance Natural Spaces | Vancouver has thriving ecosystems, builds green infrastructure and preserves natural spaces that enhance air quality, provide natural cooling, sequester carbon, and beautify neighborhoods, enriching residents’ quality of life and fostering rich and diverse plant and animal life. |
| CL-3: Decrease Emissions | Vancouver is a carbon-neutral community that excels in reducing carbon emissions and criteria pollutants through implementing sustainable practices and green infrastructure. |
| CL-4: Environmental Health | Community members experience better environmental health conditions through the protection and enhancement of local ecosystems, improved air and water quality, reduced exposure to environmental hazards, and increased access to natural spaces. |
Explore the full chapter including the policies that help implement it’s vision, or return to the Comprehensive Plan page.