EXECUTIVE SUMMARY — Equity strategy for municipal climate action planning
Published by:
David Suzuki Foundation
Authored by:
Nya Lazarus-Munnick,
Theresa Nguyen,
Nicola Radatus-Smith
Cities community and culture, economics, Ontario
The Executive summary of the “Equity Strategy for Municipal Climate Action Plan” presents a comprehensive strategy for municipalities to integrate equity into their Climate Action Plans. A notable finding is that most Canadian CAPs lack an equity component, and when it is included, it is either as part of the city’s climate actions or described in a separate strategy.
Equity-deserving communities frequently bear the brunt of climate change effects, such as urban heat islands, flooding and pollution, without reaping the benefits of climate actions due to various barriers. This strategy aims to guide municipalities in empowering communities and building resilience in all aspects of climate action planning.
This resource is designed to be adaptable, allowing municipalities to tailor it to their specific needs and circumstances. It emphasizes internal and external strategies to advance equity goals, featuring insights from municipalities throughout Canada. By adopting this strategy, municipalities can lead the way in creating a more sustainable, just and resilient future for all, demonstrating that when it comes to climate action, inclusivity is not just an option but a necessity.
