Addressing climate change is essential to Burnaby's health and well-being, so we're leading by example to reduce the carbon emissions that cause it
City takes action
Recognizing the dangers posed by climate change, Burnaby City Council declared a Climate Emergency in 2019. This emergency declaration set new carbon reduction targets for the City for the next three decades:
- 45% reductions by 2030
- 75% reductions by 2040
- carbon neutrality by 2050
Burnaby is now aligned with the targets set by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to keep global temperature increases to a maximum of 1.5 degrees Celsius. These targets are also consistent with targets set at the regional, provincial and national levels.
To ensure Burnaby will meet these targets, we've developed a Climate Action Framework. Read the 2021-22 Burnaby Climate Action Plan Progress Report.
If commitments already made by Burnaby and provincial, federal and municipal governments in Canada by 2020 remain and no further actions are taken, Burnaby’s carbon emissions would be expected to increase over time, as shown on the chart below.
From the addition of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations citywide, to the move toward electrification of City buildings and vehicles, to the creation of walkable urban villages–dozens of initiatives are underway to make Burnaby carbon neutral by 2050. Along with actions taken by individuals, private industry and other levels of government, these actions will limit or stop climate change and its negative social, environmental and economic impacts.
To reach the 2050 target, actions required include:
- constructing net-zero new buildings
- retrofitting older buildings
- increasing mobility choices
- shifting to electric vehicles
But meeting our targets is not enough. We need others–including industry, and marine and air transport companies–to also act to reduce emissions. And we'll support their transitions toward carbon neutrality.
Climate action framework
This is Climate Action, Burnaby's climate action framework provides a roadmap for a cleaner future and must be supported over the long term by:
- The City's strong and ambitious carbon pollution reduction targets, aligned with regional targets, that commit the City to an energy transition by or before 2050.
- Easy to implement Quick Starts, that will be updated as actions are completed and new actions identified.
- Sustained resourcing for climate action, including in operating and capital budgets.
- Support from the community–both residents and businesses.
- Strong climate commitments, action and resourcing from senior governments.
Seven Big Moves and associated Quick Start Actions will accelerate Burnaby's climate action so the City's climate emergency targets can be met.
Quick Starts
These Quick Starts will be updated and reviewed, and new ones added to ensure Burnaby’s transition to a carbon neutral community is ongoing and adaptive. The Quick Starts commit to immediate implementation of policy, programs and infrastructure for this energy transition.
Capacity and resilience
Emissions reduction
News and updates
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Burnaby to create seamless link for pedestrians and cyclists over Highway 1
The City of Burnaby has approved a location for a new pedestrian-cyclist overpass over Highway 1, which will create a critical north-south link between key regional trail networks and destinations within Burnaby. -
Burnaby adopts new construction and demolition waste bylaw
The City of Burnaby is taking a significant step towards its climate action commitments with the adoption of its new Construction & Demolition Waste Diversion Bylaw, which mandates that at least 70% of waste created as a result of building demolitions must be diverted from landfills. -
Burnaby’s new 100-charger EV parking lot to accelerate City fleet electrification
The City of Burnaby has completed construction on one of the largest designated electric vehicle parking lots in Canada, accelerating the City’s ability to transition to a zero-carbon City fleet. -
City of Burnaby endorses Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty
Burnaby City Council voted unanimously to endorse the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, recognizing the existential threat posed by climate change and the urgent need for our society to transition away from fossil fuels.