The City of Toronto is being recognized as a global leader on environmental action and transparency, achieving a place on the Customer Data Platform’s (CDP) “CDP Cities A List” for the third consecutive year. Toronto is one of 105 cities globally to receive the 2021 ‘A’ designation, from among more than 1,000 cities reporting their environmental impact through the CDP system.
The City is being recognized for its actions to develop a robust climate change strategy, track its actions to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, assess and mitigate climate risks and transparently report the information in its 2021 disclosure to CDP.
CDP, an environmental impact non-profit organization, runs the global environmental disclosure system that helps companies, cities and regions measure and manage their risks and opportunities on climate change, water security and deforestation.
Toronto City Council’s adoption of the TransformTO Net Zero Strategy in December 2021 set the city on the path to reduce community-wide emissions to net zero by 2040, 10 years earlier than initially proposed. Toronto’s net zero by 2040 target is one of the most ambitious in North America.
Community-wide GHG emissions in Toronto were 38 per cent lower in 2019 than in 2009, according to the City’s most recent Greenhouse Gas Inventory (2019), despite the city’s rapid growth over that same period. Toronto is on track to meet the City’s 2020 target of a 30 per cent reduction in emissions from 2009 levels.
Achieving future GHG reduction targets will require additional federal and provincial investment and support, as well as support from Toronto’s residents and businesses.
City plans, programs and strategies already in place to reduce community-wide GHG emissions from key sources include:
More information about Toronto’s CDP ‘A’ list ranking is available on the CDP website.
More information about the City’s TransformTO Net Zero Strategy is available here.
Quotes:
“Toronto’s Net Zero Strategy ensures we act quickly to create greener buildings, greener vehicles, a greener transit system and a greener city overall. Achieving net zero by 2040 will help Toronto continue to be a prosperous, liveable and thriving city that is taking a leadership role when it comes to addressing climate change.”
– Mayor John Tory
“Toronto’s residents and businesses look to the City for leadership in addressing climate change and we are delivering with our Net Zero Strategy. Reaching net zero emissions will improve the lives of Torontonians by creating a healthier, more active and more resilient city, with new opportunities for jobs and industry.”
– Councillor Jennifer McKelvie (Scarborough-Rouge Park), Chair of Instructure and Environment Committee
Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.