Climate Action
Climate change is a global challenge with local impacts that are becoming increasingly frequent and severe. Extreme weather events like rainstorms, floods, droughts, heat waves, tornadoes and windstorms are becoming more common in Ontario, threatening residents’ health and safety, the environment, and the economy in the City of Cornwall. To avoid the more catastrophic impacts of climate change that are anticipated if global warming exceeds 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has identified an urgent need to rapidly decarbonize and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Cornwall residents have expressed a clear interest in seeing the City take a more active role in the global fight against climate change. In a 2021 survey, 72% of respondents said that the City should do “more” to address climate change, with over 70% expressing specific support for the development of a municipal climate action plan. On December 13, 2021, Cornwall joined over 500+ municipalities across the globe in declaring a climate emergency.
Over 400 municipalities, including the City of Cornwall, have joined Partners for Climate Protection to help deliver action in response to climate change.
Climate Action Plan (CAP)
Following Cornwall Council’s Climate Emergency declaration, the City of Cornwall, with the help of Pinna Sustainability, created a Climate Action Plan (CAP). A comprehensive plan that focuses on mitigating harmful greenhouse gases in the corporation and in the community.
Cornwall City Council voted in favour of endorsing the plan during its April 11, 2023 meeting.
In May 2023, Council recommended pursuing a plan focusing on adapting to the changing climate. The development of a climate adaptation plan kicked off on August 9, 2024. Climate Resilient Cornwall was endorsed by Council on September 8, 2025.
A Story Map accompanies the adaptation plan and explores disproportionate impacts to different areas of the community based on factors such as financial insecurity, housing conditions, personal autonomy, and social challenges.
National CAP
Canada’s climate is changing, impacting communities from coast to coast. In the decades to come, we can expect higher temperatures, variable rainfall, and extreme weather. The Government of Canada set out a national CAP to reduce emissions by 40 to 45 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030. These efforts will build upon the long-term goal for Canada to become a net-zero country by 2050. You can learn more about the national CAP.
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