New Badges recognition for local governments advances on climate action in Canada in the 2023 cycle
The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM), a project funded by the European Union in Canada, recognizes the commitment of each Canadian city to their ambitious climate actions, contributing to a historic and powerful response by local governments worldwide to address the climate crisis. In the 2023 cycle, 14 cities in Canada received a total of 24 new badges, highlighting their progress and achievements in implementing their climate commitments.
The GCoM’s badge system is organized around three pillars: Mitigation, Adaptation, and Energy Access and Poverty. These badges capture the progress of signatory cities through different phases and milestones of their climate journey, from commitment to the GCoM to planning, implementation, and monitoring. This badge system not only recognizes the cities’ achievements but also provides an overview of their participation, facilitating connections with opportunities, resources, and other cities at similar stages.
Canadian Cities in the 2023 Cycle
In the 2023 cycle, 14 Canadian cities earned a total of 23 badges, distributed across 2 in the Mitigation pillar, 7 in Adaptation, and 12 in Energy Access and Poverty, which began to be counted in this cycle. Badges were awarded to Canadian cities Bridgewater (NS), Calgary (AB), District of Saanich (BC), Fredericton (NB), Guelph (ON), Halifax (NS), Hamilton (ON), Laval (QC), London (ON), Longueuil (QC), Orangeville (ON), Saskatoon (SK), Toronto (ON), and Whitby (ON). It is noteworthy that three new cities earned the Compliance badge in this cycle, indicating they have completed all requirements of the Mitigation and Adaptation pillars: Guelph (ON), Laval (QC), and Fredericton (NB).
The Global Covenant of Mayors in Canada
In Canada, activities under the GCoM are carried out through collaboration between the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), ICLEI Canada, C40 Cities, CDP, and the GCoM Secretariat, in addition to the partnership of the Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) and Building Adaptive and Resilient Communities (BARC) programs. Canada has 64 cities committed to the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, and in their reports over previous years, including 2023, the country has achieved a total of 265 badges: 121 in Mitigation, 102 in Adaptation, 12 in Energy, and 30 in Compliance.
Since November of last year, a support and training initiative has been conducted by the Global Covenant of Mayors and partners with 14 Canadian cities – the GCoM Cohort in Canada. Six of the participating cities in the Cohort earned a total of 13 badges in the 2023 cycle: Fredericton (NB), Guelph (ON), Halifax (NS), Hamilton (ON), Laval (QC), and Saskatoon (SK).
This significant result reflects the growing commitment of Canadian cities to local climate action, highlighting their dedication to mitigating climate change, adapting to its effects, ensuring access to sustainable and affordable energy, and combating energy poverty. The ongoing progress of these cities is a testament to their leadership in the global fight against the climate crisis alongside the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, and their efforts are essential to building a more resilient, fair, and sustainable future for all.
The New Energy Access and Poverty Pillar
The Energy Access and Poverty pillar of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM) represents a significant milestone in cities’ commitment to sustainability and the transition to clean and renewable energy sources. This pillar, although not mandatory for achieving full compliance, is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting efficient energy practices. Cities that receive this badge demonstrate an exemplary commitment to implementing innovative and sustainable energy management strategies, contributing to a greener and more resilient future.
In Canada, a total of 12 badges were awarded to 9 cities that reported on the Energy Access and Energy Poverty pillar: Bridgewater (NS), Calgary (AB), District of Saanich (BC), Halifax (NS), Hamilton (ON), London (ON), Saskatoon (SK), Toronto (ON), and Whitby (ON). These cities demonstrate an exemplary commitment to sustainability and the transition to clean and renewable energy sources, contributing to a greener and more resilient future.
As part of the first cycle in which the Energy pillar is reported, we want to highlight Mexico City, the first city in the Americas to fully complete the journey of the Mitigation, Adaptation, and Energy Access and Energy Poverty pillars, which thus achieved full compliance with the requirements of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy. We proudly announce this achievement and hope to inspire American cities to join Mexico City in leading the region’s climate action, advancing further in their journeys, and earning badges.
Would you like to learn more about the Global Covenant of Mayors and the reporting process that committed cities are invited to participate in? Visit us at [GCoM Canada] (https://www.globalcovenant-canada.org/about-us/) or write to us at [email protected]
