The Capital Regional District (CRD) has released a report detailing regional and local government greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for 2024.
This report is produced every two years, and is meant to be used as a resource for municipalities and electoral areas within Greater Victoria.
According to the CRD, the latest report shows slight progress toward regional GHG targets and reductions in regional GHG emissions since 2022, but significant reduction since 2007.
Since 2007, emissions are down by 11%, but emissions since 2022 are down by just 1%.
The report determined that transportation and buildings have remained the largest sources of GHG emissions and a priority for action to reduce pollution in the capital region.
Transportation and buildings account for approximately 71% of emissions, and natural gas use accounted for the majority of the building-related GHG emissions.
The report found that in 2024, the capital region emitted around 1.8 million tonnes of carbon dioxide throughout the year.
The CRD says that progress on climate action is taking place at a rapid rate, but is competing with a sprawling urban area and population.
With consideration for per-capita emissions decreases since 2007, the 11% can be adjusted to a 30% decrease.
“Achieving the CRD’s Regional Growth Strategy GHG targets demands sustained investment and bold policy shifts at every level, including local, provincial, national, and global,” said Cliff McNeil-Smith, CRD Board Chair.
“With transportation and buildings accounting for 71% of regional emissions in 2024, accelerating the transition to zero-emission transportation, continuing heat pump adoption, and reducing natural gas use are essential.”
McNeil-Smith added that the CRD will continue working with local governments and the community to advance initiatives that meet greenhouse gas reduction goals.
