Surrey Council Approves New Climate Change Action Strategy

Surrey, B.C. – Surrey Council has officially adopted the new Climate Change Action Strategy, outlining the steps the City will take to significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improve resiliency to climate change impacts in the community. The strategy aims to achieve a 45% reduction in Surrey's GHG emissions by 2030 and net-zero emissions before 2050, in addition to integrating updated climate adaption measures. To kickstart the process, there are 37 quick-start actions that City staff will begin within the next two years. Some of these actions include updating standards for new buildings to phase out fossil fuels, finalizing the Strategic Cycling Network plan for North Surrey town centres and exploring ways to better integrate green infrastructure in road rights-of-ways.   

“As one of the key priorities for our City, I am very pleased to see the Climate Action Strategy report moving forward,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “With record number of wildfires across our country, global heat waves and frequent atmospheric rainfall events, it is apparent extreme weather events are becoming the norm. Surrey’s new Climate Change Action Strategy outlines a series of Quick Start Actions, which I would like to see Staff implement as soon as possible. We must all do our part to fight climate change and the City of Surrey will work directly with local stakeholders and community associations to effectively implement the strategy city wide.”  

The vision for the Climate Change Action Strategy is to transform Surrey into zero-carbon climate-resilient city by 2050. The plan revolves around six key components, each with associated visions, goals, shifts and actions. Together, the actions aim to reduce Surrey’s contribution to the emissions warming the planet and build a sustainable and resilient future for Surrey. Implementing the strategy will also improve equity, health, resilience and prosperity in the community.  

The GHG emissions targets set for 2030 and 2050 in Surrey’s Climate Change Action Strategy are based on scientific data and align with targets set by Metro Vancouver, the Province, and the Federal Government, which aim to limit global warming to below 2.0°C.  While the strategy focuses on actions within the City’s control or influence, achieving these targets and adapting to climate impacts requires cooperation among all levels of government, private industry, and community members.  

The development of the Climate Change Action Strategy was informed by community feedback that demonstrated support for decisive climate action. Additionally, valuable input was gathered from stakeholders and staff across multiple departments.  

Visit surrey.ca/climateaction to learn more.