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- Poses a risk to physical and mental health
- Stresses our plants and trees
- Can damage infrastructure
- Can negatively impact outdoor work, recreation, and tourism
Vancouver's extreme weather
In Vancouver, we are already experiencing climate change as more intense and frequent extreme weather events.
Drier, hotter summers with more days above 30 degrees Celsius are becoming the new normal. During other seasons, studies show that rainfall intensity has already increased by about 30% since 1950 and could intensify by another 30% by 2100.
Learn about local changes to our climate PDF file (414 KB)
Stay safe in extreme weather
Spring/summer
Protect our drinking water
Drier, hotter summers will mean more pressure on our limited potable water supply. Find out when you can water.
Autumn/winter
Take action in your community
Be a climate hero
Learn about local climate action and find opportunities to get involved:
- Sign up to our Greenest City newsletter
- Follow us @greenestcity External website, opens in new tab
Adopt a catch basin
Catch basins are our first line of defence when it comes to protecting local streets from flooding. Sign up to adopt a catch basin in your neighbourhood.
Become a snow angel
Snow and ice can make getting around difficult and dangerous for seniors and people with limited mobility. Help a neighbour in need, become a snow angel.
Rethinking our city
The world is warming faster than at any point in recorded history and human activities are the main driver of climate change.
The good news is that Vancouver has mitigation strategies to reduce the momentum of climate change like the Climate Emergency Action Plan aimed at reducing carbon pollution. We also have strategies like the Climate Adaptation Strategy to help our city and residents better adapt to climate change.
Mitigating climate change
Climate Emergency Action Plan
Built off past climate plans, here's our roadmap for cutting carbon pollution from our biggest local sources and making it easier for you to live a carbon-free life.
Transitioning to zero emission buildings
Nearly 60% of all emissions in Vancouver come from burning natural gas for heat and hot water.
Changing how we move
Our goals is to ensure 90% of residents live within an easy walk or roll of their daily needs by 2030, and cut carbon pollution in the process.
Implementing low carbon renewable energy
Neighbourhood energy utilities reduce the use of fossil fuels and provide environmentally-friendly, affordable heat and hot water.
Adapting to climate change
Climate Change Adaptation Strategy
Adapting to climate change means understanding what climate we are likely to experience in the future, and creating proactive plans that take advantage of opportunities and ensure we're prepared.
Bringing nature into the city
Green rainwater infrastructure naturally cleans and absorbs rain, preventing local flooding and protecting water quality.
Adapting our drainage systems for climate change
We need to renew and rethink our drainage systems to protect water quality and prepare for increased pressures from climate change and growth.
Adapting for sea level rise
We are planning for sea level rise and flood-related events to prevent impacts of major catastrophes and avoid major costs down the road.