Sustainability and climate change
We're preparing for climate change in Waterloo. Learn what the city is doing and how you can help.
On this page
- How climate change affects us
- What the city is doing
- Follow our progress
- Get involved in local programs
- Contact us
How climate change affects us
We must recognize the impacts of climate change as changing weather patterns affect our environment, the health of our communities and how the city operates and serves its residents.Climate change is changing our weather:
- hotter days and nights with more heat waves
- stronger wind and rain storms
- more freezing rain and less snow
- poor air quality from forest fires
How these changes affect your daily life:
- increasing home insurance costs, energy bills, food prices and taxes
- damage to homes from storms and flooding
- more heat-related health problems
- fewer chances to enjoy outdoor activities due to heat
- greater risk of ticks and bug-related diseases
What we're doing about climate change
We can make a difference in Waterloo
In Canada, municipalities:
- contribute to 50% of Canada's greenhouse gas emissions
- own close to 60% of public infrastructure
- influence local change and help improve residents' well-being
Net-zero by 2050
We are the first in the region to aim for net-zero corporate emissions by 2050. What this means:
- net-zero corporate emissions occurs when the amount of greenhouse gas emitted equals the amount removed from the atmosphere
- reaching net-zero emissions is key to protecting our community and future generations from the long-term effects of climate change
Learn how we're changing city operations and facilities to reach this goal.
Recent achievements
Waterloo has cut our corporate greenhouse gas emissions by 40% since 2010. Here's how we've adjusted our operations:
City and regional climate plans
We have a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from city buildings, vehicles and equipment. Our Corporate Climate Action Plan (PDF) and Energy Conservation Demand Management Plan (PDF) outline the steps we're taking.
Our Corporate Climate Change Adaptation Plan (PDF) shows how we will reduce the impact of climate change on city assets, operations and services.
Visit the TransformWR website to learn how we're reducing community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030 and 80% by 2050. This strategy, developed by ClimateActionWR, targets emissions from cars, homes, businesses and waste.
Follow our progress
Learn more about our climate action:
- visit the TransformWR dashboard, a breakdown of all 78 actions in the regional strategy
- review our annual council reports:
- 2025 Sustainability and Climate Change Update Report (PDF)
- 2024 Sustainability and Climate Change Update Report (PDF)
- 2023 Sustainability and Climate Change Report (PDF)
- review our annual energy consumption and GHG reports for 2023, 2022 and 2021 (PDFs coming soon) — contact us to request older reports
Get involved in local programs
Learn more about our community programs in parks, annual Earth Day Community Cleanup, Sustainability Advisory Committee and how to make changes at home.
Learn how to reduce your carbon footprint
Find ways to lower your carbon footprint:
- sign up for a free community workshop to learn practical steps
- calculate your carbon emissions to understand where you can take action
- find out what incentives are available for your home
Contact us
For more information about the city's climate change plans, contact sustainabilityclimatechange@waterloo.ca.
Last updated on June 04, 2025
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