Dieppe City Council has set a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50 per cent by 2031.

The City says municipalities are responsible for nearly half of Canada’s GHG emissions because they can influence the amount of emissions generated by the way they conduct development activities and offer services. Neighbourhoods with higher housing density, a mix of commercial spaces and access to public transit produce fewer per-capita emissions than residential neighbourhoods, where car dependency is a major contributor to GHG emissions.

Stats presented to the City Council also showed emissions are already down compared to 2013, despite a 21 per cent population growth, but they also discovered that the decline is partly attributable to COVID.

They feel emissions could increase over the next few years as a result of population growth and increased economic activity.

“The City remains committed to acting responsibly from an environmental standpoint and is following targets set by climate experts,” says Alexandre Truchon-Savard, environment director for the municipality. “We want to take concrete action to cut our greenhouse gas emissions in half. We’re also counting on residents to help us reach that goal.”