The transformational economic and health benefits for Canadians of investing in city-led efforts to secure a green and just recovery from the Covid-19 crisis could also lead to the creation of three million jobs, new research suggests.
The analysis from C40 Cities calls on the Government of Canada to accelerate investments in electric vehicles, building retrofits and clean energy, including a goal of rapidly replacing all remaining coal with renewables in order to create jobs and tackle the climate crisis.
Among the key findings in C40’s report Canada: The case for an urban green and just recovery, investment in a green and just recovery in 12 major cities in Canada is shown to:
“Climate change is currently having significant impacts on our social fabric and municipalities’ financial bottom line. As a result, Canadians are asking governments at all levels to take action and move towards a low carbon future,” said Don Iveson, mayor of Edmonton.
“Investing in low carbon and green initiatives such as renewable and resilient energy transition strategies, the building of carbon-neutral communities, public transit and other low carbon transportation options ensures we’ll be able to mitigate the effects of climate change while capitalising and diversify our economy. A win-win for our economic and ecological future.”
“Canadians are asking governments at all levels to take action and move towards a low carbon future”
According to C40, Canada has already put forward a promising recovery and economic stimulus plan that clearly recognises the importance of investing in climate action and a national transition to clean energy. However, its analysis shows that, to capture the enormous economic, social, and health benefits of a green and just recovery, Canada must prioritise bold investment in cities at a greater scale and faster pace.
Among the specific calls to action for the Canadian Federal Government included in the research are: