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Overview

Protecting the natural environment, meeting our climate emission targets and preparing for the impacts of climate change is an important priority for the City of Nanaimo and the community that lives here.

The City does this by following federal and provincial regulation, and by adopting and enforcing environmental policies and bylaws. 

An elderly couple sits on a bench and looks out over Neck Point's waterfront

In April 2019, recognizing the global concern raised by the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to limit global warming to 1.5°C, Nanaimo's City Council declared a Climate Emergency and set new community-wide emission reduction targets to between 50% and 58% below 2010 levels by 2030, and between 94% and 107% below 2010 levels by 2050.

Supporting this further, Council adopted the Doughnut Economics framework; a guiding model designed "to build a city and community that operates within the planetary boundaries." This framework was used to support related climate action policies related to greenhouse gas emissions, climate adaptation, waste reduction and the protection and enhancement of urban trees, natural areas, greenways, and watersheds within CityPlan.

Learn more here about how the City of Nanaimo is protecting the environment and responding to the climate emergency.

Last updated: June 9, 2025

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