The Role of Municipalities in the Ecological Transition

With urban areas set to become home to two-thirds of the world population by 2050 and as climate change is being observed and experienced at an increasingly local level, cities find themselves at the frontline of the battle against climate change. Bringing together innovators from every sector, they provide an indispensable setting for idea-sharing and problem-solving.

Municipal governments have a firsthand understanding of community needs and are capable of greater agility to take swift concrete measures, with effects that ripple well beyond local spheres.

As we face mounting environmental challenges, it will be our towns and cities that take a leading role in the fight for a more sustainable world. Earth Day Canada thanks the 254 municipalities that made environmental commitments with us in 2022 and hopes to rally even more cities for Earth Day 2023!

Join the movement of Mobilizing Municipalities

Earth Day, celebrated on April 22 each year, is a key time to unite our community and make a positive impact on the environment. Many municipalities across Canada are being proactive and taking bold steps to be part of the ecological transition in order to create a healthier environment for their citizens.

2023 EDITION

Message from Doug Holmes, Mayor of Summerland and Municipal Spokesperson for the 2023 Earth Day campaign

Doug Holmes

“Summerland is renowned for its natural beauty but we’re also on the frontline of climate change. In recent years, we have faced wildfires, floods, drought, heat domes, atmospheric rivers – you name it. We have no choice but to take climate action and adapt. Summerland has celebrated Earth Day since 2006 and ‘Earth Week’ since 2010. Now we need to celebrate Earth Day every day.”

English subtitles are available.

To give more visibility to municipalities taking action for the planet, we held a webinar conference on March 22nd. Highlighted by the insights of the Mayor of the District of Summerland, a panel of inspiring leaders came together to discuss the role of municipalities in the ecological transition and the Mobilizing Municipalities campaign that is gathering cities across Canada to take action for Earth Day.

Watch the webinar now!

On April 22 we joined the 2023 Mobilizing Municipalities spokesperson Mayor Doug Holmes in a ceremonial tree planting that kicked-off local celebrations. The municipality planned a full day of events, including an Earth Day fair, EV show and shine, and Recycling Depot. This is a prime example of a mobilized municipality and of events that can be held on Earth Day (and other days!) to engage, implicate and equip citizens in the fight against climate change.