Summary of Climate Items

Categories (2019-Present)

Items (2019-Present)

Councillor with the most "No" Votes

What is TransformTO?

TransformTO is Toronto's 2040 strategy to reach net zero in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Toronto’s Sector-Based GHG emissions come from the following 3 areas: buildings (57%), transportation (36%), and waste (7%).

Source: TransformTO Net Zero Strategy, page 21.

However, it’s important to note that GHG emissions can also be tracked by Consumption-Based emissions. When looking where emissions are coming from by consumption-based emissions, food is the largest source of emissions. Although this website specifically focuses on the way TransformTO tracks and sets targets using sector-based emissions, it is important to note that it largely omits Consumption-Based emissions produced from household goods, such as food, clothing, and furniture.

Source: Consumption-Based Emissions Inventory.

But back to TransformTO, the strategy sets out specific targets to reduce reliance on fossil fuels on three large sectors: Buildings, Transportation, and Waste. For example, sectors such as transportation can lower emissions by expanding public transit. As for the buildings sector, this might mean establishing energy targets for existing buildings or increasing densification. Currently, Toronto is not on track to meet the Strategy’s target to reach net zero by 2040 or reach its interim 2030 target to reduce GHG emissions by 65 per cent.

Source: TransformTO Net Zero Strategy, page 21.

The Strategy also recognizes the negative social and health implications of the climate crisis and how it disproportionately impacts marginalized groups. For this reason, this voting records website aims to track social policies over time. In addition, TransformTO states that it is committed to measure its progress and goals through ongoing engagement with Indigenous peoples. This includes understanding the limitations of relying on western ways of decision making and policy analysis (such as solely relying on tracking GHG emissions to address the climate crisis).

Finally, financial support from other levels of government will also play a critical role in allowing Toronto to reach its net zero targets, especially in electrification as this largely lies within provincial jurisdiction. All levels of government must coordinate and work together to properly fund a just transition.