Northumberland County Climate Action Strategy

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Climate Action for a Sustainable Future

Climate change is here. The past ten years were the warmest on record, and Northumberland County is actively responding. We are committed to developing a comprehensive Climate Action Strategy that aligns with our strategic plan objective to address the climate crisis.

While climate change is a global issue, local action is crucial. In Canada, municipalities influence approximately 50% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and are on the front lines of responding to climate impacts. Our Climate Action Strategy aims to protect our environment, build resilience and improve the quality of life for our residents.

The strategy consists of two phases:

  • Phase one: The Corporate Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Plan (complete)
  • Phase two: An Adaptation and Resiliency Plan (complete)

The first phase focuses on climate change mitigation—reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing carbon sequestration. This plan was approved by County Council on January 22nd, 2025.

The second phase focuses on climate change adaptation—coping with the impacts that have already occurred and those that will occur due to climate change. This stage is currently being developed through the creation of an Adaptation and Resiliency Plan. The plan was approved by County Council on March 18, 2026.

Phase One: Corporate Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Reduction Plan

Northumberland County is taking decisive action to address climate change by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from County operations and services. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns that urgent action is needed to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C, and municipalities like ours play a critical role in achieving this goal.

Following broad public engagement and consultation with stakeholders, the Corporate Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Plan was developed and approved by County Council in January 2025.

In 2023, emissions from County operations totaled 27,355 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO₂e), with landfill waste accounting for 82%, fleet and staff commuting for 13%, and buildings and facilities for 5%. This plan charts a pathway to a 65% reduction in emissions by 2030 and sets us on course for net-zero emissions by 2050.

To achieve these targets, the plan outlines strategies in six key areas:

  1. Waste management
  2. County fleet and staff commuting
  3. Buildings and facilities
  4. Building a culture of climate action
  5. Natural environment
  6. Advocacy and influence

Northumberland County joined the Partners for Climate Protection Program in 2019, joining over 500 Canadian municipalities committed to climate action. This plan represents the first chapter of our Climate Action Strategy, with a Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Plan to follow.

We are committed to measuring and publicly reporting emissions annually through our Performance Dashboard and releasing yearly progress reports. In 2029, we will update the plan to evaluate progress toward our 2030 target and strengthen our roadmap to 2050.

Together, these efforts demonstrate Northumberland County’s leadership and dedication to building a sustainable and resilient future for our community.

Join in the Conversation (Phase One complete)

Consultation has concluded for the Corporate Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Plan. You can review the report in the document section.

Phase Two: Adaptation and Resiliency Plan (complete)

Northumberland County is already feeling the effects of climate change, with rising temperatures, unpredictable precipitation, and more frequent extreme weather events. These impacts affect everyone, but they disproportionately harm communities and populations already facing systemic inequities.
To address these challenges, Northumberland County developed a Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Plan that establishes a clear path for ensuring our community is ready to respond to continued climate challenges.

The plan focuses on reducing climate risks to our community, infrastructure, and natural environment through eighteen actions grouped into five themes:

  1. Natural systems
  2. Emergency management
  3. Planning & policy
  4. Water management
  5. Building partnerships
The Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Plan was created through broad public engagement and collaboration with a 21-member Adaptation and Resiliency Group made up of municipal staff and community partners. Northumberland County partnered with ICLEI Canada in the development of the plan and financial support was provided by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities through their Green Municipal Fund.
We are committed to releasing yearly progress reports and updating the plan every five years, or earlier if warranted, to ensure that it remains relevant to the climate challenges Northumberland faces.

Climate Action for a Sustainable Future

Climate change is here. The past ten years were the warmest on record, and Northumberland County is actively responding. We are committed to developing a comprehensive Climate Action Strategy that aligns with our strategic plan objective to address the climate crisis.

While climate change is a global issue, local action is crucial. In Canada, municipalities influence approximately 50% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and are on the front lines of responding to climate impacts. Our Climate Action Strategy aims to protect our environment, build resilience and improve the quality of life for our residents.

The strategy consists of two phases:

  • Phase one: The Corporate Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Plan (complete)
  • Phase two: An Adaptation and Resiliency Plan (complete)

The first phase focuses on climate change mitigation—reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing carbon sequestration. This plan was approved by County Council on January 22nd, 2025.

The second phase focuses on climate change adaptation—coping with the impacts that have already occurred and those that will occur due to climate change. This stage is currently being developed through the creation of an Adaptation and Resiliency Plan. The plan was approved by County Council on March 18, 2026.

Phase One: Corporate Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Reduction Plan

Northumberland County is taking decisive action to address climate change by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from County operations and services. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns that urgent action is needed to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C, and municipalities like ours play a critical role in achieving this goal.

Following broad public engagement and consultation with stakeholders, the Corporate Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Plan was developed and approved by County Council in January 2025.

In 2023, emissions from County operations totaled 27,355 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO₂e), with landfill waste accounting for 82%, fleet and staff commuting for 13%, and buildings and facilities for 5%. This plan charts a pathway to a 65% reduction in emissions by 2030 and sets us on course for net-zero emissions by 2050.

To achieve these targets, the plan outlines strategies in six key areas:

  1. Waste management
  2. County fleet and staff commuting
  3. Buildings and facilities
  4. Building a culture of climate action
  5. Natural environment
  6. Advocacy and influence

Northumberland County joined the Partners for Climate Protection Program in 2019, joining over 500 Canadian municipalities committed to climate action. This plan represents the first chapter of our Climate Action Strategy, with a Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Plan to follow.

We are committed to measuring and publicly reporting emissions annually through our Performance Dashboard and releasing yearly progress reports. In 2029, we will update the plan to evaluate progress toward our 2030 target and strengthen our roadmap to 2050.

Together, these efforts demonstrate Northumberland County’s leadership and dedication to building a sustainable and resilient future for our community.

Join in the Conversation (Phase One complete)

Consultation has concluded for the Corporate Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Plan. You can review the report in the document section.

Phase Two: Adaptation and Resiliency Plan (complete)

Northumberland County is already feeling the effects of climate change, with rising temperatures, unpredictable precipitation, and more frequent extreme weather events. These impacts affect everyone, but they disproportionately harm communities and populations already facing systemic inequities.
To address these challenges, Northumberland County developed a Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Plan that establishes a clear path for ensuring our community is ready to respond to continued climate challenges.

The plan focuses on reducing climate risks to our community, infrastructure, and natural environment through eighteen actions grouped into five themes:

  1. Natural systems
  2. Emergency management
  3. Planning & policy
  4. Water management
  5. Building partnerships
The Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Plan was created through broad public engagement and collaboration with a 21-member Adaptation and Resiliency Group made up of municipal staff and community partners. Northumberland County partnered with ICLEI Canada in the development of the plan and financial support was provided by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities through their Green Municipal Fund.
We are committed to releasing yearly progress reports and updating the plan every five years, or earlier if warranted, to ensure that it remains relevant to the climate challenges Northumberland faces.

  • April - Get Involved

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    There are many ways to get involved with local climate initiatives, give back to the community, and be a part of the solution. Keep our environment clean by taking part in litter cleanups and tree plantings. Join sustainability and climate action groups and raise awareness of local climate issues in the community. Start small initiatives in your school, workplace and neighborhood. These are all ways to keep our environment clean and protect waterways and wildlife. Keep a lookout for the annual Mayor’s Keep the County Clean Challenge on our website Northumberland County or visit Community Power Northumberland to learn more about ways you can take action and engage.

  • March – Reducing Idle Time

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    Reducing the amount of idle time means reducing the amount of time your vehicle is turned on while stopped. This is an important action that reduces the amount of greenhouse gases entering our atmosphere. Turning off your vehicle while stopped at railway stations, in parking lots, and waiting for passengers are steps you can take to help the climate. It reduces emissions, lowers your carbon footprint and saves money spent on fuel. To learn more about ways to reduce your fuel consumption, visit Fuel-efficient driving techniques - Natural Resources Canada

  • February – Be Prepared with Emergency Kits

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    Climate change is causing more frequent, intense and long-lasting weather events such as heatwaves, storms, and flooding. As these extreme weather events continue it is important to be prepared in case of an emergency. The County recommends creating a 72-hour emergency kit with all the essential equipment you may need, such as food, water, medicine, and important documents. Taking proactive steps to be prepared ahead of time will reduce the risk of an emergency during these events. For more information on what to include in your 72-hour kit, visit Emergency Kits - Northumberland County

  • January – Join the Compost Revolution

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    When food waste is trapped in a landfill, it produces methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. Utilizing the green bin diverts waste from the landfill to composting facilities and prevents the release of methane into our atmosphere. Change starts at home, and you can start by collecting your organics in a kitchen catcher and putting out the green bin weekly. Additionally, you can start your own backyard compost, turning food scraps into nutrient-rich soil to use in your garden. The County offers a Green Bin program and many resources on composting. To learn more, please visit Green Bin - Northumberland County and Backyard Composting - Northumberland County.

Page last updated: 01 Apr 2026, 06:30 AM