The Climate is Changing. So Must We.
Around the world the climate crisis is intensifying and, here at home, Dufferin County is already experiencing the impacts of a changing climate.
Dufferin County is taking urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build climate resilience.
- In May 2018, Dufferin County became part of the Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) program.
- In March 2021, Dufferin County adopted the Dufferin Climate Action Plan, setting a target of net-zero by 2050.
- In September 2021 Dufferin County Council declared a Climate Emergency, reaffirming and strengthening our commitment to addressing the climate emergency.
- In April 2023, Dufferin County adopted Together for Change: Dufferin’s Climate Adaptation Strategy, to advance climate resilience.
Taking action on climate change is an opportunity to ensure a safe, healthy, and equitable future for our community and the environment. Our collective success requires action from everybody and together we can create a prosperous future for the current and future generations of Dufferin County.
Adaptation | Dufferin Climate Adaptation Strategy
Adaptation = Managing the Unavoidable
Climate change adaptation is the process of adjusting our systems and behaviours to protect ourselves from both the current and future impacts of climate change.
On April 13, 2023, County Council adopted Together for Change: Dufferin’s Climate Adaptation Strategy. The Strategy complements the Dufferin Climate Action Plan by proactively identifying opportunities to advance climate resilience in the community’s social, economic, built, and natural systems.
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Mitigation | Dufferin Climate Action Plan
Mitigation = Avoiding the Unmanageable
Climate change mitigation means taking action to reduce the amount of climate change causing greenhouse gasses we release into the atmosphere. The goal of mitigation is to prevent further warming of our climate system.
On March 11, 2021, the County Council adopted the Dufferin Climate Action Plan, which outlines a pathway for the community to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The plan outlines 99 actions to reduce emissions in the County’s highest emitting sectors, while also fostering community well-being and equity, enhancing the natural environment, and supporting innovative economic growth.
Read more:
Report Cards: Dufferin Climate Action Plan
Take Action!
Discover the ways you can support climate action in our community.
Green Development Standards
Learn about green development standards and share your thoughts on future developments.
Youth Climate Activation Circle
The Youth Climate Activation Circle is a volunteer program to empower Dufferin youth to advance local climate solutions.
Experimental Acres Farm Pilot
Receive support to adopt experimental agriculture practices which will backstop risk, develop a community of support, and assist in capturing the business cases that can demonstrate what will be worth repeating.
Rural Water Quality Program
Receive financial assistance through the Rural Water Quality Program (RWQP) for projects that improve and protect water quality.
Charge Up in Dufferin
Plug into the local electric vehicle charging network and build your knowledge on the shift to electric!
Home Energy Efficiency Tips
Get more with less energy
Climate Ready: Home Flood Protection
A changing climate means your risk of home flooding is rising. Discover how to prevent a flood in three steps.
Climate Stories of Dufferin
Explore the stories from across Dufferin that transform the science of climate change into the real experiences and emotions that make this issue truly LOCAL.
Climate Hub
Explore the Dufferin Climate Action Plan, learn the science and local stories behind climate change, and discover the high-impact actions you can take to advance climate action in Dufferin!
MoD: Digital Climate Change Exhibit
Drawing on the latest science, discover what climate change means for us here in Dufferin County from the local stories to the actions we can take to build a climate-friendly community.
Colour for Climate
Unleash your creativity with these climate action colouring sheets designed by local artists at Streams Community Hub.
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on climate action events, news, and initiatives.
Sign-up for NewsletterResources and Documents
Dufferin County Climate Change Collaborative (DC4) Terms of Reference
The Dufferin County Climate Change Collaborative (DC4) was established to support the County of Dufferin in the development of the Dufferin Climate Action Plan.
Energy Conservation & Demand Management Plan
The County of Dufferin is in a position to expand its efforts on energy management. Our updated Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan for 2019-2023 builds on the County’s first plan developed in 2014.
Dufferin County Greenhouse Gas Inventory
The greenhouse gas inventory records Dufferin County’s emissions by sector, energy source, and municipality and provides an important benchmark from which to measure the success of the Dufferin Climate Action Plan over time.
Broader Public Sector Energy Use and Greenhouse Gas Information
This data includes the annual amount of energy used and greenhouse gasses emitted by broader Public Sector organizations, including Dufferin County.
Dufferin County SCR Paper
This Framework is informed by the objectives of the Official Plan MCR process, ensuring that the policy context for sustainability, climate change and resilience supports provincial policy as well as influencing policy nationally and internationally.
Accessible Information
If you require information in an alternate format, please contact us at 519-941-2816 ext. 2500. We will work with you to understand your specific accessibility needs and to provide you with the information within a reasonable time frame.
Contact Climate Action
30 Centre Street
Orangeville, ON L9W 2X1 519-941-2816 climate@dufferincounty.ca
8:30 am – 4:30 pm