Global climate award presented to Hamilton

The City of Hamilton has been recognized globally for its efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dealing with climate change.

Hamilton is one of three Canadian cities, along with Peterborough and Calgary, to be selected as a national winner of the World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) One Planet City Challenge (OPCC) 2024.

In one of the world’s largest and longest-running climate challenges, more than 359 cities from 48 countries participated, with 62 finalists chosen.

Hamilton reached the shortlist based on their reported climate data. The international OPCC has highlighted leading examples of climate mitigation and adaptation from cities worldwide.

This year’s jury noted Hamilton’s comprehensive Climate Action Strategy and its strong focus on collaboration and innovation.

“It is an honour to have the City of Hamilton recognized as the national winner of the One Planet City Challenge, affirming our commitment to prioritizing mitigation and adaptation efforts to realize climate justice, strengthen our position as a leader in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and combating climate change,” said Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath.

“Our commitment to smart, ongoing investments in our Climate Action Strategy which aligns with this Term of Council’s priority: Sustainable Economic & Ecological Development, will yield long-term benefits, safeguarding our environment and future.”

Rigorous criteria Hamilton and other winners were evaluated on included ambitious climate targets, bold leadership, preparedness for upcoming challenges, and the alignment of its holistic climate action plan with city goals.

“This is an extremely proud moment for the City of Hamilton and the Office of Climate Change Initiatives. This recognition from the World Wildlife Fund shows Hamilton is on the right track, with the right climate action strategy,” said Lynda Lukasik, Director of Office of Climate Change Initiatives. “We now need to accelerate implementation and action through ongoing investments to address the climate emergency, which will require a collective city and community-wide effort.”

With the win, the city is now eligible to participate in WWF’s We Love Cities competition, open exclusively to OPCC finalists. The public is invited to vote, express their love for the city, and submit suggestions for further improving sustainability efforts.

We Love Cities will run throughout October 2024, concluding on World Cities Day, October 31. The OPCC Global Winners will be announced in November 2024 during the UN World Urban Forum in Cairo, Egypt.

Hamilton and all shortlisted cities were assessed by a jury of experts from diverse organizations, including C40, the African Development Bank and ICLEI, chaired by WWF Cities lead Dr. Jennifer Lenhart.