N-ZAP Research Activities

Initial studies

Studies so far have focused on:

1. The relationship between the governance structure and outcomes (plan and partner outcomes) for community climate action plans (Wong, 2017; Clarke & Ordonez-Ponce, 2017; Wong, Clarke & Ordonez-Ponce, 2020);
2. The relationship between the governance structure and progress on climate goals from a sustainability plan (Sun, 2018; Sun, Clarke & MacDonald, 2020); and
3. Deep decarbonization pathways, strategies and governance arrangements (Linton, 2020; Linton, Clarke & Tozer, 2021; Linton, Clarke & Tozer, 2022; Zhou, Clarke, & FCM, 2022)
4. Carbon accounting (Marlowe & Clarke, 2022).

Working Group 1

Objective: Determine the current state of GHG emission reduction targets, measurement, monitoring and planning in Canadian municipalities.

Sub-Objective: Create a user-friendly, open database to share the data .

Deliverables:

• Open, publicly available database with searchable, visible display options;  
• Report on current state of GHG mitigation planning, measurement and monitoring in Canada (after year 1);
• Report on progress of GHG mitigation planning, monitoring and monitoring in Canada (after 5 years).

Working Group 2

Objective: Advance standardized measurement systems and tools (indicators) that can also be used to identify mitigation opportunities and further social equity.

Deliverables:

• New indicators related to transportation, carbon sinks, social equity, and green economy;
• Measurable GHG emissions and social sustainability indicators for reporting tool.

Working Group 3

Objective: Enhance municipal monitoring & disclosure (carbon accounting, climate budgets, and TCFD), and integrate net-zero accounting and carbon budgets into municipal level decision making, to enhance transparency on action and gaps, drive planning to close gaps and provide accountability.

Deliverables:

• Advanced technical guide for climate-related financial disclosure;  
• Instruction manual based on advice on carbon accounting;
• Improved tool to embed methods for carbon accounting.

Working Group 4

Objective: Enhance community-wide emissions measuring & monitoring (collaborative governance), and ensure equitable, diverse and inclusive engagement in climate action, measurement and monitoring.

Deliverables:

• Advanced guide for collaborative governance that ensures diverse and inclusive action, measurement, and monitoring.

Working Group 5

Objective: Mobilize knowledge resources and tools to diverse audiences using accessible and inclusive formats.

Deliverables:

• Knowledge mobilization to 250 Canadian pilot cities.

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