Peel Region’s Biodiversity and Climate Change Strategy
Biodiversity refers to all the different animals, plants, insects and other living things on Earth. The more variety of living things we have, the healthier nature is.
Climate change refers to the Earth’s weather changing over a long time.
Peel Region is partnering with Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) to develop a Biodiversity and Climate Change Strategy.
The strategy will be developed over the coming months with a targeted release date of summer 2026.
As part of this process, we’re engaging with First Nations and Indigenous communities, local municipalities, the public, and stakeholders to share information and gather initial input to help shape the strategy.
Take our short online survey
By completing our brief 5- to 15-minute survey, you’ll be helping us make strategic decisions about climate change and biodiversity in Peel.
We want to know:
- How you’re experiencing biodiversity changing in Peel.
- The climate and weather-related changes you’re most concerned about.
- What you feel is needed to protect biodiversity, address climate change, support human health, and strengthen Peel’s communities and economy.
The survey closes on December 10, 2025. We’ll post an engagement summary and the survey results in early 2026.
If you have a question or comment or need more information, email us.
Peel region is already experiencing warmer, wetter, and more extreme weather conditions due to human-caused climate change.
Increased flooding and erosion, more extreme heat, poor air quality days due to wildfire smoke, and other impacts are expected to increase over the coming decades if climate change continues at its current pace, putting the health of people, plants, and animals at increased risk.
Biodiversity supports our health, well-being, and local economy. It provides food, medicine, clean air, and water and protects us from flooding, while green spaces boost our mental and physical health.
Biodiversity losses are increasing, globally and locally, and biodiversity in Peel Region is under threat. Some of the key threats to biodiversity include:
- land use change (which leads to habitat loss and fragmentation)
- invasive species
- pollution
- overconsumption
- climate change
As species and habitats disappear, we lose the natural benefits that make our communities livable, resilient, and healthy.
Climate change is accelerating this loss. More frequent storms, flooding, and pests like the Emerald Ash Borer are damaging forests and threatening native plants and animals.
Nature’s value grows over time. Mature trees clean the air, cool our streets, and shelter wildlife. Protecting biodiversity today ensures these benefits endure for everyone tomorrow.
Turning the tide on climate change requires integrated strategies that strengthen resilience, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and safeguard the benefits nature provides.
The Biodiversity and Climate Change Strategy will:
- Establish a shared long-term vision.
- Outline priorities to protect and enhance biodiversity
- Prepare for, recover from, and adapt to the impacts of climate change, and
- Improve Peel residents’ quality of life.
In 2019, Peel Regional Council declared a climate emergency. Peel Region is responding to the climate emergency and working to build low carbon, climate-resilient communities.
The Biodiversity and Climate Change Strategy recommendations will guide decisions across Peel Region, Credit Valley Conservation (CVC), and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) to ensure that biodiversity and climate action remain central to regional plans and programs.
Specifically, it will:
- Strengthen Peel Region’s commitment to protecting nature.
- Improve our understanding how climate change impacts ecosystems locally.
- Highlight how biodiversity supports climate resilience, public health, and community well-being, helping make Peel stronger for current and future generations.