City of Toronto is asking residents for their feedback as it drafts a new plan to eliminate 80 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

"We have to restore our position of leadership both in the country and internationally," on climate change, mayor says.

Dear Mayor John Tory: Thank you for agreeing to go to the 2015 Paris Climate Conference (COP 21). Your presence will send a strong signal to world leaders, our new Prime Minister, our Premier and concerned people everywhere, that Toronto wants to be part of the solution to the biggest economic, social and environmental crisis facing the planet.

Already, climate change costs us dearly. That hasn’t stopped us from delaying steps to ensure Toronto is prepared for a post-climate-change world.

Last night, a capacity crowd of 200 came out to hear panelists give their ideas about what the city can do get ready for the severe weather climate disruption will bring to Toronto. Another 250 people were on a waiting list to get in.

What is the most important thing we must do to get ready for the severe weather climate disruption will bring Toronto? That’s hopefully the question city officials and thought leaders will be discussing at 7 pm on Thursday, September 24th at U of T when the city kicks off its first TalkTransformation! event geared towards getting a comprehensive climate change plan for the city.

Last Thursday’s close Council vote on the east Gardiner’s future was disappointing. There is one silver lining to this bad decision: Mayor Tory and the 23 Councillors who voted with him were not afraid to invest in public infrastructure.

Next week Toronto City Council decides what to do with the Gardiner Expressway. You can help shape the outcome.

TEA has been actively involved in a new and unique initiative connecting five city-based environmental groups in Ontario that focus on building greener cities. On April 14, we met in Windsor to discuss what we should work on and how we can work together.