B.C. climate news: Metro Vancouver anticipates Stage 3 watering restrictions in June
Vancouver council has voted to bring back natural gas heating in new buildings, a move that reverses previous green building policies. Meanwhile, Metro Vancouver is preparing for possible Stage 3 watering restrictions as early as June due to low water levels. These developments are part of the latest climate and environmental news for the week of May 18 to May 24, 2026.
Metro Vancouver's water concerns
With the region facing drier-than-usual conditions, Metro Vancouver officials warn that Stage 3 watering restrictions may be necessary by June. This would limit outdoor water use to essential purposes only, such as hand watering of gardens and trees. Residents are urged to conserve water now to avoid more severe restrictions later.
Natural gas returns to Vancouver buildings
In a controversial decision, Vancouver city council voted to allow natural gas heating in new buildings, overturning a previous ban aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Supporters argue it provides affordable energy options, while critics say it undermines climate goals. The move comes as the city strives to balance environmental targets with economic realities.
Waste reduction campaigns under scrutiny
Metro Vancouver plans to spend $600,000 this year on campaigns to reduce waste, including recycling and composting initiatives. However, questions remain about their effectiveness. While some programs have shown success in changing consumer behavior, others struggle to achieve measurable reductions in landfill waste.
Global climate context
Human activities, particularly burning fossil fuels and agriculture, are the primary drivers of climate change, according to the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere continue to rise, leading to increased global temperatures and more frequent extreme weather events. In British Columbia, the deadly heat dome and catastrophic flooding of 2021 are examples of the impacts scientists have long warned about.
As of May 5, 2026, atmospheric carbon dioxide reached 431.12 parts per million (ppm), up from 429.35 ppm the previous month, according to NOAA data from the Mauna Loa Observatory. This marks a steady increase from under 320 ppm in 1960. The global average temperature in 2023 was 1.48°C above pre-industrial levels, and 2024 breached the 1.5°C threshold at 1.55°C. The UNEP's 2025 Emissions Gap Report warns that even if current emissions targets are met, global temperatures could rise by 2.3°C to 2.5°C this century.
What you can do
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