St. John's is part of the Maritime Barrens ecoregion, which is typically characterized by frequent fog, cool summers, and mild winters.
Seagulls and rats account for most wildlife. Whales, puffins (and other seabirds), foxes on Signal Hill, recently-arrived coyotes in the suburbs, and the occasional moose round out the rest.
We are doing nothing to protect the environment. The only relevant recent controversy here was over development in wetland areas, but due to drainage concerns as opposed to environmental ones.
St. John's is a dirty, littered city. It's the closest thing to Naples you'll find in Canada. It is shockingly, distractingly filthy. Hence the cat-sized rats.