County Executive Marc Elrich will open public discussion of a Draft Climate Action Plan released yesterday with a virtual meeting tonight (Dec. 15) at 6 p.m., the Executive Office announced.
The plan is described as a “strategic” plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the county by 80% by 2027 and by 100% by 2035.
The draft includes 87 climate actions developed over time and based on the work of more than 200 volunteer members of the Climate Technical Workgroups, community groups, county employees and technical consultants, and pubic input.
“We are already feeling the impacts of climate change in our county—hotter summers, increased flooding events and more extreme storms,” said Elrich in a press release. “The strategies outlined in this plan address these impacts, prioritize those in our community who are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and identify opportunities to enhance racial equity and improve our quality of life, all while reducing emissions.”
The recommendations in the more than 225-page plan cover seven major areas of focus, including buildings, clean energy, transportation, carbon sequestration, adaptation and governance, as well as public engagement, partnerships, and education.
The public can watch tonight’s discussion and submit questions during the event by registering in advance at https://zoom.us/j/93554445121.
The plan’s comment period will be open until Feb. 28 and the county will host additional virtual sessions during that period. A list of upcoming sessions is available online.
Graphic from county website