Roadmap for Change: Creating an Effective Climate Action Plan

September is National Preparedness Month and a Climate Action Plan is a good start to making sure your community is ready for whatever emergencies and disasters are to come. A Climate Action Plan, or CAP, is a comprehensive roadmap that outlines how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions resulting from burning coal, oil, and gas. These strategies not only provide ways to reduce energy use but also help to lessen the severity and frequency of severe weather events that are caused by these gases. CAPs are an integral piece of the climate action journey and are often a required portion of most state-specific climate programs, including the New York State Climate Smart Communities (CSC) certification program. They’re a great way to build on a recently completed greenhouse gas inventory.

Implementing a CAP offers numerous benefits, including reduced energy costs, improved public health, and enhanced community resilience. It also positions communities to take advantage of funding opportunities and incentives for climate-related projects.

Key components of a Climate Action Plan include:

1. Emissions Reduction Target: The foundation of any CAP is a thorough greenhouse gas inventory, which provides a starting point for measuring progress. Establishing clear, measurable goals for emissions reduction is paramount. These targets should be ambitious yet achievable, reflecting the municipality’s commitment to climate action.
2. Focus on the Source: The greenhouse gas inventory determines the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions and narrows the focus of emission reduction strategies.
3. Strategies and Actions: The plan will develop strategies and identify projects, programs, and policies the community might want to implement. These can include solutions such as energy efficiency programs, renewable energy projects, tree planting, community outreach, and improvements in public transportation.
4. Roadmap: Details are included for the actions chosen in Step 3, including timelines, responsible parties, and funding sources. Regular monitoring and reporting are essential to track progress and adjust as needed.

Types of Climate Action Plans

Municipalities utilize two different CAPs. Some opt for one, while others complete both, depending on their goals and the local level of interest.

• Government Operations Climate Action Plan: This CAP addresses greenhouse gas emissions produced by the government itself – buildings, vehicles, staff, and any other applicable assets. Completing this plan provides a “lead by example” model for the community and sets the standard for municipal leadership. While a municipality will have a high level of control over the actions laid out in the Government Operations CAP, it may only minimally reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Government operations typically account for less than three percent of a community’s emissions.
• Community Climate Action Plan: This CAP addresses greenhouse gas emissions produced by the community (homes, schools, and businesses) through everyday life. It encompasses a broader reach and, therefore, a greater potential for emissions reduction. This type of CAP benefits greatly from community partnerships and relies on public involvement to be successful.

Use the player below to hear B&L Climate Action Specialist, Jayme Breschard, explain these two plans further.

If completing both CAPs, they can be done together or separately in phases. Typically, smaller communities choose to complete the CAPs simultaneously due to cost savings such as streamlined outreach activities and consistent methodology throughout the plans. Cities and counties tend to complete them sequentially due to the larger number of assets at that jurisdictional level. CAPs at these levels are a significant undertaking, so conducting the Government Operations and Community versions separately allows them to showcase a more focused approach and clear public messaging. There is no correct answer; it depends on each municipality. B&L can provide visioning sessions to determine the best option.

Developing a Climate Action Plan is a proactive step for municipalities. For more information on our Climate Action services or creating a CAP, contact Senior Managing Community Planner Jayme Breschard, AICP, CFM.