Background
Climate change is a phenomenon of critical concern. The impacts of climate change can already be observed in many places around the world and in the United States. From rising sea levels, to major wildfires, and changing weather patterns, climate change is already affecting human health, water supplies, infrastructure, and ecosystems. Although climate change cannot be avoided entirely, the most severe impacts of climate change can be minimized by substantially reducing the amount of greenhouse gases (GHG) released into the atmosphere. To prepare for the impacts that are already locked in by past emissions, adaptation planning is needed to limit the damage caused by climate change and the long-term costs of responding to climate-related impacts.
City government operations generate only 4 percent of the City’s total GHG emissions. The remaining 96 percent comes from the community, visitors, and related travel associated with the city. If the City wishes to meet a goal of 80 percent reduction in GHG emissions by 2050, it will need support by all who live, work, visit, and enjoy the city.
A great first step to lowering your carbon emissions is to calculate your carbon footprint. The EPA provides a great resource with their GHG Household Emissions Calculator. Please refer to the Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, and Electric Vehicle sections to learn more about available options to reduce GHG emissions.
Energy & Climate Change Action Plan
Work is underway to update the City's Energy & Climate Change Action Plan (ECCAP). Updating the Action Plan will help the City respond to climate change impacts and environmental emergencies and align with the 2019 updated Environmental Action Plan 2040 (EAP2040) and build upon existing City energy, greenhouse gas reduction, and climate action efforts.
The Alexandria City Council established an Energy and Climate Change Task Force to provide guidance to the City of Alexandria during the process to update the ECCAP. Learn more about the ECCAP, Task Force, recent meetings, and more at the Energy and Climate Change Action Plan page.