Greenhouse gas such as CO2, are released as a result of fossil fuel combustion from energy use, heating, and transportation. These gases trap heat and contribute to climate change.
Why does it
Matter?
Climate change is already impacting natural systems, infrastructure, and energy prices. For our region, it will continue to impact local air quality and cause flooding events, severe heat waves, and landslides.
What does it mean for Carnegie?
Every year, CO2 emissions result in local and global damages. Carnegie has the opportunity to develop a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow the effects of climate change.
As part of a free program offered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Borough of Carnegie is developing a Climate Action Plan with ICLEI using greenhouse gas inventories collected by CONNECT. The Climate Action Plan will help us understand the sources of greenhouse gas emissions in our community and develop strategies to minimize our carbon footprint. The Borough is seeking input from community members to help guide the Climate Action Plan.
Carnegie’s LCAP vision is to become a climate-resilient community with restorative impact on natural systems beyond our borders. Carnegie will take action to reduce its carbon footprint and greenhouse emissions while enhancing resilience to climate risks through equitable economic development, meaningful stakeholder engagement, research, and innovation.
Our mission is to improve public health and well-being, mitigate climate change vulnerabilities, adapt to our changing reality, and transition Carnegie into a clean and sustainable community. We plan to build a set of initiatives to meet goals and objectives, identify stakeholders, and create a strategy for outreach and engagement.
The Borough of Carnegie will develop a Climate Action Plan according to CONNECT and PA state guidelines along with other ordinances to advise, guide and encourage municipal, residential, and commercial segments of the community to be more sustainable in their processes.
The Borough of Carnegie will demonstrate environmental leadership and help our community rise to the difficult challenge of reducing the impact of climate change by taking reasonable steps to reduce GHG emissions. Municipal operations will begin by reducing utility costs through increased energy and water efficiency.
Reduce Emissions - 40% by 2030 / 80% by 2050
Increase use of renewable and efficient energy in municipal, residential, and commercial buildings.
Improve and encourage multi-modal transportation, increase mass transit ridership, adopt a bike strategy, explore traffic calming options, and install electric vehicles charging stations.
Develop a pedestrian mobility plan that creates safe connections to our parks and everyday destinations.
Combine stormwater management with green infrastructure and nature destinations.
Reuse and Recycle - 50% by 2030 / 100% by 2050
Implement glass and electronic recycling programs.
Expand paper, plastic, and aluminum recycling programs.
Make recycling and trash receptacles easily available in public spaces and parks.
Improve our current recycling education web page.
Support and Sustain
Create and maintain climate action website providing support and information.
Provide emission reduction programs and policy recommendations with updated recommendations for mitigation and adaptation options.
Develop strategies for grant funding, resources, implementation, and resilience.
Expand tree planting and rain garden programs, implement rain barrel and composting programs, preserve natural systems, and create new wildlife habitats.
Encourage and Educate
Create programs and incentives to help educate and foster climate action goals within the community and work with regional and borough groups.
Develop and host in-person and online workshops to increase awareness of climate change impacts and provide education on mitigation/adaptation options including but not limited to renewable energy suppliers and solar co-ops.
Use creative and innovative in-person and online initiatives to effectively communicate our climate action message.
Build resiliency by helping our community prepare to address extreme weather events.
CLIMATE ACTION PLAN CO-BENEFITS
Energy efficiency and reduced demand
Increased renewable energy use
Energy efficiency education
Improved air quality
Water conservation
Enhanced land use and community design
Improved public health and safety
Clean community with green infrastructure aesthetics
