CARLSBAD — The city, prioritizing climate change and its environmental impacts, has released an updated draft of its Climate Action Plan, revising the original version from 2015.
Over the past nine years, Carlsbad has made strides in reducing its climate impact. By 2020, it will surpass its greenhouse gas reduction target by achieving a 4% reduction in emissions below 2012 levels.
The updated draft aligns with the council’s 5-Year Strategic Plan, which aims to protect the environment. The update incorporates updated greenhouse gas emission inventories and state targets, allowing revisions to the original Climate Action Plan.
The revised plan outlines 25 measures to protect the environment, including expanding recycling programs and enhancing water system efficiency — initiatives that were successful in the original 2015 plan. The new measures aim to reduce emissions by approximately 105,000 metric tons by 2035 and 142,000 metric tons by 2045.
Incorporating new state goals, the updated plan aims for a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 2016 levels by 2035 and an 85% reduction by 2045.
The Climate Action Plan has been shaped by public input. In 2022, community members were asked to identify environmental needs and priorities, which helped develop the updated measures. Following a council meeting in November 2023, additional public input led to new proposals, including the installation of solar panels in city parking lots and the establishment of efficiency standards in building codes.
The updated draft of the Climate Action Plan will be presented to the Planning Commission in September. Subsequently, the City Council will review the draft later in the fall, with the potential for adoption. Following the adoption of the new plan, an annual progress report will be presented to the City Council.
For more information and to read the updated draft plan, visit the city of Carlsbad’s website.
