D. Prioritizing community-led actions with big, equitable impacts
Washoe County’s vision is to “be the social, economic and policy leadership force in Nevada and the western United States.” This Climate Action Plan is inspired by that vision.
Activating the community. Feedback from community members shaped this plan, and leadership from community members will help make this plan a reality. The concise strategies in this plan are designed to be easily remembered and communicated. The actions listed in this plan are specific and tactical. We do not want this plan to sit in a binder on a shelf; we want it to make a difference in people’s lives!
Leading with equity. Vulnerable populations, such as low-income families, seniors, children, and people with respiratory conditions, are often the first to feel negative impacts of climate change. People living in neighborhoods designated “Environmental Justice (EJ) Concern” by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) deserve improved environmental and economic well-being. “EJ Concern” communities in Washoe County also include large Hispanic and Native American populations whose needs must be prioritized.
Representing the diversity of Washoe County. The best climate solutions may vary between urban and suburban Reno, Sparks, and Sun Valley (population density 1,500+ people / square mile), forested Incline Village (population density 400+ people / square mile), and rural Gerlach (population 100). This plan has actions that can be applied in each type of community. This plan also aligns with climate-related plans that already exist in our region. (See Appendix 3).
Acting with urgency. Climate change is impacting people today. The sooner we start reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the sooner we can experience better air quality and reduce longer-term impacts such as increasing heat. To move quickly, Washoe County is prioritizing mitigation (emissions reduction) actions that have the largest GHG reduction potential and actions that already have community support, momentum, and funding. Further, we favor actions that also support adaptation (ability to continue operating in a changing climate) and / or resilience (ability to respond to crisis).
