Why create a Community Climate Action Plan (CAP)?
Washoe County is a beautiful, diverse place that people treasure for its quality of life and connection to the outdoors. Working together, we can ensure the County remains a safe, secure and healthy place to live for generations to come.
The purpose of this Community Climate Action Plan (CAP) is to define actions that can help us protect our local climate, improve public health, and reduce risks associated with increased greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which trap heat in Earth’s atmosphere.
Between 1970 and today, the local average annual temperature has increased 7.6° F, largely due to increased emissions and decisions about the way the region has been developed and grown. The Reno area is the fastest warming metro in the US, and the local average annual temperature is projected to continue rising unless greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are reduced.
This document lists specific actions that can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improve public well-being in Washoe County. Everyday activities like commuting, using air conditioning, and throwing away trash can all contribute to emissions. Everyone can participate in sustainability throughout our community, and this CAP is a guide for residents, businesses, and agencies to contribute to the County’s Net Zero 2050 target.
