Climate and Energy Action Plan (CEAP)

Key Terms GREENHOUSE GAS A gas that absorbs and emits thermal radiation in the atmosphere, contributing to the “greenhouse effect” by preventing heat from leaving the atmosphere. CO2 is the most common greenhouse gas, but this category also includes methane, nitrous oxide, ozone, and even water vapor (picture a humid day). Greenhouse gases vary greatly in the strength and persistence of their warming effect; for example, methane has a greenhouse effect approximately 72 times stronger than CO 2, but its atmospheric lifespan is much shorter. ENERGY For this plan, “energy” refers to power or heat produced from fuels or processes and used for a variety of applications, including for transportation, heating, cooking, and electricity generation. In Ashland, energy is largely consumed in the form of natural gas, electricity, and gasoline. The majority of electricity consumed by Ashland residents is purchased from Bonneville Power Administration, which provides electricity largely from hydro and nuclear resources. Other sources of electricity for Ashland include locally-produced solar and hydropower, and sources from the regional electricity grid, which include coal, biomass power, and other renewable sources such as wind. CLIMATE MITIGATION Strategies and actions focused on slowing the pace and lessening the severity of climate change by reducing or offsetting greenhouse gas emissions. Overarching Goal 1 on page 30 focuses on mitigation. CLIMATE ADAPTATION Strategies and actions focused on changing behavior, land use, and environmental management to prepare, protect, and build resilience of infrastructure, ecosystems, public health, and quality of life to anticipated effects of climate change. Overarching Goal 2 on page 32 focuses on adaptation. Although used interchangeably in this plan, there are slight differences between climate adaptation, and resilience. The strategies and actions in this plan address both climate adaptation and resilience. Adaptation refers to action to prepare for and adjust to new conditions, thereby reducing harm or taking advantage of new opportunities. * Resilience refers to the capacity of a social or ecological system to continue to function despite disturbances. SOCIAL EQUITY Maintaining or creating a “level playing field” or equality of opportunity, often through 1) simple fairness and equal treatment, 2) distribution of resources to reduce inequalities in universal programs and services, and 3) redistribution of resources to level the playing field through targeted programs. ** Social equity is a cornerstone of this plan—see the “Climate and Equity” section on page 40 for more information on the role of equity in climate action and the ways in which equity is reinforced through the Ashland Climate and Energy Action Plan. *National Climate Assessment, 2014 ** Norman-Major, 2011. “Balancing the Four E’s; or Can we Achieve Equity for Social Equity in Public Administration?” Journal of Public Affairs Education. 17(2), 233–252 26 ASHLAND CLIMATE & ENERGY ACTION PLANCLIMATE CHANGE & ASHLAND 26