Climate and Energy Action Plan (CEAP)

WHY A CLIMATE AND ENERGY PLAN? Climate change is already affecting Ashland and the surrounding region, and its impacts are projected to become much more severe in the coming decades. To minimize harmful impacts and play its part in curbing global carbon pollution, Ashland needs to take bold steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build resiliency. This plan lays out a foundation for the City of Ashland to reduce its emissions and improve its resilience to future impacts of climate change on its environment, infrastructure, and people. Greenhouse Gas Emissions According to the City's 2015 greenhouse gas inventory, The vast majority (83%) of Ashland’s emissions stem from five main sources: production of residential goods and food, residential travel, residential and commercial energy use, and upstream energy production. In 2015, Ashland’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions footprint was approximately 300,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MT CO2e), representing 0.5% of Oregon’s total emissions. Climate Impacts The impacts of climate change will have tangible effects on public health and quality of life for Ashland’s residents and visitors. In addition to the direct dangers of wildfires, flooding, and extreme weather events made worse by climate change, secondary effects of more extreme temperatures, snowpack declines, and wildfire smoke include health and livelihood impacts to sensitive and exposed populations, heightened threats to species and habitats, and consequences for local natural resources and economies such as agriculture, outdoor recreation, and tourism.Executive Summary BY THE 2080S, ASHLAND WILL LIKELY SEE… An 86% decrease in winter snowpack 90 more days of extreme heat annually A 7 to 12°F increase in temperature on the hottest day of the year More than 1” of additional rainfall during heavy storms More frequent and severe droughts, heat waves, and wildfires Source: Oregon State University, 2016Residential Energy 13% Commercial Energy 11% Residential On-Road Travel 17%Residential Goods 22% Residential Food 15% UpstreamEnergyProduction 9%City Government Goods + Construction 2% Solid Waste + Wastewater 2% Refrigerant Leakage 2%Residential Air Travel 4%Commercial + Industrial Freight 2%Industrial Energy 1% 8 ASHLAND CLIMATE & ENERGY ACTION PLANEXECUTIVE SUMMARY