Climate and Energy Action Plan (CEAP)

Goals and Indicators Goals • Protect public health from air pollution and climate impacts. • Improve community capacity to understand, prepare for, and respond to climate change security risks. Indicators • Air quality • Number of people that can be accommodated by available cooling centers. • Tree canopy cover. • Homes within the WUI. • Percent of Ashland residents experiencing health issues such as asthma. Strategies and Actions Strategy PHSW-1. Manage ecosystems and landscapes to minimize climate- related health impacts. With average temperatures on the rise and extreme weather events predicted to become more common due to climate change, Ashland will need to consider adapting its management of the cityscape and ecosystems to protect its residents’ quality of life. PRIORITY ACTIONS PHSW-1-1. Promote the expansion of tree canopy in urban heat islands or areas that need air conditioning such as schools. The urban heat island effect can have serious impacts on public health and quality of life, including causing heat-related fatalities among elderly or otherwise vulnerable people. The City can reduce this effect by increasing tree canopy cover in targeted areas that do not currently have adequate shade or air conditioning, as well as promote and educate citizens about the benefits of shading with trees and building features. OTHER ACTIONS • Evaluate and implement slash removal methods that minimize smoke production, such as air curtain burners. • Develop an incentive program to convert fuel- burning lawn equipment such as gas-powered lawn mowers and blowers to electric. • Evaluate opportunities to plant additional trees near city facilities to reduce heat island.C Ad 93ASHLAND CLIMATE & ENERGY ACTION PLANPUBLIC HEAL TH, SAFETY & WELL-BEING 93