Sustainability and Energy Action Plan

GLOSSARY GRANTS PASS SUSTAINABILITY AND ENERGY ACTION PLAN MTCO₂e The unit “metric tons of CO₂equivalent” ( MTCO₂e) expresses the atmospheric impact of anygreenhouse gas in terms of an equivalent quantity of carbon dioxide. Natural System(s) A natural system is a self -sustaining set of regularly interacting and interdependent components of air, water, land, and biological resources. It is essentially an ecosystem, although artificial ecosystems are possible, such as in a fish tank or terrarium. Artificial ecosystems are not self -sustaining and could collapse without human input. In the context of this Plan, natural systems are considered when carbon sequestration by City trees is included in the analysis of netgreenhouse gas production by the City. Neonicotinoid Neonicotinoids are a class of water soluble insecticides which, like nicotine, act on certain kinds of receptors in the nerve synapse. Although initially praised for their low -toxicity to many beneficial insects, including bees, more recent research shows that even low levels of contamination impact bees' ability to forage for nectar, recall the location of flowers and possibly find their way back to the nest or hive, killing them indirectly. Outreach Outreach is an effort by individuals in an organization or group to connect its ideas or practices to the efforts of other organizations, groups, specific audiences or the general public. In the context of this Plan, outreach may include maintenance of a dashboard to inform the public of progress, offering educational programs in the community, and/or collaboration withorganizations and groups that have similar sustainability goals. The purpose of outreach is tobroaden the impact of efforts throughout the community. Pesticides Pesticides are a class of chemicals used to control insects, rodents, plants/weeds, fungus, mold, andbacteria. R-22​ R-22 refers to chlorodifluoromethane, a type of freon refrigerant phased out as of 2020 under the 1987 Montreal Protocol​ due to its ozone depletion potential and high global warming potential. Resource Assistance for Rural Environments (RARE) The mission of the Resource Assistance for Rural Environments (RARE) Program is to increase the capacity of rural communities to improve their economic, social, and environmental conditions, through the assistance of trained graduate -level members who live and work in communities for 11 months. 175