Durham Strategic Plan Dashboard
Prosperity
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Initiative: 5.21 Develop a community centered carbon neutrality and renewable energy strategy
Thriving & Vibrant Environment
Description
This initiative will develop a Triangle Regional Climate Action Plan that prioritizes equity and environmental justice by fostering a clean energy transition for all residents, particularly those in underserved areas that are disproportionately impacted by climate change. As of 2023, 29% of Durham County residents live in disadvantaged areas as quantified by the EPA. This is much higher than our neighboring counties of Orange County (0% disadvantaged areas) and Wake County (11% disadvantaged areas).
Key Measures & Data Analysis
As part of the Triangle Region Priority Climate Action Plan, the NC State Clean Energy Technology Center completed a greenhouse gas emissions inventory for each county in the region. This inventory includes emissions from all sectors, including residential, commercial, industrial, transportation, and waste management. In total, over 4,500,000 MT CO2e are emitted in Durham County annually.
Durham County Emissions by Source (MT CO2e)
Why is it important?
The Regional Climate Action Plan will create a roadmap to achieve our Durham City/County Comprehensive Plan goal of 100% carbon neutrality by 2050. A community-wide strategy will create a pathway for City residents, neighborhoods, businesses and institutions to reduce their carbon footprints and serve as the foundation that will guide evaluation of future grant applications, budget decisions, and other resource allocation questions related to decarbonization.
What have we been doing?
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Coordinated with Central Pines Regional Council and regional partners to submit a Triangle Region Priority Climate Action Plan, which was approved by the EPA.
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Partnered with Central Pines to invite Durham residents to contribute to the Climate Action Plan.
What's next?
Continue to work with Central Pines to deepen community engagement on the Climate Action Plan. A Comprehensive Climate Action Plan is due to the EPA by FY 2025.
City Website Home Page: Durham, NC | Official Website (durhamnc.gov)
Budget Website Page: Budget & Management Services Department | Durham, NC (durhamnc.gov)
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