On Wednesday, October 27, 2021, the Easton City Council unanimously adopted the Climate Action Plan (CAP) developed by the Nurture Nature Center. The process of developing the CAP began with an inventory of the sources of CO2 emissions throughout the City of Easton.
In understanding the transportation sector of the graph, which accounts for 24% of emissions, it is important to note that this represents transportation within the city itself, such as vehicles on Center Square or buses taking our children to school. Emissions from vehicles on U.S. Route 22 were not considered. Although these emissions certainly contribute to the greenhouse gas effect, traffic on Route 22 is not under the control of the residents of Easton, and therefore was not included in the CAP. The reduction of highway emissions, for example by the development of light rail or the transition to more electric vehicles, will require action by state and federal governments. Therefore, as we move forward as a society, we should continue to engage with our elected state and federal representatives, encouraging them to make such infrastructure changes.
Although climate change can cause economic hardship, it does not have to. Whenever a society is forced to change rapidly, the opportunity for economic growth is present. The innovation required to make those changes can lead to new products and services which can produce new manufacturing and service jobs. If properly managed, the response to climate change can result in significant economic growth. However, the risk is great that the resulting economic gains will not be fairly distributed throughout the society. Thus, in addition to measuring and developing a plan to lower greenhouse gas emissions, the CAP also seeks to implement changes which would tend to mitigate the negative impacts and increase the positive impacts climate change will have, especially on low-income families.
Let’s look at a few recommended strategies from the CAP.
Currently, the City of Easton’s local government buys 100% of the electricity for the City Hall building from “green” suppliers. This electricity is more expensive. By 2030, the CAP calls for all residents to buy electricity from only “green” suppliers. This will mean higher energy costs, unless residents lower their energy consumption. At the same time, the CAP also calls for roof-top solar panels to be installed on 1000 low-income homes. The electricity generated would be put back on the grid. The resident would receive electricity credits equal to the electricity generated. Like most of the CAP initiatives, this initiative could also have broader positive impacts. For example, equipment could be installed which would allow the solar panels to supply electricity directly to the home if the grid went down, but this equipment is expensive. If installed it would help mitigate the effects of a widespread power outage such as experienced by Easton residents after Hurricane Sandy.
By 2050, the CAP expects 80% of light duty vehicles to be electric. Thus, electric charging stations will need to be installed throughout the city, especially in all parking garages. If we expect to reduce transportation costs, residents must be able to bike, walk, or take public transit for routine errands. Therefore, the CAP also calls for a grocery store to be within a fifteen minute walk of every resident.
As temperatures rise, our urban environment will need more trees to provide shade. The City of Easton is committed to growing our urban forest. The planting and maintaining of street trees is an important part of this effort. In New York City, street trees have been shown to lower summer ambient air temperatures by several degrees. Typically, high-density urban areas, such as low-income areas, have few trees. This is also the case in Easton. More trees will need to be planted especially on South Side and in the West Ward.
Look for these key next steps: 1) the hiring of an Office of Sustainability Director, and 2) the designation of an advisory group which will take responsibility for implementation of the CAP.
You can read the full climate action plan here.