In 2009, the Carrboro Board of Aldermen passed a resolution committing the Town to take steps to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. In doing so, and through work both before and after the resolution, the Town has joined a group of more than 1000 cities, towns and metropolises around the world who are taking part in the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign.
In the fall of 2014, Carrboro held a series of 3 forums related to climate action planning at the ArtsCenter. Shortly thereafter, a Task Force was created and worked to draft a Community Climate Action Plan. Drafts of the plan were presented to the Board of Aldermen and Carrboro advisory boards and a public hearing on the plan was held in 2016. The Board of Aldermen accepted the plan in January, 2017.
The plan recommends that Carrboro adopt a goal of a 50% reduction in per capita greenhouse gas emissions by 2025, cutting the carbon footprint in half over the next decade for the entire community, Town operations, the buildings and transportation “sectors”, and ultimately each resident and business.
The plan provides recommendations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while raising the community’s awareness of and involvement in solutions to global climate change and a post-carbon energy future, adaptation to changes, and enhancement of ecosystem resilience. Recommendations are provided around the themes of community integration, energy efficiency of buildings, transportation, renewable energy, ecosystem protection and restoration, and food choices. Measures outlined in the plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions not only contribute to overall climate change mitigation, but can also provide the community with many local benefits such as financial savings through energy efficiency, the creation of new jobs, improved air quality and public health, and a healthier forest and streams.