Title
Climate Action Planning Update
Description
This report presents the proposed City of Phoenix Climate Action Plan (CAP) Framework developed by staff from 28 City departments as well as results from recent community engagement focused on climate action. Staff will continue to work with the community and other stakeholders to develop a climate action plan for approval by City Council in 2021.
THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION.
Report
Summary
The City recognizes the impacts of climate change and has done significant work prior to development of the current CAP. In 2009, a climate action plan was developed for City operations along with the first City operations Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions inventory for calendar year 2005. In 2012, the first community-scale GHG emissions inventory was conducted. Inventories have been conducted at regular intervals since then, with 2018 being the most recent year available. In 2016, the City Council approved 2050 Sustainability Goals in categories including buildings and land use; transportation; waste; water; parks and open space; air quality; and food systems. In 2020, Phoenix became a member of the C40 Cities Global Climate Leadership Group and the Climate Mayors Steering Committee. C40 Cities is a global network of major cities committed to tackling climate change to increase the environmental and economic wellbeing of their residents. As a member of C40, Phoenix has committed to developing a CAP that will achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2050.
The results from the 2018 Community-Scale GHG Emissions Inventory, completed in conjunction with the Arizona State University Walton Sustainability Solutions Initiative, show that GHG emissions on a community-scale were 0.5 percent lower than 2012’s baseline levels. This decrease in GHG emissions occurred during a period when the City’s population grew 12 percent and the metro area economy grew 26 percent. Per capita emissions fell from the 2012 baseline of 11.33 MT CO2e to 10.00 MT CO2e in 2018. Phoenix must consider and implement additional actions to meet our GHG emissions goals as climate change continues to impact Phoenix.
City of Phoenix Climate Action Plan Framework for Public Input
The City’s CAP Framework for Public Input (Framework) was prepared by staff from the following departments and offices: Arts and Culture, Communications, Environmental Programs, Government Relations, Retirement, and Sustainability offices, and the Aviation, Budget and Research, City Clerk, Community and Economic Development, Convention Center, Equal Opportunity, Finance, Fire, Information Technology Services, Housing, Human Resources, Human Services, Law, Library, Neighborhood Services, Parks and Recreation, Planning and Development, Police, Public Transit, Public Works, Street Transportation, and Water Services departments. A Climate Liaison was designated from each department to contribute departmental goals and actions that are included in the CAP Framework. The CAP Framework aims to address emissions reductions and resiliency goals and provide a snapshot of current action underway.
Community Outreach
The City’s commitment to include equity principles in its plans and actions plays an integral role in all phases of development and implementation of this climate action plan and requires partnerships and dialogue with everyone, including traditionally under-represented groups. The CAP Survey conducted this summer garnered 846 responses, with 605 of those from Phoenix residents. The results indicated many concerns surrounding extreme temperature and heat waves, prolonged and extreme drought conditions, decreased air quality and increased risks of wildfires. Respondents also indicated the top three major barriers to addressing climate change were lack of government-mandated regulations/support, difficulty in changing behavioral habits, and lack of business or industry support. The top recommended actions were transitioning to renewable energy and increasing transportation options. The first Climate Action Planning Virtual Workshop was conducted on Oct. 14, 2020, with 54 participants. Attendees provided input for the following focus areas: air quality, energy, heat, transportation, and waste. Comments during the workshop included support for increased shade (both trees and structural shade); support for progress updates on plans that have already been approved; support for net-zero emissions by 2030; support for existing eco-stations and recycling efforts; and support for continued involvement with community-based organizations and residents. Additional virtual workshops are scheduled for December 2020 with more workshops in Spring 2021. The CAP Framework is available for public comment until Dec. 31, 2020 on https://www.phoenix.gov/oep/cap.
Additionally, Mayor Gallego requested that the Environmental Quality and Sustainability Commission engage businesses to seek their input in creating the CAP, specifically in areas that will keep Phoenix competitive, attract talent, and ensure a vibrant and healthy future.
The CAP Framework document provides the basic structure for the CAP. This structure includes emissions reductions goals for the following sectors:
Stationary energy, where ninety-one percent of GHG emissions in this sector are from electricity use;
Transportation, where seventy-six percent of GHG emissions in this sector are from the use of gasoline fuel;
Waste sector, where ninety-three percent of GHG emissions comes from the disposal of solid waste; and
Resiliency goals for air quality, local food systems, heat, and water.
The CAP Framework’s sector goals for the short-term, medium-term, and long-term are similar to the 2050 Sustainability Goals previously established. Each sector includes quick start action examples, which are actions currently being taken by the City or proposed that will be completed by 2025. Each sector in the CAP Framework also includes key achievements.
Next Steps
Continue to engage the community to build upon the work being done and propose further climate action. This engagement includes community workshops like the one scheduled in December 2020 and those to be scheduled in early 2021. Proposed actions will be evaluated for their contribution to the GHG emissions pathway to zero using a model provided by C40 Cities, as well as to their feasibility and cost-effectiveness. The CAP Framework and proposed additions to the plans will be formed into a CAP and will be presented to the Transportation, Infrastructure, and Innovation Subcommittee for recommendation for approval in 2021.
Attachments
Attachment A - The City of Phoenix CAP Framework
Attachment B - The 2018 Community-Scale GHG Emissions Inventory
Attachment C - The CAP Survey Results
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Karen Peters and the Offices of Environmental Programs and Sustainability.