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Climate Protection
The City of Charlottesville first committed to greenhouse gas reductions by joining the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement in 2006.
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Reduction Goal
The City of Charlottesville has adopted a citywide GHG emissions reduction goal (which includes emissions resulting from residential, commercial, industrial, and governmental activities such as powering our buildings, transportation, waste, and water/wastewater). Learn more about Charlottesville's GHG emissions.
Reduce GHG emissions to 45% below 2011 levels by 2030
Achieve carbon neutrality by 2050
This GHG emissions reduction goal was adopted by City Council on July 1, 2019 following two public comment periods and a presentation of a draft goal. Agenda memos for City Council on May 6, 2019 and July 1, 2019 include comments and feedback from the community as well as resolutions informing the future development of a climate action plan.
Climate Action Planning
As part of its Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy commitment, the City will develop a Climate Action Plan to meet its citywide greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) reduction targets and a Climate Adaptation Plan to prepare and adjust to local effects of climate change. Learn more about Charlottesville's Climate Action Planning activities.
Learn More and Stay Informed!
Sign up via Notify Me to receive notices when new Climate Action updates from the City are available. Select Climate Action in the list under "News Flash".
Activities of the Climate Protection Program are informed and supported by the Charlottesville Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventories, the Local Climate Action Planning Framework (LCAPP), and the (under development) Climate Action Plans for GHG Emission Reductions and Climate Adaptation.
Some of Charlottesville's Commitments to Climate:
- US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement (2006)
- Comprehensive Plan (2007; 2013; 2018; 2021)
- Charlottesville City Council Vision 2025: A Green City (2009)
- Global Compact of Mayors (2017)
- New Greenhouse Gas Reduction Target Adopted, setting goals for 2030 and 2050 (2019)
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City of Charlottesville Publishes Annual Energy and Water Performance Report
The City of Charlottesville realized reduced utility usage and spending during fiscal year 2021 primarily due to severely reduced building occupancy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read on... -
Climate Action at City Council Work Session on Monday, April 18
The City's Climate Protection Program will be presenting an update and preliminary content for the City's Climate Action Plan at the City Council Work Session on Monday, April 18, 4:00 pm. Read on... -
Surveys Open for Climate Action Planning
Surveys to inform climate action planning - both greenhouse gas reductions and climate vulnerability - are open for community input until Friday, May 20, 2022. Read on... -
Charlottesville Initiates A Big Step Forward to Large Energy and Water Savings
The City of Charlottesville hires CMTA Energy Solutions to identify energy saving opportunities that support climate action. Read on... -
GHG Emissions Data Updated on the City Website
Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) Inventories measure and track community-wide GHGs associated with activities within the City of Charlottesville's community. The City's website has been updated to make this data more accessible to the community. Read on... -
Summary Report from Community/Staff Forums Available - Climate Vulnerability Assessment Process
As part of the Climate Vulnerability Assessment Process, community members and staff considered vulnerabilities in Charlottesville's community systems. A summary report of this input is now available online. Read on... -
Urban Heat Island Mapping Data - Now Available!
Data and final report from the 2021 Urban Heat Island Mapping Campaign is now available! Read on... -
Join us on Jan. 20 for a Climate Action Together Roundtable Discussion
Climate change, and its associated stress on our community, is upon us. Join the City of Charlottesville, Albemarle County, and the University of Virginia on January 20 for a roundtable discussion with local leaders in key affected community systems. Read on... -
Now Open: Online Input Form for Identifying Climate Vulnerabilities in Charlottesville
On Oct. 25th, Charlottesville hosted live virtual forums to identify climate vulnerabilities as the next step in its Climate Vulnerability Assessment process. An online recording and input form are now available for additional input to hear from you! Read on... -
Climate Vulnerability Assessment Process Kicking Off
The City is beginning the process to develop a Climate Vulnerability Assessment, a part of Adaptation Planning. Having prepared information on the climate hazards projected for Charlottesville, community input is needed to identify vulnerabilities. Read on... -
Call for Volunteers: Urban Heat Island Mapping Campaign
Calling for Community Volunteers - Help Charlottesville collect data on urban heat as part of the 2021 NIHHIS-CAPA Urban Heat Island Mapping Campaign! This project will support Charlottesville's climate action efforts around extreme heat vulnerabilities. Read on... -
Announcing: Community Workshop - Dec 14 and Dec 15
The City of Charlottesville is developing a Climate Action Plan (CAP) aimed to achieve its greenhouse gas reduction goals. Community engagement is a critical part of this process. Join us for the first community workshop! Read on... -
Charlottesville Adopted New GHG Reduction Goals
On July 1, 2019, City of Charlottesville's City Council adopted new greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goals informed by community input and the challenge posed by climate change, including the recent IPCC report. The new goals aim to achieve a 45% reduction Read on... -
Draft GHG Goals Open for Public Comment
At City Council's May 6, 2019 meeting, a compilation of community comments and input were presented along with draft greenhouse gas reduction goals. Community input was used to inform support for this level of commitment and to begin informing direction Read on... -
Charlottesville Recommits to Climate Action
City Council passed a resolution on June 19, 2017 as its "Response to the Announced US Withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement". The resolution indicates continued commitment on behalf of Charlottesville to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and Read on...