I._Climate_Action_Plan_Template.pdf

Climate Action Plan Template

City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County

Technical assistance from DNV

May 2021 Version 9.5

Instructions:

The following pages of this document contain the draft semi-standard language for the Climate Action Plan (CAP) Template. This can be provided to your consultant if you’re using one. Individual cities should use the semi-standard language as a starting point for making modifications to customize information and projections for their specific communities. For sections where semi-standard language is not provided, comments are embedded to provide more guidance on how to complete these sections.

Green highlights provide guidance about how to use the document.

Yellow highlights indicate sections and text that cities must customize.

Blue highlights with italic text indicate information that will be designed in sidebars or call-out boxes.

The following fields are designed to allow cities to find and replace (Ctrl+h) to customize:

Field (include brackets) Replacement text (for example) [CITY] San Mateo [CITY’s] San Mateo’s [BaselineYear] 2005 [TargetYear] 2030 [Target%] 50%

Changes to this document since Version 9.4:

• Changed “50 percent reduction in emissions” to “at least 50 percent reduction in emissions” throughout the document.

• Added “Funding and Financing Climate Action Plans Report” to the Appendix F: Summary of Funding Sources.

• Incorporated references to gasoline consumption and added a gasoline sales graph.

• Made family icons gender neutral.

• On page 42, changed “State Level Actions” to also include county-level actions throughout the section.

• Added a disclaimer to Appendix B.4 and fixed two mistakes in the graphics.

These and a few other new changes are indicated in the comments. Search on “version 9.5” to find them.

City of XXX Climate Action Plan

[CITY]

Month 2021

[CITY]

Month 2021

Climate Action Plan Commented [SW1]: Two options for the cover are provided for cities to choose from.

Acknowledgements

Acknowledgements [CITY] City Council

[CITY] City Manager

[CITY] City Staff

This Climate Action Plan was developed using the Regionally Integrated Climate Action Planning Suite (RICAPS) template and climate action planning tools.

Original RICAPS template and tools - 2011 Funding: A grant from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) and by California utility customers, administered by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission and with matching funds provided by the City and County Association of Governments of San Mateo County (C/CAG).

Steering Committee: Elizabeth Claycomb (Formerly City of Pacifica), Erin Cooke (Formerly City of Cupertino), Brandi de Garmeaux (City of Portola Valley), Shelly Reider (City of Millbrae), Jim Shannon (Formerly City of San Bruno)

Updated RICAPS template and tools - 2021 Funding: California utility customers, administered by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission and with matching funds provided by the City and County Association of Governments of San Mateo County (C/CAG).

Ad Hoc Committee and Reviewers: Michael Barber (County of San Mateo), Vanessa Brannon (City of Foster City), Jennifer Chong (City of Half Moon Bay), Hannah Doress (County of San Mateo), Adrienne Etherton (City of Brisbane), Kathleen Gallagher (City of Colma), Kirk Gharda (Formerly of City of Redwood City), Jonathan Kwan (City of Colma), Adam Lokar (City of San Carlos), Rachael Londer (County of San Mateo), Brian Oh (County of San Mateo), Vicky Sherman (City of Redwood City), Veronika Vostinak (City of Half Moon Bay)

Project Consultant: DNV GL Staff: Sandy Wong (C/CAG), Kim Springer (County of San Mateo), Susan Wright (County of San Mateo), John Allan (County of San Mateo), Denise Lin (County of San Mateo)

Letter from the Mayor – Version 1 (No Existing CAP)

Letter from the Mayor – Version 1 (No Existing CAP)

We’re experiencing a critical time for our community, our economy, and our environment. We are fortunate in [CITY] to be surrounded by a wealth of knowledge and opportunity, fostered by our businesses’ innovation and emboldened by our residents’ entrepreneurial spirit. [CITY] has a strong history of driving environmental preservation, as exemplified by [example]. This drive to protect natural resources is one of the core values of our community. However, resources fundamental to the vibrancy of [CITY] are at risk from the effects of climate change, which in San Mateo County, including [CITY], threatens to increase sea level, average high and low temperatures, the prevalence and strength of storms, and air pollution; aggravate health problems; and decrease the reliability of the water supply.

Climate change is a global problem. However, it’s only through local solutions designed to meet the needs of our community that we can mitigate and adapt to its impacts and protect the environment. Together we can conserve our scarce resources, which will help save money for our families and companies, increase the resilience of our economy, and support new markets that prioritize green technologies. This Climate Action Plan (CAP) is a comprehensive and strategic approach to sustainability, offering a suite of recommended actions that will engage all members of [CITY’s] community in this journey to safeguard our health by protecting the environment. The CAP also includes ideas to allow our city government to “walk the talk” by implementing practices to establish energy efficiency, water conservation, and alternative transportation programs and services this CAP proposes for our community.

This small but important step is just the beginning of an exciting time of environmental stewardship and community transformation in which [CITY] is taking the lead. But, as you can see when reviewing this CAP, the proposed efforts of [CITY] are small when compared to the collective action of our community members.

Sustainability requires more than just environmental protection; it will take leadership and partnership to deploy these actions. We invite you to actively join [CITY’s] transition to a cleaner environment, healthier community, and more prosperous future. The key to [CITY]’s success is you!

Commented [SW2]: NOTE TO CITIES: Two versions are provided with variations on the text. You can mix and match.

Letter from the Mayor – Version 2 (existing CAP)

Letter from the Mayor – Version 2 (existing CAP)

[CITY] has long been a leader in promoting sustainability and tackling climate change. [Add sentence about achievements meeting GHG reduction goals to date.]

Since [CITY] adopted its first Climate Action Plan (CAP) [x] years ago, California has experienced historic drought, higher average temperatures, heat waves, and devastating wildfires and mudslides. Climate change is no longer a threat in a distant future. It is here now and will continue to threaten the quality of life in San Mateo County, including in [CITY]. And it will get worse unless we act.

We have the tools to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045 or sooner, and our toolkit is still expanding. New developments in the energy and mobility industries are pushing the City to innovate and adapt to these new opportunities, which will help [CITY] reach its goals.

This CAP looks ahead to the ambitious goals and transformation we need to achieve, and lays the groundwork for embracing innovation and weathering disruption. By achieving the objectives laid out in this CAP, we will achieve at least a 50 percent reduction in our emissions below 2005 levels by 2030. This will give us momentum to achieve carbon neutrality well before 2045.

In addition to reducing emissions, we also recognize the need to adjust to our changing climate and prepare for more frequent and intense climate change impacts. This CAP indicates the steps we will take to plan our pathway to increased community resilience and climate readiness.

The next few years are critical to reducing our carbon emissions so we can avoid the worst climate change impacts. Now more than ever, the health and prosperity of the community and our environment depends on the collective action of City leaders and our businesses, community organizations, and individual residents. This CAP was developed in collaboration with community stakeholders and is a call to action for our government, businesses, and residents to engage and support our collective journey in achieving carbon neutrality well before 2045.

Great challenges offer great opportunities. Together we must be bold, ambitious, and daring. We know that this transition to a carbon-free future will improve our quality of life, our community wellbeing, and our prosperity. We will only be successful if we all work together. We invite you to join us and participate in this communitywide effort.

Table of Contents

Executive Summary

1. Introduction .............................................................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.

Why a Climate Action Plan?

Building on a Foundation Vision for a Better Future Benefits of Climate Action

2. CAP Overview ........................................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

Highlights of this CAP or What’s New in This CAP The Role of Equity How the CAP Came Together Document Roadmap Strategies and Focus

3. Impacts of Climate Change Climate Science 101 What’s Already Being Experienced Future Projections Impacts in San Mateo County Financial Impact of Climate Change

4. Goals and Targets .................................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

The Goal Carbon Neutrality

5. Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emission Generation-based GHG Inventory Consumption-based GHG Inventory Future Emissions Reductions from State-Level Actions [CITY’s] Contribution to the Goal

6. Strategies and Actions Introduction Strategies to Get Us There Solid Carbon Sequestration Adaptation

7. Implementation ......................................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

By the Numbers: Meeting the Emission Targets Getting It Done: Managing the Strategy Better Together Workforce Development Timeline Implementation Budget file://Users/georganncartwright/Desktop/Clients/SMC%20Sustainability/RICAPS%20Report/RICAPS_Template_WIP_v9.2%20cdsv3.docx#_Toc44832460 file://Users/georganncartwright/Desktop/Clients/SMC%20Sustainability/RICAPS%20Report/RICAPS_Template_WIP_v9.2%20cdsv3.docx#_Toc44832460 file://Users/georganncartwright/Desktop/Clients/SMC%20Sustainability/RICAPS%20Report/RICAPS_Template_WIP_v9.2%20cdsv3.docx#_Toc44832465 file://Users/georganncartwright/Desktop/Clients/SMC%20Sustainability/RICAPS%20Report/RICAPS_Template_WIP_v9.2%20cdsv3.docx#_Toc44832465 file://Users/georganncartwright/Desktop/Clients/SMC%20Sustainability/RICAPS%20Report/RICAPS_Template_WIP_v9.2%20cdsv3.docx#_Toc44832471 file://Users/georganncartwright/Desktop/Clients/SMC%20Sustainability/RICAPS%20Report/RICAPS_Template_WIP_v9.2%20cdsv3.docx#_Toc44832471 file://Users/georganncartwright/Desktop/Clients/SMC%20Sustainability/RICAPS%20Report/RICAPS_Template_WIP_v9.2%20cdsv3.docx#_Toc44832477 file://Users/georganncartwright/Desktop/Clients/SMC%20Sustainability/RICAPS%20Report/RICAPS_Template_WIP_v9.2%20cdsv3.docx#_Toc44832477 file://Users/georganncartwright/Desktop/Clients/SMC%20Sustainability/RICAPS%20Report/RICAPS_Template_WIP_v9.2%20cdsv3.docx#_Toc44832480 file://Users/georganncartwright/Desktop/Clients/SMC%20Sustainability/RICAPS%20Report/RICAPS_Template_WIP_v9.2%20cdsv3.docx#_Toc44832480 file://Users/georganncartwright/Desktop/Clients/SMC%20Sustainability/RICAPS%20Report/RICAPS_Template_WIP_v9.2%20cdsv3.docx#_Toc44832486 file://Users/georganncartwright/Desktop/Clients/SMC%20Sustainability/RICAPS%20Report/RICAPS_Template_WIP_v9.2%20cdsv3.docx#_Toc44832486 file://Users/georganncartwright/Desktop/Clients/SMC%20Sustainability/RICAPS%20Report/RICAPS_Template_WIP_v9.2%20cdsv3.docx#_Toc44832492 file://Users/georganncartwright/Desktop/Clients/SMC%20Sustainability/RICAPS%20Report/RICAPS_Template_WIP_v9.2%20cdsv3.docx#_Toc44832492

Monitoring and Improvement

8. Conclusion

9. Appendix A. Glossary of Abbreviations B. Climate Change C. Policy D. Best Practices for Community Collaboration and Sustainability Planning E. Partners F. Summary of Funding Sources G. Adaptation Planning for Climate Impacts

10. Endnotes ................................................................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.

file://Users/georganncartwright/Desktop/Clients/SMC%20Sustainability/RICAPS%20Report/RICAPS_Template_WIP_v9.2%20cdsv3.docx#_Toc44832500 file://Users/georganncartwright/Desktop/Clients/SMC%20Sustainability/RICAPS%20Report/RICAPS_Template_WIP_v9.2%20cdsv3.docx#_Toc44832500 file://Users/georganncartwright/Desktop/Clients/SMC%20Sustainability/RICAPS%20Report/RICAPS_Template_WIP_v9.2%20cdsv3.docx#_Toc44832501 file://Users/georganncartwright/Desktop/Clients/SMC%20Sustainability/RICAPS%20Report/RICAPS_Template_WIP_v9.2%20cdsv3.docx#_Toc44832501 file://Users/georganncartwright/Desktop/Clients/SMC%20Sustainability/RICAPS%20Report/RICAPS_Template_WIP_v9.2%20cdsv3.docx#_Toc44832509 file://Users/georganncartwright/Desktop/Clients/SMC%20Sustainability/RICAPS%20Report/RICAPS_Template_WIP_v9.2%20cdsv3.docx#_Toc44832509

Executive Summary

Cities are on the front lines when it comes to climate change. Cities are also leading the world in reducing carbon emissions through aggressive policies and adoption of clean technologies. [CITY’s] Climate Action Plan (CAP) establishes the goal of reducing carbon emissions at least 50 percent below 2005 levels by 2030, an interim step toward the ultimate goal of achieving carbon neutrality well before 2045.

[CITY] has already made significant progress in its climate action efforts. Between 2005 and 2015, [CITY] reduced its emissions by XXX,XXX metric tons (MT) of carbon dioxide equivalents (mtCO2e) to achieve XX percent below 2005 levels at a rate of 0.X percent per year. In order to achieve at least a 50 percent reduction by 2030, [CITY] would need to reduce total emissions by about XXX,XXX mtCO2e, at a rate of over X percent per year, significantly increasing the scale and speed of reductions. This “bending of the carbon curve” is essential to meeting the goal of carbon neutrality well before 2045 and avoiding worsened climate change impacts.

To meet this goal, this CAP provides a roadmap to reduce emissions in four sectors: 1) energy and water, 2) transportation and land use, 3) solid waste, 4) and food and consumption. The CAP identifies key actions that need to be accomplished within the next decade to stay on pace with achieving our goals.

This CAP also focuses on our municipal operations as well as issues and activities in the community, including how residents, organizations, and businesses can contribute to [CITY’s] emission reduction goals. It provides an ambitious, community-focused platform to advance policies that enhance quality of life and wellbeing, embrace smart city innovation and improve social equity. We engaged experts and community leaders to plan the best path forward for [CITY], and we hope you will join us on this journey.

Even if all emissions were eliminated today, we would still see climate change impacts in the future, including sea-level rise, hotter temperatures, and increased fire risk. [CITY] understands the importance of laying out a framework for enhancing [CITY’s] resilience to these impacts. This CAP describes the process [CITY] will embark on to develop a climate change resiliency plan moving forward.

So far, [CITY] has already committed to spending $X on climate action projects. Staff estimate that implementation of the CAP will cost an additional $X over the next X years, with some projects and programs still not fully conceived.

The community’s investment to support the CAP will be many times greater than [CITY's] own costs. [CITY] will need to support residents’ and businesses’ efforts to find funding to decarbonize their buildings, vehicles, and lifestyles. At the same time, [CITY] should discourage carbon-emitting activities through fee-based systems or carbon taxes to shift community investment away from fossil fuels to clean technologies.

In order to ensure full implementation of the CAP, an interdepartmental team of City staff, in collaboration with civic and business leaders, must be assembled to maintain momentum and ensure accountability. Staff will provide annual progress reports, including greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories, and will prepare an update to the CAP after five years.

This CAP provides a pathway to accelerate our historical success. It is also a call to action to residents, community organizations, and businesses to take an active part in our transition to a low-carbon future and clean

Commented [SW3]: Cities might want to create a separate, short “Executive Summary” document. It could include this Executive Summary section plus:

1.4 Benefits of Climate Action

3.2 What’s Already Being Felt

5. Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Inventories

5.1 Generation-based GHG Inventory

Summary chart of all actions

7.1 By the Numbers

Conclusion economy. In this process, we will foster a vibrant economy, increase our resiliency, and support [CITY’s] vision for a livable and sustainable community for all generations to come

1.

INTRODUCTION

Introduction

Why a Climate Action Plan?

The City of [CITY] is pleased to present the following update to our Climate Action Plan (CAP). This CAP, designed to be a blueprint of our community’s response to challenges posed by climate change, is a living document that reflects the ongoing efforts and challenges our community faces as the impacts from climate change grow more frequent, severe, and urgent.

Our city cannot solve the climate crisis alone. This CAP documents how [CITY] plans to collaborate with our partners in county, state, and federal government, along with community organizations and local businesses, to create new programs, services, and policies that will support our community in taking actions that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Building on a Foundation [EACH CITY describes climate action successes to date and customizes the smart art graphic with their city’s milestones.]

Vision for a Better Future If the year was currently 2045, here’s what we’d like to be able to say: We have reduced our carbon emissions XX% below 2005 levels. All of our energy comes from renewable sources and is reliable. Mobility options are zero carbon, shared and active, and congestion and air pollution are greatly reduced. Nearly all of our waste is reused, repurposed, or recycled. All community members have reliable access to affordable, clean water.

We have created a culture of awareness and action. We utilize smart city technology and principles to advance efficiency in our energy, water, waste, and transportation systems and infrastructure.

Environmental, economic, and social needs are considered and are in balance. Our prosperous economy and quality of life have benefited from this transformation. We are now connected, equitable, and resilient.

Milestone

Milestone

Milestone

Milestone

Milestone

Milestone

Benefits of Climate Action Beyond the direct benefit of a more stable climate, many climate actions generate additional benefits, such as the ones listed below.

Public Health Actions to mitigate climate change can improve air quality and physical and mental health, as well as access to healthy food.

Research suggests that living within 50 to 200 meters of major roadways can trigger asthma symptoms among adults and children and contribute to the development of asthma in children.1 Consequently, actions aimed at cutting gasoline consumption, reducing traffic congestion, taking vehicles off the road, and transitioning to an all-electric City vehicle fleet can reduce risk of cardiovascular disease, chronic and acute respiratory illnesses, cancer, and preterm births for those located near busy roads.

Actions that encourage active modes of transportation can reduce obesity and the risk of non-communicable diseases, improve mental health, and diminish the cost of public health services. Green infrastructure projects have been shown to increase recreational opportunities and physical fitness exercises such as dog walking or jogging.2

Denser, transit-oriented neighborhoods increase local access to essential services and nutritious food sources.

Increased intake of more climate-friendly foods, such as whole grains and vegetables, can reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Adaptation actions that mitigate urban heat island effects, such as planting shade trees, lessen potential health risks to sensitive populations.

Health benefits from climate action bring tangible healthcare savings as well. The cost of reducing CO2 emissions is less than the medical costs of treating the health effects of climate change.3

Enhanced Resilience Actions that address climate change can also bolster resilience to other hazards.

A microgrid resiliency project at the Miller Community Center in Seattle is an early example of what are expected to be many upcoming projects that leverage solar and battery storage to provide relief during emergencies. The local energy utility (Seattle City Light) is partnering with the Seattle Parks and Recreation to install a battery energy storage system, solar panels, and microgrid controls. When the project is complete in mid-2020, the microgrid will generate power and provide backup power storage for the community center when the grid is down, such as unplanned power outages and emergency events.4

Climate actions also can enhance community cohesion – the networks of formal and informal relationships among neighbors that foster a mutually supporting community.

• One study showed a direct link between increased vegetation and use of outdoor spaces for social activity.5

• Another study found that even small amounts of greenery increased the safety of urban areas.6

Commented [SW4]: This phrase was added in Version 9.5

• A survey of residents in many different types of neighborhoods found that the more that neighborhoods were walkable and neighbors knew each other, the more likely neighborhood residents were to participate politically, trust others, and be socially engaged.7

Reduced Traffic Congestion Climate actions can reduce traffic congestion.

Cities such as New York, Stockholm, and London have implemented congestion pricing—charging tolls to travel in designated urban areas during peak travel times to reduce the volume of traffic. Locally, the City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County and the San Mateo County Transportation Authority are partnering to build the San Mateo 101 Express Lanes Project—22 miles of express lanes on U.S.101 from the San Mateo County/Santa Clara County line to I-380 in South San Francisco. Slated to be complete in 2022, the project is designed to reduce traffic congestion and encourage carpooling and transit use on U.S. 101 in San Mateo County.8

Equity and Inclusion Climate actions can foster a more equitable and inclusive community.

City-driven climate action approaches have the potential to increase equity and inclusion in both the planning process as well as in long-term outcomes. To realize this promise, planners need to begin by considering how to integrate equity and inclusion from the very beginning of determining the CAP planning process. This should include partnering with socially vulnerable communities.

In Buffalo, N.Y., People United for Sustainable Housing (PUSH) used a Community Congress model to meaningfully engage residents in local planning efforts. This advanced their vision, priorities, and solutions. The collective work of multiple partners resulted in development of a Green Development Zone that features green infrastructure, local food systems, affordable housing, and energy-efficient buildings.9

In San Mateo County, Peninsula Clean Energy partnered with Peninsula Family Service to offer increased incentives to enable low-income residents to cost effectively purchase used electric vehicles with low mileage through the DriveForward10 program. Electric vehicles save owners money on fueling and maintenance costs and reduce GHG emissions. The program is helping to increase EV ownership across the socioeconomic spectrum in San Mateo County.

Economic Stability and Growth Climate actions can boost the local economy through local projects, programs, and jobs.

Investments in the construction, manufacturing, clean technology, green infrastructure, and civil engineering sectors not only provide businesses with opportunities for growth. They also create skilled, well-paying “green” jobs for the community. For example, many jobs in the renewable energy and energy efficiency sector are in installation, maintenance, and construction—making them inherently local and influential to the local economy.

Cities can partner with workforce development organizations, business incubators, B-corporations, and green businesses to build a diverse workforce pipeline for these fields.

Studies have shown that energy efficiency investments create more jobs than those in fossil fuel industries—the estimate is approximately eight jobs per $1 million invested, compared to approximately three jobs per $1 million

Commented [SW5]: This previous said “Plug-in hybrid electric.” This change was made in Version 9.5 invested in fossil fuel industries.11 Investments in climate actions can also save [CITY] money. A study by the University of California Transportation Center estimated that maintenance of electric vehicles (EVs) would cost only 50 percent to 75 percent of the average maintenance cost of a conventional vehicle.12

The sectors most likely to benefit from climate actions and policies are those related to household spending, such as housing, wholesale, and retail. Manufacturers of energy efficiency equipment and appliances and renewable energy generation equipment also benefit.13

Carbon Sequestration Many actions that address climate vulnerability and risk also reverse emissions of GHGs into the atmosphere.

Shade trees absorb, or sequester, carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Studies show that a young tree sapling can sequester anywhere from 1.0 to 1.3 pounds of carbon each year, while a 50-year-old tree can sequester over 100 pounds annually.14 Restoration of wetlands can both sequester carbon and be implemented in a way that may protect shoreline communities and habitats from sea-level rise and storm surge. Healthy soils on farmland also play an important role in absorbing carbon.

Actions to sequester carbon in trees, soils, and vegetation can minimize stormwater runoff and increase biodiversity of plants and animals. Biodiversity is critical to the health of City parks and other open spaces. Natural area conservation protects natural resources and environmental features that sequester carbon, reduce stormwater runoff, promote infiltration, prevent soil erosion, and increase ecosystem biodiversity.

Municipalities with urban forests should consider end-of-life practices for trees to ensure the carbon embedded in the tree is maintained after a tree is cut down. As outlined in Chapter 6: Strategies & Actions, in the Carbon Sequestration section, some options include: using the tree for lumber for local construction, upcycling a dead tree into park benches or furniture, or converting it into biochar.

Project Green Space In 2019, Daly City provided more than 200 trees to residents, free of charge.

The City worked with volunteers to plant the trees throughout the community as part of the California Initiative to Reduce Carbon and Limit Emissions. Many local trees had died due to ongoing drought conditions, so the City planted species that thrive in drier and hotter conditions. The newly planted trees absorb and filter stormwater, filter air pollutants, assist in groundwater recharge, reduce erosion, and capture and store carbon dioxide.

www.DalyCity.org/ProjectGreenSpace

CAP OVERVIEW

CAP Overview

Highlights of this CAP or What’s New in This CAP [Version 1] Since local governments began adopting climate action plans a decade ago, there has been a lot progress related to climate protection. This CAP builds on those efforts, and includes the following innovative elements:

-OR-

[Version 2] Since our first climate action plan (CAP) was adopted in 20XX, much has changed related to climate protection. Consequently, this CAP includes the following updates and additions:

• Incorporates new global, state, and local policies and climate targets, including carbon neutrality.

• Documents climate change impacts here in San Mateo County and previews what we need to plan for.

• Documents our community partners and how we plan to work together to achieve our goals.

• Addresses emissions from what we buy and consume in addition to emissions we generate here.

• Provides more ways individuals, community groups, and businesses can get involved.

• Focuses on equity, or how to make sure everyone benefits, especially the most vulnerable members of our community.

The Role of Equity We cannot address climate change without also addressing equity.

Commonly, climate change disproportionately threatens those who are the least responsible for generating pollution, the most vulnerable to its impacts, and the least able to adapt. This is true globally, and it is also true in [CITY]. Many climate change impacts, such as health impacts, will disproportionately affect socially vulnerable populations. (See sidebar for the definition of “social vulnerability.”) That’s why the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors emphasized the need to take health, socio-economic, and racial equity into account in policymaking and climate solutions at all levels in their 2019 climate emergency declaration.15

According to Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI), an international organization of local and regional governments, climate equity ensures that all people have the opportunity to benefit equally from climate solutions, while not taking on an unequal burden of climate impacts.16 Since greenhouse gas contribution typically increases with income17 – this CAP asks those more responsible for contributing GHG emissions to do more to reduce those emissions. Simultaneously, the CAP outlines ways to assist low-income community members in accessing carbon-free energy and technologies. When all community members have the same ability to plan for and shape their futures, the result is a healthier and more resilient community.

However, achieving this vision requires hard work and intention. [CITY] recognizes the importance of proactively including socially vulnerable groups and those who have traditionally been underrepresented in planning processes to participate in the development of this CAP. [CITY] is partnering with community organizations such as XXXX and XXXX to ensure that the planning process is accessible and welcoming to our full community.

“The poorest half of the global population are responsible for only around 10% of global emissions yet live overwhelmingly in the countries most vulnerable to climate change – while the richest 10% of people in the world are responsible for around 50% of global emissions.”

—OXFAM International

Commented [SW6]: Version 1 is for cities adopting their first CAP. Version 2 is for cities with an existing CAP.

As [CITY] implements the programs and policies that result from this CAP, we will continue to seek support and feedback from the diverse group of community stakeholders. Moving forward, [CITY] will evaluate programs and policies using key performance metrics that encourage equitable engagement and impact.

What is “Social Vulnerability”?

This term refers to populations with greater vulnerability to climate impacts because of their social inequities, physical characteristics, or baseline conditions. These include, but aren’t limited to:

• Children and the elderly

• People with limited English proficiency

• Low-income communities

• Communities of color

• LGBTI and/or gender non-conforming community members

• Undocumented immigrants

• Women

• Community members who practice a minority religion

• Community members with limited education or literacy

• Residents with unstable economic or housing situations

• People with disabilities or physical and mental health conditions

• Outdoor workers and others whose workplace conditions expose them to disproportionate risk, including people in the informal workforce

• People whose housing conditions expose them to disproportionate risk

• People who are disproportionately exposed to pollution and toxic hazards or natural hazards

• Community members without access to the internet or phone service

• Transit-dependent populations

• Community members who face multiple areas of vulnerability or intersectional vulnerability

How the CAP Came Together This climate action plan (CAP) was developed in partnership with the City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County (C/CAG) and the County of San Mateo Office of Sustainability through the San Mateo County Energy Watch program and its Regionally Integrated Climate Action Planning Suite (RICAPS) initiative. RICAPS is co-funded by C/CAG and PG&E.

RICAPS assists member jurisdictions and other interested local governments to develop climate action plans that are consistent with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines, including both the CEQA Guidelines Amendments effective December 28, 2018, and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD)’s CEQA Air Quality Guidelines (updated May 2017). RICAPS tools include a Menu of Measures, forecasting tool, climate action plan template, and technical assistance from DNV GL, an environmental consultant. By combining resources, RICAPS promotes high-quality climate action plans that can be used to meet regulatory requirements and support planning efforts to reduce GHG emissions. (More information about these partners is found in Appendix E.)

The template and [CITY]’s climate strategy is based on the ICLEI ─ Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI) 5-Milestone process.18 To ensure equity when developing the CAP, [CITY] used the Equitable, Community-Driven Climate Preparedness Planning framework from the Urban Sustainability Directors Network as well as resources in Appendix D: “Best Practices for Community Collaboration and Sustainability Planning” as a guide.19

Commented [SW7]: Gender neutral icons added with Version 9.5

The diagram below shows the steps [CITY] has taken so far to develop this CAP (Steps 1 through 4). Steps 5 and 6 will follow once the CAP is adopted. (See details in Chapter 7: Implementation, Monitoring & Implementation section.)

STEP 1

PROJECT

INITIATION

• Co-create a project plan with the community, especially communities of color or lower-income communities that will be impacted by the outcomes of the plan. Strategies include involving community (or representatives of the community) on the leadership team or steering committee, which sets the goals of the plan and makes decisions. Co-create the engagement strategy, which could include nontraditional engagement techniques.

STEP 2

DATA

COLLECTION &

ANALYSIS

• Collaborate with community to identify neighborhood strengths, assets, and climate hazards, including an assessment of social and environmental vulnerabilities, adaptive capacity, climate risks, and the underlying causes of increased climate risks.

STEP 3

VISIONING &

ALTERNATIVES

• Collaborate with community to determine the guiding principles and vision for the plan’s development.

Include an understanding of unintended consequences of actions and potential impacts on equity in the alternatives analysis (i.e., creation of new inequities, or worsening, improvement, or neutral impacts on existing inequities).

STEP 4

PLAN

DEVELOPMENT

• Design and prioritize strategies to benefit communities and populations impacted by climate change and mitigate potential negative impacts. Also consider opportunities for enhancing co-benefits across sectors.

For example, weatherizing older homes would also decrease energy costs and improve housing quality, which can also generate equity benefits when actions prioritize communities of color and lower-income households.

STEP 5

PLAN & PROJECT

IMPLEMENTATION

• Partner with community during implementation to reduce the risk of creating new inequities or worsening existing ones. Prioritize actions that focus on communities and populations with the greatest climate risk and geared towards addressing the contributing causes of increased climate risk. Involve community in the implementation and communication of the plan. Strategies include working with trusted service providers to implement programs.

STEP 6

MONITORING

& REVIEW

• Monitor and review plan implementation to ensure that actions are implemented as planned and with the desired outcomes. Engage community in monitoring to help maintain accountability as part of a review board or advisory panel. Update strategies in collaboration with the community based on information gathered regarding implementation, outcomes, and feedback from stakeholders. Share data and information regarding ongoing monitoring of the plan’s implementation and outcomes with the community.

Commented [SW8]: EACH CITY customizes this graphic from USDN with their specific actions. The City can refer to Appendix D for best practices.

Document Roadmap

Strategies and Focus Energy & Water

This includes energy that is used in community and public facilities, as well as in water treatment and transportation. This strategy addresses opportunities to reduce energy use, shift from natural gas to electricity, and reduce water consumption.

Transportation This includes public transit, commuting, and how we use land. Opportunities to reduce GHG emissions include reducing the number of miles we drive alone in cars, shifting away from fossil fuel vehicles, and increasing housing near transit.

Waste This includes emissions from solid waste generation and disposal. The primary goal is to reduce emissions by encouraging the community to reduce waste. The secondary goal is to divert it from the landfill through recycling and composting.

Food & Consumption

This includes the goods and services we buy from outside San Mateo County. This strategy explores how to reduce food waste, shop local, and curb unnecessary air travel.

IMPACTS OF

CLIMATE CHANGE

ON [CITY]

See how climate change is already affecting [CITY] and the rest of San Mateo

County, and what we're anticipating in the future.

(page X)

GOALS & TARGETS

Learn how [CITY's] GHG emissions are calcuated and about the goals we have set for reducing those emissions.

(page X)

STRATEGIES &

ACTIONS

Read about [CITY’s] four focus areas.

Within each one, learn about progress to date, overarching strategies, and actions that will move the strategies forward.

(page X)

IMPLEMENTATION

See how we plan to put the CAP into action, including the timeframe of priority actions, who we plan to collaborate with, who is responsible for accomplishing actions, and how we plan to track progress.

(page X)

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3. Impacts of Climate Change

IMPACTS OF

CLIMATE CHANGE

Impacts of Climate Change on [CITY]

Climate Science 101 Climate change presents one of the most significant challenges of our time. As levels of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions increase in the atmosphere, the Earth’s climate system is being destabilized. GHG emissions are invisible, and include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and three man-made gasses:

hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6).

As more greenhouse gasses are trapped inside the Earth’s atmosphere, more of the sun’s energy is trapped as heat, which means temperatures keep getting hotter. In fact, the world has already become nearly 1°F warmer since 1880, and we’re seeing extreme consequences because of it, including more intense storms, greater wildfire risk, and rising sea levels.

Although we’re already seeing impacts of climate change, there’s a range of how relatively mild or devastating the future impacts might be, depending on how aggressively we take action to address it (see Chapter 3: Impacts of Climate Change, Future Projections section). Scientists have laid out four pathways, or scenarios, based on future levels of GHG emissions. The pathways range from the very optimistic to the highly pessimistic. The strategies laid out in this CAP are in alignment with the most optimistic pathway. For more information about the four pathways, see Appendix B.4.

The Earth Has a Fever Atmospheric scientist Dr. Katharine Hayhoe has a simple way to explain the impact of rising global temperatures: “When we say the planet is warming by one or two or three degrees Celsius, often we think, ‘Well, that's nothing.’ But if our body’s temperature goes up one and a half to three or even four degrees Fahrenheit, we are running a fever. We go to the doctor. If it was three or four degrees, we go to the hospital. And that's what's happening to our planet. It is running a fever. And that fever is affecting us.”

—Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, Professor and Director, Climate Science Center, Texas Tech University

What’s Already Being Experienced Climate change has already affected and will continue to affect San Mateo County.

Climate change will have many different effects on society and on the natural world. Plant and animal species are adapting to changing environments by migrating to new areas. As species move, they bring diseases with them to farms and human populations. Some species become extinct due to either human-caused climate change or to human activities such as habitat destruction or toxic pollution.

The region’s annual maximum temperature increased 1.7°f from 1950-2005.

Coastal fog, which is critical to the region’s climate and ecosystems, is less frequent than ever before.

Sea level has risen over 8 inches in the last century.

The forceful 2015-2016 El Niño weather pattern, which was one of the three largest in history, resulted in unprecedented outer coast beach erosion due to winter wave energy that was more than 50% greater than a typical winter.

The 2012-2016 statewide drought led to the most drastic moisture shortages in the last 1,200 years, resulting in a 1-in-500-year low in Sierra snowpack. This drastically reduced snowpack resulted in $2.1 billion in economic losses, 21,000 jobs lost statewide in agricultural and recreational sectors, and a continuing exhaustion of groundwater sources.

Future Projections

Even if considerable efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are conducted, San Mateo County will likely see substantial temperature increases by 2050. By 2100, temperature rise will be dependent on the emissions scenario. (For more information about the four emissions scenarios, see Appendix B.4.)

Precipitation in San Mateo County will continue to vary each year. The differences between wet and dry years are projected to become more extreme and damaging in the coming decades. If no action is taken to combat climate change, the Sierra snowpack, a critical source of water for the State, will decrease by an average of 64 percent by the end of the century.20

As temperature continues to increase, it is anticipated to cause longer and more intense California droughts, posing major problems for government operations, water supplies, ecosystems, agriculture, and recreation.

Studies suggest that even with significant emissions reductions, it is inevitable that there will be at least 6 feet of sea-level rise over the next several centuries due to the delayed effects of climate change.

Impacts in San Mateo County Following are some of the key climate impacts that San Mateo County has already seen and will likely see in the future.

Rising Temperatures The Bay Area’s average annual maximum temperature increased by 1.7°F (0.95°C) from 1950 to 2005. Even with significant efforts to mitigate climate change, the Bay Area will likely see annual mean warming of approximately 3.3°F by mid-century and as much as 4.4°F under the high-emissions scenario. By the end of the century, temperatures could rise by 4.2°F to 7.2°F.22

Extreme heat events occur when air temperatures reach or exceed 100°F.

Across San Mateo County, air temperatures are expected to increase by an average of 5°F between 1995 and 2070 due to climate change. In the baseline year of 1995, approximately nine percent of the people in vulnerable communities in the county were at risk from the impacts of more than two high heat days per year. By 2030, nearly three times as many people will be at risk. By 2070, four times as many will be at risk. The greatest increases in the number of high heat days from 1995 to 2070 are projected to occur in Atherton, East Palo Alto, Foster City, Menlo Park, North Fair Oaks, and Redwood City.

The Climate Ready SMC Web Visualization Tool is an interactive website designed to provide an enhanced understanding of how a changing climate will impact our community (https://www.smcsustainability.org/climate-ready). The maps below demonstrate how the tool can be used to identify how projected high heat events in 2030 and 2070 could impact areas in [CITY]. [Provide examples here.]

Impacts on people

Climate change could have broad impacts to communities and people – hitting those most vulnerable first and worst. High levels of socioeconomic inequity in the bay area create large differences in the ability of individuals to prepare for and recover from heat waves, floods, and wildfires.

Direct effects include a broad spectrum of heat-related diseases, ranging from heat exhaustion to heat stroke to death, and injuries and fatalities that result from severe weather. Indirect effects of climate change on human health arise from the connection of climate and weather conditions with health responses. Examples include air pollution, pollen and allergens, decreases in water quality and more extensive harmful algal blooms, and changes in supply of water and food.

Impact of Heat on People

In a heat wave, the most dangerous places can be the ones where people spend the most time: inside houses and apartments. In poorly insulated buildings, heat can build up and not even dissipate at night. In 2018, a KQED investigation found that bay area homes without air conditioning were as much as 15 to 20 degrees hotter inside than outside overnight.21

These risks are compounded for low-income communities. A september 2017 bay area heat wave overwhelmed the protective and social infrastructure in san francisco, resulting in 6 deaths and 38 hospitalizations. Members of socially vulnerable communities may not be able to afford to cool their work or living spaces or may be forced to choose between air conditioning and paying for basic necessities (e.g., food and rent).

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Commented [SW11]: Gender neutral icon added with Version 9.5 https://www.smcsustainability.org/climate-ready https://www.smcsustainability.org/climate-ready

Figure 1: Number of High Heat Days in [CITY] for 2070

Only 10 percent of homes in the Bay Area currently have air conditioning.23 Warming trends across San Mateo County are expected to cause more people to install and use air conditioning, resulting in an increase in GHG emissions. The largest increase in summer energy demand is expected in coastal cities as air conditioning adoption grows.

The amount and location of new air conditioning needed can be predicted through a metric called “cooling degree days” (CDD). This value quantifies how much the air temperature exceeds 65°F on a single day or period of days.

As the temperature rises above 65°F outside, occupants inside get increasingly uncomfortable and will typically turn on air conditioning if it is available, so a larger CDD indicates a higher likelihood of increased energy consumption to cool homes and businesses.

In some San Mateo County communities, CDDs are projected to double or triple between present day and 2070.

It is projected that the southeast, central-east, and coastal areas of the county will be impacted most dramatically, with the greatest percentage increases expected to occur in Pacifica, Daly City, and Brisbane Quarry. By 2070, the number of CDDs in Daly City will have nearly increased to the number of CDDs in North Fair Oaks in the baseline year of 1995.

Commented [SW12]: EACH CITY can include customized maps using the Climate Impact Viewer

Figure 2. Average Cooling Degree Days (CDD) by Jurisdiction

Figure 3. Average Cooling Degree Days (CDD) in [Community], Year 2070

The map above illustrates the projected average number of CDDs in San Mateo County in 2070.

Commented [SW13]: EACH CITY can include customized maps using the Climate Impact Viewer

Sea-Level Rise The San Francisco Bay Area is one of the top hotspots for sea-level rise in the nation. Average sea level in the Bay Area has risen 8 inches in the past 100 years, based on the San Francisco tide gauge.25

In 2018, the County of San Mateo finalized a Sea-Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment26 for the County in coordination with cities, agencies, businesses, community groups, and others. Sea-level rise impacts include flooding, increased wave action, rising groundwater tables and saltwater intrusion, increased erosion (i.e., landward shoreline retreat) and changes in sediment supply.

The economic value of San Mateo County property at risk from sea-level rise exceeds that of any other county in the Bay Area. The assessed value of parcels in the study area exposed to near-term (present-day) flooding exceeds $1 billion, and the assessed value of parcels exposed to erosion and flooding in the long term (50 to 100 years) totals roughly $39.1 billion.

In addition, the built and natural infrastructure meant to…