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Wednesday, July 13, 2022 | Department of Environmental Protection
On June 28, the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Board of Education approved Policy ECA Sustainability, a transformative policy committing the school district to cutting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 80% by 2027 and 100% by 2035 compared to 2005 levels, in line with the county's Climate Action Plan (CAP) goals. To achieve this, the policy centers environmental sustainability in every aspect of MCPS, from the types of buses transporting students to school to the depth of climate change education students receive in the classroom.
Learn more here!
On June 13, County Executive Marc Elrich and County Councilmember Hans Riemer partnered together to introduce Comprehensive Building Decarbonization legislation (Bill 13-22). The bill would require the County to issue all-electric building standards for all new construction, major renovations, and additions by Jan. 1, 2024. Why it's important: as of 2018, 50% of the county's emissions came from the building sector, so electrifying new buildings is a huge step towards reducing emissions.
Read more in the County's press release and read the bill's Racial Equity & Social Justice Impact statement here.
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As climate change increases the frequency and intensity of flooding in the Washington region, increasing climate resiliency is crucial. The county recently secured 35 high-tech flood sensors from the U.S Department of Homeland Security that provide early flood or high-water warnings and will help protect lives. The sensors will be installed in the county's flood-prone areas.
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Energy Express is a fun, pirate adventure themed summer event for kids to learn about renewable energy, electricity, efficiency, and conservation, taught by trained high school students! The program, a collaboration between Montgomery Energy Connection and Montgomery County Public Libraries, takes place in the mornings and afternoons in-person across the county's libraries.
Learn more and find upcoming events here!
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'Who is suffering? If it’s not our generation, it’s our next generation.' - These are the wise words of Cuiling Li, a 55-year-old Bethesda gardener. We were able to venture into her garden to discuss her work, the gardening community, and the importance of environmental sustainability.
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The County’s climate team is happy to welcome Najila, Lulu, Kristina, Feh, Daniel, Rachel, and Lumina as interns and fellows for the summer! They are passionate individuals committed to combatting climate change, and will each work on a variety of projects, including writing articles, researching mitigation strategies, and analyzing data, to support the County's climate efforts.
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Purchasing gently used items is the best way to support the environment and your budget. When food shopping, however, there are different ways to shop more sustainably. Try to buy local whenever possible. Local food is fresher and travels a shorter distance than other items, reducing emissions from transportation while supporting our local agricultural economy.
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The County's most recent greenhouse gas inventory in 2018 found that 42% of emissions come from transportation. As such, the connection between climate and transportation could not be more important. Learn about electric vehicles, active transportation (means of getting around that is powered by human energy, like biking and walking), and public transit updates below:
For more info, subscribe to the Montgomery County Department of Transportation's newsletter here or the EV Purchasing Co-op newsletter here.
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This month's theme is "The Cost of Climate Change," including the cost of climate inaction, the cost of climate action, the cost of climate change to specific communities.
You've likely been affected by climate change. Your long-term finances might be, too - NPR
Realtor.com adds wildfire risk to all listings and says 30 million households could be at risk over the next few decades - Fortune
As Climate Change Threatens Mounting Urban Costs, Is Biomimicry The Way Forward? - Forbes
The Connection Between Wage Theft and Climate Disasters - RouteFifty
Important News Beyond the Cost
Supreme Court restricts the EPA's authority to mandate carbon emissions reductions - NPR
How Cities Can Respond to Extreme Heat - RouteFifty
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