Did you know Hampton Roads is crafting its first-ever region-wide Climate Action Plan? This plan will outline strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create a more sustainable future for our community. However, to make the plan successful and representative of the needs of Hampton Roads stakeholders, we need your input!
What is a Climate Action Plan?
A Climate Action Plan serves as a roadmap to a more sustainable future. It identifies ways to reduce emissions, improve air quality, cultivate clean energy jobs, and ensure a fair and equitable transition for all communities. . In 2023, the HRPDC was awarded a grant from the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) Program to create a Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP). The plan will encompass various sectors, including energy, transportation, buildings, and waste management.
What are Greenhouse Gas Emissions?
A "greenhouse gas" (GHG) is a type of gas in the Earth's atmosphere that traps heat from the sun, like a ceiling made of glass and warms the planet. GHGs are sometimes created naturally and are important for keeping Earth at a comfortable temperature, similar to how a greenhouse with glass walls traps heat inside to grow plants when it is cold outside. However, too much heat can be harmful. Everyday activities – like burning fossil fuels for energy to power our daily lives, cutting down trees, and sending too much waste to landfills can increase GHGs, negatively impact the environment, and contribute to climate change.
Why Should You Care?
Climate change is a pressing issue impacting our environment and our health. By participating in this initiative, you have a chance to influence positive change in Hampton Roads. Climate change could impact Hampton Roads in the following ways:
- Sea Level Rise:Hampton Roads is particularly vulnerable to sea level rise, which is occurring at a faster rate here than the global average. This poses significant threats to:
- Coastal communities: Increased flooding may damage homes and businesses, displace residents, and disrupt daily life.
- Military installations: Naval Station Norfolk and other vital military assets are at risk of flooding and operational disruption.
- Infrastructure: Roads, bridges, and transportation systems may be increasingly vulnerable to flooding and erosion.
- Increased Flooding:
- "Sunny-day" flooding: Rising tides are already causing regular flooding in low-lying areas, even without storms. This disrupts traffic, damages property, and compromises public health.
- Storm surge: More intense hurricanes will bring higher storm surges, inundating coastal areas and causing widespread damage.
- Economic Impacts:
- Tourism and recreation: Coastal tourism, a major economic driver for the region, will be negatively impacted by beach erosion, flooding, and diminished water quality.
- Military readiness: Flooding and infrastructure damage could significantly impact the operational readiness of military installations in the region.
- Property values: Rising flood risks will decrease property values in vulnerable areas, impacting homeowners and the local economy.
- Public Health:
- Increased heat stress: Higher temperatures will increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, particularly among vulnerable populations.
- Water quality issues: Saltwater intrusion and increased flooding can contaminate drinking water supplies and harm aquatic ecosystems.
To mitigate the potential impacts to Hampton Roads, the following sectors are being researched as part of the regional Climate Action Plan:
- Energy Supply. Cleaner sources of energy can power our homes, businesses, and transportation.
- Buildings and Energy Use. Buildings can run more efficiently and be more resilient to the impacts of climate change, helping to keep the lights on while consuming less power.
- Transportation. Switching to electric and fuel-efficient vehicles and equipment, increased use of public transportation, and options like walking and biking can have major community and health benefits.
- Solid Waste and Wastewater. Better recycling practices and expanded composting activities can help reduce emissions from our landfills, and process efficiency improvements can help reduce emissions from wastewater treatment plants.
- Agriculture and Natural Lands. Conserving, restoring, and managing lands to preserve and enhance their benefits – such as wetland and living shoreline restoration and increased tree canopy – can support GHG reductions and increase community protection from storms and flooding.
- Industry. Finding collaborative solutions for clean energy use and efficiency improvements along our industrial corridors can help reduce pollution.
How to Get Involved
- Register for our upcoming webinar on January 22nd at 6:00 PM. This informative session will delve deeper into the Climate Action Plan and provide insights into the survey that will be released. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about how you can contribute to a more sustainable Hampton Roads.
- Visit our website (www.hrpdcva.gov/climate) for more details about the Climate Action Plan and how to stay informed.
- Spread the word! Share this e-newsletter with your friends, family, and neighbors. The more voices we have, the stronger our plan will be.
Together, we can create a more sustainable and healthier Hampton Roads for generations to come!
Questions?
Contact Quan McLaurin or Whitney Katchmark.