Abstract

This action plan is for the Borough of State College and Townships of College, Ferguson, Halfmoon, Harris, and Patton, PA.

With seasonal variations and catastrophic natural disasters becoming more intense and frequent, climate change threatens the health, safety, and overall well-being of communities across the globe. The Centre Region of Pennsylvania is no exception. While all levels of governance are necessary to create and sustain the policy measures and actions necessary to adequately address these climate challenges, the impacts will be felt locally. This Plan is about how our local governments can play an essential role in preparing our community for the changing climate and be leaders in building a low-carbon community of the future.

Pennsylvania is projected to experience more frequent and severe storms, increasing temperatures, and other climate impacts that put a burden on our infrastructure and disrupts our economic, social, and environmental systems. Vulnerable populations are most at risk to the impacts of climate change due to existing social, economic, and environmental barriers. There are considerable opportunities to prepare for and respond to these changes while also creating co-benefits for our communities. Municipalities and other public stakeholders have already begun taking steps to make our community more resilient.

The development of Centre Region Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) demonstrates further commitment to meet our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets and prepare our community to adapt to the changing climate. This plan builds upon existing policies and programs with 82 actions to be taken by the community and local government which will result in a 45% reduction of community-wide GHG emissions by 2030. Implementing the actions will also allow the Centre Region to remain a resilient, healthy community for current residents and for future generations. Local governments’ role will be to lead by example, foster partnerships, create policy, and help disseminate information.

The CAAP is a comprehensive roadmap to accelerate our continued success in building a more healthy, equitable, resilient, and sustainable community. It is also a call to action to governmental entities, residents, businesses, and community organizations to take an active part in the implementation of the Plan to support our community transition to a low carbon future, prepare for the impacts of climate change, and create a healthier and more prosperous community.