Climate Change Science, Policy, and Local Action in Keene

CCP Presentation to City Council12/4/14

1. Overview of current climate science:

i. IPCC 5th Assessment Report ii. Climate Change in New Hampshire

2. Overview of current policy landscape

3. Implications for Keene

Presentation Outline

Climate Science: IPCC AR5

IPCC AR5 Synthesis Report

Report: “Climate Change in Southern NH: Past, Present, and Future”

The Policy Landscape

National Climate Policy

RGGI: Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative

NH Climate Policy

Climate Action in Keene

2000: Cities for Climate Protection Campaign

2004: Climate Action Plan

2007: Climate Resilient Communities & Climate Adaptation Plan

2010: Comprehensive Master Plan

Local Climate Action: The Next Step

• More ambitious GHG reduction goal to align with the NH Climate Action Plan

• Weatherization assistance for residents

• Increase renewable energy incentives

• Local transportation system

• The Science is clear: warming is unavoidable, but the degree of warming is still in question.

• If Keene wants to remain a leader on Climate Change Action, it needs to continue to act.

• Climate mitigation and adaptation measures enacted now are much cheaper than responding to impacts later.

• Use the CCP Committee as a resource!

Conclusion