It’s projected (according to Dr. Hatim Sharif from the UTSA College of Engineering) that by 2040 there will be longer triple digit days, less rain, higher energy costs, and increased health risks due to weather in San Antonio. That is not cool.
So what is the city doing about it? Enter the SA Climate Ready Plan that provides tools + resources for residents and businesses as well as targeted goals, and a road map to achieve those goals.
The plan
The plan, adopted on October 17, 2019, is a vision for the city to tackle the changing climate and reduce its effects on the natural environment and green house gas emissions (GHG Emissions), as well as improving the quality of life of San Antonians. According to the city, the top GHG polluters in 2019 were building energy use (44%) and transportation (40%).
The goal
The goal is to reduce GHG emissions from 2016 levels, and reduce total emissions by 41% by 2030, 71% by 2040, and 100% by 2050. Here’s what the city is doing to achieve its climate goal:
- Investing in renewable energy sources, like wind, solar, and landfill gas
- Enhancing public transportation (all-electric ARC buses by VIA)
The trial run of the cool pavement program
The path
There are plenty of ways each San Antonian can do their part to help the environment such as:
- Adding solar panels to your house
- Weatherize your home with CPS Energy’s Casa Verde Program
- Ride with VIA Metro
- Renovate your home with a green thought in mind
- Start an office recycling program
There are also local and federal tax incentives as well as water and energy rebates for San Antonio residents. SA Climate Ready offers training tutorials that cover emissions, climate projections, and solutions.