Our Progress
The Climate Action Plan contains a total of 74 recommended actions for the Town to implement over the coming decade. In the first year since the Plan’s adoption, the Town has made significant strides in starting implementation, including adding staff capacity and organizing a new volunteer board -the Climate Action Board (YCAB)- to facilitate sustainability efforts in town and advise the Town Council on climate, energy, and resilience policy.
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Over the past year, various Town staff, departments, and committees have initiated
approximately one third of the actions in the CAP. Efforts this year have also illuminated
gaps of the CAP and areas where YCAB can focus additional energy.
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Select the text of each goal to open a two-page progress report.
2024 Action Progress Report
This spring marks one year since the Town Council adopted Yarmouth’s first Climate Action Plan. To recognize this milestone, the Sustainability Department has released two summary reports: Action Progress Report and a Data Report.
Dive in to find out how the Town made progress and what trends in key data tell us.
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Healthy Buildings and Renewable Energy
The way we generate and consume energy is at the core of climate change. Today, the majority of our energy consumption relies on fossil fuels, such as oil or gas for heating buildings, and electricity generated by fossil-fuel based power plants. Using less energy in our buildings and transitioning to renewable sources is key to addressing climate change.
Thriving and Natural Environment
Natural lands and waters around us sequester carbon, support biodiversity, and insulate our community against severe weather and sea level rise. Ensuring these lands are resilient and protected ensures the health of our community as it continues to grow.
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Efficient Transportation and Land Use
Nearly half of our emissions come from cars. How we plan for neighborhoods, businesses, and services to connect with each other has a big role in shaping how we get around. We can reduce emissions from vehicles while supporting a thriving, connected community by shifting towards emissions-free transportation and fostering land use practices that aren’t car-dependent.
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Circular Economy
The way we buy, use, and dispose of materials has impacts beyond the trash or recycling bin. Every time something is thrown away, we end the life cycle of the natural resources and energy used to create that product, whether those are trees, oil, water or metal. By transforming how we consume products and manage waste we can reduce emissions, save families money, keep our environment clean, and empower our local economy.
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Connected and Safe Community
Hazards from a changing climate - such as sea level rise and more frequent and intense storms - will bring a cascade of impacts across our community. We have an opportunity to protect the people and places of Yarmouth while fostering a connected, empowered, and just community for all.
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