1. Goal: Climate Protection
Reduce CO2 emissions 80 percent by 2050. Promote the efficient use of energy and plan for the County’s long-term energy needs.
b. Carbon Emissions Indicator
Source: Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection
A number of chemical compounds found in the Earth’s atmosphere act as “greenhouse gases,” absorbing heat created when sunlight is reflected off the Earth’s surface. Some of these compounds occur in nature (e.g., water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide), while others are exclusively man-made (like gases used for aerosols). According to various studies, the level of several major greenhouse gases (GHG) in the atmosphere have increased by about 25 percent since large-scale industrialization began in the mid-1800s.
As concentrations of these gases continue to increase in the atmosphere, the Earth's temperature is increasing. According to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Earth's average surface temperature has increased by about 1.2 to 1.4 ºF in the last 100 years. Other aspects of the climate – such as variations in rainfall patterns, snow and ice cover, and sea levels – also are changing, affecting people, plants, and animals. Research continues to better understand their future impacts and how the effects will vary by region and over time.
To both understand the sources of GHG emissions, and consider ways to reduce them, Montgomery County is tracking GHG emissions from various parts of the economy. Over time, the County will be able to identify areas that can achieve the County’s GHG reduction goals.
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