Encinitas reveals draft Climate Action Plan targeting 2025 greenhouse gas reduction goals

The City of Encinitas held a Public Health & Safety Commission meeting on March 17, 2025, where the primary focus was the presentation of the draft update to the Climate Action Plan (CAP). The city's sustainability analyst outlined the comprehensive roadmap aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing sustainability efforts in Encinitas.

The CAP has been in place since 2011, with updates occurring every five years. The latest draft, which aligns with California's legislative goals for carbon neutrality by 2045, sets ambitious targets to reduce emissions by 40% below 2016 levels by 2030 and by 85% by 2045. The 2016 baseline showed Encinitas emitted 381,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, with on-road transportation identified as the largest emission sector.

To achieve these targets, the CAP outlines seven high-level emission reduction strategies, including building decarbonization, increasing renewable energy use, enhancing water efficiency, and promoting clean transportation. The plan includes 32 specific measures that, if fully implemented, could meet the outlined emission reduction goals.

The meeting also addressed climate vulnerability, highlighting potential risks such as increased temperatures, reduced precipitation, and heightened wildfire threats. The city is already taking steps to mitigate these impacts through various adaptation efforts, including hazard mitigation plans and coastal management programs.

Next steps for the CAP update include a public comment period open until April 11, 2025, and a final workshop scheduled for April 8. The draft will be presented to the city council on April 16, with the aim of adopting the final plan by May 28, 2025. The city encourages community involvement in shaping the plan, emphasizing the importance of collective action in addressing climate change.