Charlotte sets ambitious 2035 goals for greenhouse gas emissions and renewable energy generation

In the heart of Charlotte's city hall, council members gathered on May 12, 2025, to discuss the city's ambitious climate action plan, a blueprint aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing sustainability. The meeting illuminated the pressing challenges posed by climate change, particularly in areas with less tree cover, as highlighted by a detailed climate risk assessment presented during the session.

The council's focus on transportation emerged as a critical theme, with officials emphasizing the need for significant investment in transit to meet the city's greenhouse gas emissions targets. The latest data revealed a commendable 30% reduction in per capita emissions from 2019 to 2023, attributed to improved data collection methods. This progress aligns with Charlotte's goal of becoming a low-carbon city by 2050, with updated targets now set to reduce community-wide emissions by 72% by 2035 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

A new initiative aims to install 600 megawatts of distributed renewable energy generation by 2035, which includes projects like converting the combined heat and power plant at Charlotte Water into renewable natural gas. The city also plans to source 100% of its electricity for municipal buildings from zero-carbon sources by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions in its light-duty fleet by 2035.

The council's discussions also highlighted the importance of workforce development in achieving these goals, integrating it into key focus areas: buildings, energy generation, and transportation. Community engagement revealed a broader interest in sustainability beyond energy, prompting the inclusion of strategies addressing tree canopy, waste management, and water resilience in the climate action plan.

As the meeting concluded, the council members expressed their commitment to not only meet but exceed the expectations set by global climate protocols. With a clear roadmap ahead, Charlotte is poised to take significant strides toward a sustainable future, ensuring that the city not only adapts to climate challenges but also leads the way in innovative solutions.