🗽 The Town of Poughkeepsie recently hosted a workshop showcasing the efforts of its local Climate Smart Taskforce. In September 2021, both the Town and City of Poughkeepsie were honored with Bronze Certification as part of the Climate Smart NY initiative, aimed at fostering environmentally sustainable communities. This initiative has garnered participation from 401 communities across New York, representing over 9.5 million residents, which accounts for 50% of the state's population. Among these, 122 communities have achieved bronze certification, while 10 have attained silver certification
Image from climatesmart.ny.gov
🏞 The Benefits of Being a Climate Smart Community. Susan Karnes Hecht, Chair of the Town of Poughkeepsie Climate Smart Taskforce, outlined several advantages, including:
Access to Resources: The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and other partners make resources, financial opportunities, and technical help available to Climate Smart Communities (CSCs). These tools support the creation and implementation of climate action plans, vulnerability assessments, and the prioritization of adaptation and mitigation measures.
Funding Opportunities: Having your community recognized as a Climate Smart Community can improve your chances of being accepted into a number of state and federal grants and funding programs that support energy efficiency, sustainability, and climate resilience projects. The community's execution of projects and programs pertaining to climate change may be aided by this financial support.
Cost Savings: Over time, governments and locals may experience cost savings from the adoption of climate-smart policies, which include energy-efficient upgrades, installations of renewable energy sources, and sustainable modes of transportation. Communities can reduce utility bills, operational expenses, and overall fiscal health by improving resource efficiency, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and reducing energy use.
Health and Life Quality: Climate Smart Communities programs frequently result in gains in the general quality of life, public health, and the quality of the air and water. Communities may build surroundings that are healthier and more livable for their citizens, supporting their physical and emotional well-being, by encouraging active transportation, green areas, and sustainable development methods.
The benefits of being a Climate Smart community go beyond just making a cleaner environment for future generations.
A look at our community. The Town of Poughkeepsie Climate Smart Task Force conducted a study on community emissions. The study revealed that “The largest emitting sector is transportation, which accounts for 167,232 CO2e, or 38.7% of the total community emissions [... ] The second greatest contributor to the Town’s community-wide emissions is commercial activity, which accounts for 102,328 CO2e, or 23.7% of the overall emissions”. Future efforts to reduce emissions will target the transportation, commercial, and residential sectors.
To learn more about the Town of Poughkeepsie Climate Smart Task Force click here. For the City of Poughkeepsie click here.
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