Climate Action and Resiliency

Climate Action, Resiliency, and Environmental Sustainability Plan

The Borough of State College is in the process of developing a Climate Action, Resiliency, and Environmental Sustainability Plan. This plan will serve as a guide for the community and the organization to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to a changing climate, and enhance environmental conservation efforts.

To stay up to date with this project, visit the project page and sign up for updates.

What is Climate Change?  

Climate change refers to the long-term change in the Earth’s temperatures and weather patterns. Overwhelming evidence shows that human activities continue to increase the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and contribute to global climate change.

State College Borough Commitment to Climate Action  

In 2007, the State College Borough Council adopted Resolution 944 declaring the Borough of State as a Climate Protection Community. Such a designation aligned the Borough with plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, in-step with initiatives laid out by the United Nations’ Kyoto Protocol, federal and state governments across the U.S., and by the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ Climate Protection Agreement. 

In 2019, State College Borough Council adopted Resolution 1229, further committing the organization to addressing climate change at the local level. This resolution commits the Borough to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and 100% renewable energy by no later than 2050.

State College Borough Greenhouse Gas Emissions Profile  

The Borough of State College has conducted community greenhouse gas inventories in efforts to identify and better understand local sources of greenhouse gas emissions. The three major sources of 2022 local emissions are:

  • Energy use by residential buildings (appr. 36 % of total emissions)
  • Local transportation (appr. 36 % of total emissions)
  • Energy use by commercial buildings (appr. 25 % of total emissions)

The Borough will continue to work as a key stakeholder to reduce our community’s greenhouse gas footprint.   

Resources