Quick Links

• Community Climate Action Grant Program
• Albemarle County Climate Action Plan
• Albemarle County Climate Vulnerability and Risk Assessment
• Preparing for Resilience - An Overview of Albemarle County Climate Change Impacts
• Video Series | Watch interviews with local experts on the impacts of climate change in Albemarle County, prepared in partnership with Piedmont Environmental Council

About the Program 

Climate change presents a unique challenge and a unique opportunity. It is a challenge in its far-reaching impacts on planet and society; yet it is also an opportunity to strengthen communities, to promote good jobs, clean air, and clean water for all local residents, and to preserve the natural resources and landscapes that form our local heritage. 

Albemarle County stands with cities, counties, and other public and private sector partners throughout the world to advance bold climate action in service of a healthy planet for all and for the prosperity, health, and well-being of our community. 

We are a signatory to the “We Are Still In” Declaration, an open letter to the international community committing to our continued support of climate action and the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. 

Why Is Local Climate Action Important?

Local governments are playing a crucial role in addressing climate change: Our knowledge is more rooted in the locale, and we will be the first to respond to community needs in the face of a changing climate. In this way, we as a local government have a responsibility for leadership in reducing the community’s contribution to climate change and charting a sustainable future. 

Our Targets

Albemarle County’s target is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the community by 45% from 2008 levels by 2030 and to achieve zero net emissions by 2050. 

In line with the County’s overall vision, our climate protection program seeks to achieve these targets in ways that:

• Benefit the health of all residents;
• Protect the local natural environment;
• Stimulate the creation of green jobs to support a thriving local economy; 
• Promote education on climate action for youth and adults; and
• Contribute to a more equitable community, with the benefits of climate action programs easily accessible and affordable for every resident regardless of socio-economic status. 

Tracking Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions

2018 Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventory

• Read the Report
• See our Calculations (Download Excel Document)

Contact

Have a question or suggestion? Please email us at climate@albemarle.org. 

Climate Protection Resources