Reducing carbon emissions takes all of us
The city of Santa Fe says it is making progress in reducing its carbon footprint, with greenhouse gas emissions down by almost 39% in recent years.
The goal? Carbon-neutral by 2040. This progress occurred from 2018-22, with the city reducing emissions from its buildings, vehicle fleet, infrastructure and employee commutes. Reductions happened in part because of $16 million in upgrades to treatment plants and buildings that added solar power, thus reducing the use of propane and natural gas. And it’s just the beginning — the city is determined to keep up the progress.
Citizens can keep track of what is happening on the city’s sustainability dashboard. There’s also an illustrated report outlining actions as established in a 25-year sustainability plan developed in 2018.
It’s a broad look at how all of Santa Fe can help reduce carbon emissions, essential to keeping the planet from warming beyond
the 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit above pre-industrial levels. Once that threshold is reached — or if it is — the devastating impact of a warming planet will escalate. We see those effects in Santa Fe, with hotter temperatures, drought, bone-dry vegetation, greater risk of wildfire and a decline in Santa Fe’s pristine air.
Yet reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by government are but one component in the climate change battle. There’s a need to have more people walking, riding bikes, using electric cars or taking public transportation. The report states that between 2015 and 2021, community greenhouse gas emissions went down 15% even with an increase in population.
Some of that is due to pandemic months, when people stayed home and worked remotely, so it will be fascinating to see what happens in years ahead.
One decision coming later this month seems a logical step to continuing reductions in carbon emissions — the city will be considering a resolution to increase funding for cycling and pedestrian infrastructure in Santa Fe. Introduced by District 2 City Councilor Michael Garcia, the resolution is based on input from the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee and is supported by such groups as the Mayor’s Committee on Disability and Bike Santa Fe. The recommendations will improve the city’s compliance with the Americans Disabilities Act.
For bikers, better maintenance and connectivity among trails are key goals. Many cyclists stick to trails for recreational biking but don’t want to risk city streets to get from a trail to work.
The resolution asks the city to develop a Geographic Information Systems inventory of the bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, taking that data to prioritize maintenance and repairs. The end goal? Proper signage, crosswalks, marked bike lanes and smooth trails and paths. The fiscal impact report for the resolution estimates a one-time cost of $860,000 for the purchase of software and an addition of $2.2 million to the city budget each year.
That’s a substantial amount, and has to be weighed against other needs and priorities. The measure stalled in the Finance Committee over questions about where the money will come from. Cyclists and other trail users may have to use pressure on their councilors to get this done. Just as vehicle drivers deserve decent roads, cyclists and pedestrians should expect maintained trails. Keeping trails and sidewalks free of ice and snow also makes it possible for people with mobility issues to get around more easily.
To build on the progress of city government in reducing greenhouse emissions, our leaders need to make investments in the sorts of infrastructure that will reduce dependency on carbon fuels. Progress, yes. But more to do.