Our Town: Climate Action | Food Waste | Road Improvement | BURA Building a Better Beaverton

The Urgency of Comprehensive, LongTerm Climate Action

As the 53rd anniversary of Earth Day is celebrated this year, the city continues its work to help address the impacts of climate change.

In 2019, the city adopted the Climate Action Plan, a set of goals highlighting the city’s commitment to our future.

Since then, the world—andcantly. The impacts of a changing world have been more and more obvious: Summer temperatures have soared, places where we’ve made memories have burned to the ground, the smoke arrives earlier and lingers longer, allergy seasons are extended, and invasive pests are taking up residence.

Within the city, each program has a role to play, both internally (for more sustainable operations) and in the community (to reduce emissions and address the impacts of climate change).

However, the issue of climate change goes far beyond the city limits. It will also take the work of county and state leaders to make an impact. Climate change impacts us all. The ongoing effort to address it and protect our planet has never been more important.

How can you help? The city has relaunched the Beaverton Climate Challenge, an invitation for you to keep track of all the ways you decrease your household emissions to help Beaverton meet its climate goals. Sign up today at www. sustainablebeaverton.com.

Snapshots of Progress

Toward the City’s Climate Action Goals:

•The city drafted and adopted a Sustainable Fleet Policy prioritizing zero-emissions vehicles for any new lightduty vehicle purchase. The policy also improves data collection for rightsizing the use of renewable biofuels for vehicles with diesel engines.

•Electric-vehicle infrastructure installation is underlocations.

•Public electric-vehicle charging stations at city facilities were expanded to serve more vehicles.

•The Purple Pipe Program will use cleaned stormwater to irrigate green spaces, parks, school grounds, and yards.