WEST PALM BEACH, FLA (December 10, 2020) – The City of West Palm Beach has been recognized for climate leadership on CDP’s A List for the City’s transparency and action on climate change. CDP is a not-for-profit that runs the global disclosure system for investors, companies, cities, states and regions to manage their environmental impacts. Of more than 800 participating cities, West Palm Beach is one of only 25 U.S. cities and 88 cities in the world to have achieved this elite distinction.
Cities measure and report key environmental data including their emissions, climate-related vulnerabilities and action to reduce emissions and adapt to risks. They are scored ‘A’ to ‘D’ based on the completeness and quality of their data and the level of action taken.
To score an ‘A,’ a city must have a citywide emissions inventory, have set an emissions reduction target, published a climate action plan, and completed a climate adaptation plan to demonstrate how it will tackle climate hazards now and in the future.
As an example of the City’s climate leadership, CDP cited West Palm Beach’s ambitious target of meeting net zero emissions by 2050. To reach this goal, the City joined a coalition of 250 cities at the 2017 U.S. Conference of Mayors that committed to 100% renewable energy use by 2035. The City is also adapting to and preparing for climate-related risks, having invested $46 million toward improving the conditions of seawalls along its waterfront.
“The City is making progress addressing climate challenges, such as rain-induced flooding and sea level rise, to enhance our community’s viability now and in the future,” said West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James. “While there is more work to be done, we appreciate this acknowledgement of our progress to date. Making the CDP’s A-list affirms the City is on the right track and taking the necessary climate actions needed to transition toward a climate-safe future. I applaud the City’s Office of Sustainability for their great work on behalf of the West Palm Beach community.”
City of West Palm Beach climate achievements include:
- Rethink Paradise: A WPB Sustainability Action Plan
- City of West Palm Beach Climate Resilience and Vulnerability Assessment
- 2018 Community and Municipal GHG (Greenhouse Gas) Inventory Update
- A signed commitment to the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy
- City goal of Net Zero 2050, a strategic vision to cut GHG emissions to net-zero
- Installation of 38 EV Charging stations in downtown City garages
- In partnership with Florida Power & Light, established a pilot project for Florida’s first electric zero-emission buses for City parks and recreation programs
- Retrofitted FPL-owned streetlights with high-efficiency LED bulbs
- Streamlined solar permitting process to allow same-day approval under SolSmart Gold program; SolSmart recognizes municipalities that have taken steps to address barriers to solar energy.
- Participation in Solar Together for municipal buildings, whereby participants earn solar credits (money back against monthly electric bills)
“We all see the world a little differently these days, and hopefully we have been able to slow down a bit to recognize and appreciate the vital importance of safeguarding the planet,” said Penni Redford, City of West Palm Beach Resilience and Climate Change Manager. “The City of West Palm Beach has long understood this and worked to do our part for our current and future residents. We appreciate CDP’s recognition of these efforts.”
CPD data shows that 85% of cities report they are already feeling the weight of climate hazards from heat, flooding, and extreme weather events.
To view the CPD data and insights for West Palm Beach’s A-List rating, click here!
To contact the City of West Palm Beach Office of Sustainability, please dial (561) 804-4994 (TTY 800-955-8771) or email sustainability@wpb.org. For information about the Office of Sustainability, please visit https://www.wpb.org/government/sustainability.
