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COMMUNITY CLIMATE ACTION

Protecting our resources for future generations.

Community Climate Action

The County is preparing for climate risks and creating impactful greenhouse gas emissions reductions in unincorporated San Mateo County. The Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP) is a strategic roadmap that outlines priority actions to achieve a 45% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions over 1990 levels by 2030 and carbon neutrality within unincorporated San Mateo County by 2040. The plan was finalized in October 2022 when it was adopted by the Board of Supervisors.

By reaching goals outlined in the plan, the County of San Mateo will demonstrate leadership in climate action and support the rate of action needed to mitigate the harmful impacts of climate change that the county is already experiencing. The challenge ahead is not just about the fuel that powers our homes and cars, it is about the quality of our communities and our built and natural environments.

Community Climate Action

Explore the key strategies and actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

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Building Energy

Strategies to reduce energy use and transition to renewable energy sources.

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Transportation

Strategies to encourage electric vehicle adoption and use transportation modes such as transit, walking, and biking.

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Waste

Strategies to reduce waste generation, divert waste from the landfill, and purchase more sustainable goods and services.

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Working Lands

Strategies to sequester carbon, enable climate beneficial agricultural practices, and support the local food system.

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Unincorporated San Mateo County Emissions

The goals in the CCAP are to achieve a 45% reduction below 1990 levels by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2040. Carbon neutrality is defined by the point at which the removal of carbon pollution from the atmosphere meets or exceeds emissions (i.e. San Mateo County is removing more carbon from the air than we are emitting.)

The dashboard below shows our progress in reducing overall greenhouse gas emissions in unincorporated County. Click the different icons to view progress in each sector.

Community Climate Action Plan Documents

CCAP Full Report

The full Community Climate Action Report (PDF) contains details about how the plan was developed and the specific actions outlined for each sector.

CCAP Executive Summary

Download a condensed version of the Community Climate Action Plan (PDF).

Technical Appendix

The technical appendix (PDF) summarizes the greenhouse gas reductions methodology and underlying assumptions of the plan.

Environmental Documentation

The environmental documentation (PDF) provides evidence for a negative declaration for the San Mateo County Community Climate Action Plan and General Plan Climate Element.

Climate Element

The Climate Element (PDF) is contained in the San Mateo County General Plan, Chapter 17.

The Latest News & Events

May
12

Compost Workshop

Learn how easy and fun it is to recycle your fruit and vegetable scraps, leaves, and plant cuttings into compost in these free workshops! These workshops teach composting options suitable for those with or without a backyard. Apartment dwellers welcome! Compost provides valuable nutrients for your garden soil, helps retain moisture, which saves water, prevents erosion, loosens clay and compacted soils for better drainage, and suppresses weeds. It is rewarding to know you are turning what some consider waste into precious organic material for your garden.

Discounts and rebates for backyard compost and worm compost bins will be distributed to San Mateo County residents!

COMPOST WORKSHOP

Date: May 12, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Atherton
Register here.

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Community Climate Action

Community Climate Action