Climate Change & San Mateo County
Burning fossil fuels releases large amounts of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, which accumulate in the atmosphere and disrupt global climate patterns. This disruption alters the environment we depend on, including increased coastal erosion, flooding from sea level rise, more frequent and intense wildfires, and extreme weather events such as heatwaves, heavy precipitation, and drought. These changes threaten public health, safety, and vital ecosystems.
Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in San Mateo County primarily come from:
- Buildings: Energy used to heat and cool the air and water in buildings.
- Transportation: Emissions from vehicles and other modes of travel.
- Waste: Methane released as sold waste decomposes in landfills.
To reduce emissions and avoid the worst impacts of climate change, San Mateo County must take bold action through policies, programs, and community partnerships.
The County has two Climate Action Plans in place:
At the Sustainability Department, we lead the effort to update and implement both plans, ensuring that the County meets its greenhouse gas emissions reduction commitments.
