County Unveils 2030 Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
Jan 28, 2025 02:50PM ● By Yolo County News ReleaseYOLO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - Yolo County has adopted its groundbreaking 2030 Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP), unanimously approved by the Board of Supervisors on Dec. 3, 2024. This visionary plan positions Yolo County as a regional leader in the fight against climate change, charting a bold path to achieving a carbon-negative footprint by 2030, one of the most ambitious climate goals of any local government in the United States, while prioritizing equity at every step.
The development of the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan began in 2020 when the Yolo County Board of Supervisors adopted a Climate Emergency Resolution (Resolution No. 20-114), recognizing the urgent need to address climate change impacts including increased wildfires, extreme weather events, and their associated effects on public health, agriculture, and infrastructure. The resolution directed staff to develop a plan to achieve a carbon-negative footprint by 2030.
“Yolo County is already experiencing impacts from the changing climate, and we know we need to take immediate action to reduce our emissions and protect our residents,” said Supervisor Lucas Frerichs. “This plan reflects the county’s unwavering dedication to equity and advancing solutions that will build a more resilient, sustainable community for generations to come.”
At the heart of the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan is a commitment to ensuring a just transition for all residents. Plan development was guided by the Yolo County Climate Action Commission, an 11-member public advisory body that includes representatives from all five county districts, the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation and the University of California, Davis. Yolo County also worked collaboratively with five dedicated Community Outreach Partners, the De Colores Resource Center, Cool Davis, the Center for Land-Based Learning, Davis Odd Fellows and the Yolo Food Bank, to engage and center the voices of frontline communities, including low-income community members, farmworkers and rural residents.
An Equity and Engagement Technical Advisory Committee coordinated more than 80 community engagement events throughout the plan development process, including community pop-up events, bilingual public workshops, and presentations to local community groups. Furthermore, more than 1,000 community members responded to planning surveys, ensuring the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan reflects the needs and aspirations of Yolo County residents and that the benefits of the plan extend to everyone, particularly those most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
The Climate Action and Adaptation Plan outlines a robust framework designed to achieve its ambitious goals through 10 transformative strategies, 40 specific measures and 180 detailed actions across critical sectors such as on- and off-road transportation, energy consumption, natural and working lands, water, and solid waste. Phase I Implementation begins this month and will direct resources to Yolo County communities, including through the launch of home weatherization and electrification rebate assistance programs for eligible community members.
In addition to outlining measures for reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with transportation and building energy use, the two greatest sources of emissions in Yolo County, the plan emphasizes support for nature-based solutions to achieve the carbon-negative goal.
Led by the Yolo County Resource Conservation District, a Natural and Working Lands Technical Advisory Committee comprised of farmers and ranchers identified a set of priority conservation and management practices that enhanced carbon sequestration and also improved soil health and protected the natural resources vital to Yolo County’s agricultural and rural communities. By fostering sustainable practices and innovative approaches, the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan promises to create healthier ecosystems, bolster local economies and enhance the quality of life for all residents.
"Agriculture is at the heart of Yolo County’s identity and economy,” said Kristen Wraithwall, Yolo County sustainability manager. "This plan is a testament to our commitment to supporting the agricultural community as a vital partner in building a sustainable and resilient future."
As implementation begins, the county is dedicated to transparency and accountability. Staff will provide regular updates to the Board of Supervisors and will be launching a public-facing Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Tracking Dashboard where community members will be able to monitor progress on individual plan actions.
For more information and to read the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan strategy framework in both English and Spanish, visit the Sustainability Division’s webpage at www.YoloCounty.gov/CAAP. Together, we can make Yolo County a model for equitable and sustainable climate action. Stay connected with the Sustainability Division and follow along with Climate Action and Adaptation Plan implementation progress by joining our E-Newsletter at www.YoloCounty.gov/CAAPNews or emailing [email protected]. Follow on Facebook and Instagram @YoloSustainability.