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Climate Change in Virginia
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In late December 2007, Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine issued Executive Order 59 which established the Virginia Commission on Climate Change. Recognizing that “climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing us with regard to our use of energy”, Gov. Kaine convened this Commission to help to fulfill one recommendation of the Virginia Energy Plan: to return Virginia greenhouse gas emissions to year-2000 levels, a 30% reduction from current, by 2025.
Just one year after this Executive Order to create the Commission on Climate Change, the Commission released the Virginia Climate Change Action Plan. The Climate Change Action Plan provides a research-backed synopsis of the challenges Virginians face with regard to greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, the Plan provides suggestions and guidance for reducing and adapting to the effects of increased greenhouse gases in Virginia. This document can be viewed by the public here.
Virginia’s progress in carrying out the Climate Change Action Plan can be followed via the Virginia Climate Initiative, “a coalition of Virginia citizens, businesses, and organizations working to protect our natural heritage and way of life. The VCI “recognizes that human activities are changing the Earth's climate in a way that threatens our natural heritage, our economy, and our quality of life” and represents a collective belief that “prompt, responsible action from our national leaders is required to effectively address the threats of climate change.” The VCI provides a wealth of useful information for understanding and acting in Virginia to lend to Climate Change solutions on their website.
Climate Change in Virginia
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