Eastside Cities Take Important Step Toward Coordinated Climate Action

The Eastside Climate Partnership (ECP), comprising the cities of Bellevue, Issaquah, Kirkland, Mercer Island, and Redmond, has announced its first coordinated greenhouse gas emissions inventories, a crucial step in fighting climate change. Formed in 2023, the ECP aims to create joint programs to reduce regional climate pollution and enhance sustainability efforts. By collaborating with Cascadia Consulting Group, the cities established a standardized methodology for measuring emissions, enabling meaningful comparisons of data. Redmond's 2022 community-wide emissions dropped by 14% from the 2011 baseline, even with a 36% rise in population, highlighting the effectiveness of their initiatives. Mayor Angela Birney praised the partnership for fostering collective action towards sustainability goals.

Bellevue also reported an 8% reduction in community-wide emissions, although some cities faced increases due to a return to pre-pandemic activity levels. Future reports will provide a clearer picture of regional emissions trends, reinforcing the importance of transparency in climate action. This coordinated effort sets a precedent for other regions aiming to tackle climate challenges collaboratively.