Eastside Cities Take Important Step Toward Coordinated Climate Action

The Eastside Climate Partnership, which includes the cities of Bellevue, Issaquah, Kirkland, Mercer Island, and Redmond, has published its first coordinated greenhouse gas emissions inventories. This collaborative effort is crucial for addressing climate change, as it provides standardized data to compare emissions across the cities. Redmond, for instance, reported a significant 14% decrease in community-wide emissions since its baseline year of 2011, even with a 36% increase in its population. The partnership aims to implement joint programs to mitigate regional climate pollution and enhance sustainability initiatives. Notably, emissions from municipal operations in Redmond dropped by 55% since 2011, reflecting the city's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.

The methodology used for the inventories was developed in collaboration with Cascadia Consulting Group, ensuring consistency in data tracking. Future reports will provide insights into the effectiveness of the partnership's programs and help residents understand their city's contribution to emissions. This initiative is a vital step toward coordinated climate action in the Eastside region.