Welcome to my Capstone Project webpage!
August of 2021 began my journey with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Local Climate Action Plan Program. With the help of ICLEI, I developed a local climate action plan for my community partner, O'Hara Township. Using the ClearPath program, I was able to create their greenhouse inventory, forecast future emissions, and develop a course of action that nearly achieves their chosen reduction target.
O'Hara Township has begun developing plans to adapt to climate change as well. They are facing more frequent and severe flooding from heavier precipitation caused by a warming climate. Although I was not able to develop comprehensive adaptation strategies due to time constraints, I wanted to highlight the importance of taking measures to increase adaptive capacity because reducing emissions alone will not erase the impacts of climate change that the O'Hara Township community is currently vulnerable to. The most vulnerable areas and persons are addressed by reaching out through community-engagement, which is why it's an essential part of local climate action planning. I created some artifacts that would get residents thinking about climate change and what they can do to reduce emissions and increase their resiliency.
Although my project has come to and end, O'Hara Township will continue to develop their plan, and integrate it into their Implementable Comprehensive Plan. Spring is a symbol of new beginnings and I am confident that this plan will act as a fresh start for the O'Hara Township community to lead a happier, healthier, and more sustainable life.