![]() ![]() The report lays out proposed policy changes and action plans by economic sector:Įlectricity. “Decarbonizing the electricity sector,” the analysis says, “is a central component of success, not only for reducing emissions within the sector, but also for enabling the decarbonization of other sectors, such as transportation, buildings, and industry, where electrification is a key solution.” The report suggests that to achieve 100% clean energy sources by 2035, coal phaseout and grid stability need to be prioritized. The biggest greenhouse gas reductions, the report said, can be realized over the next several years in the power (89%), industry (79%), building (68%) and transportation (49%) sectors.Ī graphic in the report suggests where carbon emissions reductions can come from. Full implementation of existing policies can achieve another 26 megatons of carbon emissions reductions by 2031, leaving one fifth of the reductions left - a gap of 10.6 megatons that must be filled by new policy action. The researchers found that as of 2020, Maryland had already achieved half of the carbon reductions needed to meet the 2031 target - 36.7 megatons of the 73.3 megatons required. Moreover, prioritizing health and social benefits is essential to ensure that climate action is inclusive and equitable, addressing the needs and vulnerabilities of marginalized communities, promoting social justice, fostering community resilience, and improving access to clean air and water.” “These commitments not only drive economic growth but also enhance the quality of life for Marylanders through increased employment opportunities, innovation, and technological advancements. At the same time, it is essential to foster economic prosperity by capitalizing on clean energy investments, promoting sustainable industries, and creating green jobs. “Environmental benefits, such as reducing emissions, conserving natural resources, and preserving ecosystems, are crucial for safeguarding Maryland’s unique biodiversity and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come. “Achieving the State’s climate goals requires a holistic approach that considers the interconnection between the economy, environment, and health and social well-being of Maryland,” the report says. “It’s ensuring that we’re paying attention to the most vulnerable people in the most vulnerable parts of the state,” said Nathan Hultman, director of the Center for Global Sustainability.īut the officials concede that the effort will not be easy, and will require concessions and adaptation from a variety of economic sectors - as well as the general public. And, they said, the effort must focus on communities and populations in the state that bear the brunt of climate change. ![]() McIlwain and other state officials said that pushing toward achieving the state’s aggressive climate goals will also improve public health, boost the economy and help alleviate environmental justice challenges and comes at an opportune time, with potential federal investments in clean energy technology and climate initiatives at an all-time high. “We want to hear from everyone.”Ī graphic in a new report called “Maryland’s Climate Pathway” suggests how Maryland can reach its ambitious climate goals. “What we’re going to do now is open up the public process,” Serena McIlwain, the state’s Environment secretary, said during an online news conference Friday. That report is likely to result in legislation and regulatory action to strengthen Maryland’s climate protections. The new analysis will be used as a jumping-off point for the Department of the Environment to take the public pulse this summer on the state’s climate goals and use that input for a final report, to be issued in December, on what the state needs to do to achieve them. “The rapid, clean, affordable, and just energy and economic transition needed to achieve these goals will be challenging, but it is possible,” the report, assembled by the Center for Global Sustainability at the University of Maryland School of Public Policy says. State law seeks a 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2031 and requires the state to hit net-zero emissions 14 years after that. The analysis, “Maryland’s Climate Pathway,” lays out policy, regulatory and lifestyle changes that the state needs to embrace to meet the carbon-reduction goals mandated by the Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022. That’s the conclusion of a preliminary report issued Friday by the Maryland Department of the Environment. Maryland is halfway toward meeting its ambitious climate goals, and a path exists for the state to reach net-zero emissions by 2045. ![]() A path leads to the Maryland State House. ![]()
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