Just in time for Earth Day, RVAgreen 2050 — the city’s climate action and resilience planning initiative — has released a plan to fight climate change in Richmond for years to come.
The Climate Equity Action Plan 2030 is now open for public feedback. It will be finalized over the summer before being submitted to City Council for adoption in the fall.
As with many city documents, the plan is quite lengthy. We gathered some of the highlights.
The initiative’s main goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 45% by 2030, achieve net zero emissions by 2050, and help adapt to climate impacts of extreme weather events over the next decade.
The action plan is divided into five pathways, each with different objectives to meet.
- Buildings and Energy | This includes objectives like maximizing energy efficiency in buildings + ensuring all Richmonders have access to renewable clean energy.
- Community | The plan specifically mentions centering historically disinvested communities with affordable housing + sustainable employment practices.
- Environment | The focus here is making sure all residents can engage with the natural environment + reducing risks from extreme weather.
- Transportation and Mobility | Public transit, pedestrian travel, and electric car infrastructure are all addressed.
- Waste Reduction and Recovery | Highlights include encouraging zero waste initiatives and implementing a citywide composting plan.
Pro tip: If you’re viewing the document, head to page 8 for a shorter Executive Summary. Go to page 78 for the more detailed Action Plan.
RVAgreen 2050 is collecting comments on the plan online via the Konveio platform.
Live, work, or go to school in Richmond? Take the Community Sustainability Survey as well to share your thoughts. Both resources will be open until Sun., June 19.
