At the November, 2022 Go Green Illinois meeting, Jared Patton of CMAP provided information on the Regional Greenhouse Gas Emissions inventory. The inventory was compiled to help implement the goals of the Regional Climate Action Plan. As a region, we need to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050. To reach this goal, we must reduce emissions by 5% each year. To get there, we must step up our efforts. The inventory provides data by community, so we can focus our work on the areas that will have the greatest impact.
Currently, the breakdown of emissions in the Chicago Metropolitan region is: Stationary Energy 65%, Transportation 32% and Waste 3%. Stationary energy is primarily commercial, industrial and residential buildings. Emissions from Transportation have increased recently because driving has increased. Emissions from Stationary Energy have declined primarily because our electric grid is getting cleaner as more renewable energy comes online and polluting power plants are retired.
You can watch the video of Jared’s presentation here.
