To the Editor:

We want to thank the approximately 4,600 community members who contributed to the creation of Princeton’s Climate Action Plan. We greatly value the input you provided through in-person discussions and online comments, as well as the participation in educational events such as Princeton’s GreenFest. Thank you!

In particular, we want to express our gratitude to the more than 50 community members who served on the Steering Committee and five Working Groups that vetted and finalized the plan’s 84 specific strategies. These individuals gave detailed thought, and careful consideration, to the review of each strategy to ensure the plan articulates Princeton’s best path forward.

On July 22, 2019, the Municipality of Princeton’s Council endorsed Princeton’s Climate Action Plan. This was an essential step in Princeton’s admirable journey to lead the change and serve as a model town, committed to sustainability. We are grateful for this demonstration of leadership.

The Climate Action Plan provides a roadmap to reduce Princeton’s contribution to climate change and to prepare for its effects. It establishes an ambitious goal of reducing 80 percent of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 (based on 2010 emissions). Achieving this goal will take the collective effort of the entire community working together to ensure Princeton remains a prosperous and vibrant town for future generations.

To date, 16 Climate Action Plan strategies have been initiated, including ones that focus on better preparing our most vulnerable community members from the impacts of climate change and sourcing more of our energy from renewable resources. A summary of the plan appears in this week’s Town Topics. We look forward to continuing this progress with you.

Sustainable Princeton