Arlington Named Global Climate Action Leader

Published on December 19, 2022

Arlington is one of 122 global cities and counties named a Climate Action Leader by Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) 2022 A-List, and one of just 36 cities in the United States with this distinction.

CDP recognized Arlington County for ambition, leadership, and transparency on climate action. Only 12% of cities and counties that were scored in 2022 received an A score.

“Climate change is a defining issue of our time,” said County Board Chair Katie Cristol, “and Arlingtonians have been deeply focused on the advocacy, policy and operational decisions that will enable this community to do our share in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This meaningful distinction reflects the hard work of County government and private and public sector partners to transition to a sustainable global future, and we’re honored to join the company of other 35 other communities in the United States.”

Arlington joins the ranks of other A-List cities from around the globe, including New York, Lima, Paris, Cape Town, Tokyo, and Sydney.

Arlington’s Community Energy Plan

Arlington’s award-winningCommunity Energy Plan (CEP) is a long-term vision for transforming how we generate, use, and distribute energy in the County. Its goal-setting and methods of achievement are consistent with the Mayors National Climate Action Agenda and the Paris Accord.

In 2019, the Arlington County Board adopted a sweeping update to the CEP that sets Arlington on a path to becoming a carbon neutral community by 2050.  Interim milestones include:

• 100% of Arlington’s electricity will be from renewable sources by 2035
• Arlington County Government operations will achieve 100% renewable electricity by 2025
• Energy equity will be considered during the implementation of the Plan

The plan incorporates goals for buildings; resilience; renewable energy; transportation, County government actions, and education and human behavior.

About CDP

CDP is a global non-profit that runs the global disclosure system for investors, companies, cities, states and regions to assess their environmental impact and drive the urgent action needed to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, safeguard water resources and protect forests.