Latest in a series on Bethlehem’s Climate Action Plan

City of Bethlehem
Climate Action Plan 2021
launched April 12, 2021

ref: Let’s hear it for the Climate Action Plan!

Latest in a series on Bethlehem’s Climate Action Plan

“There is no reason why good cannot triumph as often as evil. The triumph of anything is a matter of organization.”
Kurt Vonnegut

City of Bethlehem
Climate Action Plan 2021

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Christina Tatu, “Bethlehem unveils climate action plan that calls for net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.” Morning Call, April 12, 2021.

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When Gadfly first began writing about the Climate Action Plan, he found himself thinking of these lines from Vonnegut and including them on his posts. He had a sense that the idea of a CAP was biting off a lot, that it would take a long time, and that the only way it would ever succeed would be through masterful organization.

Wishing wasn’t going to get it done, dude.

Pious intentions weren’t going to get it done.

He’s sure that the road to CAPs in many another city are strewn with the bones of well meaning elected officials and administrators and activists.

Yesterday, however, our completed Climate Action Plan — with proximate roots going back at least to 2017 and City groundwork activity before that going back into the Callahan administration — was rolled out in a Town Hall event moderated by Councilman Reynolds, the driving force of the plan, with his wingmen Mayor Donchez and Public Works director Mike Alkhal.

It was the triumph of several years of effective organization.

Yesterday was an historic event. Bethlehem made history yesterday. This was a day to be remembered.

Gadfly didn’t sense enough hoopla, enough pomp and circumstance. He’s not sure how much much boom there was in the Zoom audience.

The Mayor talked, but unfortunately Gadfly arrived too late to hear him.

The hard-working, ever helpful, and modest Mike Alkhal talked, reflecting in specific detail on 20 years of relevant environmental protection work leading up to the CAP, work that made “good sense, as in dollars and cents,” pushing back against the push back that environmental work adversely affects the economy.

But this was Councilman Reynolds’ moment.

Why does Bethlehem need a climate action plan, he asked?

“Climate action and sustainability are presenting all humanity with an unprecedented challenge. And we are already starting to see some of the effects of climate change not just in our community but throughout the country and throughout the world. And as we move forward, climate action policy is going to be a combination of federal and state policy but also local policy because there are some things that are better done at the community level. And one of the things that I think is becoming more and more part of the conversation that we’re focusing on is that the citizens that are going to be most affected by climate change and that are going to face the most severe impact are also our most vulnerable citizens. So it’s not just something that we should do or can do but something that we need to do. It’s our responsibility to make sure that we are building a Bethlehem that is going to work for everybody as far as these issues are concerned.”

Gadfly was glad to be present yesterday, and he will devote a few more posts to covering some of the high points of the roll-out.

Net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.  Gadfly looks forward to celebrating his 100th birthday with that gift.

But still much work to do.

“There is no reason why good cannot triumph as often as evil. The triumph of anything is a matter of organization.”

Keep at it, Willie and gang!

Latest in a series on Bethlehem’s Climate Action Plan

TODAY!

City of Bethlehem Climate Action Plan Release

The City of Bethlehem will be releasing the CAP on Monday, April 12, 2021 at 4:00 PM, at an event which will be streamed live on YouTube.

You can watch the release event by going to the “City of Bethlehem Council” YouTube channel, at 4:00 PM on Monday, April 12, 2021, at the following website address: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRLFG5Y9Ui0jADKaRE1W3xw.

You can also watch the release event by doing a YouTube search for “City of Bethlehem Council” during the event.

We encourage you to watch the CAP release event.

Following the announcement, the CAP will be available online at this web address: https://www.bethlehem-pa.gov/Public-Works/Climate-Action-Plan.

Best,

Jeff

Jeff Irvine
Project Director
Sustainability, Energy and Climate Change
WSP

Latest in a series on Bethlehem’s Climate Action Plan

The City of Bethlehem will be releasing the CAP on Monday, April 12, 2021 at 4:00 PM, at an event which will be streamed live on YouTube.

You can watch the release event by going to the “City of Bethlehem Council” YouTube channel, at 4:00 PM on Monday, April 12, 2021, at the following website address: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRLFG5Y9Ui0jADKaRE1W3xw.

You can also watch the release event by doing a YouTube search for “City of Bethlehem Council” during the event.

We encourage you to watch the CAP release event.

Following the announcement, the CAP will be available online at this web address: https://www.bethlehem-pa.gov/Public-Works/Climate-Action-Plan.

Best,

Jeff

Jeff Irvine
Project Director
Sustainability, Energy and Climate Change
WSP

Latest in a series on Bethlehem’s Climate Action Plan

City Climate Action Plan page

The draft Climate Action Plan

Public comment form: January 6 deadline

The penultimate step in the process to develop a Climate Action Plan for our city is upon us.

The full final draft of the CAP is now available on the City web site.

‘Tis there for your perusal, and comments and questions will be taken till January 6.

We can look forward to the implementation of the CAP shortly thereafter.

The CAP is really quite a forward looking achievement.

And Gadfly bets a lot of people said it couldn’t be done.

And now it’s another thing that makes Bethlehem a special place.

With the President-elect Biden Administration, we can look forward to renewed action and support at the national level.

Get your “two cents” in by January 6.

Latest in a series on Bethlehem’s Climate Action Plan

City Climate Action Plan page

The draft Climate Action Plan

Public comment form: January 6 deadline

The penultimate step in the process to develop a Climate Action Plan for our city is upon us.

The full final draft of the CAP is now available on the City web site.

‘Tis there for your perusal, and comments and questions will be taken till January 6.

We can look forward to the implementation of the CAP shortly thereafter.

Gadfly has told the story several times in these pages of looking for some sort of comprehensive planning document, political agenda, or vision statement when he first donned his wings 2+ years ago.

In what direction was the City heading, he wondered? What goals were we working toward?

What he discovered was Councilman Reynolds’ Bethlehem 2017 document.

And in that interesting and impressive document you will find the genesis of the Climate Action Plan.

The dream of 2017 becomes the reality of 2021.

Pretty damn good.

Gadfly tips his hat to the productive ensemble of Councilman Reynolds, Mayor Donchez, Public Works Director Alkhal, Deputy Public Works Director Dorner, other City staffers, Lynn Rothman and the Environmental Advisory Council, and consultants Jeff from WSP and Kate from the Nurture Nature Center.

The CAP is really quite a forward looking achievement.

And Gadfly bets a lot of people said it couldn’t be done.

And now it’s another thing that makes Bethlehem a special place.

Councilman Reynolds called the development of the CAP “historic.”

Yep.

Latest in a series on Bethlehem’s Climate Action Plan

Climate Action Plan

Here are a few more of the interesting elements of the CAP.

Create and Environmental Justice Council

audio unavailable

Initiate a “Bethlehem Climate Challenge” public outreach/educational program

Evaluate existing green space sales with goals of the CAP

Climate Action Plan

Latest in a series on Bethlehem’s Climate Action Plan

Climate Action Plan

The draft of the historic Climate Action Plan contains several specific strategies that we’ll give you a taste of over two or three posts. Gadfly is sorry that he can’t do better on the print size, but the short audios should fill you in. The full report will soon be on the City web site, and Gadfly will advise you when.

Support local gardens and urban farms

Implement net-zero emissions standards for new buildings

Create a curbside composting program

Climate Action Plan

Latest in a series on Bethlehem’s Climate Action Plan

Climate Action Plan

Councilman Reynolds has talked several times of ultimately the need for a Sustainability Director and an Office of Sustainability. Gadfly would say look for discussion of these things fairly soon in the new year. Wonder what the budget ramifications are. Can it be done by reassignments of existing staff? Gadfly remembers that knowledge of sustainability was discussed in regard to the fairly recent hire of the Recycling head.

Consultant Jeff (2 mins.):

Climate Action Plan

to be continued . . .

Latest in a series on Bethlehem’s Climate Action Plan

Climate Action Plan

What contributes to Greenhouse Gas emissions in Bethlehem? Electricity is the biggest contributor.

Consultant Jeff (1 min.):

And, then, most importantly, what are our goals? What are we committing ourselves to and when? Looks pretty ambitious!

Consultant Jeff (2 mins.):

Remember that Gadfly will let you know when the draft is up on the City website to view and comment on.

Latest in a series on Bethlehem’s Climate Action Plan

Climate Action Plan

Gadfly thought this was interesting . . .

Consultant Kate (2 mins.):

Latest in a series on Bethlehem’s Climate Action Plan

“This is a really exciting time for us. . . . I really think this is going to be an historic document for the City of Bethlehem.”
Councilman Reynolds

Climate Action Plan

This ain’t chopped liver, my followers!

Yesterday in the third public meeting of the development process, the draft of the Climate Action Plan was presented. Prime players Councilman Reynolds and Deputy Director of Public Works Matt Dorner were in attendance. The draft will soon be on the City web site, and further public comment is possible there through January 6. And shortly thereafter the Plan will be released and operation will begin.

Councilman Reynolds introduction (2 mins.):

Consultant Jeff on the working groups (2 mins.):

Consultant Jeff on vision and principles (3 mins.):

Gadfly will post on a few highlights of yesterday’s meeting and will advise you when the draft is available for perusal and comment on the City web site.

Climate Action Plan

Latest in a series on Bethlehem’s Climate Action Plan

Full Description here

register here

The City of Bethlehem will host an online forum on Wednesday, December 9, to present a draft of the City’s Climate Action Plan. The Plan, which is being developed throughout 2020, will outline measures, policies, and strategies the City can support to reduce Bethlehem’s contribution to climate change and to adapt to the risks of a changing climate, such as extreme temperatures.

During the online forum, the City and consultants WSP and Nurture Nature Center will introduce the draft of Bethlehem’s Climate Action Plan, including its objectives, strategies, and proposed implementation approach. The Plan addresses a range of sectors, from buildings to transportation to education, with a focus on environmental justice considerations. Participants will then be asked to share their thoughts on what is included in the Plan. A period of public comment on the draft will follow the virtual meeting. All Bethlehem residents and businesses are encouraged to provide comments on the draft Plan, which will be posted on the City’s website.

Bethlehem’s Climate Action Plan will establish local priorities for reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global climate change while locally improving public health, protecting Bethlehem’s environment, and strengthening the city’s economy. The Plan will also include a climate hazard vulnerability assessment and outline measures, policies, and strategies the City, its businesses, and residents can take to reduce climate-related risks, such as increased flooding and extreme temperatures.

Latest in a series on Bethlehem’s Climate Action Plan

At City Council Tuesday night, Councilman Reynolds, who initiated plans for the CAP, reminded us of the important meeting coming up next week.

Full Description here

register here

The City of Bethlehem will host an online forum on Wednesday, December 9, to present a draft of the City’s Climate Action Plan. The Plan, which is being developed throughout 2020, will outline measures, policies, and strategies the City can support to reduce Bethlehem’s contribution to climate change and to adapt to the risks of a changing climate, such as extreme temperatures.

During the online forum, the City and consultants WSP and Nurture Nature Center will introduce the draft of Bethlehem’s Climate Action Plan, including its objectives, strategies, and proposed implementation approach. The Plan addresses a range of sectors, from buildings to transportation to education, with a focus on environmental justice considerations. Participants will then be asked to share their thoughts on what is included in the Plan. A period of public comment on the draft will follow the virtual meeting. All Bethlehem residents and businesses are encouraged to provide comments on the draft Plan, which will be posted on the City’s website.

Bethlehem’s Climate Action Plan will establish local priorities for reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global climate change while locally improving public health, protecting Bethlehem’s environment, and strengthening the city’s economy. The Plan will also include a climate hazard vulnerability assessment and outline measures, policies, and strategies the City, its businesses, and residents can take to reduce climate-related risks, such as increased flooding and extreme temperatures.

Latest in a series on Bethlehem’s Climate Action Plan

Gadfly calls attention to Hannah Provost’s detailed article in Southsider about the second community meeting October 7 on the developing Climate Action Plan.

Gadfly called attention to this important meeting, but there is much more substantive information in Hannah’s article.

The key thing is that we now have the opportunity to provide input to the draft plan that will be presented at the next public meeting.

Gadfly encourages you to read Hannah’s article and to make your contributions.

Time is short.

Input will be accepted through Sunday, November 1.

Hannah Provost, “Bethlehem Seeks Community Response to Climate Action Plan.” Southsider, October 27, 2020.

“The City of Bethlehem and consultant WSP are actively constructing the Bethlehem Climate Action Plan (CAP), and currently are seeking community feedback about their proposal. On October 7th, 2020, the City hosted the second community-wide webinar during the design process. The October CAP community meeting presented the progress for the design of the CAP based on the previous community response, and further garnered community input, this time on more specific possibilities and strategies. In November, the design committee, lead by Jeff Irvine, for the Bethlehem Climate Action Plan will present a draft of the plan to the community in a third webinar, with an opportunity for further feedback. Ultimately, the full plan is scheduled to be completed by the first quarter of 2021. This article captures the ongoing community dialogue about strategies for city wide environmental justice, and highlights further opportunities for the reader to have their voice heard and contribute to the construction of the Climate Action Plan.”

To identify climate hazards facing Bethlehem on our community map, visit map.bethlehemcap.org. (1-2 minutes)

To review the plan’s full list of draft strategies and indicate your priorities, visit survey.bethlehemcap.org (As little as 5-10 minutes)

Latest in a series on Bethlehem’s Climate Action Plan

• I believe that these large warehouses should be required to have electric plug-in stations for the semis that transport products so they don’t need to park and idle all over the place while drivers rest.
• I’m thinking about large rental communities involving the amount of recyclable materials that I see hauled away from trash dumpsters. Any residential property over 4 units is considered commercial and triggers different recycling requirements. More metal, cardboard, plastic, newsprint, and flatboard gets trashed than anyone can imagine. Resident renters at the Townhouses where I live are completely lackadaisical about separating recycling from trash.
• Those warehouses are a mixed blessing — and from a sustainability POV, almost a curse when you consider megatons of freight moving by truck right through the LV.

Latest in a series on Bethlehem’s Climate Action Plan

At the first CAP meeting, resident input was solicited, and here Kate Semmens, a consultant, uses these 4 slides to report on that input and how it was incorporated into the process (4 mins.):

to be continued . . .

Latest in a series on Bethlehem’s Climate Action Plan

Consultant Jeff Irvine concisely describes what our CAP is and what its goals and benefits are (2 mins:)

Here Jeff indicates where we are in the process. We’re at the “tail end” — there will be another public meeting in late November or December and publication of the plan will come early in the new year (1 min.):

to be continued . . .

Latest in a series on Bethlehem’s Climate Action Plan

Climate Action Plan

Indicate your priorities and comment on the plan’s proposed goals and strategies using this survey by November 1. If doing the survey in stages, be sure to click “submit,” or your work will not save till the next time.

Help identify climate-related hazards and impacts in your neighborhood and community, such as extreme heat and flooding, using this community map by November 1.

Yesterday’s second public meeting on our Climate Action Plan was aimed mainly at laying out strategies and gathering citizen input on them. Please note the two opportunities linked at the top of this page where you can provide that input by doing a survey and by mapping potential hot spots.

A recording of this program will no doubt be provided in timely fashion, but Gadfly is going to jump in and take a post or two to invite you to get involved if you weren’t in attendance or if you want to review.

Jeff Irvine, consultant, lays out the purpose of the meeting (one min.):

Councilman Willie Reynolds, the driving force behind our CAP, says a few words of welcome (2 mins.):

Matt Dorner, Deputy Director of Public Works, brings us up to date on the substantial good work that the City has already accomplished in the area of sustainability (4 mins.):

to be continued . . .

Latest in a series on Bethlehem’s Climate Action Plan

register here

register here

Latest in a series on Bethlehem’s Climate Action Plan

register here

register here