Summary & Recommendations
Climate change presents a clear and present danger to our world, and local communities have a large role and responsibility to lead in reducing and adapting to its impacts. The scientific information presented in this report is intended for use by the general public and local decision makers in formulating mitigation strategies and measures.*
List of recommendations for CBJ consideration
Energy
- Develop a suite of climate change indicators to be reported to the public on progress made toward Juneau’s goal of 80% renewable energy use by 2045.
- Implement recommendations included in CBJ’s Renewable Energy Strategy.
- Support centralized renewable energy plants such as district heating.
- Provide financial incentives for installing residential and commercial air source heat pumps.
- Adapt the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) standards.
Large cruise ship emissions
- Implement the recommendations of the CBJ’s Tourism Working Group, including the installation of shore power for 100% of large cruise ships.
- Limit the number of cruise ships in port at one time to five.
- Measure, monitor, and publicly report GHG emissions of large cruise ships while in port.
Food security
- Increase awareness of known successful food growing and processing practices.
- Study and better understand the natural, economic, and societal impacts of climate change, such as food insecurity and supply chain issues, as well as the potential agricultural opportunities climate change may bring.
- Create initiatives to make local food growing more affordable.
- Maximize the use of inexpensive hydroelectricity for indoor and other controlled-environment food production.
- Identify and develop CBJ or other land for commercial agriculture and additional community gardens.
- As the regional hub, support local food production research, demonstrations, education, and incubation programs to positively impact current and future food cultivators throughout Southeast Alaska.
*The following recommendations represent the views of the authors and are not necessarily supported by the University of Alaska Southeast.