THE PLAN

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  Community Co-Created Sector Vision

  The sector's vision is to create complete communities that leverage the unique characteristics of the unincorporated area, support critical services and amenities such as local businesses, parks, and libraries, include accessible options such as sidewalks and bike lanes, and where infrastructure to support public transportation and zero-emission vehicles is widely available.

  Path Forward

  The unincorporated area’s mix of rural, semi-rural, and village communities means many residents depend heavily on personal vehicles to move around their communities. Transportation, including on-road vehicles and off-road equipment, is the largest source of emissions in the unincorporated area, making up 47% of all emissions in 2019.

  To work towards net zero emissions, the County is investing in zero-emission vehicles and infrastructure, reducing emissions from construction and landscaping equipment, and expanding opportunities for residents to safely and conveniently walk, bike, or take transit. By pursuing these strategies, the County will create safer, healthier, and more connected communities while lowering costs for residents, strengthening local economies, and protecting natural resources. Explore more of the Built Environment & Transportation sector to learn how the County is making progress and what you can do to help.

   

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  Community Co-Created Sector Vision

  This sector focuses on lowering emissions and energy costs through supporting renewable, carbon-free energy systems to power efficient, electric buildings and relying on distributed energy resources through resilient local energy production and storage.

  Path Forward

  In the unincorporated area, energy use in buildings made up about 20% of total emissions in 2019. Shifting to renewable energy sources and increasing efficiency in both new and existing buildings presents one of the largest opportunities for emissions reductions. Improving building efficiency, electrifying appliances, and expanding access to renewable energy generation will allow more residents to save on utility bills while reducing GHG emissions.

  The County is pursuing policies and programs that advance building electrification, renewable generation, microgrids, and workforce training to achieve a clean energy future. These actions will ensure that County facilities meet zero-net energy goals and that new development supports efficient, renewable-powered buildings. By collaborating with utilities, businesses, and regional partners, the County will help provide access to clean energy resources, particularly to those most impacted by climate change. Explore more of the Energy sector to learn how the County is making progress and what you can do to help.

   

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  Community Co-Created Sector Vision

  This sector's vision is to have a county-wide culture of avoiding, recycling, or composting waste, where emissions associated with landfills have been eliminated, and people have equitable access to recycling and compost facilities, opportunities for economic development, and are encouraged to reuse and share materials.

  Path Forward

  In 2019, the unincorporated area generated more than one billion pounds of waste, with landfill emissions accounting for 6% of total GHG emissions. Methane from decomposing organic material is one of the most potent, short-lived climate pollutants, with a more significant impact than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. Reducing these emissions offers one of the fastest ways to address climate change while improving local air quality and public health!

  The County is pursuing policies and programs that expand waste diversion, recycling, composting, and reuse with the goal of achieving 90% diversion from landfills by 2045. This includes zero-waste practices in County operations by 2030, partnerships with waste haulers and facility operators, and programs that make it easier for residents and businesses to participate in recycling and composting.  Explore more of the Solid Waste sector to learn how the County is making progress and what you can do to help. Explore more of the Solid Waste sector to learn how the County is making progress and what you can do to help.

   

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  Community Co-Created Sector Vision

  This sector's vision is to ensure that water quality and adequacy is maintained, and emissions associated with the transportation of water are reduced through indoor and outdoor water conservation programs, efficient delivery pipelines, and reuse of stormwater and wastewater.

  Path Forward

  In 2019, water and wastewater activities accounted for 2% of total emissions in the unincorporated area, primarily from the energy required to pump, treat, and distribute water. Many unincorporated residents receive their water from the San Diego County Water Authority, while others rely on groundwater resources that are finite and vary greatly across the region. Expanding water efficiency and reuse measures provides opportunities for households and businesses to save money on utility bills while reducing emissions.

  The County is advancing policies and programs that expand conservation, improve efficiency in new and existing buildings, install water reuse systems in County facilities, and reduce emissions associated with wastewater. Investments in green infrastructure capture and filter stormwater using natural processes, which reduces energy use, improves water accessibility, and supports healthy ecosystems. Together, these strategies will conserve water, lower emissions, and ensure reliable access to clean water for all communities in the unincorporated area. Explore more of the Water & Wastewater sector to learn how the County is making progress and what you can do to help.

   

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  Community Co-Created Sector Vision

  This sector’s vision is to have natural and agricultural lands preserved, invested in, and optimally managed to capture carbon, support the local food and farming community, maintain biodiversity, and provide access to healthy outdoor spaces.

  Path Forward

  Emissions from this sector accounted for 4% of total emissions in 2019, primarily from livestock, fertilizer use, and petroleum or diesel-powered agricultural equipment. At the same time, natural and working lands hold significant potential to capture and store carbon. By supporting climate-friendly farming practices, conserving open spaces, and expanding tree planting, the County can increase carbon storage while also strengthening the local food system, creating green careers, and making communities more resilient to drought and other climate impacts.

  The County is advancing strategies to preserve agricultural and natural lands, incentivize sustainable farming, and expand conservation programs that provide multiple benefits. Together, these actions will reduce emissions, improve soil and water health, enhance biodiversity, and ensure that natural and agricultural lands continue to thrive as essential parts of the unincorporated area’s future! Explore more of the Agriculture & Conservation sector to learn how the County is making progress and what you can do to help.

   

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• 2024 CAP Documents

  To learn more about what’s in the 2024 CAP,* check out the project documents below.

  Final County of San Diego 2024 Climate Action Plan*

  Appendix 1 – Community Outreach and Engagement*

  Appendix 2 – Co-Benefits Evaluation Tool*

  Appendix 3 – Unincorporated County of San Diego 2019 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Projections*

  Appendix 4 – County of San Diego Local Government Operations Greenhouse Gas 2019 Inventory and Projections*

  Appendix 5 – County of San Diego Climate Action Plan Update: Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets and Gap Analysis*

  Appendix 6 – Carbon Stock Estimates for Unincorporated San Diego County*

  Appendix 7 – Climate Action Plan Combined Measure Workbook*

  Appendix 8 – CAP Consistency Checklist and Guidelines for Determining Significance for Climate Change*

  Appendix 9 – Equity Implementation Framework*

  Appendix 10 – Implementation Cost Analysis*

  Appendix 11 – Cost Effectiveness and Disproportionate Cost Analysis*

   

• 2018 CAP Documents

  The 2018 CAP,* adopted on February 14, 2018, established 11 strategies and 26 measures to reduce GHG emissions and progress toward the State’s 2020, 2030, and 2050 targets. Although the County set aside approval of the 2018 CAP in 2020 due to legal issues with its Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (SEIR), the court did not challenge the plan’s 26 GHG reduction measures, and implementation of the 2018 CAP continued.

  The 2024 CAP replaced the 2018 CAP, resolving legal issues while refining strategies and reaffirming the County’s commitment to long-term environmental goals. During the transition, 2018 CAP measures were tracked and reported through the end of 2024.