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How is our region reducing emissions?
Portland and Multnomah Couunty have reduced per capita emissions by 12.5 percent since 1990.
Our total greenhouse gas emissions are about the same as in 1990. Nationally, emissions have increased by about 13 percent over the same period.
The successful reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in Portland and Multnomah County is due in large part to:
- The addition of two major light rail lines and the Portland Streetcar and 75 percent growth in public transit use since 1990.
- The City of Portland’s renewable energy purchase for more than 10 percent of its electricity use.
- A recycling rate of 53 percent, among the highest in the nation.
- The construction of nearly 40 high-performance green buildings.
- The establishment of the Energy Trust of Oregon and consistent funding for energy efficiency and renewable energy programs.
- The planting of over 750,000 trees and shrubs since 1996, improving the quality of local waterways as well as absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
- The weatherization of 10,000 multifamily units and over 800 homes in two years.
These successes build on Portland’s internationally-recognized model of environmental innovation leading to improved community health and new economic opportunities for a 21st century city.
While the actions of one city will have only a small impact on global CO2 emissions, many cities together can achieve meaningful reductions. Since the adoption of the 1993 plan, more than 400 municipal governments worldwide have followed Portland's lead and adopted climate-change mitigation plans.
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