Shoreline climate progress report Shoreline residents drove 16 less

Shoreline's City Council reviewed a climate progress report indicating a 16% decrease in per capita driving, attributed to pandemic-era telecommuting. This change has prevented approximately 21,650 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually, yet transportation remains the city's largest source of emissions, accounting for 135,300 metric tons. Despite these reductions, the council has shifted focus to tree planting and compost sorting enforcement. Council member Keith Scully urged for stricter recycling compliance among residents and businesses, advocating for enhanced enforcement mechanisms. Annette Ademasu proposed annual tree assessments and aims to boost canopy coverage from 37% to 40% by 2040, suggesting the slogan "Shoreline 40 by 40.

" Currently, the urban forest sequesters about 13,890 metric tons of CO2 each year. Even if the tree canopy were maximized to 60%, the total sequestration would still fall short of the emissions reductions achieved through decreased driving. Shoreline must eliminate or offset 246,001 metric tons of CO2 equivalent by 2050 to meet its Net-Zero goal.