Each year, organizations recognize “Clean Air Day,” a statewide day of action to address community health concerns related to air quality.
This Wednesday, Oct. 4, learn about things you can do and ways the City is making it easier to clean the air and protect public health in our community.
In the summer, most of Sacramento’s air pollution comes from vehicles – including cars, trucks, buses, and other types of equipment and vehicles that move throughout our region. Locally, the transportation sector also contributes to long-term pollution, creating 57% of annual greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in Sacramento.
Buildings are the next largest contributors of GHG emissions at 37%. Combined, 94% of total GHG emissions in Sacramento are from buildings and transportation.
“Action at all scales is critical: climate change worsens air quality and increases respiratory health risks,” said Jennifer Venema, the City’s Climate Action Lead. “The City is working to clean the air, but achieving our goals requires collective effort and participation from everyone. Working together can achieve the City’s long-term goals of achieving carbon neutrality by 2045.”
Taking steps to reduce emissions from vehicles and buildings can address the biggest sources of air pollution, according to Venema.
Here’s how to get involved and a highlight of what the City has accomplished to advance clean air efforts:
- Walk, bike or roll where possible (check out the City’s bikeways map)
- Sign-up for an Urban Bicycling and Scooting Class, the next one is Oct. 11
- Check out an e-trike from the Sacramento Public Library
- Ride SacRT transit for free on Oct. 4
- If you are a student, ride SacRT transit for free year-round with RydeFreeRT
- Get a free kitchen pail for organics recycling, available for free through Oct. 14
- Take the Clean Air Pledge
Earlier this year, the City worked in partnership with the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District to distribute 200 portable air sensors to residents, businesses and schools to enhance air quality data. Community members can now find a sensor close to them and learn more about air quality.
Learn about the City’s commitment to climate action and sustainability and read about priority initiatives by visiting cityofsacramento.org/climateaction.