### Question: Describe the physical and economic landscape of the jurisdiction as outlined in the plan. Include the name of the planning jurisdiction, its location, population, demographics, and average income. Include major geographic features such as mountains, rivers, deserts, and coastline, as well as any key infrastructure like airports or seaports. Highlight details about the local climate, including any mentions of aridity or water challenges. Additionally, summarize the city’s energy production (oil, gas, renewables) and natural resources, and provide information about industries and economic drivers that are crucial to the region.
**Answer:**
The plan does not provide specific details about the physical and economic landscape of the planning jurisdiction, including its location, population, demographics, average income, geographic features, key infrastructure, local climate, energy production, or economic drivers. The document is focused on the City of Durham's efforts towards carbon neutrality and renewable energy goals and does not offer a comprehensive description of the city's physical and economic context.

### Question: To what extent does the plan address resilience, mitigation, and adaptation? After providing a brief summary of how it addresses each component, classify the plan as a whole as one of the following: mitigation dedicated, adaptation/resilience dedicated, mitigation only climate action plan, mitigation primary climate action plan, equal mitigation and adaptation climate action plan, or sustainable/green plan.
**Answer:**
**Resilience:**

The plan aims to build resilience by transitioning to clean energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, thereby creating a "resilient and vibrant community." It emphasizes the importance of energy equity and environmental justice to ensure that the benefits of cleaner air, increased resilience, reduced energy consumption, and improved job opportunities are available to all residents and future generations. *"Of critical importance, the implementation of this plan will focus on energy equity and environmental justice to ensure these benefits are available to all residents and future generations."* (Section 2.1)

**Mitigation:**

The plan is heavily focused on mitigation through strategies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This includes maximizing energy efficiency in city buildings and operations, increasing electrification of vehicles, expanding renewable energy generation and procurement, and establishing innovative carbon reduction policies. *"The overall goals of the CNRE Action Plan are illustrated in Figure 2-1. The GHG emissions are zero by 2040 and the renewable energy supply is 100% by 2050."* (Section 2.2)

**Adaptation:**

While the primary focus of the plan is on mitigation, there are elements that support adaptation through resilience-building efforts, such as promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy, which can help the community better withstand climate impacts. However, the plan does not explicitly emphasize adaptation strategies in terms of adjusting systems specifically to cope with climate impacts.

**Classification:**

The plan can be classified as a **mitigation primary climate action plan**. It emphasizes mitigation strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build resilience through clean energy initiatives, while adaptation is not a primary focus.

### Question: Does the plan describe a scenario of climate change the planning jurisdiction will face and for which it is planning climate policies for resilience, mitigation, and adaptation? If so, please summarize any such scenario.
**Answer:**
The plan does not explicitly describe a specific scenario of climate change that the City of Durham will face. However, it outlines the City’s commitment to climate policies for resilience, mitigation, and adaptation through strategies and action items aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to renewable energy. The plan focuses on achieving carbon neutrality by 2040 and sourcing 100% renewable energy for City operations by 2050. It emphasizes the importance of energy equity and environmental justice, acknowledging the broader cooperation required from various stakeholders, including neighboring municipalities, state government, and utility providers, to achieve these goals. The plan includes strategies such as maximizing energy efficiency, increasing electrification of vehicles, expanding renewable energy generation, and establishing innovative carbon reduction policies and community partnerships (Section 2.4 Strategies).

### Question: What climate hazards does the plan identify as presenting climate risks for the planning jurisdiction? For each identified climate hazard, summarize the plan’s description of: 1. The climate hazard. 2. The climate risks it poses to the planning jurisdiction. 3. Areas or populations with the most climate vulnerability to the identified climate hazard.Generate a numbered list of every hazard identified in the plan. Make the list as long as necessary to accomodate every single hazard.
**Answer:**
The plan does not explicitly identify specific climate hazards, climate risks, or areas/populations with the most climate vulnerability to these hazards.

### Question: What resilience options are identified in the plan? For each option, summarize: 1. The specific climate threat it addresses; 2. Details on cost, timeframe, and location, including any references found in tables, charts, or images that might contain this data; 3. Other important attributes, such as economic, environmental, or infrastructural considerations.
**Answer:**
The plan outlines several resilience options, each addressing specific climate threats and accompanied by details on cost, timeframe, location, and other attributes:

### **1. Energy Efficiency in City Buildings and Operations**
- **Climate Threat Addressed:** This option addresses the threat of increased energy consumption and GHG emissions due to inefficient building operations.
- **Details on Cost, Timeframe, and Location:**
  - **Cost:** Approximately $11 million associated with energy efficiency projects for natural gas and electricity savings.
  - **Timeframe:** Part of the 30-year horizon of the CNRE Action Plan.
  - **Location:** City buildings and operations.
- **Other Attributes:** This option is expected to lead to lifecycle cost savings and reduce GHG emissions. It involves retrofitting equipment, conducting energy audits, and converting lighting to LED.

### **2. Electrification of Vehicles (Fleet and Transit)**
- **Climate Threat Addressed:** This option targets the reduction of fossil fuel combustion and associated emissions.
- **Details on Cost, Timeframe, and Location:**
  - **Cost:** Projected capital expenditures are around $35 million for electric fleet and transit conversion.
  - **Timeframe:** By 2040, aiming for significant transition to electric vehicles.
  - **Location:** City vehicle and transit systems.
- **Other Attributes:** It includes installing charging infrastructure and expects to benefit from declining costs and more market options for electric vehicles.

### **3. Renewable Energy Generation and Procurement**
- **Climate Threat Addressed:** Addresses the reliance on fossil fuels and high GHG emissions from non-renewable energy sources.
- **Details on Cost, Timeframe, and Location:**
  - **Cost:** Approximately $12.3 million for renewable energy projects, with $11 million for on-site solar systems.
  - **Timeframe:** Aiming for 80% renewable energy by 2030, and 100% by 2050.
  - **Location:** Various city-owned sites, including on-site and off-site renewable energy sources.
- **Other Attributes:** The plan includes leveraging Duke Energy’s GSA program and reducing reliance on RECs by 2050.

### **4. Innovative Carbon Reduction Practices**
- **Climate Threat Addressed:** Aims to reduce the carbon footprint and promote sustainability.
- **Details on Cost, Timeframe, and Location:** Not explicitly detailed in terms of cost and location.
- **Other Attributes:** Includes practices such as green roofs and low-embodied carbon concrete. These practices are expected to improve environmental sustainability and reduce GHG emissions.

### **5. Public-Private Partnerships**
- **Climate Threat Addressed:** Enhancing the City's capacity for sustainable projects and reducing GHG emissions.
- **Details on Cost, Timeframe, and Location:**
  - **Cost:** Financial contributions from private partnerships are expected, but exact figures are not specified.
  - **Timeframe:** Ongoing throughout the implementation of the CNRE Action Plan.
  - **Location:** Citywide initiatives involving various stakeholders.
- **Other Attributes:** These partnerships aim to leverage private sector resources to expand sustainable project capacities and foster innovation.

These resilience options are part of a comprehensive strategy to address climate change impacts, improve environmental sustainability, and achieve carbon neutrality and renewable energy goals.

### Question: What mitigation options does the plan identify? For each identified mitigation option, summarize the information provided in the plan regarding cost, timing, location, and other important attributes.
**Answer:**
The plan identifies several mitigation options as follows:

1. **Energy Efficiency in City Buildings and Operations**
   - **Cost:** The capital expenditures for energy efficiency projects for natural gas and electricity savings are approximately $11 million. 
   - **Timing:** Energy efficiency strategies are expected to provide net savings over time.
   - **Location:** Applicable to City's buildings, facilities, and water and wastewater treatment systems.
   - **Attributes:** Includes initiatives such as energy audits, equipment retrofits, benchmarking, and LED conversions. These are often at the far left of the cost curve, indicating they save money over the lifecycle of the project (Chapter 2.4 Strategies).

2. **Electrification of Vehicles (Fleet and Transit)**
   - **Cost:** Transportation electrification dominates the need for new capital investment, with costs representing about 67% of incremental capital costs ($59 million).
   - **Timing:** Costs are expected to decline over time, and significant rebates and incentives may be available.
   - **Location:** Applicable to the City’s vehicle fleet and transit system vehicles.
   - **Attributes:** Includes electrifying a substantial portion of the City’s vehicle fleet and transit system vehicles, which reduces fossil fuel combustion (Chapter 2.4 Strategies).

3. **Renewable Energy Generation and Procurement**
   - **Cost:** Renewable energy projects are associated with approximately 14% of capital costs ($12 million).
   - **Timing:** The City aims to achieve an 80% renewable energy supply goal by 2030 and a 100% goal by 2050.
   - **Location:** On-site resources include solar on City facilities; off-site procurement may involve programs like the Duke Energy GSA.
   - **Attributes:** Options include on-site generation (rooftop solar, landfill solar, biogas) and off-site procurements (Duke Energy GSA, RECs) (Renewable Energy).

4. **Innovative Carbon Reduction Practices**
   - **Cost:** Not explicitly detailed, but involves substantial investment.
   - **Timing:** Implemented over a 30-year time horizon with periodic plan updates.
   - **Location:** City-wide applicability.
   - **Attributes:** Includes practices such as green roofs and low-embodied carbon concrete. Partnerships with community members and sustainability-focused organizations are crucial (Chapter 2.4 Strategies).

5. **Large-Scale Renewable Energy Procurement (Duke Energy GSA)**
   - **Cost:** Currently projected to have an incremental cost over the lifetime of the project. Contributes to 44% of GHG emissions reduction, with ongoing annual costs estimated at $500,000.
   - **Timing:** Essential for meeting carbon neutrality and renewable energy goals.
   - **Location:** Off-site procurement.
   - **Attributes:** Significant for achieving the City’s goals, with a large percentage contribution to GHG emissions reduction (Table 3-20 Financial Analysis Summary Chart).

6. **Energy Efficiency - Streetlights LED Conversion**
   - **Cost:** Expected to cost nearly $10,000 per year based on Duke Energy’s current rate structure.
   - **Timing:** Provides ongoing annual cost obligations but results in net savings over time.
   - **Location:** Streetlights city-wide.
   - **Attributes:** An initiative that does not require new capital investment but involves ongoing costs (Table 3-20 Financial Analysis Summary Chart).

These mitigation options are part of a broader strategy to achieve the City’s 2040 goal of carbon neutrality and its 2050 goal of 100% renewable energy sourcing in City operations. The strategies are adaptable to external changes such as regulatory or legislative policy, economic conditions, new and emerging technology, and environmental justice and equity considerations (Chapter 2.4 Strategies).

### Question: What mitigation options does the plan identify? For each identified mitigation option, summarize the information provided in the plan regarding cost, timeframe, location, and other important attributes.
**Answer:**
**Mitigation Options Identified in the Plan:**

1. **Energy Efficiency in City Buildings and Operations**
   - **Cost:** Energy efficiency strategies often save money over the lifecycle of the project with negative costs (savings). For example, energy efficiency in facilities has a lifetime cost of $10,979,056 with annual operating savings of $746,691, resulting in lifetime savings of $13,440,431.
   - **Timeframe:** The plan encompasses a 30-year time horizon. Specific projects like energy efficiency in facilities have a simple payback of 15 years.
   - **Location:** City buildings and operations.
   - **Attributes:** Includes energy audits, equipment retrofits, benchmarking, and LED conversions.

2. **Electrification of Vehicles (Fleet and Transit)**
   - **Cost:** Transportation electrification represents about 67% of incremental capital costs ($59 million). For example, electrification of the fleet light-duty vehicles costs $7,451,150 with lifetime savings of $7,923,786.
   - **Timeframe:** This initiative is planned over the next three decades. The electrification of fleet light-duty vehicles has a simple payback of 9 years.
   - **Location:** City vehicle fleet and transit system.
   - **Attributes:** Reduces fossil fuel combustion by converting vehicles to electric.

3. **Renewable Energy Generation and Procurement**
   - **Cost:** Renewable energy projects account for approximately 14% of incremental capital costs ($12 million). The Duke Energy GSA program is estimated to cost $500,000 per year.
   - **Timeframe:** Target goals are set for 2040 for carbon neutrality and 2050 for 100% renewable energy sourcing.
   - **Location:** Includes on-site generation and off-site procurement. On-site options include rooftop solar, landfill solar, and biogas.
   - **Attributes:** Includes large-scale utility programs like the Duke Energy GSA program and RECs. Expected to provide innovative options with advancements in technology.

4. **Innovative Carbon Reduction Practices**
   - **Cost:** Establishing practices like green roofs and low-embodied carbon concrete involves initial investments with potential long-term savings.
   - **Timeframe:** These practices are intended to be developed and expanded over the plan's 30-year horizon.
   - **Location:** City infrastructure and operations.
   - **Attributes:** Focuses on reducing carbon footprint using innovative technologies and materials.

5. **Public-Private Partnerships**
   - **Cost:** Leverages private sector resources to expand capacity for sustainable projects, potentially reducing the city's capital expenditures.
   - **Timeframe:** Ongoing throughout the implementation of the plan.
   - **Location:** City-wide initiatives involving collaborations with private entities.
   - **Attributes:** Aims to enhance resource availability and project scope through partnerships.

**Other Important Attributes:**
- The plan highlights the need for continuous monitoring and periodic updates to reflect technological, financial, and policy changes as well as equity and environmental justice considerations.
- It emphasizes the importance of legislative and regulatory policy participation to enhance energy equity and decarbonization efforts.

### Question: What adaptation options does the plan identify? For each identified adaptation option, summarize: 1. The climate threat it is addressing. 2. Information provided in the plan regarding cost, timeframe, location, and other important attributes.
**Answer:**
Based on the content provided, the document focuses primarily on mitigation strategies and actions rather than specific adaptation options. Adaptation in the context of climate change usually refers to adjustments in systems or practices to minimize harm from climate impacts or to exploit potential opportunities. However, the document largely discusses carbon neutrality and renewable energy strategies, which are part of mitigation efforts.

To summarize the information related to adaptation, the document does not explicitly identify adaptation options or address specific climate threats in terms of adaptation. Therefore, there are no direct mentions of costs, timeframes, locations, or other attributes related to adaptation options in the plan.

### Question: What climate policies does the plan identify to advance climate justice? For each climate policy, summarize: 1. The climate threat it is addressing. 2. Areas or populations with the most climate vulnerability to the identified climate hazard.
**Answer:**
**1. Prioritize and pursue equitable approaches to clean energy planning and implementation.**

- **Climate Threat Addressed:** The policy addresses energy inequity, which can exacerbate climate vulnerabilities by limiting access to affordable, reliable, and clean energy.
- **Vulnerable Areas/Populations:** Low-income populations who may lack access to affordable clean energy options are most vulnerable.

**2. Incentivize energy efficiency and renewable energy for low-income homes.**

- **Climate Threat Addressed:** Lack of energy efficiency can lead to higher energy costs and increased emissions, worsening climate impacts.
- **Vulnerable Areas/Populations:** Low-income households that are disproportionately burdened by energy costs and often reside in less energy-efficient housing.

**3. Increase low-income access to affordable, reliable, and clean transportation options.**

- **Climate Threat Addressed:** Reliance on fossil fuel-based transportation increases carbon emissions and pollution, impacting climate change.
- **Vulnerable Areas/Populations:** Low-income communities that may lack access to clean and affordable transportation options.

**4. Develop an inclusive clean energy workforce.**

- **Climate Threat Addressed:** The transition to clean energy jobs may leave behind those without access to necessary training and education, exacerbating economic disparities.
- **Vulnerable Areas/Populations:** Economically disadvantaged populations who need support to access training and employment in the clean energy sector. 

**5. Establish a community-wide task force focusing on equity and environmental justice considerations.**

- **Climate Threat Addressed:** Ensures that climate policies do not inadvertently increase disparities or overlook vulnerable groups.
- **Vulnerable Areas/Populations:** All marginalized groups within the community who may be disproportionately affected by climate policies if not properly addressed.

**6. Encourage partnerships with organizations focusing on social equity alongside sustainable energy initiatives.**

- **Climate Threat Addressed:** Lack of collaboration with equity-focused organizations may lead to oversight of vulnerable populations in climate action plans.
- **Vulnerable Areas/Populations:** Communities that have historically faced inequities and may not have a strong voice in policy development. 

*These policies reflect a commitment to integrating economic and environmental justice to ensure that climate benefits are available to all community members, particularly those most vulnerable.*

### Question: Identify any potential unforeseen maladaptive climate policies. For each identified climate policy, summarize: 1. The climate threat it is addressing. 2. The resilience, mitigation, or adaptation option that the climate policy proposes. 3. Why it may cause inadvertent maladaption.
**Answer:**
**1. Policy on Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) Supply**

- **Climate Threat Addressed:** The policy addresses the threat of greenhouse gas emissions and aims to promote renewable energy sources.
- **Resilience, Mitigation, or Adaptation Option:** The policy proposes exploring opportunities to source Renewable Natural Gas supply from Dominion Energy as a mitigation option to reduce GHG emissions. (*Section: RE-9 Renewable Natural Gas (RNG)*)
- **Potential Maladaptation:** While RNG is a renewable energy source, its production and use may inadvertently extend reliance on natural gas infrastructure rather than transitioning to more sustainable and low-carbon energy systems, possibly delaying the shift to fully renewable energy solutions.

**2. Policy on Large Scale Procurement such as Duke Energy Green Source Advantage (GSA) Program**

- **Climate Threat Addressed:** This policy aims to increase renewable energy procurement options to reduce dependency on fossil fuels.
- **Resilience, Mitigation, or Adaptation Option:** The policy involves pursuing participation in programs like Duke Energy’s Green Source Advantage to procure renewable energy. (*Section: RE-7 Large Scale Procurement*)
- **Potential Maladaptation:** Participation in such programs might lock the city into long-term contracts that are inflexible, potentially preventing adaptation to newer, more effective renewable technologies or market conditions that could arise in the future. 

**3. Policy on Electric Paratransit Vehicles**

- **Climate Threat Addressed:** The policy is aimed at reducing emissions from transportation, specifically from paratransit vehicles.
- **Resilience, Mitigation, or Adaptation Option:** The policy proposes adopting an electric paratransit vehicle purchasing policy and beginning the replacement of gasoline vehicles with battery electric alternatives. (*Section: ET-10 Transit - Paratransit Vehicles*)
- **Potential Maladaptation:** If the electric vehicle technology is not fully mature or the infrastructure (such as charging stations) is insufficiently developed, the policy could lead to operational inefficiencies or increased costs, which might strain budgets or reduce service quality.

**4. Policy on Building Electrification**

- **Climate Threat Addressed:** The policy addresses emissions from natural gas used in buildings.
- **Resilience, Mitigation, or Adaptation Option:** It involves converting natural gas equipment to electric equipment during renovations or when replacements are needed. (*Section: EB-1 Building Electrification*)
- **Potential Maladaptation:** If the electricity grid remains largely dependent on fossil fuels, electrification might not significantly reduce emissions. Additionally, the upfront costs and potential infrastructure changes could disproportionately affect lower-income or marginalized communities without adequate support.

These potential maladaptive scenarios highlight the importance of continuously assessing and updating climate policies to ensure that they effectively reduce vulnerabilities without creating new challenges.

### Question: In what ways does the plan measure the success or failure of each adaptation, resilience, and mitigation option? List any specific metrics used, such as reductions in CO2 emissions, improvements in air quality, or other quantifiable impacts. Identify the exact units (e.g., tons, percentages, index values) mentioned in the plan for tracking these outcomes. Additionally, outline any concrete goals or targets set for each option, including deadlines or specific numerical objectives.
**Answer:**
**Metrics for Measuring Success or Failure:**

- **GHG Emissions Reduction:**
  - The plan sets a goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040 and a 50% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030 from the 2009 baseline of 57,699 MTCO2e. The goal for 2030 is 28,850 MTCO2e and for 2040 is zero emissions. *("3.1 GREENHOUSE GASES (GHG) REDUCTION TARGETS")*
  - The implementation of the Carbon Neutrality and Renewable Energy Action Plan is projected to reduce the City’s GHG emissions by nearly 90% from the 2009 baseline in 2040. *("The implementation of the Carbon Neutrality and Renewable Energy Action Plan" section)*

- **Renewable Energy Contribution:**
  - In 2030, renewable energy is expected to contribute an additional 20,000 MTCO2e reductions, while in 2040, it is expected to contribute an additional 6,410 MTCO2e in reductions. *("their effect on the City’s carbon footprint" section)*

- **5-Year Targets for Progress Tracking:**
  - The plan provides five-year milestones with specific metrics related to electrification and energy efficiency affecting city buildings and vehicles. For instance, the total carbon footprint without renewable energy is targeted to decrease from 50,882 MTCO2e in 2019 to 14,047 MTCO2e in 2040. *("TABLE 3-2 5-YEAR TARGETS FOR PROGRESS TRACKING TOWARD 2030 & 2040 GOALS")*

**Concrete Goals or Targets:**

- **Carbon Neutrality & Renewable Energy Goals:**
  - Achieve a 50% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030 (28,850 MTCO2e) and achieve carbon neutrality by 2040 (0 MTCO2e). *("2.2 SUMMARY OF GOALS")*
  - Increase renewable energy sourcing from less than 5% in 2019 to 80% by 2030 and 100% by 2050. *("2.2 SUMMARY OF GOALS")*

- **GHG Emissions from Specific Sources:**
  - The plan outlines specific reduction targets for different sectors such as buildings, vehicle fleet, transit fleet, streetlights, and water & wastewater treatment facilities with a detailed breakdown of scope 1 and scope 2 emissions. For example, the buildings & facilities emissions target for 2040 is 2,235 MTCO2e. *("TABLE 3-2 5-YEAR TARGETS FOR PROGRESS TRACKING TOWARD 2030 & 2040 GOALS")*

**Tools for Tracking Outcomes:**

- The plan utilizes tools like the Decision Matrix and Carbon Reduction/Lifecycle Savings Matrix to prioritize actions based on criteria such as GHG reduction potential, cost implications, and timing ease of implementation. *("FIGURE 5-3 DECISION MATRIX" and "Carbon Reduction/Lifecycle Savings Matrix" sections)*

**Additional Notes:**

- The plan also mentions using the ICLEI ClearPath Software to record and track MTCO2e emissions, ensuring accounting is up to date with emissions factors. *("23carbon emissions profile over time" section)*

### Question: Generate a table that summarizes the following features from the document: Location/City Name, Population, Threats Identified, Measures Identified
**Answer:**
```markdown
| **Feature**            | **Details**                                                                                                                                                                                                 |
|------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| **Location/City Name** | City of Durham                                                                                                                                                                                              |
| **Population**         | Not explicitly stated in the provided text.                                                                                                                                                                 |
| **Threats Identified** | - **Greenhouse Gas Emissions**: Buildings and facilities accounted for 8,537 MTCO2e in 2019, representing 17% of the City’s total GHG footprint. (Part 1, Carbon Neutrality Plan)                            |
| **Measures Identified**| - **Energy Efficiency Initiatives**: Includes HVAC replacements, LED lighting retrofits, and Building Management Systems (Part 1, Carbon Neutrality Plan)                                                   |
|                        | - **Fleet Electrification**: Transitioning light duty cars and trucks to battery electric. (Appendix B, Summary Table of Action Items)                                                                       |
|                        | - **Renewable Energy Initiatives**: Rooftop solar installations, solar canopies/EV charging, and participation in Duke Energy Green Source Advantage program. (Appendix B, Summary Table of Action Items)    |
```