In Northeast Ohio, we have an energy-intensive

economy and way of life. Much of our energy

comes from burning high-carbon fossil fuels, such

as coal and oil. This means that we are responsible

for a disproportionate share of greenhouse gases

that are destabilizing the Earth’s climate. At the

GreenCityBlueLake Institute, we believe that we should

do everything possible to reduce these greenhouse

gas emissions. We also believe that aggressive

action to tackle the problem of climate change will

drive innovation, make our region more economically

competitive, and improve our quality of life in the long

run.

The first step toward understanding our metropolitan

area’s share of greenhouse gas emissions (also called

our “carbon footprint”) is to take an inventory of all the

sources. Using computer software that cities around

the country are using, we did this inventory for a seven-

county region, including Cuyahoga, Lorain, Medina,

Summit, Portage, Geauga, and Lake counties. The data

came from 2005, and in the future we can measure

progress toward emissions reduction against this

baseline year.

What you can do

• Calculate your own carbon footprint at www.clevelandcarbonfund.org.

• Conserve energy and save money by turning off lights and making your home more efficient, driving less, and eating a more vegetarian diet.

• Encourage your city to sign on to the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement.

• Support policy changes and community projects that reduce fossil fuel consumption and move Northeast Ohio to a clean, low-carbon future.

T R A N S F O R M

Inventory: Northeast Ohio greenhouse gas emissions

Did you know?By making a charitable contribution to the fund online at www.clevelandcarbonfund.org, you can reduce emissions gen-erated by your house, travel, diet or other source. The donations are held at The Cleveland Foundation and are used to make grants for carbon reduction projects in local neighborhoods.

The Cleveland Carbon Fund is a great way to reduce your unavoidable carbon dioxide emissions while supporting community projects.

THE CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

• Northeast Ohioans generated about 64 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e) in 2005. This equates to about 23 tons per person, which is higher than the national average.

• Electricity generation, natural gas consumption, and transportation are the main sources of emissions.

• Carbon emissions are expected to increase if we don’t take action.

• Action should focus on reducing carbon emissions from three key sectors: electricity generation, transportation, and buildings. Detailed transition plans for these sectors are on the GreenCityBlueLake website.

• There is no “silver bullet” solution. Rather, there are many solutions, all with multiple benefits — environmental, social, and economic. Climate change mitigation activities should be at the center of the region’s broader sustainability planning.

• Regional action in Northeast Ohio can make a global difference. The region is 20 percent of Ohio’s economy, which is the 23rd largest in the world. Our actions and successes can become a model for other metropolitan regions around the world.

• Kilowatt hours of electricity used by Northeast Ohio residents, businesses, and industries.

• Cubic feet of natural gas consumed in Northeast Ohio.

• Tons of solid waste generated and method of disposal.

• Vehicle miles traveled by on-road transportation.

• Gallons of fuel consumed and kilowatt hours of electricity used for public transportation.

• Consumption of all other home heating fuels (e.g., wood, coal, oil, propane).

• Consumption of fuels by large industrial facilities with air pollution permits.

Northeast Ohio emissions by fuel source

TRANSITION:

Natural Gas (20%)

Electricity (50%)

Other (2%)

Diesel (5%)

Gasoline (23%)

About half of Northeast Ohio’s 64 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions come from the generation of electricity, mostly from coal-burning power plants.

What types of carbon sources are included in the inventory?

Green City Blue Lake INSTITUTE

1 Wade Oval Dr.Cleveland, OH 44106

216 231 4600www.gcbl.org

More information For more information about the carbon footprint of Northeast Ohio, see www.gcbl.org/research/climatechange

What did we learn?

© 2012 The Cleveland Museum of Natural History

More than a quarter of Northeast Ohio’s carbon emissions comes from the transportation sector. The development of more walkable communities can reduce automobile dependence.

Ohio will need a smarter electrical grid to manage new sources of renewable energy.