September 21st through the 28th is Climate Week, bringing\u00a0together global leaders, business executives, policymakers, and activists to drive climate action.<\/p>\n
New York State Climate Smart Communities<\/p>\n
In New York State, during Climate Week, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation\u00a0announced<\/a>\u00a0that\u00a0 29 Empire State communities are now certified under New York State\u2019s Climate Smart Communities Certification program, as they each take actions to help save energy, reduce flood risk, and address extreme heat.<\/p>\n According to the NYS DEC,\u00a0Communities certified under this program\u00a0earn points for planning and implementing actions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to changes in climate.<\/p>\n 8 communities achieved silver certification, which is the highest level of the program, and 21 communities were certified bronze. There are now 198 certified Climate Smart Communities throughout New York State, broken down as 30 communities at the silver level and 168 at the bronze level.<\/p>\n Hundreds of Climate Smart Communities across the state are helping advance Governor Kathy Hochul\u2019s climate priorities by implementing actions and projects at the local level to ensure New Yorkers have clean air and water, reduce environmental injustice, and achieve climate adaptation and mitigation goals.\u00a0As New York and other states face more severe weather, costly damage, and health-related impacts due to climate change, our community partners are working collectively to reduce emissions, save costs for consumers, and strive for a cleaner and safer future.\u201d\u00a0 – NYS DEC\u00a0 Commissioner Amanda Lefton<\/p>\n Read More: Catch Up On Binghamton Area Local News<\/a><\/p>\n Southern Tier Climate Smart Communities<\/p>\n The Southern Tier is represented by two areas: the Town of Fenton in Broome County is a new Bronze community, and the County of Chemung has been recertified Bronze.<\/p>\n How NYS Communities Achieve Certification<\/p>\n To be eligible, according to the NYS DEC<\/a>, communities need to demonstrate an active task force of residents and municipal representatives advancing local climate action. Most certified communities complete greenhouse gas inventories that calculate emissions at the local level and identify actions to help New York State achieve its greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.<\/p>\n LOOK: 24 Childhood Dinners We Swore We Hated (Now We’re Craving Them)<\/p>\n Let’s set the table and look back at the meals we swore we hated \u2014 before we were old enough to know they’d be exactly what we miss most about those average, everyday days at home.<\/p>\n