The City of Bethlehem’s Climate Action Plan has set ambitious GHG reduction targets for both municipal operations and the City of Bethlehem community. To meet the ambition demanded by the latest climate science, the City of Bethlehem established a community-wide target (relative to the 2017 baseline) of a 33% reduction by 2025, 60% by 2030 and net-zero by 2040. As Lehigh is located within the City of Bethlehem, the university’s emissions count towards the City’s carbon footprint. The city will implement its GHG reduction strategies to meet these deadlines in phases. The first phase is being executed from 2021 to 2022 and focuses on a sub-set of strategies prioritized to create institutional accountability, build public support, promote equity and justice and act on community priorities.
Bethlehem’s Climate Action Plan was developed through the efforts of several working groups and Lehigh had several faculty and staff that participated. The city’s plan envisions reducing GHG emissions, but at the same time, reducing local air pollution, improving community health and promoting equitable outcomes. These initiatives should balance upfront costs with investment for long-term benefits and resiliency. It should also create new programs and incentives for sustainability, emphasize public education and engagement and highlight the co-benefits of climate action, including new jobs and economic opportunities. Many in the local community look to Lehigh for leadership in developing strategies to reduce emissions and educating residents about carbon reduction strategies. The city’s Plan indicates that Lehigh can play a significant role in achieving community-wide targets through education, community engagement and industry collaboration. Lehigh’s Climate Action Strategy and 2030 Plan align well with, and support, the goals set by the City of Bethlehem.