Full Title: US Green Economy Report Series: North Carolina
Author(s): UK Government, Climate Advisers, University of Maryland’s Center for Global Sustainability
Publisher(s): UK Government, Climate Advisers, University of Maryland’s Center for Global Sustainability
Publication Date: April 29, 2021
Full Text: Download Resource
Description (excerpt):
North Carolina’s climate action has accelerated in recent years, thanks in large part to Democratic Governor Roy Cooper’s 2018 executive order. The order established a GHG emission target of 40 percent below 2005 levels by 2025 and required state agencies to formulate plans to meet this goal and coordinate action. Moreover, the executive order set up comprehensive efforts to assess risks such as sea-level rises, aging infrastructure and other vulnerabilities to boost the state’s adaptation measures. As a result of state action over the past decade, solar capacity has increased significantly, making the state second in the country, trailing only California. Nuclear remains the dominant source of electricity generation, but renewables (including hydropower) account for 14 percent. Although North Carolina has made progress in integrating renewables, the future of climate action faces risks from the state’s Republican legislature. North Carolina is a member of the US Climate Alliance, and cities in North Carolina are taking action to reduce their carbon footprint.